Leave or remove lead from body?

[latinporsche911]

I have read that lead was used to cover the nails that secure the wood to the body, but that area (where nails use to be) is not covered with lead now. Just some areas around, below and sides.
Should I remove the lead and work whatever issues there may be underneath or leave it as is and work around it.
Thanks

[leowagen]

long time ago, bodywork was done with lead instead of bondo. Better bonding power, no rust, no falling down due to moisture.... downside: higher technical knowledge needed, more time consuming, thus higher cost. I would also say that today this would be considered posinous...

[makin_vw]

as stated, leading is a old technique but its also one of the best when done right... i would leave it personally as i like how much better it holds up over time... my 2cents..

[aa390392]

Do you think that lead was used at the Karmen factory?
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[latinporsche911]

Thanks guys for your words.
Yes, I have read here on the forum (specifically in the convertible one) that lead was used at factory. But I'm not sure what others have done, if they leave it or remove it.
I am more inclined (as makin_vw stated) to leave it.... less work for me and it seems to be done well. Just wanted to know if it has to be removed or not
Thanks
R

[finster]

[Lars B]

The lead was applied at the Karman factory.
And my theory is that they nailed the wood to the body first.
And the leaded the welds and some of the over the nails.
On my 56 Vert some of the nail's was leaded over, but not all, same as yours.

SO the lead over the nail to keep them in, is not the whole (true) story.

This picture is from Karman Factory.leading a 1959 Vert.

Taken from this article.

[latinporsche911]

Wow.. great information and pictures.
Makes sense now as to where I see the lead having been applied.
Thanks Lars B!

[jason]

The lead does hide rust. Judge how bad your car is rusted and decide if you think you should remove.

That is if there is a seam beneath it. Moisture can get behind it then. It’s rusty where the nails were, moisture got behind it.

They nailed the wood then leaded the dents. If they were nice with the hammering, no or little lead.

[aa390392]

Am glad to see the jig for the frame of the top. I beleive there was a load of tweaking of the metal in this process. Am thinking no 2 early tops are exactly the same.
_________________
.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[latinporsche911]

[bobnorman]

[Lars B]

[finster]

[D. Haviland]

Early Karmann convertibles were made from sedans. They cut the roof off and heavily modified the body with reinforcements and fitting new upper pieces to the rear quarters and doors. The "lead" covers the seams.