I recently signed up for an evening autobody class at a local vo-tech school that's held once a week for 4 hours. There's about 12 students in the class and we're all working on our own vehicles. For $400 you have access to pretty much any autobody tools you need, sandpaper, filler, primer, instruction on proper methods, plus use of the shop which includes two large priming booths and one drive-in paint booth. We've only had two nights of class so far but I'm loving it!
Last night was the second night of class and I've started work on the front fenders for my 1955 3200. I started with the easier of the two fenders (doesn't need any metal work) just so I can get one fender primed and ready and feel like I've accomplished something. Both fenders are in reasonably good shape and are decently solid.
Fenders 1 Fenders 2 Last night I sanded the entire outside of the passenger fender and was able to prep the surface for body filler, which I'll start on next week. The instructor sprayed the fender with primer (rattle can) just to protect the bare metal while it sits for the week.
Start Finish 1 Finish 2 Someone did quite the coat of filler on the front of the fender years ago, but it seems to be solid and isn't hiding any major metal work. It's been recommended that I leave the existing filler, do a skim coat, sand, and prime, so that's what I'll be doing.
I've never really had the chance to do body work before and I'm loving it! It's actually nice and relaxing for me to do... zone out, and get lost in the work. As the course goes on I'll bring in the doors and hopefully the cab to work on as well. I'll keep this updated with new pictures as I take them.
