Ladies and Gents

[Young Gun]

Ok...so after being quoted what I think is a crazy amount of money for body work, I have decided to do the body work myself. Now before anybody tells me...yes I know, you get what you pay for, and I know that I would have perfect body work done, but I cant afford to pay between 15-20k for parts and labor...Regardless I have secretly wanted to do all the body work myself, but now I have a good reason to learn. The questions I need answered are listed below. Any help yall can give me would be enourmously appreciated.

1. What is the best type of welder to use, MIG? TIG?
2. I have heard not to use a stick welder on sheet metal, but how do I replace my quarters and floor pans?
3. I need to replace my quarter, inner wheelhouse, install minitubs, patch the trunk pan, and replace the drivers side floor pan, am I in over my head?

Thanks everybody!

Colin
-Young Gun-

[deuce_454]

mig weldwe is number one for body work... granted there are some who can do it using a tig, or oxy-acetylene torch.. but a good mig welder will do most everything... but yoy need to learn it like every trade, so get a buddy to get you started... if no mecanically inclined people will help, read first, then practice... then start welding

[Happyfunballs]

Can I at least recommend that you have somebody install the quarter and inner wheelhouse. The rest of it is somewhat hidden.

[gmjj13]

so long as you have basic mechanical skills, you should be able to do your own work. The MIG is my choice for welding sheetmetal. you can use the MIG for everything, floorpans, quarters...etc.

[z4me69]

you can do it yourself the key is take you're time fit everything twice before welding .then take you're time getting it straight . it takes alot of time even for the pros and materials are expensive thats why they charge soooo much. alot of people complain about how much a paint job costs that is the ones that have never done one themselves. it takes alot of time and can de frusturating but verry rewarding when done

[KreativeBodyWerks]

I'm wondering why that shop is charging you so much for what you want done.

[dhutton]

I did most of that work myself for the first time on my 69 Firebird. There is a lot of good information over on camaros.net in the body work forum and also in the technical section. Make sure you have a good sized shop where you can work.

Don

[dharrod]

A mig is the right place for the weekender.
Get a good welding helmet – one that transitions with light (the less experience you have the more important this is). An experienced welder will tack things in after triple checking fit (mentioned already), then weld the right continuous beads without causing warping (beginners either do choppy starts due to lack of confidence or try to pick of to much and warp the metal – a cost risk). It’s a catch 22 as you have to be patient yet can not be afraid lay a weld.

[sunkistcamaro]

I'll give you my 2 cents.
#1 Mig welder, I have a descent Lincoln 110 volt.
#2 If your going to put on quarters I would buy full ones. They may require a little more work on removal but if your not experienced cheaters can be tough. To much heat and your doomed to coats or filler. Use sheet metal screws to hold assembly in place if you cant get your hands on Cleco clips. http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1220&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainC at=516&iSubCat=521&iProductID=1220
#3 try a full mock up before you weld.
#4 Buy good seam sealer.

[novanutcase]

Don't forget these:



They are invaluable if you don't have clecos!

John

[BA.]

excellent tips

Young Gun, have you been to www.eastwood.com? Great place for a wide selection of supplies.
I'm not in the trade though, so someone else might have a better idea.