Classic Ford – August 2019

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Theareais thengentlyheateduntilthesolder

pastemelts...

August 2019 89

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...andtheresidue,immediatelywipedoff...

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It tends to separate in the pot so you need to give it a

good stir. Then it’s liberally applied using a brush

capable of withstanding acid — you need to

completely cover the whole surface area and

beyond because, as Robin says, you can’t re-tin —

it’s a one-time job, or you start again!

A quick word about heat sources. The traditional way to body solder is to use an oxy-acetylene torch using a
carbonising fl ame, although you can also use a propane torch (the type that plumbers use). MBVR’s is hooked
up to a gas bottle but you could also use a disposable cartridge while some have used an electric heat gun.
These generate general heat (mostly to the whole area) and it’s diffi cult to concentrate it in a small area. Watch
...leaving a bright, lead-covered surface. how much heat you use — it’s accumulative and dead easy to apply too much, risking warping the panel.

We need the area as clean as you can get it, which

means initially mechanical cleaning — Robin knocks

back the area with an air-driven belt sander to deal

with the high spots...

This is our seam that we’re going to lead over —
fresh from the MiG welder and generally cleaned up.
There are now four main areas to the process of
leading a joint.

Fluxing and tinning

In theory, these are two separate processes —

fl uxing chemically cleans the base metal, which then

allows you to apply a very thin layer of lead, known as

tinning. You can apply the bulk lead in the form of

sticks that will then stick to the metal, but without

either of the processes — fl uxing and tinning — the

heated lead will simply roll off onto the fl oor.

You want it as bright as you can get it; and if you’re
really fussy, wash it over with panel wipe to remove
all traces of grease. But make sure that’s dry, too!

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6

...and gets deep into the crevices with a wire brush;

again mounted in an air tool.

To make it easier, the fl ux and tinning stage is done

with a solder paste, which is fi ne particles of lead

suspended in fl ux.