DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle: Leading the Fuel Tanks Chris Matthews' restoration of the '48 Indian's fuel tank includes a repair technique that puts the metal to the metal. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-304

The restored fuel tanks

Leading (pronounced "led-ding") is considered by some to be essentially a lost art. It's just not done that much anymore. Modern day body-fillers are easier to work with than melted lead but, for this particular situation, they don't make as permanent a repair as leading will.

Although we've already welded the seams on the panel that had been removed from the tanks, we're still going to lead them. Welds may sometimes leave very small holes that could result in aleak. We will also use leading to fill in a dent. Leading essentially follows the same technique as when body filler is used but, since this repair is metal on metal, it will be much more permanent.

advertisement

Chris Matthews files a dent on the fuel tank.

Materials/tools:

cleaned original Indian fuel tanks
propane soldering torch
lead sticks
lacquer thinner
flux
baking soda
vixen file
various grits of sandpaper
safety equipment
gloves

Safety Alert: Safety gear goes on first! Proper gloves and eye protection should always be worn when welding. Never weld without first putting on a welding helmet with proper eye protection. Looking directly into welding arc without eye protection can cause eye damage and blindness.

	Figure A
	Figure B

Steps:

• Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of baking soda into a cup of water. This will be used later.

• With the tank secure on a bench or table, use the propane torch to heat up the seam that is about to be leaded.

• Once the area is hot, brush a small amount of flux onto the seam.

• Heat the area again, and introduce the end of a lead stick. The lead will heat into a plasticized state and can then bridge the gap of the seam (figures A and B).

• It's important to not heat the lead too much. This will cause it to liquefy and generally just make a mess.

• Once the lead has filled the gap, allow it to cool. Dip a rag into the baking soda solution and apply it to the lead. This will neutralize any of the acids in the lead.
  Continue this procedure until the entire seam is completely filled.

• The second part of our leading procedure is to fill in a dent. The prep is the same as filling in a seam. Heat the area on the tank that is to be filled.

• Brush on a small amount of flux.

• Heat the area again and apply the lead. Continuously move the lead stick around so an even amount of lead is distributed into the dent.

• Once the dent is filled, apply a small amount of the baking soda solution to neutralize any acid.

• Use the vixen file to smooth out the lead. Continue this until the top edge of the lead follows the contour of the tank.

• Use the sandpaper to smooth the lead even further.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Gaskets/Headers
James Gaskets
Website: www.jamesgaskets.com