Comprehensive List: What's needed to do quality body work

[basstrix]

Is anyone aware of a comprehensive list of equipment, consumables, chemicals, etc needed to get started doing body work? Considering this is the world wide web and all, I'm sure this has been done somewhere. If not, I'm considering putting together a list with primary purposes for various items (e.g. what grit for bare metal prep, knocking down filler, filler primer, etc).

Would like to see what others know is out there and what you think of a comprehensive list.

Thanks,

BT

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

That is going to be a tough task. With all the opinions and preferences and likes and dislikes name brands, off shore, etc etc, you could never come up with a list everyone would agree on.

You might compile a list of everyone that submits info and list each one separate so others know what some use to do the job.

I have seen cars painted with rattle can that won first place in AACA shows. Perfect paint job but lots of sanding and buffing. That was all he had so that is what he used.

If you have a down flow paint booth with heat drying system you will get different results than a guy in his plastic booth with a 20" box fan.

The first cars were painted with a brush multiple coats, dried for weeks, sanded and rubbed out with pumice. Model T Fords were painted with what looked like garden spray heads over a pit and the excess black paint dripped into the pit and was used again. That was the reason for only one color black.

Now the factories use the spin spray heads that spin the paint on at like 45,000 rpm. No shop does that.

There will be lots of opinions and all will give you a paint job and probably work there is no one best way to prep and paint any car. A lot depends on what you have and how much money you have to invest.

You can do a great job with not the best equipment and you can do a sorry job with the best of everything. The equipment and materials will fail in the wrong hands every time.

Would be interesting to see all the list you come up with.

I have been checking with some local restoration shops not body shops and they both said about $3,000- $3,500 can be expected in a full ground up nut and bolt restoration. Blasting, derust, primer, sealer, seam sealer, high build, body filler, color and clear, interior color, engine and drive train, sand paper, buffing pads, buffing liquids. That is to do one car just materials.

 

[Pastel Blue]

That is going to be a tough task. With all the opinions and preferences and likes and dislikes name brands, off shore, etc etc, you could never come up with a list everyone would agree on.

You might compile a list of everyone that submits info and list each one separate so others know what some use to do the job.

I have seen cars painted with rattle can that won first place in AACA shows. Perfect paint job but lots of sanding and buffing. That was all he had so that is what he used.

If you have a down flow paint booth with heat drying system you will get different results than a guy in his plastic booth with a 20" box fan.

The first cars were painted with a brush multiple coats, dried for weeks, sanded and rubbed out with pumice. Model T Fords were painted with what looked like garden spray heads over a pit and the excess black paint dripped into the pit and was used again. That was the reason for only one color black.

Now the factories use the spin spray heads that spin the paint on at like 45,000 rpm. No shop does that.

There will be lots of opinions and all will give you a paint job and probably work there is no one best way to prep and paint any car. A lot depends on what you have and how much money you have to invest.

You can do a great job with not the best equipment and you can do a sorry job with the best of everything. The equipment and materials will fail in the wrong hands every time.

Would be interesting to see all the list you come up with.

I have been checking with some local restoration shops not body shops and they both said about $3,000- $3,500 can be expected in a full ground up nut and bolt restoration. Blasting, derust, primer, sealer, seam sealer, high build, body filler, color and clear, interior color, engine and drive train, sand paper, buffing pads, buffing liquids. That is to do one car just materials.

Should have sent my car down your way at those prices.... A quick review of the invoices for my recent body/paint restoration at a top notch shop: Primers/Paints/Clears before taxes $4700. Shop materials $1750 before taxes. Blasting $900 before taxes Chemical dipping many existing and reusable parts $1800 all in. Labour, we wont go there but it was almost 600 hours into the car... Keep in mind that these prices are in Canadian $$ and typically, it just costs more to live here. If you can do the work yourself to a standard you are happy with, big, big savings...

 

[Qcode351mach]

That is going to be a tough task. With all the opinions and preferences and likes and dislikes name brands, off shore, etc etc, you could never come up with a list everyone would agree on.

You might compile a list of everyone that submits info and list each one separate so others know what some use to do the job.

I have seen cars painted with rattle can that won first place in AACA shows. Perfect paint job but lots of sanding and buffing. That was all he had so that is what he used.

If you have a down flow paint booth with heat drying system you will get different results than a guy in his plastic booth with a 20" box fan.

The first cars were painted with a brush multiple coats, dried for weeks, sanded and rubbed out with pumice. Model T Fords were painted with what looked like garden spray heads over a pit and the excess black paint dripped into the pit and was used again. That was the reason for only one color black.

Now the factories use the spin spray heads that spin the paint on at like 45,000 rpm. No shop does that.

There will be lots of opinions and all will give you a paint job and probably work there is no one best way to prep and paint any car. A lot depends on what you have and how much money you have to invest.

You can do a great job with not the best equipment and you can do a sorry job with the best of everything. The equipment and materials will fail in the wrong hands every time.

Would be interesting to see all the list you come up with.

I have been checking with some local restoration shops not body shops and they both said about $3,000- $3,500 can be expected in a full ground up nut and bolt restoration. Blasting, derust, primer, sealer, seam sealer, high build, body filler, color and clear, interior color, engine and drive train, sand paper, buffing pads, buffing liquids. That is to do one car just materials.

Should have sent my car down your way at those prices....

Agreed that's way on the cheap side for quality stuff these days. I spent 5 years ago wholesale just for paint RM 2011 corvette yellow basecoat and then clear on my 71 Camaro almost 2 grand. Factor in primer fillers tape glaze sandpaper and your easily 3500.00 it's more like 5500.00 RETAIL and better to do a show car finish with name brand paint and materials

 

[mach71351c]

I just spent 4K in supply's and materials. It adds up very quickly. Quality products aren't cheap. But well worth the end result.

 

[Pegleg]

If not, I'm considering putting together a list with primary purposes for various items (e.g. what grit for bare metal prep, knocking down filler, filler primer, etc).

Would like to see what others know is out there and what you think of a comprehensive list.

Thanks,

BT

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

 

[Qcode351mach]

If not, I'm considering putting together a list with primary purposes for various items (e.g. what grit for bare metal prep, knocking down filler, filler primer, etc).

Would like to see what others know is out there and what you think of a comprehensive list.

Thanks,

BT

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

 

[Pegleg]

If not, I'm considering putting together a list with primary purposes for various items (e.g. what grit for bare metal prep, knocking down filler, filler primer, etc).

Would like to see what others know is out there and what you think of a comprehensive list.

Thanks,

BT

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

If i go with a compressor powered sander what size compressor would be suitable for my needs? Bear in mind i have no compressor powered tools right now but i will be looking to go down the compressor powered tools route in the future

 

[turtle5353]

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

If i go with a compressor powered sander what size compressor would be suitable for my needs? Bear in mind i have no compressor powered tools right now but i will be looking to go down the compressor powered tools route in the future

To run air tools and sanders continuously, you would need a 220volt compressor that's atleats 60-80 gallon. 2 stage pump with as much cfm's as you can afford the better.

I have had this compressor for several years now and it works great. It can keep up with a DA sander or grinder no problem and even shuts on/off while im sanding.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal?cm_vc=-10005

I painted my car about 10 years ago and used PPG's budget line of Omni paint products and my materials for paint, clear, primer, ect was still over $1500.

 

[basstrix]

Good info so far and it seems like there's some interest here.

CMM, I agree...there will disagreement on what's "the best" or what is/is not a must have. I will try to generalize as much as possible to avoid those conflicts. I don't want to create a venue for arguments.

I know there are several on here who have done a significant amount of body work, fab work, and restoration...both DIY and professionals. I would like to leverage their knowledge and their generosity to share it.

I have already started a "seed" list and I will post it up (on a new thread) to let you folks give your input. I wish I knew how to use html and the like to organize the list.

Thanks,

BT

 

[Pegleg]

If not, I'm considering putting together a list with primary purposes for various items (e.g. what grit for bare metal prep, knocking down filler, filler primer, etc).

Would like to see what others know is out there and what you think of a comprehensive list.

Thanks,

BT

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

Living in the U.K differant manufacturers seem to be popular and easier to buy. Is this compressor comparitive to the one you posted the link for;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-Air-Compressor-90L-3HP-14CFM-10-Bar-240v-Belt-Driven-15M-Air-Hose-Reel-/251876389445?hash=item3aa500b245:gRoAAOSwYlJW5-zj

 

[73pony]

Looking at the answers given so far nobody has mentioned best sander with its power/RPM. How powerful should sander be. And differant sandpaper grit starting with and ending with, dry or wet. I will be going bare metal so i need this info too.

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

Living in the U.K differant manufacturers seem to be popular and easier to buy. Is this compressor comparitive to the one you posted the link for;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-Air-Compressor-90L-3HP-14CFM-10-Bar-240v-Belt-Driven-15M-Air-Hose-Reel-/251876389445?hash=item3aa500b245:gRoAAOSwYlJW5-zj

That is considerably smaller than the one Kevin posted. Notable differences are Tank size 20 Gal Vs 80 Gal. Also the compressor posed by Kevin is a 2 stage compressor and this particular one is a single stage.

Still a nice unit. I should keep up to most air tools but you might run into some issues using a DA or grinder and having enough air to keep up with the tool without having to stop occasionally and let it build pressure back up, but hey I like to take breaks so it works for me. That is very similar to mine.

 

[Pegleg]

One of my favorite all time sanders is what we call in the trade a bondo eater or bondo hog https://www.a1usatools.com/products/8-geared-sander-ir328b

Some other tools I feel are must have stuff I use all the time :

soft sand blocks http://www.softsanders.com/sites/default/files/brochures/Soft-Sanders_Automotive_brochure.pdf

Dura blocks http://dura-block.com/sanding-blocks/

Stud welder http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-61433.html

A good set of spoons (MUST HAVE !!!) https://www.tinmantech.com/html/body_dollies.php

Living in the U.K differant manufacturers seem to be popular and easier to buy. Is this compressor comparitive to the one you posted the link for;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-Air-Compressor-90L-3HP-14CFM-10-Bar-240v-Belt-Driven-15M-Air-Hose-Reel-/251876389445?hash=item3aa500b245:gRoAAOSwYlJW5-zj

That is considerably smaller than the one Kevin posted. Notable differences are Tank size 20 Gal Vs 80 Gal. Also the compressor posed by Kevin is a 2 stage compressor and this particular one is a single stage.

Still a nice unit. I should keep up to most air tools but you might run into some issues using a DA or grinder and having enough air to keep up with the tool without having to stop occasionally and let it build pressure back up, but hey I like to take breaks so it works for me. That is very similar to mine.

Yeah i got confused Litres/Gallons :shootself:

 

[basstrix]

I've started a new thread for the list. Please post your input on the new thread.

Thanks!

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-auto-body-equipment-materials-list-for-diy-ers