Body work tools

[sixbanger]

I'm looking for information on good body work tools. Whats everyone using. Sanders also grinders and cutters.
THX
RT

[scootermcrad]

What type of body work are you doing, exactly? Floor pan and rust repair? Modifications (fenders, and what not)? Scratch-built panels? Fiberglass? Dent mending?

I'll type generally and somewhat ideally, since it's sort of a broad question.

If you're going to do body mods like fender flairs, patch panels, and what not, you'll need a decent welder and suggested good quality wire/fill rod suitable for working on sheet metal. I prefer TIG welding for sheet metal, but MIG welding will be ok with some practice. Expect you will probably use a little more filler with MIG welding sheet metal, due to heat warpage under even the most controlled situations.

For hammers, you get what you pay for. If you're going to do a fair amount of body work, do yourself a favor and buy yourself one of Martin Tools sets of hammers. They have a 3-hammer set that is reasonably priced and comes with a few nice selections of dollys and a spoon.

For grinders/sanders, you will want a 4-1/2 or 5 inch right angle grinder which you can use a thin cut-off wheel on, as well as a broad range of grinding wheels. I personally like the DeWalts with the paddle trigger. I keep a second grinder around for my abrasive discs (36-220) as well as for flap discs and stripping discs. You can also get Scotchbrite type "blending discs" for these as well, but I like to use the pneumatic right-angle type with a "roloc" type attachment/backing pad since you'll go through abrasives like crazy in most panel repair/replacement jobs.

For manually taking down welds I like to keep an assortment of flat and curved files around as well. Adjustable files can prove helpful in certain situations as well.

For panel replacement where spot welds are present, sometimes it's helpful to have a spot weld drilling tool/bit. Not always needed, but can be helpful.

There's so much more to tell! I'll start with that. We could go into panel shaping, filler work, shrinking discs, and the HUGE topic of abrasive types as well. Just tell us more about what's on your mind and what you're thinking you may be doing.

Places to look for these tools are:
Eastwood Company - Eastwood - Auto Body Repair Tools | MIG Welder | TIG Welder | Plasma Cutter | Auto Body Supplies & Accessories
TP Tools - TP Tools & Equipment
Aircraft Spruce - Pilot Supplies and Aircraft Parts from Aircraft Spruce

Many others...

Sorry you asked??

[Kemo]

thanks for posting scooter, thats alot of information!

[Bob Kontak]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xha4xY-dMrQ

Also, the angle grinders are great but drop a little coin into a nicer grade die grinder for the thin 3"cut off wheels. Man, those are fantastic for so many things.

Also, DA sander / air sanding board. 80 grit is your friend on the front end.

If no dents (aka - no bondo) - use Jasco paint stripper and a single edged razor (in a little holder) to strip paint. You can buy this at Lowes or Home Depot. You can strip a car in a day or two with a pal. Cool thing about later Porsches is that if you don't rape the the galvanized coating with 60/80 grit, you can leave the skin "nekked" for a while without oxidation issues.

I like the idea of doing one panel at a time if a DIY noob (like me). As you are not a pro and beer may enter the equation, you will be slow as f#ck. It's ok. Strip, seal with correct primer(s) THEN bondo and work it with adding your primer/filler. Gives you a sense of closure.

Also allows time for bondo and primer to shrink - and it will. You want it to be done shrinking when you do the final block sanding before color. This may take weeks or more. Don't be afraid to wait a bit. Do the skanky panels first.

The paint and body work forum is worthwhile to research.

[sixbanger]

Well I want to paint my 356. I've painted two cars with the help of a friend who is no longer with us. I've had all the metal work don't and it looks great except for the paint. I've been calling it my ratrod. I've also been profiled in it by the small town police in the area. With things getting worse in this country I feel now is the time to paint it. I want to hone my skills for my 69 911E that needs some attention.The 356 is so small that I just can't justify the costs that these body shops charge.

[sixbanger]

I for got about the paint and body forum. Did you say something about BEER? FRIENDS?
That's the plan. I want to buy a good sander. By the way my cars are both early cars so rust is the problem.
How ever I want to learn to use the tools like you stated. I see others do and I don't see why I cant. I haven't had much work and have this time on my hands and want to get these done so if I need to SELL them to live on if then thats what I have to do.

[Bob Kontak]

Skill comes with time. Just get into it and you will get better "honed" pretty fast at the expense of time. If you are not in a hurry. you are golden.

[Bob Kontak]

You got some money there if you take your time. If you try both cars at once then you may get into a bog as the task is large. Another reason for the one panel at a time.

[doswald]

The autobodystore forums are an excellend source of information for all types of body work.

Autobodystore Forums

dho