Lead in paint?

[PaulS]

I was about to start scraping and sanding the grime, dirt, rust, and old paint off my frame when my wife suggested there may be lead in it, and I shouldn't be working on it like that...

So, is there lead in the paint that's on the old frame?  And if so, how do I deal with it safely?

Thanks,

-Paul

[F Bill]

Chances are there is not. I have a friend who sandblasts old cars for a living. He has had his sand pile tested for lead after blasting many, many trucks to be restored, and he has no lead.

I think the lead is more in old house paint....than in the paint that was used on the jeeps. There are lead test kits available at home centers to test it yourself if it is a concern.

That doesn't mean you should ignore safety measures. Use  appropriate face mask, eye protection, etc.

[PaulS]

The paint passed the cheap lead test that I was able to get at Home Hardware.  (The paint guy at Home Depot had no idea what I was talking about.)  I tested the black paint on the frame that looked original, from two spots that still had good paint. I also tested some yellow paint that was flaking badly from springs and axles.  (Why on earth would someone paint the undercarriage yellow?)

Now I can start cleaning... And I will still use a face shield and respirator.

[athawk11]

Funny, my wife had similar concerns when I was stripping down my Willys.  I didn't bother to test it, but tried to wear a mask while messing with the paint. 

I know we are all going to die from something, but it's good to know it won't be from inhaling paint chips from a Willys.

Tim