Chevy Hi-Performance Homepage Chevy High Performance
Get Adobe Flash player

DIY Body Panel Prep - CHP Step By Step

Old Roots, New Skin
Prepare Your Own Body Panels
By Sean Haggai
Photography by Sean Haggai
Using Sander To Clean Rust
Chevy Nova Rusted Body Panel
At first this job may seem... 
   
  read full caption
Chevy Nova Rusted Body Panel
At first this job may seem like a ton of work, but we were quick to realize that it takes more time and patience than actual labor. Surprisingly, this factory paint has held up quite well in the California sun. Pockets of rust had just begun spreading across the roofs skin, so it was important that we reverse the wear and find fresh metal to start over.
Using Dual Action Grinder To Clean Up Rust
Realistically, it would be... 
   
  read full caption
Using Dual Action Grinder To Clean Up Rust
Realistically, it would be best to complete the entire roof as one panel. However, to showcase the job in an easy-to-understand manner, John McGann planned out a small section instead. He started out with a dual-action (DA) sander with 40-grit sandpaper and slowly worked in small circular patterns to remove the first layer of paint, all the while being careful not to flatten the natural body.
Deep Rust Spots
Almost immediately we could... 
   
  read full caption
Deep Rust Spots
Almost immediately we could see that the rust was deeper than we expected. After seeing the extent of the panel we needed to prepare, we decided to use an electric grinder with a pad attached. With the grinder, the paint easily flew off the roof. A word to the inexperienced: You can expect more harm than good from using these grinders. Take it from us. If you apply too much pressure or concentrate on a single area for a little too long, you'll end up with flat spots.

1  | 2  | Next

Chevrolet Corvette Research
Chevrolet Corvette Review in-depth reviews on the new Chevrolet Corvette, featuring test drives, comparisons, options, features and more. The 2010 Corvette is equipped with a V8 engine, generating 505 horsepower, and it has drivers side crash test ratings of 8 stars and passengers side crash test ratings of 8 stars.
Using Aircraft Stripper To Remove Rust Small Dents From Using An Electric Sander
Applying A Second Coat Of Airplane Stripper Westwoods Fast Etch Spray
Body Panel With Amost All Rust Removed Eastwood Body Filler Applied
 
NMCA Xtreme Street Event Coverage - 10 1/2 Inches To Glory
Check out the NMCA Xtreme Street event this year and the incredible drag racing cars that compete!... more
 
Chevy Small-Block, Big-Block & Transmission Building Books - Web Exclusive
Check out the many HPBooks that are out in the market to help you build any small-block &... more
 
Chevy Small Block History - The Best Things Come In Small Packages
Check out the history of the small block Chevy engine which dates back over 50 years ago.... more
 
Chevy El Camino Rear Bushings, Shocks, Springs & Sway Bar Upgrade - The End Result
Check out the advanced performance suspension system that we install including rear bushings,... more
 
2009 Chevy High Performance Top 10 Rides Of The Year - 2009 Year In Review
Find out what features made the cut for the 2009 Top 10 Rides Of The Year.... more
 
Performance Front Subframe and Suspension Swap - Makeover!
Check out the new front subframe and suspension system we swap in on our 1973 Chevy Camaro!... more
 
2009 SEMA Show Vehicles - Web Exclusive
Check out the web exclusive coverage of the 2009 SEMA show with some of the most amazing Chevy's... more
 
1972 Chevy Nova - Project Julia Juxtaposed
Check out this insane LS7 powered 1972 Chevy Nova!... more
 
1964 Chevy Chevelle Body Trim Restoration - Factory Fresh
Check out the 1964 Chevy Chevelle body trim that we buff out to look like new!... more
 
Chevy El Camino Rat Rod Flat Black Paint Job - Black-Tie Affair
Check out the Rat Rod Flat Black paint we splashed onto our Chevy El Camino project car!... more