I've just completed the frame and driveline of a 72 frame off restoration.  Now I'm looking at the body.  Do I work it myself or find someone to do it.  I've never done any body or painting, but pretty handy.  So here is my question?

You can always start the job yourself and if you find that it becomes to much locate a pro to do it...if you opt out to have a shop do it, make sure that they know vettes...it is worth the search, doing fiberglass is alot different than steel,  to get the waves out and get it straight. It sounds like your vette is pretty straight and in good condition so you will just block sand it (prep for paint) Body work and priming can be done almost any where. but the final review, prep and paint should be done by a pro though, with a down draft booth and the other equipment they have available, this way you will get the finish you want.

Yes, it's a lot of work to do properly.  But if you get a book on fiberglass repair/prep you can get a good start.  Just don't get too agressive, and I don't recommend using power sanders if you are not used to them.  You could cause a lot of damage with one.

Anybody can learn body work.  We all were new to it at one time.  I think the most common rookie mistake is to use too small a block, so you get waves.  When you think it is straight, put on a guide coat and sand with 180 grit on a 17" long board.  Then do it again, and it will be pretty good.

Painting technique is not rocket science, and the new base/clear urethane paint systems are easier than the old paints.  Practice in the primer, and paint color on your riding mower or something similar to see how it lays out.

The worst case is you have to pay someone to do it over, and you learned a lot.

Have fun
Larry

Dave,

I started sanding mine the other day...  Going to take a while, but the results should pay off.

  Check with your local library. They will  have books that can give you information on all that stuff. When you have absorbed all that information, it will help you to find the books that suits what you intend to do. You won't have to spend a lot of money to get the right information. I use the local libraries alot. That kind of reff information is good for all of us AND it's your tax dollars at work. So use it. 78SEvette2008-12-04 12:17:24

Whatever you do, speak with your automotive paint supply house folks and get the manufacturer's specifications before you select your brand of paint because I did not know but the manufacturer I used required very tight time frames between applications of base, any striping and clear coats whereas other quality manufacturer's don't specify the tight time frames.