My 16yo son wants to learn leadwork, but I'm reluctant to let him learn on the '65 (even though it's his car). I'm afraid the sheet metal may be too thin and prone to warping due to the heat required, but I don't have any specific info to back that up. Am I being too careful here?

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Jeff Schramm
'65 300 Deluxe (L6)
Member #283
www.chevelles.net/wichita (http://www.chevelles.net/wichita)

one question...why lead??? it's outdated and very difficult. use a high quality body filler. it's cheap, easy, and works just as good if not better.

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Derek Kiefer
ss_chevelle_69@hotmail.com
Derek69SS = AOL instant messenger

69 Chevelle SS 396/325hp 3spd man., 12-bolt 3.31 gears lemans blue, no engine
69 Chevelle Malibu 350/250hp, TH350, 10-bolt 2.56 gears, dark cloisonne met. (purplish blue)
23 Ford Model T runabout, stock 20hp 4cyl (i know it's a ford but it's still fun to drive...slowly)

"If it was really worth doing, i would have already done it"

Learn on no good rusty pieces, not your project.

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Steve Strasemeier (70SS 396, Fathom Blue/White Stripes)

While I agree with the others that practicing on an old junk fender would be better, the danger of warping a panel is minimized if you just use a propane torch.

Plastic filler works well in most applications, but I prefer to use lead on areas that take abuse, or need a water tight repair. For example, if you needed to put some fill on the edge of a door (good chance it will get bumped into something) lead would be a good candidate. I also favor using lead over my weld seams.

Caution your son about the dangers of lead, and don't use power sanders, or fine grit sandpaper on it. Dispose of all lead filings in a safe and timely manner.

Best of Luck

Mike

Lead is some harsh stuff. It has usues when trying to fit 1/4 to the trunk splash and helping patches flow into the body lines but its dangerous and trouble some.

To help yourself and him gauge the value of the knowlage, looking othe cost of a good metal vapor respirator. They are expansive. I would strongly recomend buying one if you are serious. The last thing you and he needs is heavy metal damage to the brain. A more usable alternative might be silver solder, does the smae job but not as damaging.

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Francis Taracido Gold# 201
sniper0666@aol.com
History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man.
Oh No! You Know She's Got To Go!
Go Go Quadzilla! <oo=+=oo>
http://members.aol.com/sniper0666/page/intro.html

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure hearing some words of caution from somebody besides me will be helpful.

As stated above, get some "test" fenders from a junk yard.

Not only is lead a possible toxic problem, you also have to think about the flux that is used.

When working on a test fender, hang it so that you have to keep the lead from flowing off and on to the floor. It's a more real situation than just having it laying flat on the floor.

As for helping him learn how to do it, PROMOTE ANYTHING THAT LEADS TO A FATHER/SON BONDING AND LEARNING NEW ABILITIES. When his friends learn that he can do lead work, he'll gain a couple points in their eyes.

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference section
Gold Member #5


[This message has been edited by Wes V (edited 12-10-2000).]