Frequently Asked Questions

When is lead used as a filler vs. the commonly used plastic automotive fillers?

Essentially, lead is done to restore or maintain originality. Jaguars and many other classic European automobiles were originally seamed using lead. The theory being, use metal to adhere to metal. It is a very time-consuming process compared to using the plastic fillers that in later years became available.

Plastic filler has it’s place in auto body repair. It should only be used as a cosmetic smoothing agent for minor imperfections. A properly repaired dent using proven metal finishing/repairing techniques should require a minimum of filler.

What is the difference between a "restored" and a "custom-built" car?

In concourse, or other total original restoration, all the planned specification and details of original construction were documented at the time of construction so they are available to the restorer. Custom vehicles are created without anything more than an idea with the choices of components based on function and aesthetics.

Why won’t body shops work on restorations?

The success/profit of the modern auto body shop depends upon quick repair. Most often a third party is paying for those repairs and in today’s market of seemingly disposable automobiles, quality long-lasting repairs are not perceived as necessary. Body shops are geared toward this demand for speed. There is no room in a production body shop for a complex, time-consuming restoration.

How are cars paint stripped?

All stripping is done to remove rust and multiple layers of paint. Stripping should always be done down to bare metal. There are four methods used to strip cars.

Acid Dip

This is the most costly method and it is hard to find facilities that do it. The vehicle must be completely disassembled leaving only a metal carcass. It will produce the high end results for concourse restoration as it removes all rust and shows exactly the condition of the metal you have to work with. It gets into all hidden and interior panels which are inaccessible by other means.

Media Blasting

This is the most commonly chosen method and is mid-range in cost. Nut shells, copper slag and fine silicates are the materials used under controlled pressure. The engine and drive train should be removed because fine particles can work into undesirable locations. However, other parts of the vehicle not needing to be stripped can be covered. Risks involved are work hardening and/or warping of metal surfaces if blasting is not done by a knowledgeable and competent person.

Chemical Stripping

This is messy, less expensive than the above methods, you can do it yourself with proper ventilation and proper protective gear (mask, glasses, shoes, gloves, etc.) Typically, you smear/spread stripping compound onto the metal surfaces of the vehicle, give it a specified time interval and then scrape it off. Special care must be taken using it around rubber, plastic and non-metal surfaces because it will damage them.

Sanding

Electric, air and hand sanding with sand paper. The metal can be distorted and gouged if the sand paper is too coarse and/or the electric or air tools are running at too high of RPM.