How to Replacing leaded seams with sheet metal

[@leandrolambardi9712]

This master thousands of miles away makes videos showing his art. Saying: hey, you can make your own patch panels, you don't need expensive tools, I'll show you how. Your videos blew my mind. I feel like I owe you. You gave me the confidence I needed to take the angle grinder and remove a rusty panel. Thank you very much from Sarandí, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@rogerturley]

I just discovered your channel. You're a gifted fabricator and a very gifted teacher. I'm learning so much. Thanks for taking the time to teach us!

[@duckdays9451]

I've been getting rid of lead seams this way since the 80s. Your the first one I've seen show this.

[@jeep2nv92]

As a mechanic, I’ve got to know a lot of bodyshop guys. I’ve learned quite a bit over the years. I wish I had 1/4 of your knowledge and patience. I have learned a lot from watching you do your magic. And you make it look so easy.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Your techniques are absolutely wonderful and honestly, I've learned a great deal from your channel. Thanks for creating and posting your series.

[@27rally]

after 10 years on my mopar, the seem that where filled with bondo ,after lead removal is know making is way out bubble all the seam lenght, a friend come up with same idea as yours, for sure next winter when I redo the bodie all do the seam like this. love your fabrication skill

[@donmiller4885]

I've been following many for years and have decided your my favorite . Always enjoyable and all business very DIRECT and to the point . Outstanding work.

[@waynelaferriere6268]

Wow ! Fitzee ! huge difference from then to now ,your videos now are more informative an your skills never seize to amaze me . Keep em coming !

[@waynegilling6048]

Every video I watch ,of yours, I learn a great deal. Watching the video is a great teacher, your explanation as to why is the real teacher, Thanks for all your wisdom and experience.

[@blairlutz6951]

You are a metal artist. Really appreciate all the amazing techniques.

[@gruberstein]

Now I have to get a mig machine and start patching up my cars. You've boosted my knowledge enough for me to try it myself instead of paying big bucks. I know it won't he as easy as you make it look but I'm not looking for show car results. Thanks Fitzee

[@rupe53]

gruberstein ... 40 years ago I would gas weld or braze. More recently I have gotten back to some fab work and I swear by mig welding, even though there's more grinding involved. Another buddy swears by tig welding, but I suppose that's a personal choice.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Back in the Lead Era it was hard to find retired bodymen in retirement. Lead contanination is accumulative. Lack of proper PPE was a big factor. Hearing loss in later years is the exposure created earlier in life. Hand skills are created over years of experience. Brain skills are a result of taking all the health related precautions as they are developed and adding them to safe and healthy work habits. It boils down to doing the best job for the longevity of the project and the folks doing the work. Best to you and yours.

[@dennywiseman5360]

People like you are who makes the internet great

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Ooh a Mopar project!!! How did i miss this??? Great way to deal with the seam!!!

[@guillermonieri4203]

That was great. What you do helps me to be able to tackle repairs that were complicated before I leaned your methodology. Thank you for the lesson.

[@christopherdawkins5392]

Interesting to look at some of your early videos an see how your channel has evolved. I didnt consider patching the lead seems until now.

[@THIRSTYGUMS]

awesome. love your vids, you dont labour the point on and on, not too fussy, yet your finish is always flawless

[@tonythorrington3740]

Love this channel no bullshit and waffle just help and inspiration wish I had found the channel years ago ....thank you for all the effort you make filming your work lovley cars bud btw !! Thanks again from England.

[@Majiksmoke]

I love watching the experienced fab guys work. You can learn a ton just keeping your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. A lot of the more experienced guys will not teach you....you just have to pick it up along the way as you go. Thank you for sharing your experience, and knowledge.

[@rexhapgood5000]

The wise man said, "you will always learn more with your eyes and ears than your tongue."

[@chevynovawagon2595]

Fits they sell a small light that fits on the tip this helps you see when the weld shade is on....

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

Working with lead seams is fast becoming a loss art.....it was the go to body filler of its day. Being a lifetime time Mopar guy (57), I've filled most my roof seams with (like you mentioned) short or long hair fiberglass, then body filler. Always good to see your methods and hear your thoughts!

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Id like to use lead like the factory did after i replace the quarter panel on my Dart... Funny how Mopar used lead on hardtops, but sometimes body filler under the vinyl roofs, which later on causes us rust headaches on our restos!!!

[@donschneider7252]

Wonderful videos! I do worry about your eyes when you weld. I am so inspired by your videos I went out and got a MIG and am learning to use it with your help. Sure different than my old stick welder...

[@Jim-hv6ql]

I was wondering the same thing, maybe he closes his eyes before each weld.

[@MrSprintcat]

Awesome video thank you. I'd love to see a video with you taking the rain rails off a 1965 Chevy 2 Nova

[@itzkamu7065]

Love you videos old timer!!! Keep up the excellent workmanship

[@Innochamp]

A magician in sheet metal work!

[@71VOM]

Thankyou so much this is extremely helpful, have a HJ GTS Holden here in Australia I am repairing as my toy, and over the years all of these models in particular crack the big lead joins in that same area when you race them/drive hard. True eye opener, keep up the great work👌🏽

[@mikerobi6100]

yes all your tips are helpful i learn alot too

[@petergoodwin2465]

I like it, never thought about filling in the gaps. Nice work.

[@CharlieMoDank14]

Thank you sir. I have a 65 impala that’s needs some work in quarters and trunk. This stuff your showing will be very helpful. I thank you sir. For the Good teaching

[@DustinGould]

wow you are amazing with your work and video tutorials.... thank you fir all your amazing videos

[@johnwalls4722]

Outstanding video, some the best instruction I have seen on KZbin. Keep up the great work.

[@WilXliFY]

Just happened to stumble upon this video. Excellent craftsman work!

[@donnakelly9481]

i simply think this is one of the best how to videos thanks for the tips

[@angelonicassio7131]

Subbed. I love your fantastic tips and your NL accent.

[@Mikefngarage]

beats the hell out of lead or filler that thick. more than spec there for filler. like almost 1/2 inch to fill that seam

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

I always feel compelled to comment ! .... clearly Fitzee is the shit!!! 😎

[@Rendezvous70]

Good to see im not the only one that tacks without a shield, although i sometimes wear sun screen 😉

[@funk7875]

Well I'll say I have been doing bodywork for 40 years and never thought about doing the sail panel weld like that. The void between is a little concerning though. Maybe cutting that part out completely and butt welding a section in. I may find out. I'm hanging quarters on a 69 Camaro now. You must be wearing SPF 99 sunscreen and have shade 12 eyeballs.

[@Foundmylsswap]

He did say that the weld was there and the roof section and quarter are welded to an inside support. To cut that out would weaken the structure. I’d say he did the body guys a favour. And the owner not to just have it filled with cheese. Sore there is a hollow but all these hardened metal weld won’t let water in there, I wouldn’t think. Cheers.

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

LOOKS THE PART for sure :)

[@jrmrencso8716]

Good to go back and review the older stuff, has the old Chevy really been up in the air that long?!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Yes wall art

[@kevinford6420]

Nice, not many would do that. Makes such a big difference 👌

[@MediaWhored]

I have done leading. The original stuff works better than the now leaded stuff. Another great video thanks

[@taylorh3930]

Never thought of doing this. I would of done the fiberglass deal aswell definitely go this route if I ever tackle a muscle car. I enjoy watching.. like the Island accent my grandfather lives in PEI. And I'm out in Saskatchewan.

[@xxgangstarrbr0xx]

Top stuff Fitzee end result the real deal, lovely to watch .

[@jerryfulks3565]

Just beautiful I have spent my weeks months. And years hanging out in body shops of some very very good people and idid a lot of free labor learning I got no regrets I'll never be as good as them or u. But im still learning at73by watching u.u keep teaching an I'll keep learning God bless. Bro J.alias Junkn Jerry. Catch u later

[@fitzeesfabrications]

As long as you having fun learning thats what counts. Its what keeps me going

[@firebreathinggarage2117]

Excellent job on the seam.

[@kipgerringer8234]

Love the videos!! But why wear hearing protection all the time but not protection for your eyes when welding? Just worried about you bud.

[@trjb1767]

Agreed. Its a pain but will be worth it later

[@SkaterStimm]

He said that it is a bad habit, but he knows how to do it safely.

[@klm2395rh]

@@SkaterStimm At least he won't be deaf and blind. I would not recommend welding without protection.

[@francisguitarsbykenfrancis3141]

when you pull the trigger you close your eyes. Instant protection, been doing it that way for 30 years, can’t get any flash through your eyelids! ( tanned eyelids maybe)

[@Mikefngarage]

yea I wear a shield but honestly I think his technique is to use the shadow of the torch to shied him plus closes his eyes. I would rather use a shield with proper UV auto darkening. As long as the lighting in the room is good you can see pretty good.

[@ScoutPL]

I had no idea the factories leaded cars at all, much less in the 60's/70's.

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

A d I have never seen you do a bad decision or x ….. u have solutions and I’d be honoured to have you work on my car , for sure !

[@z06doc86]

At the end of the welding, I would drill a couple of holes in the centerline of the patch to stick the tube from rust preventative primer and coat the inside of patch area. Then weld up the small holes.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Cool idea. You could do that.yes

[@jamesmcnamara7484]

Been watching a couple of my neighbors to the north (your self and japhands) from here in California. Buying material to make tools now.

[@bendude6748]

Brilliant work, I wish you were in the UK so I could send you my car ha ha..

[@jonhboleware3409]

You are a great teacher. What size wire do you use in your welder

[@fitzeesfabrications]

023

[@badassgararge2974]

you make it look so easy

[@DD-kh1bt]

Awesome work

[@laurensmith1828]

Nice work!

[@toddlentz5408]

What a craftsman, metal is your bondo!

[@juanlanda2441]

Hi Mr Fitzee . I love your work . And it motivated me to learn . Question will rust form inside the hollow part?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

A hase might but not like you think. The inside of these older cars never had no paint on it and much is still clean metal with a light hase

[@hydorah]

Great channel, mate. Thanks for sharing you skills and ideas

[@brianarrington4569]

Was there any rust protection put in the gap??..if not Y not?..great vid of course..

[@fitzeesfabrications]

None here. It affects the welds and it will burn off where you weld. It will then sit inside it and dry and hold moisture. That is my take on it. This car will never seebad weather agian. So rust is not a issue

[@rosewd2]

Wow that amazing work, i never though of making a patch like that. I have to replace a t-top roof skin on a 79 trans-am, it has a leaded seam. And i see where it cracked on the ends too. What about weld thru primer under the patch ? .

[@fitzeesfabrications]

You can just make sure where your welding is clean. I found weld threw to affect your welds

[@michaeldelvecchio41]

Beautiful work

[@steveyackel4637]

Enjoy all of your videos

[@jcook69camaro]

that looks great but how do you prevent rust behind it?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Unless you tend on driving this in winter I don't think rust will be a issue. You be amazed at how much of a old car is bare metal from factory

[@WILDGEESE399]

Amazing job fitzee you are a true master of the art 👍

[@joelkoonce8559]

Thanks again Fitzee, you da Man .

[@sizzler66]

Yes I enjoyed it. Great job.

[@dadmezz4024]

g GREAT SKILLS. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOW-HOW WITH US.

[@1rewd133]

I want this guy for me neighbor.

[@charliedavis6965]

Thanks so much for all your tips and tricks you are very skilled also what kind of welding glasses are you wearing

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Just safty glasses. I hide the arc behind tip of the gun. Bad habit.. wear a helmet

[@Marty59143]

Nice repair.

[@carmelogiordano8287]

Muchas Gracias Exelente Video !!

[@fwucku]

Fantastic work mate!

[@michaelhallas6450]

Very nice work

[@guscowser8742]

I really like your work. I have a 78 spitfire I am wanting to fill the seams on the hood, would you reccomend this method

[@beardbuilds5140]

As per the norm , perfection yet again 👌🏻I second the protecting of your eyes !! Weld through primer is shit unless you are pumping massive heat into it , honestly people I’d take Fitzee’s method over the Bondo kings method ... other wise your car will end up weight an extra 2 or 3 hundred pounds more by the time you are done

[@edmondpower5722]

Maybe drill a small hole in the inside and inject plenty of cavity wax??

[@lonnieturner740]

That's a cool way to do it i think I'll try it on my drag car

[@cgjoe64]

Brilliant work. What are your thoughts on using those aluminum repair rods instead of welding on these areas

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Haven't every heard of those? Heard of lead but not aluminum.

[@tntltl]

Love your videos you are a true Craftsman.

[@fredjones1238]

your the man love your work

[@JoeHenry734]

Can you do this same kind of thing to repair rust where the roof hits the A-pillar?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Yes I have done it there too.

[@iraqirestoration2991]

Hello Tony please do a stepside rear fenders rust repair this topic is not available anywhere

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I have one repairing a f100 rear fender.

[@yugodr]

Your work looks so great, how often do you have to use filler to finish it out?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

It will all need filler. I dont finsh it that good just you don't need alot.

[@1yris1]

You are amazing!!!

[@canadianmarauder1923]

Jeez you got some good ideas.

[@monadking2761]

When I saw your metal strip since it looked like a knife blade is this cutting edge body work.lol.

[@daviddanielson2561]

You repaired an area that is concaved inward, but how do you replace a leaded area that is curved outward?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Lead areas I'm use to seeing on factory cars are inward. Where is there lead outward?

[@MarshMellowF450]

i love your videos

[@carmo9693]

Just amazing.

[@55575]

Very nice work, thank you for bringing your experience to us. Is there a chance of that gap got rusted over the time? Or because it get sealed the air inside wont affect it? Cheers from Brazil

[@fitzeesfabrications]

It's a good qustion. You can paint it or use a weld threw primer. I have noticed on old cars there is bear steel between all metals. And if seal up and not dipped in the ocean it shouldn't rust. Well not in our life time. Lol

[@55575]

@@fitzeesfabrications Thank you for your answer!! I've found your channel today and your tips are very good

[@johnhasleftthebuildi]

Fritzee thank you for sharing the years of knowledge. These are the things that one might think of but say it traps air and moisture so it can’t be right. The next thing you know it’s a week later after you search for an answer or a magic product to fill the void and make it a problem. Experience!!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Very cool video! Many thanks.

[@Supanova70]

If i wanted to use long strand instead would that go over epoxy or under?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I prefer under

[@Supanova70]

Great ty

[@GreasyFingers]

So impressive and cool!

[@unclebob4208]

I've never seen worse 6x9 holes cut in the package shelf at the end of the video. Also, please wear a welding helmet. We value your knowledge, and would like to get it for many more years to come.

[@karlx-1]

Looks like they took a circular saw to it!

[@drivewasher]

Great video as usuall. Do you not get arc eye?

[@MindDezign]

What about the bare metal just covered up ? I didn't see and weld thru primer. Won't it rust ? Bare metal plus condensation from welding it up?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

You can and maybe I should have done it in a weld threw primer. There are many places on a 60s and 70s cars that have no paint. Unless the weather can get to it it will be fine. Builds like this car never see rain agian.

[@MindDezign]

@@fitzeesfabrications ha ha!! They usually don't see outside again!! I always rebuild mine to DRIVE ! What is the purpose ,people should just buy a model of the car. Good work as always my friend. my Datsun Z has lead on the roof to quarter panel connection. I like your idea COMPLETELY Its the way I will do mine.I was going to learn to lead...but WHY ? It's not a Porsche!

[@michaelosborne513]

amazing how more time and some time welding can make such a better product than tne factory did

[@moparnut6286]

Hey fitzee is the car a dodge charger 73 4 spd? you did nice work making that seam go away I've been doing this to on my mopars. I use copper weld thur primer in between to stave off rust seems to work well.

[@richardprice713]

Great video Fitzee

[@70Superbird]

Great video! I learned a lot and realized I must be a wimp for wearing a welding hood. For sale; one auto darkening welding hood.