While watching a show on TV they were talking about a college offering a degree in auto body repair. I don't recall the name or place, but they showed someone filling with "lead?". They were using a torch and filling and smoothing out. It looked like a good way to fill small holes or dents. Is this still done? The reason I ask is that most posts here recommend welding. Are these two different procedures for different conditions? Just curious. I am not a body man or a mechanic, just a 68 convertible owner.

H-dog

Ive done lead work. Lead is a long lost art(IMO). It takes LOTS of patience, and is double what I would charge for plastic work. You wont find anybody in a production shop using lead.

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67 Camaro SS Conv.
70 Challenger R/T Conv.

McPhereson College in south central Kansas.

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68 RS, Ash Gold,pwr windows,Hounds tooth

The roof seams at the top of the quarters and windshield posts were filled with lead originally from the factory. When you work on or replace parts in these areas the lead is typically melted out with a torch and then replaced with plastic filler. It doesn't seem to be nearly as strong and can crack, but, as was already mentioned, there aren't many shops anymore that can do lead work. If you can find someone who knows how to use lead correctly it may be worth the extra cost.

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed; '99 HD Road King Classic
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

I too have a 68 convertible. A previous owner had little holes drilled next to the conv. well trim for snaps for some funky tonneau cover.

Should I use plastic filler or have a shop weld 'em. ?

Sean

gldn slmbr, what part of San Diego are you in?

Weld the holes. Lead is for leveling the surface and doesn't really provide structural support. Unlike bondo, lead will expand and contract with the metal and hold up better. It will also flex more, Bondo will break off in pieces if you get hit. Bond and glazing putty work great if a VERY THIN coat is applied. Lead is excellent if for places that are prone to getting dings or knicks, such as egdes, door jams, the inner lip of a fender, etc. If you use Bondo on a edge and you get a knick, the Bondo will come off in a larger chunck. Where as the lead will just knick.