First off hello, this site is awesome.

Second..I have a 70 Chevelle and I am in process of somewhat restoring it(have no idea what I am doing). Which in lies the problem. The car is in bad shape. RUST RUST RUST.

I am going to attempt to do one section at a time. The rear window section is horribly cancered out. I don't have the money to get someone to weld in new sheet metal. My wife won't let me through money at it. So what would be a good idea to repair it.

I bought a air sander and Paint Gun from Wal-Mart, will these work on painting a car or do I need a special gun?

Please understand I have no idea what I am doing.

Originally posted by motocrosschump:


Please understand I have no idea what I am doing. Then you need to read, read, read and read some more before you even begin. You will end up either making waaaaay more work for yourself or spending waaaaay more time and money on the car then you want to. Read up, better to take your time and do the repair or mod right then to go in blind and do it over and over and over again. Better to have the basics covered then come back here with questions as you progress.

Heres a place to start you off (other than here, of course where you will find the search feature very useful....take advantage) :D -

http://autobodystore.com/

And further into this page -

http://autobodystore.com/basics.htm

I am still reading myself, been doing so for a while now but not up to par enough to comment on the gun and equipment you bought already and how well it will work for you. I have book experience, still working toward the real world stuff.

Good luck! graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/beers.gif

Is there a junior college or something like that in your area? In my area we have a college that will teach from the basics to advanced auto body. Good luck.

I took a 1/2 term adult vo-tech course for basic body repair at our local high school, something like $100 to help cover materials. Invaluable exercise, and the instructor answered all the questions I had. Well worth the investment.

Quick rule of thumb, even a beginner can do a show-quality job with the right tools and the right info. Just takes a LONG TIME! Read read read, then when your sick, read one more time. THEN take a wack at it SLOW AND CAREFUL. Often as not you'll do a good job. Next time, it'll be lots QUICKER and just as good. before too long your knocking em out left and right. So break it down to small projects. Weld this piece, sand this part, clean this section, and do the research, ask the questions, and do each one right the first time. those little bit projects add up into larger ones, then into whole cars in the end.

Good luck, the whole site is rooting for ya! And WHEN (not IF) you screw up, its ok. Happens to the best, just learn from them and move on.

Then, just when you think your finished...youll find half a dozen other little things that need done, that didnt look so important before

I can only agree with what was stated above. I bought a 69 chevelle 2 years ago thinking it would be a good project. My best advice to you is to read and read alot. I was 16 when i started this project and i self taught myself basically everything with the guidance of many people here on TC and friends. Just take your time ask lots of questions if you get stuck and READ! The people on these forums are great and willing to help and there is alot of good info using the search function. If i can learn to weld and piece body parts together (entire trunk, wheelwells, dropoffs, rear seat pan, electrical, engine) i know you can to.

http://www.chevelles.net/tristate/members/tom_baygents_images/DSC_0073.JPG

http://www.chevelles.net/tristate/members/tom_baygents_images/wholerear.JPG

http://www.chevelles.net/tristate/members/tom_baygents_images/DSC_1033.JPG