Lead...leave it or loose it?

  • Thread starter Professionalamateur
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Professionalamateur

Not sure if this is the right section,but...
The rear roof to quarter section of my 71 mustang coupe appears to have a lead seam with some factory filler. What is commonly done with lead used to join body sections? Since the lead is so soft how is it prepped for epoxy?

Thanks!
 
You can sand it and apply your epoxy primer, look it over really close-is there any darkness showing around the edges-remove it if there is. The factory leaded seams were only as good as the person on the assembly line applying- I've seen some that were flowed well into the lap joint and others where rust has formed in the seam and was working it's way under the solder. I usually just remove it completely, sandblast the seam and weld it up solid, resolder it or use body filler over epoxy primer. I've also sectioned the joint out completely and made my own piece to buttweld in flush to keep filler thickness to a minimum. When you're done with the exterior apply some protection to the backside of the seam-drill access holes through the inner if need be and spray some cavity wax in there-you don't want rust to start.
 
Thanks Bob for your input. I haven't sanded the leaded areas past the paint yet, but I'll be sure to check for rust. There is no access from inside so I would have a difficult time welding,bumping and shrinking. I could probably become proficient at soldering, but I need info on where to start.

Thank you.
 
I always remove it, and have seen rust underneath it from time to time but i'm not going to state that it's necessary.
 
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