Body Work (replacing sheet metal)

bmwillia

bmwillia

Senior Member
There are a couple of sections on my 33 that need to be cut out and replaced. My grandpa had bought most of the sheet metal he just had not got around to welding it all back in. (Rockers, bottom of doors)

I am new to all of this and some people are telling me to take my time, learn how to do the work and do it my self.

Others are telling me to find a body man to take it to which is easier said than done.

I am just curious about what y'all do for body work like this. Do you do it yourself, or take it to somebody else to do?

Thanks guys!
 
I do all my own work. I learned the hard way for sure but replacing sheet metal is tedious and rewarding. I use a mig welder and spot weld first then fill in. It takes patience but it's worth it.
 
Finding a truly conscientious sheet metal "artist" can be a real challenge, but the right person will have the experience that you likely will not have the years to spare to acquire.
 
Probably the best way to go would be to ask around to your fellow car buddies to see if they, or any of their friends, are experienced bodymen; you'd be surprised to learn how many guys/gals out there are capable bodymen, just motivating them to do the work can be the problem. Find someone with the experience and have them walk you through the process because it is not easy, lots of tricks to the trade. You'll probably have to pay them somthing for their time but I guarantee it will be less than you would pay a shop to do it and you'll still get the satisfaction of working on it yourself!
 
Thanks guys!

I have been asking around and there are a couple of guys that might be able to help me.

I wouldn't mind doing the work but since I have never done it before, I am not sure I want to start on the old ford.

If anybody else wants to chime in I am interested in hearing your opinions.
 
COME on GUYS,

Here's a newbie who wants to learn how to save a fat fendered car. If I was in La. I'd be there in a heartbeat to help this guy out. I got lucky "saving" my 36 because a retired body man from 5 miles away did most of my body work and taught me how to do it.
 
It is always nice to say I did it when someone asks you about it even if it isn't concourse de elegance show quality. ( You can't learn any younger I have always told my kids ) Go for it , is an experience. just my 2 cents.
Gary.
 
If like me, mine is a life time project, no real hurry and no money to give to a body shop who will have it for months, then ask for more money. I had a friend with a wire feed welder fit and weld all my rusted out panels, he enjoys doing it! I bartered some A\C work so the job was super cheap. I finished the rest of the body work and paint myself, it's not perfect, it's a driver, but I did it myself for free!
 
Thanks guys!

I like doing things myself if I can. My father in law is a machinist. Maybe I'll just get a little MIG welder and have him show me the ropes. :)

I'll let you guys know how it goes.

BTW.. I really enjoy hanging out at the barn! :)
 
Find local one day car shows, Saturday night cruise-In's or local car club meetings and talk to the guys with cars similar to yours. Ask who did the body, how many patches were installed, etc. Don't bother with the Mustang and Camero guys, they are in a different world. Most guys have a picture library of their project. Ask if they would weld in the panels for you. My bet is you will find someone will to help. My opinion is you don't want to buy a welder and learn on old car sheet metal panels. I realize that Hot Rodders are scorned on this site, but they do posses car building skills.
 
desotoguy said:
Find local one day car shows, Saturday night cruise-In's or local car club meetings and talk to the guys with cars similar to yours. Ask who did the body, how many patches were installed, etc. Don't bother with the Mustang and Camero guys, they are in a different world. Most guys have a picture library of their project. Ask if they would weld in the panels for you. My bet is you will find someone will to help. My opinion is you don't want to buy a welder and learn on old car sheet metal panels. I realize that Hot Rodders are scorned on this site, but they do posses car building skills.
Click to expand...

Not scorned but their value system is questioned.
 
It take time to master body repair,. if you are going to give it a try.
Google a lot and check out how other have done it.
Then start on something newer.
 
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On the FB Model A forum there is a guy that posts using the name Flop. He is a talented metal man and posts a lot of in progress pictures of his work for others to learn from. You might want to check out some of his stuff.
 
Here is a couple photo's showing the replacement of the door bottoms on a model A. Zeke
 

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Nice work Zeke. In my early career I was an insurance adjuster, doing mostly physical damage claims on cars. I spent many hours in body shops all around the state, watching the old guys and asking a million questions. I read a few books, then tackled it myself. A lot of fun and very rewarding. Also, there are many trade schools around where you can sign up for a course in auto body work.
 
Very nice Zeke! Thanks for sharing the pics.

I have a couple of leads on some body men around here. If I can get their help maybe I can pick up some pointers.

I think I am going to try to get one of them to do the work and try to learn from them as my first option and my 2nd option will be to do a lot of research and practice and then attempt to do it myself.

Thank you all for your input!
 
I always try to do everything myself. As mentioned earlier there is a lot of satisfaction in it. When I did my pickup 25 years ago I had no idea what to do. Took my time and it still looks great today. FYI, there are some great videos on You Tube about do it yourself body work. Always figured if someone else could do it, I could too. Good Luck!
 
IMO your 33 coupe is not the place to learn how to weld in patch panels. Thats some valuable tin your working with. Have someone who really knows what they are doing tackle it, watch, learn and ask questions then practice on something else.

Rob
 
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