Hi Marc,
I've got my '40 GMC stripped down right now as well. Do you have any connections, people you know who like to do sheetmetal work? What I'm doing is having a guy from where I work do all my fender repairs/body work. He is a perfectionist and doesn't charge an arm and a leg. No overhead costs for his home shop, I guess. So I get my work done for about $25-30/hr. That's the kind of person you need to hook up with. My painter also works with me, again a guy who has his own paint booth at home. I figure I'm saving at least 1/2 the cost of sending out to a local shop.
If you can find a good sandblaster locally and bring him the whole job at one time, rather than a piece here, a piece there, that will save you some money as well. You're wise to do all your disassembly yourself.
Can't wait to see the finished product. Post some pics and keep us posted. Most of all, have fun!
