Tool Talk

Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Topic started by: cody6268 on July 21, 2018, 09:11:41 PM

Title: Body File?
Post by: cody6268 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?
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: oldgoaly on July 21, 2018, 10:37:42 PM: Here is a Fairmont catalog/flyer not sure of the year or where it came from?
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: t115145 on July 23, 2018, 05:41:36 PM: Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: slip knot on July 23, 2018, 10:09:55 PM: I bet there aren't many left who know how to use a body file.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: p_toad 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:
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: Bill Houghton on August 03, 2018, 03:54:53 PM: Quote from: t115145 on July 23, 2018, 05:41:36 PM
Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.
But they can also be used for shaping bondo, can't they?
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: slip knot on August 03, 2018, 05:03:28 PM: Quote from: Bill Houghton on August 03, 2018, 03:54:53 PM
Quote from: t115145 on July 23, 2018, 05:41:36 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.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: lptools 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
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: JoeCB 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
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: d42jeep 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
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: lptools on October 17, 2018, 02:54:24 PM: Nice !!! I like the turnbuckle style adjuster!! Regards, Lou
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: oldgoaly 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.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: lptools 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
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: d42jeep on October 17, 2018, 05:12:08 PM: It seems like most manufacturers used Heller "Vixen" files in their holder.
-Don
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: oldgoaly on October 17, 2018, 06:52:44 PM: Quote from: lptools 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
Most likely
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: d42jeep on October 21, 2018, 05:03:03 PM: Here is my Plomb body file.
-Don
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: d42jeep on October 26, 2018, 07:52:40 PM: I found this Heller Vixen file at an Estate sale this morning.
-Don
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: d42jeep on November 08, 2018, 06:27:58 AM: I finally located the hiding place of my Nicholson body file and took a picture.
-Don
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: papadan on November 08, 2018, 03:36:02 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: oldgoaly on November 08, 2018, 06:21:47 PM: 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!
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: p_toad on December 21, 2018, 12:05:45 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Body File?
Post by: papadan on December 21, 2018, 05:06:24 PM: 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.