Car Addict Garage

[JoeKan]

Has anyone ever heard of this place? They offer online auto body classes for $1 per month. I checked out their web site and they offer a lot of information with videos showing how to do body work, painting, etc. I'm just wondering if this is all legit or not?

[JoeKan]

Also there's Classic Car Restoration Club. Has anyone heard of them? They seem to have good videos on "how to" work on your vehicle. I'm just looking at options on how to learn auto body. I'm planning on learning as much as I can so when I retire from my construction career I can take up auto body.

[jocko]

$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.