Customs Lead question

Ok, tried search, got alot of confusion so im just gonna ask...on my 58 ford there are pinholes of rust in the rockers and 1 quarter...just pinholes, not major rot. Can i clean and lead these closed or do i need to cut and weld patches in? Only asking cause i am getting contrasting stories from locals. Thanks guys!

-LUKEY-

 

I would probably put a patch in it or weld up the pinholes then lead. lead can bubble just like plastic if rust starts under it.

 

You are probably better off patching it depending on the condition of the surrounding metal. I had to make a similar decision on replacing some cab corners on my latest truck project. There were only a few pinholes but the metal really was very thin. I lightly sandblasted it to clean the area on both sides prior to welding the holes but it was like paper. I ended up with a small patch.

 

You could just lead it, I've done it in the past.

However, you are seeing pin holes now.... think of what you are not seeing!

The inside of the rocker is probably all rust that will rear its ugly head shortly after there is paint on the car.

Cut it out and replace it. Rocker panels are one of the easiest things to repair.

 

Hey,

With rare exception, rust usually forms from inside a panel , and rusts to the outside. Those 'pinholes' are just the tip of the iceberg!

How fast the panel will rust out, if you just fill over the holes & thin metal will depend on how expensive a paint job you spray over the " repair "! A paint job in the neighborhood of $4-6K, count on 1-2 years before the rust returns. A ''rattlecan'' or "tractor paint" job..............six seconds or six feet!

" Life ain't no Disney movie "

 

Hi LUKEY...Like pimpin paint..its the tip of a rusty ice burg...cars rust from the inside out and your rocker panels havent much of a life left....if you goin to keep your car fit new rockers...get someone to help you...also it will keep the strength in the body shell....Doug

 

If you are gonna sand down the paint, and going to try and lead or weld up the pinholes. I normally just take a body hammer with a pick on it to see how bad it really is. You would be amazed at how thin some of it really is.

If I where in your shoes I'd try welding it first if they are just pinholes.

 

Weld in a patch and then lead it, the area to be leaded has to be as good or better then how you would have it for plastic filler, know pin holes or anything lead can lift off very easily if rust or anything gets in behind it

 

All of the above, hit the nail on the head, don't waste your time, replace!