Who wants to teach me body work?

stealthn · 12-07-2005, 08:27 PM

I've got a pushed in front valance, and I'd like to hammer it out straight again. I've seen some bodywork being done, but never done any myself.

Can anyone provide the bodywork for dummies summation for me? I'll pick up a set of tools for myself if I know I can massage the valance back into shape without loosing an eye

Thanks in advance

fhernand · 12-07-2005, 09:04 PM

Sure, bring it to my shop I will give you a lesson.

Willem Fick · 12-07-2005, 10:52 PM

Bob,

Good to see that you are taking up the challenge of doing bodywork yourself! Post some pictures please, and I'll try my best to give you advise!

Cheers!

Willem

rnln · 12-07-2005, 11:32 PM

Home made body work...
lesson 1: get ready to get dirty like this

2: knock everything out, bondo if needed, to have it smooth at least as this

This is an example of... not smooth enough yet

3: willing to spend time, love to do it. Be tidy to make it from this

to this

this

and finally to this

then sand buff it:

rnln · 12-07-2005, 11:34 PM

When bondo, use fiberglass bondo for more durability

Before:

After:

Take your time, enjoy, and Good luck

mschuep · 12-07-2005, 11:40 PM

rnln, junior member my ass! Quite the restoration, nice job, great color.

-Matt

ken_xman · 12-08-2005, 02:33 AM

http://www.autobody101.com/forums/

Its all in here!! Enjoy!

sballard · 12-08-2005, 05:56 AM

XMAN-

Are the videos for sale at Autobody 101 worth the money?

_________________

72 911T

ken_xman · 12-08-2005, 06:04 AM

I have not personally seen the videos, but have heard they are very good. If you are totally new to the process, I would get them. There are too many factors that can screw things up if you dont know what you are doing. Some of which are not apparent right away.

herman maire · 12-08-2005, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken_xman
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/

Its all in here!! Enjoy!

Thanks for the link.
The information on that site is freaking incredible.
I will be registering asap.

RoninLB · 12-08-2005, 09:45 AM

maybe your town Public Library can make "vocational" tapes available.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Many Vo-tech type schools have inexpensive adult classes after work hours. Very worth it.

fuelie600 · 12-08-2005, 10:09 AM

Bob,

Try http://www.autobodystore.com/

There is a classroom like at the top of the page with some helpfull links. They also host a BBS http://autobodystore.com/forum/index.php Lots of great guys (pros) on there that will answer questions and give recommendations. They also have a supply store once you are ready to get started.

I spent a great deal of time on there when I restored my 1953 MG.

Good luck, Evan

Harlan Chinn · Harlan Chinn's Garage

Go to a few restoration type body shops inyour area and talk to the owners to see if you can spend some time learning about the craft with one of their staff. If it's just your valance, they might spend the time to show you how to work the metal so that you don't end up over working it. Better skilled body people use less filler. It's all in the preparation before the part ever sees paint. Good luck.

stealthn · 12-08-2005, 05:14 PM

Thanks guys, wow I just want to fix the valance, not build a Cobra from scratch

I was hoping for "put the dolly behind the bend and hammer lightly on the front", boom I'm your uncle.

I'll check out the links and the library is a good choice. I can always pick up a used valance for dirt if I screw up...

Joeaksa · 12-08-2005, 11:44 PM

Agree with Rick and a community college or the like may be the way to go. Bodywork is in many ways an art.

Doing the first part is not difficult but once you get to the final finishing and painting I have found that a really good bodyman does not even look at the panel. They slide their hands over the panels and feel how it looks and go from there. Thats where the experience comes in.

I would love to learn how to lead panels, like the old masters did things. Thats even more of an art. Sure it does add some weight to the car but done right its really nice and lasts forever.

Joe A

rnln · 12-09-2005, 12:33 AM

mschuep
I am new to P. And yes, I am not a junior but a baby in this area. I play with car all my life since suspension, wheel, body kit. Up to this stuff but this restoring was my first major, with the help of several friends. It fun when each throw in a idea you know :lol: while you are all messed up and dirty :lol:

stealthn,
fixing a valance, you still need to bang bang, bondo, pre and paint.
I did several bumpers/valances before I restore that car. The processes are the same.

ken_xman · 12-09-2005, 03:20 AM

RUF'ed Porsche Pics

You can do it. Just read alot before you start. I tought myself.