Bodywork Basics
Work out exactly what needs to be done… and how to do it
Assessing your classic’s body.
This is part of a new series of bodywork restoration features in
Practical Classics. We’ll be guiding you through all the skills you’ll need to transform a rusty heap into a lustrous classic you’re proud to park next to professionally-restored examples.
Over the next four issues, we’ll be focusing on achieving perfect paintwork. We’re starting at the end… but this isn’t as illogical as it may seem. Painting the one process that absolutely every restoration will require in some shape or form, so it make sense to get it out of the way first. After this, we’ll move on to the metalwork that lies beneath.
No matter how good a classic is under the skin, the quality of a restoration is judged by the world on the straightness of its panels and shininess of its paint. Getting it absolutely right is well within the scope of a home restorer. We’ll be going back to basics to prove that filling, sanding and painting are not magical dark arts.
We’re working with Chris Spencer of Flat Cap Classic Cars (flatcapclassiccars.co.uk). Chris has years of professional bodywork experience, but he started out restoring his own classics at home – so he knows how to work to a high standard in limited facilities.
Before cracking on with the practical side, we’re going to tackle the rather more abstract subject of project assessment. Whether you’re scrutinising your own wellloved classic or evaluating a prospective purchase, it’s important to build an accurate picture of what’s wrong with the bodywork and what you need to do it put it right.