welding - not sure what is the parent metal?

[chromebumpers]

On 1970 thru '72, What is the left and right side turn signal/parking light grills made of? Is it pot metal (white metal - is that the same?) I have a crack splitting through the bottom of one grill and noticed what crazy price it is to replace. Can I weld this part? I have a mig welder only right now. Could those low temperature rods, the ones that you can weld aluminum be used? I know part of the edge is chrome, I'll just find some creative painting

 

[mathd]

You can use a magnet to find if its aluminum or iron. aluminum is not magnetic. but its hard to tell if its something else then iron.

 

[grumpyvette]

in most cases trim will not weld well , your more than likely find a decent epoxy like J&B weld , some careful sanding and painting will be a better option
in some cases ;lower temp brazing is also an option

read thru these links

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=376

http://www.aluminumrepair.com/faqs.asp

http://www.jbweld.com/faqs/

 

[mathd]

x2 for the epoxy, i think its the best way to fix it.

 

[chromebumpers]

I never thought of epoxy, I never used J&B weld either. When you say "low temp" brazing would that include the aluminum welding sticks that allows you to use propane? I understand they can be used on pot metal (which is what I think is used for the grill) Even if I can Tack-weld the crack (for stability) while I can use the epoxy for the rest. Its getting dark but I'm going to try and get a picture.

 

[chromebumpers]

Bump. If this was plastic it would be easy to fix, Looking at the photo is epoxy still my only choice? besides paying $550 for a new one. Brittle metal should be an indication of pot metal, right?