Author Topic: body repair diy (Read 2657 times)

ryhan_pea · « **on:** September 08, 2008, 04:58:45 PM »

hi, i am looking to repair the rust on my bis. i would like to ask whats involved in this repair? stueys car is a real inspiration and i am after a similar looking body. i know its a lot of effort but i wanna have a go at it as its my first car. is it a costly process and what equipment would i need?

thanks

stuey · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2008, 05:17:49 PM »

grinder to cut out the rusty bits

dremmel to cut out small rusty bits and prep metal for-

welder to weld up all the holes

metal to weld in

filler for final finishing (dont bridge hole with it as it just cracks out again)

sanding formers (will post pics of what i used) these make sanding easier and more consistant

filler applicators (get the metal ones as they work better)

da sander to sand down old paint for priming

comperssor/spray facilities to paint it

tons of sand paper/ panel wipe/tack rags/scotch brite/ masking paper and tape

no life

theres problee more but thats most of what i used

(oh and a shed load of elbow grease!!!)

ryhan_pea · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2008, 05:29:47 PM »

thanks for your reply. it does look like very hard work but one of the previous owners had the bonnet and roof panel filled and sprayed from what i can see. the paint is crap too and a shade out which is really annoying. with the initial costs of the equipment is it a worthwhile job?
i know yours looks immense stuey, but i dunno if it would be worth me taking it to a body shop, they'd just have to do the same as me.

fightingtorque · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2008, 12:37:37 AM »

Stuey has neglected to point out that he used to restore cars professionally.

How about tackling a small area first that doesn't need welding, just using basic repair techniques with filler and spray cans to get a feel for how time consuming it is, how good you are with the filling and sanding, what sort of result you get and whether you fancy going for the whole thing.

The compressor / spray gun and the welder will set you back at least a ton each so there is some investment and I doubt the first project will be perfect but if you have some time and energy then doing up your own cars is a good way to spend it.

stuey · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2008, 03:03:48 AM »

Quote from: "fightingtorque"

Stuey has neglected to point out that he used to restore cars professionally.

careful I'm not that good at it..... :wink:

However, its good to practice on something small - theres a nice little body guide in this months practical classics which may help you start if you have any questions Im happy to help.

dajwid · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2008, 03:35:32 PM »

Remember that only 3 months ago stuey picked up his car.

Not a bad, a little welding filling and a bit of paint.

Well done

:eek:

ryhan_pea · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2008, 05:19:22 PM »

haha stuey is pretty good then! liking the brick for a bonnet lock.

well i already have a compressor and spray guns. i've got an arc welder but being a site welder i think it will be too harsh for the thinner panels.

will this compressor do?

so i guess i could start with the dent in my bonnet?? or is that too obvious a place for my first repair?

phreak97 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2008, 05:43:08 PM »

just jump in and try it like i did.. mine turned out CRAP, but i learned alot from it.. number one thing i learned, was do it properly, covering up rust lasts only months, and dont be a cheapass when it comes to the paint.
if i'd just followed those two things it would have been perfect.

if you cut corners it will show.