IML: Chroming Pot metal

Richard Bugress wrote: Hi Folks,
I have decided to try and do the labor part of the restoration of the louvered panels that fit behind the rear doors on my '60 imperial. My shop just wanted to grind out the pits in the pot metal and rechrome them. I have the time and skill if I knew just how to do it. I could certainly clean out the pits and do the finish work. The shop is going to strip the chrome off for me. Where do I go from here? I figure I could do a better job if I had the resources. Or, if someone knew of a shop that really does true restoration. These are highly detailed pieces that will be at eye level so they need to be excellent. help?

Richard Burgess
'60 Crown
'60 LeBaron

Hi Richard, I have a low temp welding rod that is supposted to be the hot setup for filling pits. I haven't done anything with them yet but apparently you drill out the pit to get the corrosion out, then fill with this using a very small torch like a MECO, HENROB or a Smith with a "0" tip. Then it can be sanded/polished smooth and plated. VERY time and labor intensive. You see it advertized in Hemmings. I got mine at a show this summer where we were selling our ewheels.