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Folks, if one were restoring a truck that had some heavier pieces with heavy pitting, what would be the different and preferred methods of filling the pits? We're talking 11ga +/-.
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Question on pitting repairs
- Thread starter Recovry4x4
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BFR
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solder(lead) & sand it smooth?
clinto
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If it were me.......
I'd use a heavy abrasive, such as sand or aluminum oxide and blast it nice and clean. You have to use a hard media like this to get down in the pits.
Then, I'd use a filler like All-metal to fill in the low spots, then smooth it out and sand/grind to desired level of smoothness. Then you can use a good self etching epoxy primer.
I have access to a good price on gallons of Southern Polyurethane's line of epoxy primers. I can get you some and you can pick up at the Ga Rally if desired.
Alternatively, you could use plastic filler, but I prefer the All-metal (years ago was known as alumalead). Made by Ditzler.
I'd use a heavy abrasive, such as sand or aluminum oxide and blast it nice and clean. You have to use a hard media like this to get down in the pits.
Then, I'd use a filler like All-metal to fill in the low spots, then smooth it out and sand/grind to desired level of smoothness. Then you can use a good self etching epoxy primer.
I have access to a good price on gallons of Southern Polyurethane's line of epoxy primers. I can get you some and you can pick up at the Ga Rally if desired.
Alternatively, you could use plastic filler, but I prefer the All-metal (years ago was known as alumalead). Made by Ditzler.
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I'd cut the portion out and replace with new sheet. Any fix you do, whether it be fiberglass or lead, will simply be that, a patch, and it won't last forever. Sanding smooth with a disc will thin the metal and you won't be happy with that either.
Jones
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Where are the problem spots, Kenny? I tend to think in terms of making new if it's a panel or bracket.
11ga. is just short of 1/8" so spot filling with a wire welder is a possibility since that thickness wouldn't be as prone to warping from the heat as 16 or 18ga would be. The trick is to stitch weld it rather than run continuous passes so you can control heat build-up.
Regardless of your chosen method of repair-- clean, bare metal is the place to start.
11ga. is just short of 1/8" so spot filling with a wire welder is a possibility since that thickness wouldn't be as prone to warping from the heat as 16 or 18ga would be. The trick is to stitch weld it rather than run continuous passes so you can control heat build-up.
Regardless of your chosen method of repair-- clean, bare metal is the place to start.