Re: [FWDLK] Pot metal

[Terry & Andree Hoeman <tehoema@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You might add that originally it normally has a much higher luster and
smoother finish than the stainless does.

Sadly for me who does mostly Chryslers they have much more on them than the
lower cost cars and are therefore much more expensive to redo.

On my 49 and 50 Chryslers basically if it shines its potmetal!!!!  (very few
exceptions)  And there is a lot of shiny stuff on one of them!!


----- Original Message -----
From: "57plymouth" <57plymouth@xxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2001 7:52 AM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Pot metal


> Vincent,
>
> Pot metal is a low quality metal that is literally made of leftover scrap
> metals all melted together and cast the same way aluminum is cast into
> shapes.  It is very porous, therfore it will trap water and blister chrome
> off easily.  It is also VERY brittle, and can be broken quite easily.  It
> can be rechromed, but usually pits quick and this adds to the labor and
> therefore cost of rechroming.  If it pits too deep, it cannot be
rechromed.
>
> On a 57-58 Plymouth, common pot metal parts are;  the nameplates on the
> fins, the spears on top of the fenders, the knobs on the dash, the rear
view
> mirrors outside and the mirror base inside, the "PLYMOUTH" letters on the
> trunk of a 58 or the hood of a 57, the wings for the trunk of a 57, I
> believe the antenna bases for rear antennas, radio faces, and other small
> trim that is not polished stainless or aluminum.  Since it is so cheap to
> produce, the more intricate trim parts were cast from it, great for
> production, bad for restoration.
>
> Brian Cooper
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Vincent Van Humbeeck" <vincent.vanhumbeeck@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2001 8:25 AM
> Subject: [FWDLK] Pot metal
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I've heard a lot of people complaining about re-chroming the "pot metal"
> > parts. What is exactly pot metal ? Is it what is also called "zamac" ?
Why
> > is it hard to re-chrome ? And what parts from our beloved cars are made
> from
> > "pot metal" ?
> >
> > Vincent Van Humbeeck (France, 120 miles north of Paris)
> > '58 Plymouth Belvedere Sport Coupe
> >