Bodywork

[katsi]

I was wondering if anyone here does their own bodywork. The reason I ask is that I intend to royally F-UP my Spider all by myself with as little professional intervention as possible - I, I Know - bad idea but anyway, that's my plan. (After reading Tappy's post, it may not be such a bad one afterall ). Anyway, I was going to purchase a set of hammers and dollys but, I really don't know what I'm looking for. I've seen some sets on ebay for about 35 bucks and others for more than the cost of a new sheetmetal part. SO, any advice on where or what to buy? I don't have a lot of dents jus some miner dings and bends here and there and I intend on using a considerable amount of bondo !!!

[seabeelt]

Two schools of thought here. First is you get what you pay for in the way of "good " tools; the other is that (myself included) have a variety of tools some from "reputable" companies like craftsman and others and some from places like Harbor Freight. I would call tools a presonal choice. As far as the hammers and dollies go, I purchased an inexpensive set from Eastwood and they have been fine. I would however reccomend the additional video and book on metal bumbping as it talks about dents and the stresses on the metal and how to work them out to minimize the bondo. Here do not skimp, get down to bare metal, prep, bondo and prime (with lots of sanding at all stages ) to get a good smooth finish before you paint. Otherwise you will see every little inperfection and wish you had not started (i/m very fussy so it takes me a while)

I say as l;ong as your willing to live with the results .. Have at it and have fun

[katsi]

I was thinking about the eastwood set as well. Thanks for the advice.

[racydave]

My body job only took 3 plus years, the first two doin re-model and drywall work for my bodyman! I was privledged enough to watch and learn from a pro! http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwwfiatspidercom/ Id be glad to offer any advice I did work my ass off, and did most of the welding, grinding and striping...

[majicwrench]

I say go for it, as that is exactly what I am doing. I have a hodge-podge of body tools most of which I have no idea how to use, but I am slowly figuring it out. Once upon a time I spent gosh knows how many hundreds of hour making a 67 Firebird convertable smooooooth and the results were impressive, but I have no intention of doing that kind of job on the Fiat, my time it seems much more valuable now than when I was 18. Do heed the advice above, and when using bondo, get right down to clean metal first. Lots of good written material out there on the subject. And wear a respirator of some sort when sanding or keep the water going.
Keith