I just picked up a 1965 Chevelle for $300. You can take a look at some photos here PHOTOS (http://ourphotos.org/chevelle/index.html)

I'm really not sure where to start. Some of the body is in really good shape and the whole car is very straight. However, the trunk is totally rusted out (see photos). As well as much of the rear panels have a lot of rust on them.

Is there a book that describes the basics of how to fix all this rust, or is it best off left to a pro? I want to do the work myself, but not sure where to start.

Thanks
1965 Chevelle (http://ourphotos.org/chevelle/index.html)

What would this car be worth if it was cherry? It looks like the best way would to do a frame off restoration and the cost of that would be $10,000 to $20,000.
1. Give the shell to your body man and buy all body parts from Year one.
2.Take out your drive train and suspension.
3.Sand blast frame
4.Rebuild engine,trans,rear end,suspension and brakes.
5.Under coat shell and Put car back together.
6. Paint car
7. Take care of all interior issues
8. Drive
This is what I am doing to a 67 and I am currently at #5.
Good luck in your ventures.

Before you spend any $$$, you probably should find out whether the frame is badly rusted too. That would be a structural problem that might even need a different frame. Looks like lots of work/$$$ in this project.

My $0.02

looks like a good find for your neck of the woods. local votech or community college have a body shop program you can take or volunteer your car for. also a welding class wouldn't hurt. Car is worth saving but will be lots of work.

also doa search for MartinSr's basics on every subject in the body shop area, couldn't have got my car finished without his help.

BTW... welcome and good luck. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Great advice everyone, thanks! This car is just going to be for fun, but I don't want it to fall apart around me though. I definately won't be doing a full restoration.

I'm looking to get the body so it looks okay, and a fresh coat of paint. I'll either paint it myself so I'll learn a thing or two, or just bring it to Maco for $399. Then new engine and tranny, and some interior fixing.

But checking the frame will be my first priority.