Mike 944

Can someone point me towards some books that teach how to do bodywork?
I need something beginner...that leads up to more complicated stuff. Preferably something that teachs welding as well?
Any ideas?
Please let me know
Thanks
1984 944

User 462021

The Haynes manual has a bodywork book.

Tabor

The 4 books I have on the subject are:

Welder's Handbook By Richard Finch ISBN 1-55788-264-9

Metal Fabricator's Handbook By Ron & Sue Fournier ISBN 0-89586-870-9

How To Repair & Restore Bodywork By David H. Jacobs Jr. ISBN 0-87938-514-6

Haynes Techbook: Automotive Body Repair & Painting Manual ISBN 1-85010-479-4

I think I actually have another painting book somewhere, but I can't seem to find it right now.

ast2000

You might try the local Junior College. They usually have body and paint classes, as sell as welding.

sm

Tabor:

Could you give me some ideas on what would be the best way to fix the following rust areas on my car?
Fender Rust

So far, I've heard the following:

Cut the rusted area and weld on a new piece from another fender.

Buy whole new fenders and repaint.

Buy used fenders in good condition and repaint.

What do you think of these ideas or would you recommend something else? I'm on a limited budget, so something that will last and is economical will be the best. I realize the car will never be a Concours winner, so the job doesn't have to be perfect - just strong and durable.

Thanks and teach me!

sm

Tabor

sm,

I have the books, but I have never even held a welder in my hand, let alone used one. I plan to, but things keep getting in my way. Hopefully I will take a class on it soon.

In my humble and uninformed opinion, I vote for installing a new quarter panel, but that's just me. They are spendy ~$700 (I have had one replaced before after a parking lot misshap).

sm

Thanks...

Has anyone purchased from this company?

GT Racing Products

They make fiberglass and carbon fiber body parts for our cars. The prices for the fiberglass parts seem cheaper then their steel counterparts.

Any thoughts on the pros/cons of fiberglass?

Thanks again,

sm

Hans

Welding pressed sheet metal (like body parts) is a skill that requires talent and a lot of practice.
You need to know what the heat does with the stress in the panel.
Taking courses will give faster results and it might be advisable to talk a lot to an experienced (may be retired) panel beater to learn how to "look" at the material while welding.
Will be less forgiving in small colisions and color will change more easily in a short time.
Dont like it myself, but am more or less biased.
Your rusty fenders look nasty.
Temporary solution (some years) would be patching the spot with a GRP repair kit.
Complete new fender would be the route to go.
Take care

IceShark

To follow up on Hans' comments, there is no way on earth you will be able to weld in a new section on thin sheet metal without so much practice that you will wish you never heard of welding. Or plan on taking up a job as a welder. And I know how to weld.

Soldering in lead would probably be a much better route if you are not going to go another way.