How to remove all lead to allow welding?

Okay, not ALL lead... just where I need to weld. On the C pillar I have trim holes that were originally for a pentastar emblem. We arent putting that back. I want to weld those holes shut. How do I remove the lead in that area to do that? Last time I tried, I used a torch, melted it off, wire brushed it, and lightly sanded it with 60 grit on a die grinder. That didnt get it all, and the popping and sputtering of molten metal had me doing the slag dance. So, how do I remove the remnants without harming the panel?