Body File?

cody6268 · 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?

oldgoaly · July 21, 2018, 10:37:42 PM

Here is a Fairmont catalog/flyer not sure of the year or where it came from?

t115145 · July 23, 2018, 05:41:36 PM

Used for shaping leaded repairs to damage.

slip knot · July 23, 2018, 10:09:55 PM

I bet there aren't many left who know how to use a body file.

p_toad · 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.

Bill Houghton · 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?

slip knot · 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.

lptools · 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

JoeCB · 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

d42jeep · 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

lptools · October 17, 2018, 02:54:24 PM

Nice !!! I like the turnbuckle style adjuster!! Regards, Lou

oldgoaly · 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.

lptools · 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

d42jeep · October 17, 2018, 05:12:08 PM

It seems like most manufacturers used Heller "Vixen" files in their holder.
-Don

oldgoaly · 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

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Body File?