For versatility each dolly usually has a variety of contours so matching the shape of its surface to that of the panel being repaired shouldn’t be too difficult.
These can be used like a dolly in situations where space is restricted. They can also be used to pry, and in some cases even used as a “slap” hammer. Like hammers and dollies, spoons come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Bodywork requires the use of a variety of abrasives ranging roughly from 24-grit to around 320. Coarse abrasives are used to quickly remove old filler and paint in damaged areas and that is generally done most effectively with an air driven grinder.
For featheredging paint, preparing for the application of body filler or refinishing materials, finer grits are used on a DA, or a dual-action sander. Air driven, these sanders have two modes, circular or oscillating, or random orbit. In the oscillating mode, which is used more often, material is removed faster and with less likelihood of abrupt edges.
Unfortunately, explaining how to do bodywork is like trying to tell someone how to ride a bike, the best way to do either is to jump on and give it a try. Equip your shop with a few basic body tools and try some minor repairs. As you gain ability and confidence, consider some of the additional tools and equipment we’re showing here. And, of course, watch the pages of Custom Classic Trucks for more tips on doing the bump and grind. CCT
More cool tools to have, especially...
More cool tools to have, especially when installing patch panels are clecos. The style on the left can is put through holes in the replacement panel and the body to hold the two together. In the middle is the clamp style that holds two panels together, and on the right is the installation tool for both. These are also from Eastwood.
Another neat piece from Eastwood...
Another neat piece from Eastwood are panel clamps—they hold a patch panel in place and provide the proper gap for welding.
An inherent part of bodywork...
An inherent part of bodywork is sanding, and the proper way to do that is with blocks. It can be a small hand block or a long board, but they are the key to making a repaired and primered surface flat.
This is a body file typically...
This is a body file typically used with lead, however it has a number of other uses as well.
Body files are normally attached...
Body files are normally attached to handles. They can be used to file lead, but they can also be used to identify high and low spots.
This adjustable handle is...
This adjustable handle is used to flex a body file to match the contour of the metal. Filing on bare metal should be kept to minimum to avoid removing too much material.
For most of us even after...
For most of us even after we’ve done our best, some body filler will be required to make the repaired surfaces perfect. You’ll need a variety of spreaders to apply it.
Commonly called a cheese grater,...
Commonly called a cheese grater, this file is used to shape body filler before it hardens completely.
A small grinder has a variety...
A small grinder has a variety of uses; it makes quick work of removing paint from damaged areas and flattening welds around patch panels.
The venerable DA sander can...
The venerable DA sander can be used to remove paint, featheredge layer of finish materials, smooth filler and remove surface rust. This example is from Harbor Freight.
An air powered long board...
An air powered long board makes quick work of sanding large surfaces flat. Another tool from Harbor Freight.
Handy for getting into confined...
Handy for getting into confined areas, the angle grinder/sander from Harbor Freight uses stick-on sandpaper pads.
Some tools are simple, a wood...
Some tools are simple, a wood dowel wrapped with sandpaper works great for smoothing concave surfaces.
If you plan on making your...
If you plan on making your own patch panels nothing beats an electric shear.
This is a panel flanger (if...
This is a panel flanger (if also punches holes). After cutting out a damaged or rusted section, the flanger can be used around the edges of the hole.
By stepping the opening the...
By stepping the opening the patch panel can be welded in place and the edges will be flush the outer surface.