A while back, I mentioned that I was attending a classic car restoration evening class and that I was going to be learing Lead solder body repair.

Well, that was a couple of weeks ago now, and I have just added an album in my gallery showing me actually doing some fender repairs. I managed to buy a kit from a restoration supplies shop here in the uk and am now well on the way to completing my first fender.

The kit included everything you need, with the exception of the heat source to melt the Lead solder. I am really enjoying this and to see the looks on the faces of the young guys at the workshop when they see me spreading the lead is really cool. They have never even heard of lead filling, let alone seen it before.

Some pointers I have for anyone out there who is considering having a go.

1. Cleanliness is key, the area to be filled needs to be spotless, get rid of all contamination and go over the area with a good wire wheel or emery cloth.
2. Use a Flux/solder Paste for tinning, it is so much easier to apply than powder or liquid.
3. Use a good quality Tallow to lubricate the paddles, it really makes life a lot easier when spreading.
4. When applying the lead, get the panel and the lead to the same temperature, so that the lead will stick to the pane and not just drop off on the floor. Its no good just melting the lead in the air and letting it fall on the panel.
5. When spreading, dont try to be too neat. I found that I was always trying to make the lead as close to the panel final shape as possible which oftemn meant that there was not enough for the repair. Which then means you have to start all over again. You can file extra off a lot easier.
6. Try and get a heat source with a wide area of heat. I was using an oxy acetylene torch, but found the heat too concentrated and went to a Mapp gas torch instead.
7. Be very aware of what both hands are doing, you get caught up in what you are doing at the time. So if like me you have a lit torch in the left hand and you are concentrating spreading the lead with the right, make sure you are not aiming the torch somewhere you shouldnt.

I Hope that this is of interest.

Thanks
Lee

 

Lee,

Yes, this is of alot of interest! thanks for the updates and for the very informative post.
It looks like you are porgressing nicely with your truck, nice work!

Bobby

 

Lee, that is going to be one special truck!

I am going to learn lead work myself so I value your posts. (I am still practicing on scrap, not wanting to ruin a good fender!)

I sent you a pm to see if you wanted to help on the welding article some of us are writing.

 

Thanks Bobby,

Yes, I am finally feeling that I am getting somewhere now.


Thanks WillyB,

I have replied to your PM. More than happy help.

Cheers
Lee