Classic cars need classic restorations
For most contemporary automobiles, repair involves obtaining readily available parts and supplies and finding a good mechanic. Classic car restoration and repair, however, is a much more complicated process. Many classic car, hot rod, low rider, and antique auto parts are rare or irreplaceable, making pot metal repair and restoration an essential skill-set for any classic car enthusiast.
Pot metal is known by many names: white metal, monkey metal, and zinc die-cast. If you’ve ever tried to repair that classic trim or fix a grille, you’ll know that working with pot metal can be a challenge. Though it looks great when chromed or painted, the material is shabbily soft and breakable thanks to its makeup of melted manufacturing scraps.
History of “Pot” Metal
In the past, welders used whatever metal scraps were on hand to keep manufacturing affordable. That means the alloy you’re working with today might include iron, zinc, cadmium, and other metals—all of which are hard to weld and repair.
Pot metal is inexpensive and commonly used, but it has serious drawbacks. The biggest challenge when restoring or working with it is soldering. Because it’s made from a mix of metals, pot metal often reacts unpredictably to heat.
It’s also easy to overheat. Pot metal has a low melting point, so even soldering rods that melt at 700℉ can damage it before the solder flows. Overheating can cause the metal to bend, break, or pit.
Oxidation-related pitting is especially common in antique auto restoration. It’s one of the biggest challenges classic car restorers face.
Without the right tools and techniques, you can end up with a warped or melted part instead of a restored one.
So, what’s the remedy?
Super Alloy 1 is a multi-metal solder with a low working temperature. Its non-corrosive honey flux is designed to guide you to the correct temperature and turns as brown as root beer when the base metal reaches 350℉. This is much lower than most modern soldering methods and cheap restoration rods. Its unique properties make pot metal welding and repairs easier. The rod and flux work together and ensure that your base metal is as strong as ever.
No matter what project you are working on, using Super Alloy 1 will keep your priceless automobiles going.
For more information and video tutorials on repairing pot metal and Super Alloy 1 restorations, be sure to visit our YouTube Channel.