am I crazy?

[jackfrost]

I'm thinking about getting the body of my 442 (Cutlass) media blasted, then hanging new quarters and painting it myself, all in my garage. I've never done body work or paint work before, but I have nearly unlimited time, and it doesn't need to be a 100-point car. just something nice. the way I figure it, if I screw it up, I can just wet sand and try again.

am I nuts?

[hotrodf1]

I'm thinking about getting the body of my 442 (Cutlass) media blasted, then hanging new quarters and painting it myself, all in my garage. I've never done body work or paint work before, but I have nearly unlimited time, and it doesn't need to be a 100-point car. just something nice. the way I figure it, if I screw it up, I can just wet sand and try again.

am I nuts?

\

Depending on what equipment you already have or are willing to buy - but the answer is no. Not at all. I have painted both of my rides and they turned out well. Fashion a plastic paint booth in the garage with some fans sucking out for ventilation (Use only in last coat or two of clear, otherwise you are asking for lot of dust.)

Starting from scratch there will be a big learning curve. I would start with a good book to get the basics down, then try your hand at a old fender or hood from a junkyard to see what you can do before you take the plunge and blast that body.
If the paint is not bad on the current body, you can scuff, do bodywork, and shoot over the paint. If it's peeling, then you'd better start over.

You'll need lots of different tools, but if you are willing and able it most certainly can be done.

[jackfrost]

well, my dad was a chemist for BASF, so I have several guns (siphon-style), respirators, DA's, a compressor, and a low-buck MIG welder. I might have to upgrade the MIG.

I was planning on practicing painting on the old hood.

the body has a good amount of rust on it (underneath), and at least one complete mediochre repaint, flaking around the edges and quite a few chips. the blasting is mostly to get rid of the rust, but I figure its the time to take all the layers of paint off as well.

[TonyL]

Both painted in our dirty, bug infested, wide open, non climate controlled and poorly lit garage. No booth. Traditional Compressor, minimal skills.

the truck took multiple trial and error type, "sand and start over" tries to get right. But persistence pays off big time.

[Bow Tie 67]

The 67 was my first restoration, first for everything. Quarters, door skin, full rocker, ect...., a few small patches, rebuilt / blueprinted engine, paint base / clear, buffing, everything but engine machine work. I had no experience and bought tools as I needed them. It took 5 1/2 years. The 95 is my second paint and bodywork and the 69 will be my third. As long as you have the time go for it. You will most likely do a better job than you can afford to have done. With enough time you can make it right.

Both were done in a two car garage............ my neighbors love me.

[rubadub]

Just go for it, it will be a learning experience. Theres a wealth of information out there on body work. Just look on different forums in the body shop sections, then search out any questions, but I would do some research first, it will save you a lot of headaches and materials.

Heres some I check on every day.

chevelle
camaro
hot rodders bulletin board
tri five
py online forum

Rob

[manicmechanic]

I fashioned a booth as mentioned above, and came out with this gem! YOU CAN DO IT!







No not reallly, here is the finale result. Look for a book called Projet Charger by larry Lyles on steps to painting the car.

[newbaa]

I fashioned a booth as mentioned above, and came out with this gem! YOU CAN DO IT!







No not reallly, here is the finale result. Look for a book called Projet Charger by larry Lyles on steps to painting the car.

oh you have no idea how bad you scared me with that picture! lol. i hadn't scrolled down far enough to see the red one.

to the OP, if it's possible see if a local community college has some autobody classes you could take that might help out. or if not, just take your time and ask lots of questions and you should be able to do it!

[manicmechanic]

if it's possible see if a local community college has some autobody classes you could take that might help out.

I forgot about this part, I took some fo these classes at our local VO-Tech. Night time classes, once a week for 10 weeks, 6-10 pm. You supplied all the materials, they supplied the tools, air and instructor to help you along. Your cars needs to be running as you drive it in and out each week. This is a great way to learn the basics and get started to a point you can work at home.

[jackfrost]

cool... thanks for the replies. I have lots of patience and persistence.

I guess I'm most worried about welding on new panels, and fixing rust.