How do I fix these pieces

[xtremek]

So I have two parts that are made out of pot metal, both are broken, and I’d like both of them to be rechromed in the end. Any suggestions on how to fix them?

 

[BillK]

The visor brackets are going to be tough. Almost impossible to weld. Is there any chance of finding a couple of more used ones ? That might actually be less expensive than trying to fix it.

The part on the dash might be able to be filled and fixed during the chroming process. Try calling Pauls Plating and see what they say.

 

[txvwnut]

Pot metal is not very repairable, or at least I haven’t been successful at it or seen anyone who has.

 

[sixty4]

Found this?

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...4.9739j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=1

 

[xtremek]

Thanks for your input guys. I thought about getting the visor bracket recast (maybe get the Old Iron Farmer to do it), but there's no way to do that on the cluster.

 

[Slednut]

I just used Super Alloy 1, it’s costly but I’m totally satisfied with the results.

 

[joe_padavano]

The only way to "fix" them is to bend over and write a very large check to a company like Qual Krom who specializes in pot metal repair and replating. Street Rodder magazine recently had an article about fixing a part almost exactly like this by forming a steel plate to fit and bonding it in place over the broken parts with aerospace-grade epoxy. Obviously that is visible. In their case the parts were covered and the patch didn't show. It still wasn't pretty.

 

[xtremek]

I just used Super Alloy 1, it’s costly but I’m totally satisfied with the results.

For $60, if it works, it would be worth it.

The only way to "fix" them is to bend over and write a very large check to a company like Qual Krom who specializes in pot metal repair and replating. Street Rodder magazine recently had an article about fixing a part almost exactly like this by forming a steel plate to fit and bonding it in place over the broken parts with aerospace-grade epoxy. Obviously that is visible. In their case the parts were covered and the patch didn't show. It still wasn't pretty.

I saw that article. The visor bracket isn't highly visible, so I might do something like that and get it powdercoated. But I want the cluster done right.

 

[Stuart in MN]

What car are they from? If it's not too rare it may be easier to find replacement parts.

 

[Slednut]

Here's my first attempt with the Super Alloy 1.

After a few fixes a guy gets pretty good at it. I found out really fast if you want to build it up on the back side for strength, it's best to do it all at once.

I got this too hot so the flux turned black in places.

 

[xtremek]

The cluster is from a '54 Caddy.

 

[Jeeper]

I look forward to the day when we snap a few pictures on our smart phone of the broken part. Maybe make a few alterations on some CAD like software, then hit print and the metal 3d printer makes the part.

How cool would that be? I imagine we aren't too far away from this being reality.

 

[xtremek]

I think I was at a maker space and they were doing that with a wood burner, or something like that. A fairly flat carving of some type, so it's really close

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I look forward to the day when we snap a few pictures on our smart phone of the broken part. Maybe make a few alterations on some CAD like software, then hit print and the metal 3d printer makes the part.

How cool would that be? I imagine we aren't too far away from this being reality.

oxtool on youtube just had a part made from 3d metal printing. It wasn't very pricey either.

 

[DC73]

A few years ago, I watched Jay Leno demonstrate his new 3D plastic printer. For hard to find auto parts, he was printing them in plastic. Once he got the plastic part to fit the way he wanted it, he took it to a machine shop and had them fabricate a metal replica.

He also justified his purchase of a high end 3D printer by proclaiming that he belonged to the more money than brains club.

DC