The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Leading

I just tried to replace the lead in the A-pillars of my cab. I used the same soldier that is used to soldier copper tubing together. It went in fine, and ground down smooth. Will this type of lead even hold up good? I want my truck to be perfect and I am a purist, but I am only 16 and lack the experience. Any help from any old timers or experienced people would mean the world to me.

Congrates Bob on joining the hobby (or trade as it may be for you). The photos below are of me THIRTY YEARS AGO this month when I was 16!

Bob, the lead you are using is wrong. The "Body solder" used in autobody repair is a mixture of lead and tin. The tin is needed for durabilty. You will see it called "80-20" or "90-10". This is the lead vs tin content, as in 80 percent lead - 20 percent tin.

I have to tell you, learning to lead is great, it is a lost art. If you can pull it off, that is wonderful. But don't get all hung up on it. Modern plastic fillers are in my opinion as good or better than lead. It just isn't the "bondo" of days gone by.

First off, lead if applied even a little improperly is a failure waiting to happen. You use acid for flux,and wax on the paddles. Acid and wax, two things you don't want under your paint! So nuetralizing it is VERY important.

Modern plastic filler on the other hand if used anywhere near properly will out last both you and I. The truck will be rusting away in the wrecking yard, both of us dead and gone and the filler will still be there.

Again, welcome to a great hobby/trade.
[img]http://members.aol.com/buickfam/topchopping.jpg[/img]

Thanks for the help. I will melt the old stuff out and probably order a leading kit from Eastwood. It is very hard to find out anything about leading because of it being a dying art as you said. I bought my truck at 14 (I just turned 16 on Tuesday) and when I talk to about 95% of my friends about old trucks, engine work, body work, or anything pertaining to cars in general, they look at my as if I was speaking in Greek! Thanks again, Bob.

You are very right and your friends are doing exactly the same as I see around here too. That is why I get excited about seeing someone like your self interested in this work.

There IS a shortage of educated autobody techs. It has done me very well, a nice little home in one of the most expenisve places on earth to live, and food on the table. My wife stays home raising the kids just like the good old days. There isn't many jobs I could do this without some serious degrees around here.

Good luck Bob, post some pics huh? I don't want to be the only guy posting pictures of a 16 year old working on an old AD.