You have come a long way with this one---it is really coming along nicely---I really respect that you are doing this all on your own without having done much of it before---great job man. I am looking forward to your future posts of even more progress. Sounds like you've got a great wife also---keep moving forward with it!

Doug

Chris , the car is looking great ! It sucks to to get the screws put to you on work that you pay to have done , I call it a bought lesson ! Just think of all the newly acquired skills that you'll have when you finish this car ! Good luck and keep the progress pics up .

I had ZERO experience with body work or metal replacement. Thanks to the forums, I was able to follow other peoples builds and ask millions of questions. It's funny thinking back on it. It took me 2 weeks before I got up enough nerve to make my first weld on the trunk pan. This, obviously, was due to nerves and lack of experience.

I just hope it holds together good and doesn't fall apart! :lol:

Thanks. Yeah, my wife is extremely supportive. She's pushing me to hurry up so she can ride in it, but we have a 3 year old son, and I feel guilty when I spend too much time in the shop and not with him. I usually wait for him to go to bed and then slip out to the shop for a couple of hours.

I figure it will be finished by the time he graduates high school! :rofl:

Don't feel bad. I have a 5 year old and I go through the same thing. In the house with him or in the garage without? I usually end up inside with him.
Which makes us both happy.

Unless there is something he can help with like grabbing me tools. Even if they are the wrong ones.:lol:

Awesome man, you are giving me courage hahahaha. My buddy just gave me a welding lesson the other night, now I feel like I can take on the world hahaha.

What is some advice you can give a newcomer?

Just have patience and think your way through it. Always think two or three steps ahead of what you're doing and don't worry about screwing up because you WILL. Remember, a cut off tool, grinder, hammer, dolly, and welding machine can fix anything on the car so don't be scared about screwing something up.

Also, do your homework on the reproduction panels. Some fit better than others. Certain panels (no matter which brand) have certain issues that will need to be addressed. It's better to know these things before you weld them on. Finally, just fit the panels until they can't fit any better and then weld them up. It's really not as bad as it looks. It just takes time and patience...oh and money! Good Luck.

Awesome man, I have been telling my wife I need to get a cut off wheel. My car was actually hit on the left quarter panel and the floor is tweaked. I think my first step is going to be getting my car on a frame machine to make sure it is straight. Then I need to replace the floor, and do some rocker work. I am trying to keep mine drivable. I am pretty sure my left frame rail is going to need some straightening and rust repair as well. Keep the updates coming. I may have to ask you questions from time to time.
Ryan

Just to be sure -- not ONE cut off saw... SEVERAL! You'll use them in various situations - so you need straight - 90* - a body saw is helpful too... and LOTS of blades for it... two or three different grinders help too... so all in all - about a dozen should just about get 'er done!!

Merry Xmas. I buy new ones for my wife every year... She doesn't use them much so she let's my borrow 'em.


:rofl: :rofl:

Thanks for clearing that up Greg! You're absolutely right.

I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 4-1/2" electric grinder, a die grinder, and a 1/4" angle grinder before I started my build. I have about $40 including tax in all three tools. My 1/4" angle grinder started making some pretty nasty sounds yesterday, so I guess it's time to trash it. Not a bad investment for $15...it built most of my car before biting the dust. I really want to see it fly apart before I throw it away! It sounds REAAAALY nasty.

I do suggest a good compressor before starting all this. I had a smaller horizontal 5hp compressor, but it couldn't keep up with the air tools. I ended up buying a 2-stage 5hp 80 gallon compressor from Sears and haven't looked back.