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Guys, I was wondering if anybody knew if they put lead in the 50's automotive paint. I know they used lead as body filler but I have heard conflicting info about lead in the paint itself. I've got a couple of young kids at home and am wondering if I should be sanding this thing in the garage.

Thanks

Most cars in the fifties were painted with a nitrocellulose lacquer, and did not contain lead as most house paints did. However, it would be prudent to always wear a respirator when spraying and a charcoal filtered dust mask when sanding. If you are working in your garage, I would seal off the door to the house in order to prevent the particulate from contaminating the indoor environment, especially if you want your wife to allow you back in the house again at some point.

Nevertheless, I would recommend that you alway err on the side of caution and consider any particulate to be potentially harmful, taking any and all precautions to avoid introducing it into the respiratory system of any living creature, especially children, the elderly, and pets. Carefully consider any and all with COPD and asthma.

If you put a canary in your garage, you will discover quickly the potentially harmful properties of certain particulate matter.

My name is Joey, I have asthma, and I approve this message.

Thanks Joey, I take all the precautions necessary when sanding, but was worried about the possibility of lead in the paint. Thanks again.