should i take on the body-work for my project??

[kendl77]

so i bought a 84 cutlass supreme hard top,been years since i sold my 83 but a guy was selling one on craigslist for 700 bucks and it looked pretty descent for a starter.so i bought it. i have owned two previously when i was younger and paid "professionals" to do the body work and paint,both times they came out sub-par,partly because i was young and rushed them to get it done because i wanted my car back, aaand partly because i was young and funds were limited so. cant expect much when you're only paying 500 bucks for a paint job lol. im older now got a little bit more change in my piggy bank and i have a garage with moderate space so i was thinking about doing atleast the body work myself, i've done small stuff before like filling in small dings , wet sanding , and priming just want to be sure im not getting in over my head.. and this is something that im doing as more of a hobby like i said got the car for 700 dollars, this isn't a time sensitive project at all just something to do on those nights..like these lol so.. if you could give me your thoughts id greatly appreciate it.

 

[rodneypierce]

I decided to tackle my own body work on my 81 Malibu that I just bought. Ive never done body work before in my life, but figured there is no better time to learn! Like you, there is no rush on my project. I have cut out and replaced the drivers side floor pan, and two rust holes in the roof from the landau top. Filled the body seams where the roof/c pillar meet with duraglass and finished it off with evercoat polyester glazing putty. Did the same for the roof after I finished cutting out the rust, and welding in new 18 gauge mild steel.

Currently working on block sanding the car, and filling any small dings/dents with the evercoat, then high build primer and blocking smooth. I think the key to success for us "newb's" is not rushing it. Dont get in a hurry and spend as much time on it as it takes. I have been working on the roof and drivers side of my car for a week now. But only for a few hours each day. Im not worried or in a hurry. Want to take the time and do it right the first time around, so I dont create more work for myself later on.

Just my .02

 

[kendl77]

I decided to tackle my own body work on my 81 Malibu that I just bought. Ive never done body work before in my life, but figured there is no better time to learn! Like you, there is no rush on my project. I have cut out and replaced the drivers side floor pan, and two rust holes in the roof from the landau top. Filled the body seams where the roof/c pillar meet with duraglass and finished it off with evercoat polyester glazing putty. Did the same for the roof after I finished cutting out the rust, and welding in new 18 gauge mild steel.

Currently working on block sanding the car, and filling any small dings/dents with the evercoat, then high build primer and blocking smooth. I think the key to success for us "newb's" is not rushing it. Dont get in a hurry and spend as much time on it as it takes. I have been working on the roof and drivers side of my car for a week now. But only for a few hours each day. Im not worried or in a hurry. Want to take the time and do it right the first time around, so I dont create more work for myself later on.

Just my .02

I was thinking the same thing, cant hurt to try everyone had to start somewhere, i haven't really done much to it it's sitting in my garage i think im going to strip the car to bare metal it looks like its had a few coats on it, if im not mistaking after 3 paint jobs its time to strip the body to bare metal. i'm getting tools for the job. ordered an air compressor and a few attachments, thing i learned is if you have the right tools for the job its makes it a lot easier. thanks a lot good luck on the malibu wouldn't mind seeing some pics of the progress