Tool Talk
Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Topic started by: cody6268 on July 21, 2018, 09:11:41 PM
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I need to get it out for photos, but I just remembered that I have a Fairmont Cleve Auto Body File. How are these used in the auto body industry?
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Here is a Fairmont catalog/flyer not sure of the year or where it came from?
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Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
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I bet there aren't many left who know how to use a body file.
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Nice to see the file holders in the catalog picture, too. Screws through the holes and a slight bend and you can file sweet curves. :smiley:
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Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
But they can also be used for shaping bondo, can't they?
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Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
But they can also be used for shaping bondo, can't they?
Not too well. the teeth will gum up pretty quickly.
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Hello, Guys. I have found quite of few of the body files clogged with bondo, lead, wood, and who knows what else!!!! I am sure they have been re-purposed as they were handed down, or changed owners, during the years. Regards, Lou
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The classic "body file" or soft metal file is of the "VIXEN" pattern... sharp knife like cutting edges of curved pattern. The photo is of a Heller "VIXEN". These also made in thin body so that they can be bowed slightly on a frame.
Joe B
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Even though I really don't collect Craftsman, here is a tool I've been hanging onto. I also found a Nicholson version.
-Don
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Nice !!! I like the turnbuckle style adjuster!! Regards, Lou
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one with a tang are blacksmiths hoof files, autobody are the same with screw hole one each end. A number of makers of handles at least 6 that I know of.
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Hello, oldgoaly. Is it safe to say that the ones with screw holes are usually the flexible files? Thanks, Lou
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It seems like most manufacturers used Heller "Vixen" files in their holder.
-Don
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Hello, oldgoaly. Is it safe to say that the ones with screw holes are usually the flexible files? Thanks, Lou
Most likely
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Here is my Plomb body file.
-Don
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I found this Heller Vixen file at an Estate sale this morning.
-Don
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I finally located the hiding place of my Nicholson body file and took a picture.
-Don
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If I lived near you, I might be tempted to teach you how to use then body files. My Grandfather owned Chevy dealerships and several body shops in the 30s and 40s. He taught me to lead bodies back in the 60s when someone ran over my pedal car. Somewhere packed away I have the last of his lead and tools from his garage.
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Now I'm no leading expert, I did have it in high school auto shop.One of the things I collect (if it don't cost much) is lead sprayers.I have a like new Brent's in the original box. Sorry no pic handy,
but a page from the manual.I have not been brave enough to fire one up, but a friend did and it throws a lot of lead real fast!
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finally found a couple of these but still not the one with holes in the ends for a handle...grrrr
Interesting that one is much finer than the other (with the lion head logo). Also, the lion head is half-round on the other side.
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They were sized like sand paper from really course to super fine. Somewhere I have pictures of cars from WW11, where there were no new parts available. These cars were totaled, yet my Grandfather rebuilt them. I'll post the pics when I find them.