Re: [FWDLK] Pot metal

[57plymouth <57plymouth@xxxxxxx>]

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
>