Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Is it possible to weld a grill and surround on a 1952 packard?

It is pot metal. They say they can be fixed with silver solder. But temperature with pot metal is very sensitive. A little to hot and you have a puddle they say.
John

The grill is made of diecast metal and will not weld with conventional methods. Melting point of zinc diecast is fairly low so you do need to exercise extreme caution when applying heat. Difference between a workable repair temp for conventional soldering or brazing like repairs and a melted mess is very narrow and the point where too much heat is applied happens quickly.

Depending on what you want to do you might try one of the Muggyweld alloys.https://www.muggyweld.com/product/super-alloy-1/ With use of a special flux and a more gentle process that material can use the heat range of a propane torch and much lower temps than the older types of repair methods. It provides a good bond but does take some practice. If you want to try your hand I would advise getting a feel for the process on something you are able to scrap before working on something hard or expensive to replace like the grill.

I've been wanting to try Muggyweld myself and may do so one of these days. Anyway, remember that you'll also have to strip the plating which should be done by a plating shop that knows and understands zinc alloy.