Technical Removing original lead from Body

Hi all,

I have determined that I am going to make and MIG-weld into place repair pieces to the doors and rocker panels of my 37 Cord project car. Looking it over, I see copious quantities of lead that were ladled into place when the car was built. (Yes, they literally poured lead onto these Cords!) Obviously, I cannot weld patch panels through lead, so the question is, how do I remove it completely to allow welding to the steel underneath?

Thanks,

--Tom

 

Heat and a wire brush.

 

That would be the way I would do it. HRP

 

& DON'T FORGET YOUR "FRESH-AIR HOOD" !! In case you forgot, it doesn't matter if you get shot or inhale it : This stuff is POISONOUS!!!

 

I use the little propane torches

 

Yes , here in Oz we call them Map burners. I heat the general area of the lead and then focus on the middle till it puddles then with the wire brush vigorously clean, waving the flame at the same time. So long as the lead is not on the middle of a panel, then your heat distortion should be minimal. You don't need to put anymore heat into the lead other than to melt it.
My 53 Eldos were liberally doused in lead as well. I got a buckets worth out.

 

one thing if you are removing lead from a place where you will be welding you need to get that clean. found that out when I put a partial quarter panel on a car and joined the new with the old down what was once a leaded seam. thought I cleaned it good but there was still residue in there and it welded like I didn't have the gas on.

I don't know what would have neutralized that lead residue, maybe someone here would know.