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54 BODY MANUAL
PULLING OUT DENTS:
Occasionally the body mechanic encounters small dents
or depressions which cannot be pushed out from behind
unless considerable time is spent in the removal of inte-
rior trim panels and trim. In such cases a looped bar of
solder can be sweated to the low spot; and by hammering
against the loop in the solder bar, the depression will be
pulled out to its normal position, Figure 74. Another
method that may be used to remove such dents is to drill
a small hole at the center of the recessed area and insert a
hooked wire to pull out the dent. If the recessed area is
large, it may be necessary to repeat the operation. Fill the
drilled holes with solder.
SOLDER FILLING:
Solder filling is generally employed in filling small low
spots which cannot be dinged out from behind because of
reinforcements, etc. Solder filling is strongly recom-
mended instead of filing in these areas.
FIGURE 75
Clean and sand all paint, rust, and scale from the area to
be filled, Figure 75. Extend the cleaning and sanding
about 2" around the area. When the area has been reduced
to bright metal, heat the area lightly with the torch and
apply the soldering flux.
CAUTION: whenever possible, protect surrounding
undamaged areas with wet asbestos before applying
heat. This will keep the metal from buckling due to
heat expansion and prevent painted surfaces becom-
ing spotted with drops of hot solder.
To further prevent buckling due to expansion, quench the
soldered area with a wet sponge as soon as the solder has
hardened.
The flux usually employed in soldering is muriatic
(hydrochloric) acid, cut with zinc and diluted 50% with
water. Uncut muriatic acid may be used with extreme
care. The flux is applied to. the heated area with an acid
brush.
After the flux is applied, tin the area by re-heating and
rubbing with the end of a solder bar until a thin film of
solder adheres to the metal. To fill the depression, heat the
end of the solder bar until the solder becomes soft, then
force the soft solder against the tinned area with a wood
paddle. Do not allow the solder to melt. Solder once
melted becomes hardened and is difficult to spread.
FIGURE 76
Use no more solder than is required to fill the depression,
Figure 76. When applying solder, use enough heat so that no
air holes occur. Keep the solder to a spreading consistency
with a torch and shape it with an oil treated wood paddle. (A
maple paddle soaked in linseed oil is recommended. The oil
treatment prevents solder from sticking to the paddle.)
NOTE: Neither soldering nor brazing should be used to
join metal that is subject to stress or road shock. Such a
joint should be made by either arc or acetylene welding.
Large depressions require the heat from a torch to keep the
solder at a spreading consistency, but on small dents and
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