Body Work (replacing sheet metal)

Like most have said, it's a great feeling to do things yourself.....

Years ago I enrolled in two evening classes thru our local BOCES program, one on gas /mig welding and the other was auto body shop. These were very hands on and the instructors allowed you to bring items to work on...and you can ask a lot of questions......

Bought an inexpensive mig welder .... I picked up a fender and door from from a local collision shop to pracice on.....

Its a great hobby....DIY,

Jim
 
'35Coup said:
Find someone with the experience and have them walk you through the process because it is not easy, lots of tricks to the trade.
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x2 but make sure you don't just sit there and watch, Get in there and get your hands dirty. It takes experience to be good at anything, and talent will make it easier. Go for it, and good luck to you.
 
bmwillia said:
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! :)
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Please be careful if you hire or even just have someone giving you a hand, they should have experience with welding sheet metal as it is a whole other ball game from heavy welding or machining work.
 
I think it was redneck that used the modern system of gluing a patch panel on his crestliner. From the pics he posted it look fine. You might check with the local bodyshop or supplier about this. Do you have any schools or colleges near that have shop classes that you could enroll in (night class if daytime isn't an optiopn).
 
Sheetmetal is no joke and can go to hell in a hand-basket in a matter of seconds.(oil cans high spots shrinking stretching) Its really all depends on you and what kind of work you want on your car.. Do you get mad when you go to strip your car and find an inch of plastic? Thats usually what happens when a learning experience gets out of hand . yeah its fun to learn, but a 33 ford doesnt seem to be the place in my opinion . Even with new age glues etc you are still going to have to over lap which is going to mean your still going to have to build up atleast 3/16th on an inch of plastic to cover the lap .

need any tips etc shoot me a pm
 
I learned how to weld while working at a muffler shop in the early 80's....your local high school may have an auto shop and the instructor may teach welding as a part of your community ed program usually one evening per week...i took an autobody class at a local junior colllege...although i do not repair wrecks i can weld the small stuff with my hobart mig...just takes practice and how much time you have...anything can be done with practice....give it a try Brad....gump
 
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