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**jocko** · 07-29-2019, 08:32 PM

$1/mo bodywork classes probably means they let you see their free youtube videos. In todays overly-connected world, you can probably find all you need on bodywork online at no cost. The challenge is separating the wheat from the chaff - and $1/mo doesn't guarantee it's not chaff.

Recommend purchasing some older books (try a Books a Million or Half-Priced Books or even ebay) about auto body repair, then confirm/see what you've read with free online videos - or, better yet, go to a junkyard, buy a fender they are almost giving away, and practice. Replace a rusted section, even if it's not rusted; put a dent in it then work it out. When done, you can practice painting on same fender. Another great option, which you and most folks probably have no time for, is a night school/technical inst auto body course. That's probably the best way to learn correctly - however, it's not going to be $1/mo either.. so, a tradeoff. I wouldn't have time with my job, even though I'd love to get better.

One book I WILL recommend very highly is THIS ONE
Then you'll need a welder, some hammers, dollies, and time. That's my 2 cents anyway. Unlike some mechanical/engine skills, bodywork is one that requires practice and repetition to get to the point where you will be satisfied with your own results.

A few others:
BOOK
BOOK
TOOLS
My favorite hammer/dolly tools are made by Martin, I prefer the old wood handles, but the newer material handles are good too, as long as made by a reputable tool company. The harbor freight stuff is ok, but I'd shell out for quality body work tools up front and you won't be sorry down the road.

EDIT: Having said all that, it could be that $1/mo is money well spent considering what you can't get for $1 nowadays.

07-29-2019, 08:32 PM	#3
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,998	Re: Car Addict Garage $1/mo bodywork classes probably means they let you see their free youtube videos. In todays overly-connected world, you can probably find all you need on bodywork online at no cost. The challenge is separating the wheat from the chaff - and $1/mo doesn't guarantee it's not chaff. Recommend purchasing some older books (try a Books a Million or Half-Priced Books or even ebay) about auto body repair, then confirm/see what you've read with free online videos - or, better yet, go to a junkyard, buy a fender they are almost giving away, and practice. Replace a rusted section, even if it's not rusted; put a dent in it then work it out. When done, you can practice painting on same fender. Another great option, which you and most folks probably have no time for, is a night school/technical inst auto body course. That's probably the best way to learn correctly - however, it's not going to be $1/mo either.. so, a tradeoff. I wouldn't have time with my job, even though I'd love to get better. One book I WILL recommend very highly is THIS ONE Then you'll need a welder, some hammers, dollies, and time. That's my 2 cents anyway. Unlike some mechanical/engine skills, bodywork is one that requires practice and repetition to get to the point where you will be satisfied with your own results. A few others: BOOK BOOK TOOLS My favorite hammer/dolly tools are made by Martin, I prefer the old wood handles, but the newer material handles are good too, as long as made by a reputable tool company. The harbor freight stuff is ok, but I'd shell out for quality body work tools up front and you won't be sorry down the road. EDIT: Having said all that, it could be that $1/mo is money well spent considering what you can't get for $1 nowadays. Last edited by jocko; 07-29-2019 at 09:03 PM.