Re: acid dipping service in Fort Worth-Arlington-Dallas

Posted by BH On 2008/1/16 9:08:20

Ever pick up a really old book and find a lot of random, tiny holes in the paper stock? Those were caused by "bookworms" - actually not a worm, but insects that eat paper.

"Tin-Worm" is slang for holes in the sheet metal that break through due to the structural integrity of the metal being severely compromised as a by-product of rust formation. Put a sand blaster or acid to that kind of rust and you'll end up with gaping holes in the body. In northern climates where road crews use salt and/or (worse yet) calcium chloride, most daily drivers were rusted out beyond reasonable use in less than ten years. You'll also find this problem, to a lesser extent, with vehicles operated in coastal areas - due to saltwater.

Up here in "Pennsyltucky", I've found the fenders on these Packards badly perforated after removing the big die-cast moldings. The wraparound turnsignal and related trim on the Senior cars was also a haven for rust.

You Texans are blessed with a relatively dry climate. The few holes you found in the floor (which is actually quite minimal for a car over 50 years old) may require some surgery and welding, but I doubt that you'll find much trouble under the molding.

BTW, the bolt-on plate you referenced, in another post/thread, on the driver's side front floor is probably an access cover for the master cylinder, which was located under the floor for cars without power brakes.