Question for the body guys on lead

[waynieZ]

Hi I was wondering if you could use lead to contour the front and back windshield opening to fit the stainless molding in? I mean to tighten up the corners.

[minendrews68]

I used lead on my Camaro. I don't see why you couldn't use lead to build up those corners. One thing to remember is the metal has to be cleaner than clean. No rust, dust, oil, grease etc. Just bare metal. Lead work doesn't require a lot of heat, just make sure it's clean and make sure it's tinned properly. I can help you with what you will need if you need me to.

[waynieZ]

Sure thanks, any help would be great.

[minendrews68]

Sure thanks, any help would be great.

There is a kit from Eastwood that I believe is about $90. It has everything you'll need to do this. I believe it even has a CD on how to do lead work.
As I stated before, just make sure everything is as clean as possible. I used a small propane torch to do the work on my doors. (I had a big gap to fill with welding rods then leaded in all in.) I used the propane torch only because I don't have a big torch. You will not have to get the panels very hot, but pretty warm. Take a look at the Eastwood stuff, like I said, everything you'll need. I would opt to get more than 2 lbs of lead though you will go through that pretty fast. When you get ready to start give me a shout and I'll guide you through it.. Good luck.

[SlowProgress]

Wayne I am not a real body guy, but I did some lead work on my car body. I also bought the Eastwood kit because it had the tallow, files and paddles and I used a MAPP gas torch and it worked fine (just a little hotter than propane). I think I also bought a leading video to watch. If you go on Youtube there is really good video by Gene Winfield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87fuTnBS2bE

Having done this myself, I can tell you he has some really good tips that were not in the leading video I bought, and some mistakes I made could have been avoided by watching him. It is sort of a messy slow process and you may want to practice on a scrap panel for a few hours to gain confidence and even decide if this is for you. Because the area around the window is curved it will be more difficult to clean and you will probably have to use a die grinder to contour the lead since a file won't fit in there. It does grind and cut really easy and you can chamfer and round corners really well. Here is a photo from Sled Alley on one of Mark's cars that shows how they worked in the roof seam and it looks like they blended the corner a little also.
http://i.imgur.com/dVHaa0ml.jpg
I can't remember is the roof seam finished on your car? For example if you want to lead right next to plastic filler it won't work very well. Hope that's some food for thought!

[waynieZ]

Thanks guys!
I'm going to check out Eastwood kit. The roof isn't done yet.

[sd67]

Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area, lead fumes are a nasty health hazard, especially for children

[waynieZ]

Thanks for the warning Lee, I try to work safely I did lead and asbestos abatement for a few years. They alway drilled safety in our heads.

[minendrews68]

Wayne, If I can do this I know you can. It just takes patience and practice. The only thing about practicing on another panel is that it is going to use up lead. That being said, just make sure you buy enough at the beginning. You do not want to run out half way through your project.

[SlowProgress]

Yes, I agree with that. When you are learning a lot of it ends up on the floor so buy twice what you think you will need.