The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop My first time panel finishing...

I finally have all sheet metal rust free, new panels welded on and rattle can sprayed with "wet sandable" primer. I was concidering taking it to the body shop to repair some dents, rust pits...etc. Now I'm concidering doing it myself. Since I never did this before I'm not sure where to start or how to start. I figured I'll start on my fender first cause it has the least amount of dings, dents, rust pits. Any suggestions on how to proceed? You may have to explain it to me like I'm a 12 year old.


Thanks alot,

Hi Ron,

Here are a few things to start with. First you will find lots of information here in the archives. For instance Eric just posted this excellent thread https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=685600#Post685600 He also has utube videos for your viewing pleasure.

A book by Frank Sargent titled The Key to Metal Bumping is an excellent book. It is an older book first published in 1939. In it he writes about analyzing the damage carefully before beginning.

Ron Covell has some great videos. http://www.covell.biz/ A new DVD I just bought and really enjoy is Bodywork Restoration Tutorial by David Gardiner. http://www.metalshapingzone.com/shop/start

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the work. It's a fairly slow process requiring patience and a lot of attention to detail.

And when you are ready to go past the body bumping (metal finishing stage) get one of Larry Lyles' books on bodywork. He is a pro, great writer and really goes step by step. In short, my advice is to read, read, read, until you feel confident doing the work.