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Old 08-16-2014, 07:16 PM   #1
cohammer60
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Default Body work using lead filler

Has bondo and fiberglass filler came so far along that no one uses lead anymore. Being a plumber I know all the warnings about lead but it is pretty easy to fill small holes. I was thinking about using some to build up some deep dings in my car.
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Old 08-16-2014, 10:54 PM   #2
miker98038
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

I know nothing about body work, except what I've read. But I'm an electrician from the days we soldered and taped knob and tube. Your plumbing solder and ours was different even then. Go check the Eastwood site. There's new solder products and tools for automotive work, and you probably have the skill to use them. Different fluxes, etc, also. It's still considered the high art form in custom work, for guys who can do it themselves, or afford to pay more than scale.
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Old 08-16-2014, 11:31 PM   #3
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

There are people still using lead to do body work. Not just hi end restoration shops but home do it yourselfers as well.
Most body lead sold today seems to be a 70/30 mixture of lead and tin.
The biggest drawback is the initial start up costs. and the fact that it will take some practice which costs yet more money.
If done correctly a good lead job is 99% ready for paint when it has been finished filed.
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Old 08-16-2014, 11:35 PM   #4
cohammer60
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

Checked out the eastwood site , They do have a lot of modern products for body work . I believe I will get some new flux an use the lead to fill up several deep dings in my car. It still has several places in the body where lead was used and they seem to be holding up well. I have made a lot of lead flashing and done several repair jobs on tanks and duct work over the past 35 years I believe I will give it a shot .
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Old 08-17-2014, 02:35 AM   #5
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

Here is "The King of Lead" check out this and some of the videos,no one does it better: https://www.google.com/#q=bill+hines
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Old 08-18-2014, 07:37 AM   #6
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

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I lead often, the area has to be spotless clean bare shiney metal for lead to work.
For the proper materials go to 'Johnsons' web site, they'll sell in small quantities, I'd suggest thier liquid flux.
There are things you need to be aware of before paint, I've been recently told that aluminum oxide sanding discs react with the lead somehow and will affect the paint after a few years. I haven't been able to confirm it, just passing it along.
Good luck and have fun, post up your results.
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Old 08-18-2014, 08:20 AM   #7
cohammer60
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

I have been looking at different flux or paste what type of flux is recommended , I don't want to use one that leaves acid residue that I can't get off .
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Old 08-19-2014, 05:14 AM   #8
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

Do it and please keep us updated with pics!
Good work.
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Old 08-20-2014, 10:06 AM   #9
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

In the mid '50's I thought that I wanted to be a body man. This was before plastic fillers. Good metal working skills were our only option, lead was not used to fill minor dings and dents, they were hammer and dollied out.
As a general rule more damage will be done to body sheet metal with a oxy torch, in the hands of an unskilled person. Plastic fillers, "Bondo" do a great job on minor dings/dents that can't be accessed to hammer out.
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Old 08-20-2014, 07:31 PM   #10
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

Like the way my first try turned out . I think I will try a few more spots .
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Old 08-21-2014, 03:50 AM   #11
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Default Re: Body work using lead filler

Really good looking. How is it finished? Sanded?
A sort of tutorial would be nice...
Keep it up.
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