Playing with Pot Metal Help?

[Cams69500]

Hey everybody, Finally have the extra time to give the love of my life, Catalina (1969 Coronet 500) a total resto. I am working on the pot metal pieces at the moment, (Grill, taillight panel) I have removed the paint and done some minor clean up with very fine steel wool on some oxidization and am wondering where to go after this? My plan is to have the grill chromed and not put the grey paint back on but use flat black on the inlay. Would like to hear others experiences with rechoming pot metal. If I am getting them rechromed, how much prep is worth doing myself or should I even worry about cleaning them up?

 

[Meep-Meep]

Pot metal can be very difficult to rechrome. Those pits and bumps you see are caused by oxidation and all traces of oxide must be removed otherwise the chrome will blister. Unless you know exactly what you are doing regarding metal repair it's best to leave the job to a chrome shop that can deal with pot metal. That said you might be able to ask a shop or do some research on what it takes to do the repairs properly.

 

[moparpoor]

Preperation is everything.Any and all imperfections will only be amplified by the chrome.This is not a DIY project.Find the best shop locally to save on the shipping.Thats my advice for saving a buck.

 

[Coledavis01]

The grill and rear trim are anodized aluminum, not pot metal on the 4 I've had. Are you talking about the trunk extension pieces? Not sure what would be pot metal on the grill unless the Coronet 500 insert is.

 

[pushrod]

You can use Muggy Weld on the pits but it is a very tedious and time consuming job.

 

[dave5237]

Hello. Had my vent wings re-chromed on my 68. They were pot metal with very little pitting. I had advanced custom chrome do them in P.A. They did a awesome job. I am going to send my bullet turn signals next. I know I can buy re-pop's but the quality of chrome on the re-pop's will not last. If you do buy after market save your old parts in case the aftermarket parts dont hold up. One more thing--- THEY ARE NOT CHEAP BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

 

[Photon440]

This is a good link on pot metal restoration:
http://www.iversonautomotive.com/Services/Types/Potmetal