What happens when you bang up an F-body? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

In preparing my 97 SS for CMC next year, I have been thinking of selling the SS parts. As much as I love the look of the SS hood, I would be really upset if I cracked up an $800 hood. Plus, I could really use the money right now to put towards getting safety gear and a trailer.

That got me thinking, lets say I smack a tire wall or something. I have no experience with body work, but I plan to learn. What do you guys do when you bend a fender? Just hammer it out as best as you can? Eventually throw a new fender on? How do you handle other body panels like doors? What happens when it's more serious? Pay for a body shop?

Just wanted to get an idea of what to expect. From what I gather, the usual "wear" items will be bumper covers and fenders.

Thanks,
Steve

BTW, back in college (7 years ago), I helped a friend paint some T-6 airplane wings. I helped him build a paint booth in his hanger, and did all of the sanding and filling. So, I have an idea of how to get some paint onto some metal. I'm sure I'd be able to spray a fender or two. Sounds like it'd be kind of fun to learn.

Steve91T View Member Profile	Jan 10 2012, 06:50 PM Post #1
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,038 Joined: 3-March 10 From: Huntersville, NC Member No.: 9,105	In preparing my 97 SS for CMC next year, I have been thinking of selling the SS parts. As much as I love the look of the SS hood, I would be really upset if I cracked up an $800 hood. Plus, I could really use the money right now to put towards getting safety gear and a trailer. That got me thinking, lets say I smack a tire wall or something. I have no experience with body work, but I plan to learn. What do you guys do when you bend a fender? Just hammer it out as best as you can? Eventually throw a new fender on? How do you handle other body panels like doors? What happens when it's more serious? Pay for a body shop? Just wanted to get an idea of what to expect. From what I gather, the usual "wear" items will be bumper covers and fenders. Thanks, Steve BTW, back in college (7 years ago), I helped a friend paint some T-6 airplane wings. I helped him build a paint booth in his hanger, and did all of the sanding and filling. So, I have an idea of how to get some paint onto some metal. I'm sure I'd be able to spray a fender or two. Sounds like it'd be kind of fun to learn.

AllZWay View Member Profile	Jan 10 2012, 07:11 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 647 Joined: 30-December 03 From: Paris, Texas Member No.: 74	I have bent up my quarter panel, destroyed a door and front fender due to a brake failure. The repair just needs to pass the NASA 50/50 rule. Looks good at 50mph or 50feet. My Dad and I just pushed the quarter out to it's basic shape using a port-a-power and then bondo filled it. I bought spare parts to replace the door and fender. (IMG:http://www.jpmotorsports.biz/images/wrecksm/wreck1.jpg)