Bodywork Page - 1954 Pontiac
Starting the body work...
First and foremost, I am not a bodyman and have no training. I usually learn the hard way and body work is no exception. This section details how I've done the bodywork on my car which may or may not be the best, cheapest or easiest way to do it but seemed like a good idea to me at the time.
I found that there are some great paint and bodywork discussion boards on the Internet and the Autobody Store has one of the best. The Autobody Pro website has very good technical tips and the Autobody Toolmart has another good discussion board called Shop Talk.
One of the first things that I did was purchase replacement panels for the rusted out rocker panels, wheel wells and trunk pan. I figured that I better purchase the parts while I had the money. I'd rather have the parts sitting for a couple of years than find out later that there's no money to finish the project.
I've divided up the bodywork into the following sections (in no particular order):
- Sources for the body parts
- Hood modifications
I've modified the hood by filling the channel where the original 8" wide stainless piece ran. Now there's twin peaks running the length of the hood. I've also added two vent assemblies for better airflow.
- DIY Hood Spring Installation
I ran into the problem of how to hook up the hood springs which are incredibly strong and not part of the hood hinges like modern cars. So naturally, up went the DIY Hood Spring Installation. webpage.
- Front Fenders
When I first got the car I was tired of working on the frame and started cleaning up the front fenders which were sitting in the passenger compartment at the time.
- Trunk bodywork
Cleaning, preparing and painting the trunk
- Trunk release
Adding an electric trunk release and mechanical backup
- Roof Chop
I bought the car with the roof chopped but not finished. The details are on the chopped roof page.
Here's info on replacing the rocker panels, lower rear quarter panels, bottom of the trunk lip and replacing the square gas cap with a round one.
- Windshield cutting
Here's several methods of cutting and dicing up the old front glass.
- Side Glass
Information on cutting tempered side glass and installing side glass
- Rear Window Glass
How to install rear window glass in a chopped roof
- Window Regulators
Information on window regulators
- Window Felt and Channels
Stuff on the fuzzies that seal out noise, water and dirt around the side windows
- My bodywork tools of choice
They may not be the best choice of tools, but they work for me.
- Stripping Paint
Information on many different ways of stripping off the paint to get to the bare metal
- Priming and painting
The car is in rough primer right now and will need to be sanded and finished. Still have to replace the rotten rocker panels, rear quarter panels and trunk lip but at least it's approaching road worthiness.