Lead loading ?

[gnj588d]

The lead loading was done on my car about 8 years ago,small blisters have appeared and the joints have sunk,its going back to the same body man next week for remedials{not free of charge}.Would it be better to use polyester instead of lead,my restorer says lead is the best way to go.Should lead loading last longer than 8 yrs    Many thanks Mike Rutedge

[mdsalemi]

Blond or Brunette?  There will be debate on both sides of the issue.

However, my restorer who painted my car, used polyester precisely for the reason your car is going back.  He offered me the choice as he was skilled with both.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[blue230sl]

what is "lead loading", please?

john
64 230sl euro 4 spd
89 190e 2.6

[dseretakis]

I would if cost and skill permits have your restorer metal finish your car.  Then he can use an absolute minimun of plastic filler.  Lead should be reserved for seams and for where edges need to be built up.
Dimitri

[franjo_66]

My car has just gone through a total frame-off restoration, and lead wiping was used to fill in deficiencies on edges & seams, especially on those areas where new sections were joined in. This is the way to go & if done properly should last a lot longer than 8 years (barring any hits, etc). If the body panels are hand-filed down then there is no need for filler anywhere.

Rgds
Frank
1966 230SL Black/Auto/RHD
1996 E36 AMG

[mdsalemi]

The problem isn't with lead or lead substitutes per se, but as usual in their application.

Acids used in cleaning, fluxes used for adhering are the issue and cause the problem Mike experienced, I believe.  The fact that it took 8 years to show up is puzzling.

As usualy improper application, cleaning, etc. of anything--lead or polyester, will lead to trouble down the road.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[dseretakis]

Another problem with lead is that the panel must be heated in order to apply the lead.  This will burn away any protective coating behind the panel.  Some of these panels cannot be accessed easily or at all from behind, leading to corrosion.  This is less of a concern with a car that is getting fully restored since all areas will be addressed.

Dimitri
71 280SL