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position one at a time. When you are satisfied with the outcome of one, then move on to the next.

When the welding is done, ground and inspect all of your welds. In our case, Lance cleaned them with a wire wheel and sprayed them with a self-etching primer.

It is recommended to fill all the welds with mar glass to protect them from moisture. Then grind it smooth and finish with premium lightweight body filler.

Remember to apply joint and seam-sealer, wherever there is sealer present in order to keep the moisture out of the compartment of the car.

Once the bodywork is finished, the car should be sprayed with a primer-sealer.

Lightly dust the car with black spray paint and block sand it down. This allows you to see low spots in the bodywork. Once you are satisfied, spray the car again with a high-build primer-sealer two or three more times and block sand that as well (180-220-300 all the way up to 500 grit paper).

Before painting, wipe the car with wax and grease remover, then tack cloth it several times.

Spray the car with a sealer (your choice) and then you are ready to paint!

It is recommended to put three coats of base (in our case, Richard Petty Blue). If the body is not covered give it more. Wait the proper time between coats as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Then apply your clear coat. For that showroom luster, three coats are usually what you need.

Allow the car to sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

After the wait time is over begin wet sanding with 1200 grit wet paper, then move to 1500, then 2000.

*You should invest in a wet sanding and buffing guide which is available in any auto body manuals and even many auto body and/restoration magazines.

Now it's finally time to buff!

You may find that you will change your mind several times during the project when it comes to the color and accessories on the car. In our case, the body and paint was done four times before the final color and body outcome was exactly what he wanted.

Doing the work yourself, even if you find there are a few small flaws or variances from the original plan, is the most rewarding feeling in the world. When the "Old Girl" was finally completed, and she came out with us to play we really came to appreciate that.

Learn more about this author, Colette Rivest.
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