Expert: William Forster - 12/16/2006

Question
Is there any special preparation for the leaded repairs on the 65 Mustang Fastback , or any other lead repairs prior to normal priming and painting.

Thank You for your help

Answer
Hello John! Sand blasting creates the cleanest surface to lead to. First tin the area with acid core solder, then melt and paddle on the lead. Lead paddles are made of wood, and you will need a tub of solid beeswax. You melt the wax down a little with the torch, then dip the paddle in the wax. It keeps the lead from burning and sticking to the paddle. If you do any leading to a car, the lead must be wet sanded with clear water to neutralize the flux in the tinning solder. It will also help to remove the beeswax from the paddling process. I like to run over the lead with 220 on a DA sander afterwards, and then primer with primer surfacer. I don't think that etching primers work on lead, and they may actually react chemically with the lead. So instead, rely on the physical bond created by the heavier sand scratches left by the DA. Do, however, use an etch primer on any bare metal spots. Bill