Essential body work tools..

[Tram]

Getting ready to start some body work. It needs very little, but it does need some blocking work, etc.

I'm a newb to restoring vehicles, so I'm looking for a shopping list.

 

[bknbronco]

Your just dying to spend all your money! Id start with a DA, some bondo, and a block sander. Then move up to some 2K fill primer, a bit of sealer, and some paint. Top that all off with a buffing wheel and a cold beer!

 

[Tram]

Project isn't free, I'm just ready to get going on it.

What is a DA?

 

[tejayandtina]

DA stands for dual action. It's an air sander. The head wobbles as it rotates. Primarily used to feather the edges of the paint, so when you go back and prime the repair area it refills the feathered edge helping to reduce the chance of a noticeable line.

 

[tejayandtina]

Depending on what you're facing, start out with some type of prep solvent, a grinder, a body hammer and general purpose dolly, plastic filler, some long sanding boards, progressively finer sandpaper (both wet and dry), some masking tape for when you prime your repairs. That's just if you have a few dings and need to block the truck down for paint. If you have more serious metal work to do, you'll need more stuff. A lot depends specifically on what you have to do.

 

[Tram]

This truck is in pretty good shape. Good beginners project. There are some pics of it in my signature.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[kaw550]

My air compressor was not up to running my DA sander for any length of time. I picked up an electric random orbital sander. It worked pretty good.

Is the entire truck in primer? Maybe you just need to block sand?

Sand, sand and sand. When your done, sand again.

 

[Tram]

It's very close to being all primer, there are some spots that are going to need beating out and/or filling.

 

[sellitall]

It's very close to being all primer, there are some spots that are going to need beating out and/or filling.

Make sure you put a guide coat down before you start sanding especially if you've done alot of bodywork to it. Go to home depot or Lowe's and get the cheapest can of black spraypaint they have. Don't be duped into buying all the fancy products the autobody supply shops carry. I've been doing autobody for over 15 years now and laugh at some of the gimmicks they try and sell to hobbiests.

Like the other poster said, make sure you have a decent compressor. A DA or air file will require a decent amount of air. My dad has a bodyshop and he has an Ingersoll/Rand 5hp with an 80 gallon tank. When I do even a scuff and paint it gives it a work out.

You can do most of the bodywork using just your hands, but to get a good outcome in a tenth of the time air tools are a must. You will also save your hands the first three layers of skin.

 

[Explorer]

It's very close to being all primer, there are some spots that are going to need beating out and/or filling.

If by chance that existing primer is rattle can, thats all going to need sanded off. Unless you're very patient person, stock up on Valium. Paint prep is the key reason I'm giving up this hobby. I love to paint, but that prep work is hell and the most important part. I understand why most of the body men I've met are alcoholics.

 

[Tram]

DA stands for dual action. It's an air sander. The head wobbles as it rotates. Primarily used to feather the edges of the paint, so when you go back and prime the repair area it refills the feathered edge helping to reduce the chance of a noticeable line.

Can you recommend a decent one to look at?

Our project has been on hold while I was doing some other stuff and I'm hoping to get back on it soon.