Hi everyone. Well I just got my first 66 elky and the chassis and engine are very solid.However, the body looks like an ocean when you look at it.Not big rolls, but a bunch of little ones. There is no rust in the body and the main lines look pretty straight, but who ever did the paint before ( I don't think) did a very good prep job.I am sure alot of you guy's have seen and no what I am talking about. Is this something that a good body man can fix or am I down for the count on having to buy practically a new body.I really like the car and it is very solid, but I don't want to have to spend the lottery to have a straight body. I would appreciate all the help I can get.Thanks for the help in advance.

Its hard to say what can be done and what cant without seeing the car. You mentioned that the car had been repainted sometime ago right?...if the person doing the repaint sanded the car by hand or used a da sander on its edge, it will leave those ripples in the paint. Proper prep before you paint is the biggest factor in a paint job. If one step is done wrong then the final job shows it.

If your car is rust free and needs no panels replaced like quarters and stuff like that, repainting a car or just even getting it ready for paint is not that hard to do. There are many guys on this site that are not body man and have great looking cars that they did in the garage, so it is not that hard to do. Time and patience is the best key to a good looking car.

It sounds like you have a great car to start out on and would be a easy fix. There are alot worse cars out there being made into show cars. I would kill to have a car like yours to start out on, mine the only original piece of metal is the roof and firewall everything else is new or used.

If you do decide to repaint your car yourself this is a great place to learn how. There are many knowledge people there that will help you out and provide great info, all you have to do is ask the right questions and read the other posts made by others. Goodluck with your car...Eric

Pat you bring up a good point. Go to any cruz/show and look at the cars. You'll see what I call freindly cars ,always waving at you.
If infact you body panels are sound.as SEVT
Chevelle said IT can be done by those willing to spend the time and effort.

Look in the arcives for insight on what steps to take.

Wayne