Author Topic: Body File?  (Read 6453 times)

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Offline cody6268

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Body File?
« on: July 21, 2018, 09:11:41 PM »
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?

Offline oldgoaly

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2018, 10:37:42 PM »
Here is a Fairmont catalog/flyer not sure of the year or where it came from?
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Offline t115145

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2018, 05:41:36 PM »
Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.

Offline slip knot

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2018, 10:09:55 PM »
I bet there aren't many left who know how to use a body file.

Offline p_toad

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2018, 01:51:37 PM »
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:

Offline Bill Houghton

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2018, 03:54:53 PM »
Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
But they can also be used for shaping bondo, can't they?

Offline slip knot

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2018, 05:03:28 PM »
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.

Offline lptools

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #7 on: August 04, 2018, 05:19:43 AM »
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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Offline JoeCB

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2018, 09:42:15 PM »
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

Offline d42jeep

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2018, 02:41:28 PM »
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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Offline lptools

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #10 on: October 17, 2018, 02:54:24 PM »
Nice !!! I like the turnbuckle style adjuster!! Regards, Lou
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Offline oldgoaly

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #11 on: October 17, 2018, 04:22:40 PM »
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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Offline lptools

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #12 on: October 17, 2018, 04:36:46 PM »
Hello, oldgoaly. Is it safe to say that the ones with screw holes are usually the flexible files? Thanks, Lou
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Offline d42jeep

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #13 on: October 17, 2018, 05:12:08 PM »
It seems like most manufacturers used Heller "Vixen" files in their holder.
-Don
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Offline oldgoaly

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Re: Body File?
« Reply #14 on: October 17, 2018, 06:52:44 PM »
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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