Self taught body and paint

[philo_beddoe]

Whats the best way for self taught basic body work and how to paint correctly? Any particular books or manuals, ez step by step? I have seen some classics where the owner has done the work himself, and has come out beautiful. I thought about the infamous $50 paint job, but i need quality durable paint that will last.

[SomeTexan]

In my eyes, the days of show quality paint done at home are over. The epa and their idiotic rules ruined that. Now the paints that will last and look good require advanced paint booths that control temp and humidity throughout the curing process.

[philo_beddoe]

Right now i'm more concerned with the little bit of cancer above rear wheel wells, and a couple other small spots. I'll worry about the paint later. I actually dont want that "mirror finish" dont want a show finish, i'd be too nervous of dings and scratches, bird mess, hail, etc.

[SomeTexan]

Honestly, metal work isn't that hard, it just takes time to learn it. I learned a lot on my own, and a little in an autobody class in school. If you have the time, a class at a local college or tech school would help a lot, but practice on scrap metal works too. Some basic body tools, scrap metal and giving it a go will teach you a lot. I don't know what books to recommend because I never used any.

[1967KaiserM715]

to be honest, as much as you read, nothing helps as much as just doing it.

so, with that in mind, if you can get to the backside of the panel(pretty sure you can with the rear wheel wells) welding would give a pretty clean, and longer lasting repair. for those spots where you can't see the backside, use filler.

notes with filler- never just goop it on, try to use the minimal amount, and if the hole is large, use some sort of filler panel. let it dry, sand. The instructions on the can should pretty much cover any other prep and use.

when painting, metal surface(not air temp) should be close to or above 60 degree Fahrenheit, again, follow instructions from the manufacture. you would need at least a 60 gallon compressor(or one rated for the spray gun of choice), a layer of primer, followed by some color, then a clear*

*single stage doesn't require a clear, and some mistakes can be buffed out without loss of color/coatings

Surface prep for anything is pretty much key, clean everything, and try to keep it clean. Don't forget to mask off the surrounding area when painting. I always mask the windows, weather I am near them or not, same for light assembly.

Do you have a Garage? or will most/all of it be done outside?

[philo_beddoe]

Outside, perfect weather days only. I'll look to take a class locally, that should cut out tons of trial and error. Thanks for the help.

[FlatBlack77]

in this day and age you can learn ALOT from youtube videos. there are tons of well made welding education videos. you can get alot of information and tips from them.

buuuut as 1967Kaiser said, nothing helps as much as doing it. so dive into some practice with a welder and cutting tools. then sanding and filling and so on.

it can be quite enjoyable

[philo_beddoe]

Yes sir, i plan on delving into a little of that this summer, see how it goes.