Sand paper is a good way to clean it. You'll also need flux for soldering, the liquid acid in a bottle and a little brush or corner of a rag works well for this.
I'd use copper or brass for the patch, cleaned the same way.

For heat if you haven't soldered anything like this I wouldn't recommend the torch. Instead a large electric soldering iron will make for an easier job. It's all about cleanliness and heat management. Too much heat is a very easy mistake to make. Use just enough for the solder to flow and only a tad more, anything further is counter productive.


•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-