Newbie needs body work advice please

[dutch]

first thing you have to do is go down to bare metal on the inside and outside. Post up lots of pics of what you find

[wally426ci]

Thanks Dutch, I have a spare set of fenders that are in good shape so I can get them cleaned up and painted by the shop. Then I could just concentrate on the quarters. When you say "replace the outer wheel wells" should I just start cutting the flair out and try and get to the lip if it is still there? I really would like to try and tackle this myself, just don't want to get in over my head.   Matt

PERFECT!

Ok, repaint the fenders. Practice shaping the quarters by expirementing with the fenders you have on the car!!

[Matt70]

Sounds like a plan guys, thanks for the help! I'll post pics when I get started. Great idea to use the fenders for practice. Matt

[Matt70]

Well the LF fender is stripped to bare metal, it is in near perfect shape just a few small dings here and there. I started on the RF this morning and this is what I found, I knew this one would need some work but wow that was a lot of filler!

[Cooter]

I can't understand why people get so hung up about filler being in large areas...Look at any of the Chip Foose cars he does...Hell, the whole damn car gets mudded and blocked...THAT'S alot of filler...If all of that was say 1/2" deep and had a huge rust hole behind it, then I'd say that fender was hurt bad and needs attention, but it looks like it was "Skimmed" in order to get it "right" [IE Straight]...I only get scared when I see Filler I have to chizel out with a hammer and a screwdriver it's so deep...A Skimming of filler, psst, I wouldn't worry bout that much...

[Matt70]

I see what your saying, I was just surprised it was about a 1/4 inch thick. It does not even look like they tried to pound out the dents, just filled it in. I'll be the first to say I don't know body work

[rhamson]

It looks as though the lip of the outer wheel well has been flattened and turned out to help form the support for the flare.  If I were you and were trying this for the first time I would get a new outer wheel well and cut the lip from it to attach to the existing outer wheel well.  Then I would cut the lip from the quarters you already have and weld them on as well.  This would save a lot of time and effort.  Try to make the cuts on the wheel lip on the crease line so as to hide the weld as much as possible.  As far as matching the paint?  I think that is pretty hopeless unless you have some paint guru who can shoot it for you and put his money where his mouth is.

I would only do this if there is no rust around the quarter and wheel well area.

[Topcat]

I see what your saying, I was just surprised it was about a 1/4 inch thick. It does not even look like they tried to pound out the dents, just filled it in. I'll be the first to say I don't know body work

You say you want to do your own bodywork. Goal is to keep filler to the thickness of a nickel or less. (if possible)

I didn't know much about bodywork less than 2 years ago.
While I would never claim to be an expert, I stayed determined to learn and figure it out. Think I've done pretty good so far. Highs and lows are almost all gone now. Once I feel its the best I can get it to;  I'll take it in for final blocking and paint in a booth. Probably the best choice for yourself also.

What I'm gettting at: If I could learn it, you can too or anyone can. Bodywork isn't some kind of Voodoo magic. Seems alot of people get intimidated by it assuming they'll screw it up.

Can be a dirty job but someone's gotta do it. So just go do it!

My resources were here, some other car forums, Autobody101.com, YouTube, and a couple of friends with better experience than I.

Do you have most of the necessities?
Compressor
air tools
Sanding stuff
Body hammers
dollies
Paint spray guns
There's alot probably I haven't listed.

[Matt70]

Thanks for the advice Topcat. I learn more everyday. Heck the worst I could do is mess it up so bad I have to buy a new one. I do have some tools (need a lot more). I have access to spray guns, paint booth and mig welder. Going to buy a compressor soon. I'll post how it goes

[Topcat]

Thanks for the advice Topcat. I learn more everyday. Heck the worst I could do is mess it up so bad I have to buy a new one. I do have some tools (need a lot more). I have access to spray guns, paint booth and mig welder. Going to buy a compressor soon. I'll post how it goes

As far as compressor choice, it's been discussed here many times before. Do a search and you'll find a ton of info.

Bodywork can at times be a challenge. My personal challenges before were body panel alignment and chasing the bodyline.

Degree of challenges vary of course from car to car. Just take your time and if you feel your not getting it the way you like, take a break and re investigate more. Eventually you'll get it.

One thing I forgot to mention earlier to get is an electric body stud gun puller. Those are really helpful.

[Matt70]

Thanks Topcat, will do. I have that fender stripped down. The body line that comes off the wheel well and runs along the bottom rear of the fender is pretty much gone. Would you put in a patch or try and build it up with filler? Also there are no hole for the "Challenger" emblem on the side of the fender, at some point were these held on with adhesive? Have a great X mas.  Matt

[steveca]

There's alot probably I haven't listed.

Mike - you missed 3:
Time (lots of that)
Patience (even more)
Persistence (don't give up)

[Topcat]

Thanks Topcat, will do.

I have that fender stripped down. The body line that comes off the wheel well and runs along the bottom rear of the fender is pretty much gone.

Would you put in a patch or try and build it up with filler?

That depends. Remember try to keep the filler less than a nickel in thickness. Thats a call only you can decide on. How long is the area?

Is the rest of the fender in good condition?

[Matt70]

It's about 8" section. I'm thinking filler. You can see the section in the pic I posted of the left side of the fender. It's the bottom body line on the lower LH side of the fender. The rest of the fender is pretty beat up (IMO). One rust hole where the headlights attach. I'll post more pics later.

[Matt70]

Here is what I'm working with