Classic and Antique Cars at

THE GUILD OF AUTOMOTIVE RESTORERS

After the coachbuilders have finished their work, the bodymen take over to make the frame perfect. He uses a variety of grits from coarse to fine to grind off weld slag, excess mig wires, repair welds and uses fillers to smooth any imperfections.

In the Restoration shop the Bodyman is required to master the arts of gas welding with not just brass but with steel, nickel and aluminum combined with special fluxes. He must be able to metal-finish by hammer, pick and file a steel panel to make it ready for paint.

Knowledge of the structure of old cars is critical; such as adjusting the body shims in order for the doors to fit properly. The Bodyman must deal with rust effectively. The only way of making sure that the rust is gone is to remove it by cutting it out and replacing that with fresh clean metal.

© 2004 The Guild of Automotive Restorers