I have a 69z that is currently apart. I have been looking for a reasonable shop for body work once it is reassembled and just haven't been successful and have read enough horror stories on this site to make me think otherwise.
What I have read on this site about shops has all been helpful and mostly true
in ref to restoration work.
I am looking for words of encouragement/discouragement/comments. The car needs some patch work done on the quarters. I've never welded but have done body work and paint a while back before hvlp. The welding aspect is something i'm concerned about trying. I'm trying to decide whether to take on trying to accomplish everything on my own.
I guess I'm looking to all you guys for advice .........

Thanks

Mike

Mike,

Go for it. I decided at day 1 that I was going to try to do all of my own work. That was quite a feat since at that time I could barely change my own oil. Since then I have learned to weld, welded on patch panels on both quarters, done alot of bodywork, and have shot the car in primer using HVLP. I took a welding and machining class at the local community college that gave me some great insight. I think the best info that you will get is from the people right here in this site, the are very knowledgable and very helpful. Read as much as you can and dont be afraid to screw things up. It will happen, but if you are armed with a little bit of knowledge, you can minimize mistakes.

Good Luck

Bob

http://www.valleydentalsupply.com/bobf/thenandnow.jpg
Here is a picture of the car when I got it 5 years ago vs now.

Nothing will ever take the place and feeling of accomplishment that doing it yourself will provide. Getting past the initial fears is the hardest part. You will screw up, no question. SO WHAT? Just do it over.
One other thing: You will save a ton of money by doing it yourself.

I need to hear comments like this. I'm a chicken when I look at the body. Yes, this site is great with the info and people that are available.

bob-

your convert looks great!!!!!

Self-confidence goes a long way in trying to accomplish something like that when you are inexperienced at it. Just get yourself psyched up, by telling yourself that you can do it. If you have any kind of mechincal skills at all, then you DO have the confidence and understanding you need to accomplish your goals. It`s not rocket science, so go for it!

and hey, if Jeremy can do it anyone can... :p j/k...


Self-confidence goes a long way in trying to accomplish something like that when you are inexperienced at it. Just get yourself psyched up, by telling yourself that you can do it. If you have any kind of mechincal skills at all, then you DO have the confidence and understanding you need to accomplish your goals. It`s not rocket science, so go for it!

Buck is wise upon his years. Listen to what he says. If I can do it, anyone can

Go for it. Take your time, and remember it is a hobby, so try not to get frustrated. If you mess up, just come and ask how to fix it. This worse that can happen is you'll have to pay to get a difficult task fixed after you mess it up.

Also, if you lack the confidence to do an individual task, just take it to a shop a get that one thing done, then keep going. First, I'd ask around, someone here may live close by and swing by and offer a hand (or two). Offer them a beer (after they finish) and all is well.

Hope this inspires you. I love watching someone enjoy a car they built. The main thing is ask lots of questions.

Enjoy!!

Thanks guys!!
the welding aspect has me a little intimidated. I intend to keep looking for help, i'm hoping to find someone. Many by me are not interested in "piece work". I was hoping to find a guy with welding skills that would be interested in helping. I originally had hoped to have it assembled and painted by fall but have since threw that out the window, especially if I do it.
I really like being able to come to this site and ask!

Find a local car show or cruise night and go check it out and ask around for someone that may can give you a helping hand

Hey 69vert, how did you get pictures posted? I thought the site was not able to do it, what's your secret?

Just to add my own two cents, I worked as a mechanic by trade to get me through college. Now I'm not great by any means, I'm quite sure that alot of the guys here on this message board are more talented and knowledgable than I am, especially considering that I am 23. It's all about not being afraid to get your hands dirty. It's not like mistakes don't happen in a shop. Besides, if you are slow and take your time, I'm sure that any person can do a better job than any auto or body shop. A big difference is that it's your car, so that little things that might not matter to some mechanic who works on 10 cars a day you can tune to how you like. I started out when I was 16. I knew nothing about cars, I had an 85 buick century, and my carb had to be rebuilt. my father bought me a rebuild kit and was like here, put it together. No mechanic knows how to do every single job he tackles. It's just nuts and bolts when you really think about it.


By the way, I did a horrendous job rebuilding that carb and we eventually had it rebuilt cuz the float kept getting stuck for some reason :thumbsup: but hey, not bad for 16.

I posted the pictures on my website and linked to them.

Bob

Guys,

Here is a link of before and what i've done so far ....

http://community.webshots.com/album/237738012jVlTIX