corvette body work

[RobM]

just bought a 71 vette and I want to do an exterior restoration just have a few questions,
I have been doing body work professionally for many years I have done several high end Porsche builds so I know what it takes to do a top quality restoration but i was wondering if there was any thing special about the substrate on a 71 vette, I have heard things about SMC being used in c3's.... was is used in this year? can I use normal body filler to skim the panels? what kind of primer should i use? Can i use a normal high build poly primer? I have heard of people using gel coat to hold down the body work? the car has no damage other than stress cracks and its wavy i want it perfect straight and black...

I can do this with a normal car i just don't know what materials to use on an old vette i have never done a corvette... I don't want the car to look good in the shop and then turn into a mess once is gets hot in the sun.

need some PROFFESIONAL opinions

[RobM]

no one out there has done a vette?

[HOTRODSHOP]

use a body filler like Evercoat Z-Grip and either G-2 or Slicksand poly primer,, but after primer let it dry for a week or so,,preferably outside and in the sun, this should get you a great base to start with.

[lvrpool32]

Give Stan from 2nd Generation Restorations a call.....one of the best vette body men I know.

http://www.2ndgenrestorations.com/roadraceinspiredvettes.html

Nick

[L & H Kustoms]

I just finished a 62 vette I highly recommend using UPOL reface polyester primer. I use USC elite filler and some honey

[ProdigyCustoms]

The only way we will do them is to suse the best stuff. Too much heat swell and shrinkage issues with Vettes. On the seams we use SEM Carbo Fill which is a Carbon Fiber reinforced filler you buy by the pint! But it won't skrink! We use SEM No Swell on heavy skim work. No Swell is like Carbo Fill without the reinforcing Carbon Fiber. And then Extreme Rage for thin panel skim. Next is Standox Polyester Spray Filler then 2 K primers of your choice. We are at $3500 right here for fillers and primers and ready for color, UGH! But we have ZERO shrinkage, no heat swell of seems and repairs. But ouch does it hurt the wallet.

[RobM]

yeah its looking like im going to need to spend some money i want every thing to stay put

[RobM]

how well does that sem body filler sand?