Beginner Body work

First of all you have to decide if you want to purchase all the tools required to do bodywork. For example, do you already have a good high CFM compressor? If not, figure on approximately $800.00 for a good one in the TRUE 5 HP range with at least 15 CFM capacity. Then you get into air lines, air driers/filters, Dual Action sander, at a minimum, some kind of cutoff tool to cut out the rusted metal, a MIG wleder to replace the rusted metal, etc., etc. Then you have the welding and body work learning curves to go through. It's all fun, but it takes time and money to get started, and if you have to buy everything, and you plan on just doing 1 car, then I doubt it is worth the cash outlay.

If the paragraph above sounds like I'm trying to discourage you from doing your own bodywork and paint, please don't take it that way. I just want you to be prepared should you decide to go that route. :) I've been doing bodywork and paint for 40 years, and it took me a long time to collect all of my tools, the appropriate compressor, the knowledge to do the work, etc. I do it mostly because I don't trust anyone to do it for me, and I'm fiscaly frugal - CHEAP. :)

Now you have an idea of what's involved, if you decide to do it yourself, I'll be only too happy to help you make informed decisions on any tool purchases you might be considering. There are quite a few professional bodymen and painters on the site, and alot of very knowlegable and helpful backyard painters like myself, who can and will give you excellent advise. Your call. :)