Should I do it myself? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

krue · 05-15-2003, 01:15 AM

Should I try to learn and do my own body work or should I pay someone to do it? My truck is going to be a semi-daily driver and I have more time than money. But I have never tried anything like this before.

72 CustomCamper · 05-15-2003, 01:26 AM

I say go for it. It always helps to learn new things...

Chuck

'72 Shorty · 05-15-2003, 01:30 AM

Go for it, I learned to do bodywork by trail and error, and a lot of time.

GreenMystChevy · 05-15-2003, 01:35 AM

You could try doing it in stages, or panels. You could sand down the body panels that are relatively straight and need little "special" attention and then have a buddy, or a shop if a buddy can't be found, do some smoothing and welding work on the panels that need more attention.
Then do as much as you can to the rest of it. It might be worth the time and money to look for someone who paints and then rent out a paint booth and pay them a few bucks to spray it for ya.

I think I am going to try some of these ideas that I just threw out there because I am a little short on cash too, who isn't. Good luck.

buckola · 05-15-2003, 07:17 AM

I tried doing my own body work on my old Jeep YJ ( winter beater)
I also painted it in my garage. It was a 20 step paint job...it looks good from 20 steps away. The Jeep was an easy first project due to its lack of contours. After the hard winter up here it is showing signs of my inexperiance. A few rust spots and paint blisters showing up. The main thing is to get rid of all and i mean all the rust. Bondo will not keep it at bay. And of course sand until you can't sand anymore and then sand some more. Over all I enjoyed the experiance and will attempt it again.

Remember there is nothing you can't fix if you screw it up the first time

Goog luck

steve

Roberty · 05-15-2003, 08:13 AM

You could always find a local community college with a vocational program that teaches auto-body. A couple of semesters there (most have evening classes) will teach you the basics if you don't have anybody who can teach you the basics. After you get started you'll pick up the rest.
Robert

bobs409 · 05-15-2003, 08:20 AM

When you have more time than money, it's the only way to do it!

Been living that way all my life.

I needed one of my cars painted but couldn't afford to have it done....bought a sprayer and since then, probably painted about 11 vehicles.

Needed some patch panels welded in on my truck but couldn't find anyone to do the work...so, I bought a cheap wire feed welder and did it myself!

Im self taught on just about everything I do. As long as you have a strong enough interest, you'll get the hang of it. But remember, no/little interest will result in poor quality work.

Spend as much time as needed and do the best body work you possibly can before you paint because paint will only hide it for so long before it "pops" back out. Do it correctly, and there should be no problems.

Don't expect miracles right off the bat either. All aspects of body work is learned by doing. Reading books helps but hands on is the real teacher.

Have I scared you away yet?

griesel72 · 05-15-2003, 08:40 AM

If you really look at it, you can buy new panels from ece or goodmark new and primed for about the same cost as you would pay a body shop to fix, prime and wet sand you old ones. So if you really screw up, buy a new replacement.

good luck

david

wnc mountain · 05-15-2003, 08:56 AM

If you have the time I'm sure you can learn it. Best advice is to buy another truck or car to practice on, you can find a truck for 500 bucks or less to practice on. A relatively small investment for the money you will save in the long run.

Lyon · 05-15-2003, 03:11 PM

If you have the time do it yourself. It will save you a whole bunch of money and you'll get some satisfaction knowing you did it. Besides, who knows... you might really enjoy it!

landon4421 · 05-15-2003, 03:19 PM

Quote:

You could always find a local community college with a vocational program that teaches auto-body.

This is what I am doing. I should start next semester. I need to get my girl's 71 ready for paint. I will probally have someone else paint it. Body work is the fun part.

krue · 05-15-2003, 09:25 PM

Well it looks like I need to fire up a welder and see if I remember how to weld!

Thanks for the input!

Class of 69 · 05-15-2003, 09:53 PM

I guess the bottom line is, krue,...if your not happy with it when your done, you can do it again, or then pay some one!! Myself, I've tried body work, and I just don't have the patience for the pickiness of sanding filler to make it look right. I have to pay some one to do it, but then, if I'm not happy...they redo it, not me!! Have fun, tho, and be sure to post progress pics!!

**Palf70Step** · 05-15-2003, 10:06 PM

Yeah Krue...Fire that dude up. You and I can see what we can burn holes in together. Then we can patch up the mess we made.

*racedvl* · 05-15-2003, 10:15 PM

I would try and find a junk fender or 2, and pratice on them. Then once you get the hang of it, take your new found talent to your truck.

cruzn72 · 05-16-2003, 12:44 PM

I agree with Roberty. See if a local Community College has a body work class. Even if you had to take a few classes, it should be cheaper than paying someone else. I have had 3 different shops work on my truck in the past and I got bad work from all 3. My friend and I have a new motto, "we are no worse than the next guy." So unless you are going to do the show only thing, try to do it yourself.

View Poll Results: Should I learn and do my own body work?
Do it yourself.	34	91.89%
Pay someone else.	3	8.11%
Voters: 37. You may not vote on this poll

05-15-2003, 01:15 AM	#1
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Should I do it myself? Should I try to learn and do my own body work or should I pay someone to do it? My truck is going to be a semi-daily driver and I have more time than money. But I have never tried anything like this before. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

05-15-2003, 01:26 AM	#2
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	I say go for it. It always helps to learn new things... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

05-15-2003, 01:30 AM	#3
'72 Shorty I finally got an avatar Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cheney, WA Posts: 180	Go for it, I learned to do bodywork by trail and error, and a lot of time. __________________ -72 C-10 short step (straight line only) 12.922/102.28 -69 C-20 on Propane (DD) -69 C-10 -56 Mack B-753LS (tow rig) -94 Chev K2500 Short Ex-Cab -89 Isuzu Trooper...Kinda -03 Kawasaki KFX-400 -05 Suzuki DRZ-400S

05-15-2003, 01:35 AM	#4
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	You could try doing it in stages, or panels. You could sand down the body panels that are relatively straight and need little "special" attention and then have a buddy, or a shop if a buddy can't be found, do some smoothing and welding work on the panels that need more attention. Then do as much as you can to the rest of it. It might be worth the time and money to look for someone who paints and then rent out a paint booth and pay them a few bucks to spray it for ya. I think I am going to try some of these ideas that I just threw out there because I am a little short on cash too, who isn't. Good luck. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

05-15-2003, 07:17 AM	#5
buckola 1 Wrench / 10 Knuckles Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Burlington Ontario Posts: 179	I tried doing my own body work on my old Jeep YJ ( winter beater) I also painted it in my garage. It was a 20 step paint job...it looks good from 20 steps away. The Jeep was an easy first project due to its lack of contours. After the hard winter up here it is showing signs of my inexperiance. A few rust spots and paint blisters showing up. The main thing is to get rid of all and i mean all the rust. Bondo will not keep it at bay. And of course sand until you can't sand anymore and then sand some more. Over all I enjoyed the experiance and will attempt it again. Remember there is nothing you can't fix if you screw it up the first time Goog luck steve __________________ 1970 GMC Custom Vortec Heads, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Crane 272 Energizer, Hedman Full Length HTC Headers 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8. 1/4 mile 13.3 1973 Z1 900 Kawasaki ( all original)

05-15-2003, 08:13 AM	#6
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	You could always find a local community college with a vocational program that teaches auto-body. A couple of semesters there (most have evening classes) will teach you the basics if you don't have anybody who can teach you the basics. After you get started you'll pick up the rest. Robert __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored

05-15-2003, 08:20 AM	#7
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	When you have more time than money, it's the only way to do it! Been living that way all my life. I needed one of my cars painted but couldn't afford to have it done....bought a sprayer and since then, probably painted about 11 vehicles. Needed some patch panels welded in on my truck but couldn't find anyone to do the work...so, I bought a cheap wire feed welder and did it myself! Im self taught on just about everything I do. As long as you have a strong enough interest, you'll get the hang of it. But remember, no/little interest will result in poor quality work. Spend as much time as needed and do the best body work you possibly can before you paint because paint will only hide it for so long before it "pops" back out. Do it correctly, and there should be no problems. Don't expect miracles right off the bat either. All aspects of body work is learned by doing. Reading books helps but hands on is the real teacher. Have I scared you away yet? __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

05-15-2003, 08:40 AM	#8
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	If you really look at it, you can buy new panels from ece or goodmark new and primed for about the same cost as you would pay a body shop to fix, prime and wet sand you old ones. So if you really screw up, buy a new replacement. good luck david __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

05-15-2003, 08:56 AM	#9
wnc mountain More hobbies than money! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Raleigh, nc, usa Posts: 655	If you have the time I'm sure you can learn it. Best advice is to buy another truck or car to practice on, you can find a truck for 500 bucks or less to practice on. A relatively small investment for the money you will save in the long run. __________________ '70 cst10/swb 350, 3 on the tree, factory buckets. '70 GMC lwb 350/350 ps,pb '72 c-10 lwb 350/350 a/c, ps, pb '72 Blazer project

05-15-2003, 03:11 PM	#10
Lyon Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Palmdale, CA, USA Posts: 86	If you have the time do it yourself. It will save you a whole bunch of money and you'll get some satisfaction knowing you did it. Besides, who knows... you might really enjoy it! __________________ 1968 C-20 Crewcab

05-15-2003, 09:25 PM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Well it looks like I need to fire up a welder and see if I remember how to weld! Thanks for the input! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

05-15-2003, 09:53 PM	#13
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	I guess the bottom line is, krue,...if your not happy with it when your done, you can do it again, or then pay some one!! Myself, I've tried body work, and I just don't have the patience for the pickiness of sanding filler to make it look right. I have to pay some one to do it, but then, if I'm not happy...they redo it, not me!! Have fun, tho, and be sure to post progress pics!! __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

05-15-2003, 10:06 PM	#14
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,754	Yeah Krue...Fire that dude up. You and I can see what we can burn holes in together. Then we can patch up the mess we made. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

05-15-2003, 10:15 PM	#15
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	I would try and find a junk fender or 2, and pratice on them. Then once you get the hang of it, take your new found talent to your truck.



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05-16-2003, 12:44 PM	#16
cruzn72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 99	I agree with Roberty. See if a local Community College has a body work class. Even if you had to take a few classes, it should be cheaper than paying someone else. I have had 3 different shops work on my truck in the past and I got bad work from all 3. My friend and I have a new motto, "we are no worse than the next guy." So unless you are going to do the show only thing, try to do it yourself. __________________ http://photos.yahoo.com/cruzn72@pacbell.net

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