[Steve91T]

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]

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)

[CrashTestDummy]

<SNIP> My Dad and I just pushed the quarter out to it's basic shape using a port-a-power and then bondo filled it.

<SNIP>

One of these is your friend:

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-ton-heavy-d...-kit-44899.html

and fun to use, too. They also make a 10-ton unit but I've been able to do all I need to do with the 4-ton unit.

Luckily, or unluckily, depending on your metal-straightening skilz, 4th Gens have plastic door and front fender panels, so you can replace the unit, or glue them back together and slap some paint on them to hide the work.