B-post, Chrome caps.

[Kiwibenz]

Hi All
One of the B-post chrome caps on my car has some damage on the lower countersunk fastening point.  Would be an easy repair if I knew how to 'weld' it.  Metal feels too light for steel, but too heavy for aluminium.   I read somewhere that it is 'pot metal' (usually an aluminium mix with other base metals) but it feels too heavy for that.  If I knew what it was, it might be possible to tig weld it before re-chroming. Has anyone repaired one of these or know exactly what the material is? Tks.

[mmizesko]

I have a crack in one mof mine too.  I was told by my Auto Body guy that it is Pot Metal and can't be TIG or MIG welded.  If you find out anything different, please reply to this post.

Thanks,

Mike Mizesko

[dirkbalter]

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+weld+pot+metal+together&sca_esv=4bcf60a21566dd94&source=hp&ei=Oll9Z-uNG93KkPIPkuzJkQ4&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZ31nSgYtCtHk_d6L0WVNwfTIy1ap-y99&oq=how+to+weld+pot+metal&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IhVob3cgdG8gd2VsZCBwb3QgbWV0YWwqAggBMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeSJtJUABY4zRwAHgAkAEAmAFZoAGhDKoBAjIxuAEByAEA-AEBmAIVoALWDMICDhAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYigXCAgsQABiABBixAxiDAcICCxAuGIAEGNEDGMcBwgIREC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYgwEYxwHCAggQLhiABBjUAsICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgILEC4YgAQYsQMY1ALCAgsQLhiABBixAxiDAcICBBAAGAPCAggQABiABBixA5gDAJIHAjIxoAfurwE&sclient=gws-wiz#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:aacde18d,vid:jwLuV00Psu0,st:11

I had the same issue but ended up buying a new one. These are around $250. I figured that by the time I am done repairing and chrome plating.....may not ne worth it.   

[Kiwibenz]

Thanks folks - Dirk's piece on Super Alloy 1 is interesting and possibly worth the try just for the experience.  Might be OK for a crack, etc.  but not sure about a full break as the component is anchorage for the hardtop.  I don't see Super Alloy 1 in NZ either.  Guess I'll be buying a new cap from SLS with my next order.   

[stickandrudderman]

It certainly is possible to repair them as my chrome plater does it but he won't tell me how!

[mdsalemi]

I had the same issue but ended up buying a new one. These are around $250. I figured that by the time I am done repairing and chrome plating.....may not ne worth it.

Could look for a used one too, my vote is to replace not repair. One's efforts might very well be wasted...

[Pawel66]

If I may, I would throw in my 2 cents.

1. I would figure out why it broke. If it is left unattended, the next one will brake too, I am afraid.
Then we have options:
2a. I would just buy a new one. They are available. Yes, they are expensive, but...
2b. Repair will cost money too, effort and time providing no guarantee of success. The part will be weaker, I think. Plating will cost money too.
2c. Used one in a condition that you just screw it to the car (but it will never be as nice as the new one) will be also expensive - probably close to a new one. Used one in condition requiring plating will also be expensive and plating will cost money too.

2b is not reliable in my view, may cost, say, 40-50% of the new one (guestimate).
2c will arrive at 70-80% of cost of the new one.

The cost of new one is ca $300. Check Mercedes dealers price before you go anywhere aftermarket - it may be cheaper at Mercedes. I cannot check quote for you, I need a VIN for it (change at 042 015567). Earlier ones are not available at Mercedes, you would need to go to internet stores to get them.

[Kiwibenz]

Well. a useful discussion folks and since we are talking 'pot metals', who has had a go at that awful base plate assembly for the coloured-wheel, heater/flap controls?  This is a pot metal component, mine is full of cracks and close to failure, and is perhaps a candidate for the 'super Alloy 1' treatment?  Anybody had to deal with one of these?  I do not know of any replacements.