About James Ruther “The Pot Metal Man”

James was raised in Vallejo California and relocated to Vacaville California where he developed an interest in classic cars. James’s father was a specialist welder who was one of 8 out of 10,000 people who could do a specific job as a specialty welder for nuclear submarines. James learned much about welding unique metals and how they react and what to look for when heat is applied (welding). This insight gave him the edge he needed to discover the secrets to welding the ever illusive practice of pot metal welding.

At the age of 17, James realized his first vehicle – a 1950’s GMC short-bed pick up. However these short-bed p/u trucks were too expensive  to buy so He settled for a 1950 GMC long-bed. He loved the truck, but hated the long bed.

He started doing some small repairs with the idea to eventually restore the truck.  He had a friend that seemed to be a prodigy body & paint man, “Pat” (RIP my friend).  James didn’t know when, but it seemed as if it was over night that somehow Pat gained these skills of a seasoned body and paint guy. He was a true natural!” Pat’s abilities and enthusiasm ignited a fire in James and wanted to learn all and more about repairing sheet metal and refinishing in the classic car industry.

Since then, James has worked in the automotive sheet-metal industry, from being a tech up to managing full service restoration shop. However, James’ passion was finding solutions for those impossible problems and one that he’d worked on and off for many years was developing a viable way to weld and or repair pot metal. 

Repairing broken Pot Metal parts has been a century old problem for just about everyone in the classic, resto-mod and the custom car industry. And up until just the last few years, welding Pot Metal is a skill that has escaped just about everyone – if it’s broke, bent, missing chunks or pieces, simply replace it with an aftermarket part. However, if a non replaceable part was damaged, welding it back together was completely out of the question…

In recent years James’ research has led him in developing a technique that has baffled even the most seasoned welders. His ability to weld pot metal like that of conventional welding , has led to near 100% success in his new found specialty of welding and modifying pot metal parts.

James is 100% confident in his work. He garrantees all his repairs to be as strong or stronger than the original material and is completely compatible with all replating practices.  Not only is he THE ONLY advertised professional pot metal welder in the world, he can also replace broken or missing pieces, modify existing pot metal parts to fit or completely change the look and in some cases cast brand new pot metal copies from your existing parts. And if you’re missing an opposite, he can create either side from just one side.

When it comes to repairing pot metal, No one, litterally no one in the world can weld and or repair pot metal like James Ruther. Garranteed!