Ok, I've been working on my 67 Camino for the past four years, the past two it's been in two different body shops. $2000 later i have a completely dissasembled El Camino with a skim coat of bondo on the firewall and the window channels cut out. I just brought it back home fed up with the S$%T luck i've been going through (no to mention i don't have the cash to put it into another shop).

The car needs:
*a new quarter panel,
*new window channels,
*minor rust removal behind front wheel openings
*large dent removed from tailgate
*maybe new floor panels
*general smoothing out

I have access to a MIG welder, Sandblaster, paint gun, metal working hammers and dollies and a 70x32 foot shop (empty). My question is this, with limited welding and body work experience could i tackle this myself, or do will i be over my head? I'll be painting the car Hugger Orange (I have the paint and primer). I'm sick of waiting on others to push me off but i don't want to destroy the car either. Any suggestions? I'm desperate!

Well I am starting a 12 week class in a local technical school. The class is basic body work and paint. Ask me again in 12 weeks!

You may want to consider doing the same.


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Redrum (or Mike)
68 Corvette - 383 CI 427 HP
69 SS Chevelle being updated to Pro-Touring
97 Z-28

Since you have access to a shop, you could do something that my dad has always done with his projects. Snoop around at the dealership body shops and try to find someone who is willing to work afternoons and weekends for extra cash.

You'd be amazed at just how good some of these guys are. They just don't have the money to risk opening their own body shops.

I prefer to do it myself, but I'm not looking for show quality results. Just a slightly decent looking daily driver that doesn't have "steal me" written across the windshield.

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My Web Page (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 1-9-02)

"America will endure!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #04556
'68 El Camino

Find a local autobody class at acommunity college or high school.

CJ Landry's idea sounds like its worth investigating. Maybe somebody would be interested in some part-time income w/o the hassle of a schedule and paperwork and forms and such. Dealers probably don't want to deal with old cars, so its not like the guy would be taking work from his boss. Good luck.

My $0.02

Well coming from a guy that had NO welding experience, nor any bodyworking experience, I have successfully replaced the inner and outer wheelhouses, both rear quarters, trunk pan, floor pans, as well as the rear window filler panel. It wasn't as hard as it seems (though ALOT of work) I would say that you have the resources, tools, and the necessity to do it yourself, why not give it a shot? Get some test metal, and play around with welding and finishing off, and I think you will be very satisfied with the results you can achieve! And honestly I think that if you do it yourself, you will get results of a 20k restoration because it's your car and you will take pride in your work!! Good Luck whatever way you do it!!!!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

I was able to do all the body work on my Camino without any problems when I was 22. The key is patience. That is one thing you will need to learn before attempting something like this. If you have a short temper and get frustrated easily, then leave it to the pro's. Otherwise, there are some good books to read about painting and this site is awesome for technical resources.The key to any paint job is the preparation. If it ain't prepped right, its gonna look bad. Also, block the car until you are so sick of it your gonna puke, then spray on a another coat and block it for the last time.

I say Go for it!!