How to remove all lead to allow welding?

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jcmeyer5

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Okay, not ALL lead... just where I need to weld. On the C pillar I have trim holes that were originally for a pentastar emblem. We arent putting that back. I want to weld those holes shut. How do I remove the lead in that area to do that? Last time I tried, I used a torch, melted it off, wire brushed it, and lightly sanded it with 60 grit on a die grinder. That didnt get it all, and the popping and sputtering of molten metal had me doing the slag dance. So, how do I remove the remnants without harming the panel?
 
You can scrape it off with a razor blade after removing the bulk of it. You can sand it off but it will take some steel with it.
 
Not sure if this would work for your issue, but I've had success filling holes this way...

Put a screw in the hole, but not all the way down to the screw head
Tack weld it in a couple of spots so it is secure to the metal
Grind it off flush
Use filler to smooth over the area

If it is a small hole(s), then you can easily just use fiberglass filler like Lee Robinson suggested.
 
It's lead people. If you have kids, DO NOT grind it off around them, or where they might walk in the summer without shoes. There is a hazard there that affects adults to a lesser degree. Wear a good respirator. I use a handheld MAPP gas or propane torch, the melting point is way below anything that would distort the steel. Get the paint off first to allow the heat to get to the lead. Do not let it run into your shoes.
 
My body guy told me to leave it alone unless it appears there’s been moisture issues in the past.
 
The reason for removing the lead is to weld up trim holes. I don’t intend to remove any more than necessary
 
You should probably be careful sanding lead. Pretty big health hazard. I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t have that many functioning brain cells left. If I lose any more I will have to run for public office......
 
Lead was used for a lot of year and sorry people its not dangerous as made out unless you shoot it into your arm with a needle.
Thousands of tire guys used lead wheel weights for a lifetime will no ill effects.
I'm not saying shower with the stuff, but...

Weld it from inside. Quick tacks to fill holes and not loosen the seam up on the outside.
From the front take a small pocket knife and lightly ream out the holes to fresh led. a tad larger just to clean off the bare lead to fresh lead.
Go to the auto parts store and by a 2 part mixable product called "All-Metal" and just like plastic filler
with the same spreading tool put just as much on as needed and fill the hole only- no build up, use the tool to smooth flush.
throw a few coats of primer over the area and lightly sand the primer but dont break thru.
Really simple.
S/N: leave the holes and replace the emblems. Those IMHO look really cool.
 
Demonic hit the nail on the lead. I mean head. Hand held, small butane/propane torch with a stiff steel wire brush. When it starts to puddle, brush it off. Viola!!
 
I am another vote for just filling the holes with fiberglass and leaving the rest alone.
Not necessarily because of the lead, but because it soooo much simpler and will basically last forever.
The Bondo Glass product works great for this kind of repair.
Used it to fill the factory antenna opening and emblem mounting holes on this fender, and years later can't even tell they were ever there.

antenna.JPG
 
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