Tech Session Jan. 17: Body Leading

J. Jennings got the lead out -- as well as associated tools and potions, to tell all about body leading. Working from a handout extracted from an MG ZB workshop manual on "Body Soldering", J. discussed pro's and con's of body leading vs. modern plastic fillers ("Bondo") for sheet metal repair. It turns out that leading has many advantages over plastic fillers, including strength, resistance to impact, and temperature stability. Fillers, on the other hand, are great for final finish coating, even over lead repairs. Whereas fillers can only be applied in thin layers, lead can be applied to whatever thickness your skill, materials and stamina permit.

J. demonstrated on some scrap steel, and then on the fender of his son's '53 Chevy, proving that Yes Virginia, the technique works on US steel as well as British steel. Many tips and tricks were dispensed, e.g., make sure you use a good quality "tinning butter", and keep your smoothing paddles slippery by dipping in automatic transmission fluid! After school was dismissed, attendees enjoyed touring J.'s impressive British car collection, including an XK120, XK140, 2 MG ZB's, an MG TC, MG TF, and Spridget. Pupils included: Gary Lindstrom, John Progess, Brian Vassey, Mick McDougall, Dave Maxwell, Bill Van Moorhem, Barry Blackett, Terry Miller, Stewart Nichols, Richard Moklofsky, Chris Macan.

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