CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: simplemitch on October 12, 2016, 08:50:06 PM

Title: My 1st post... Questions!
Post by: simplemitch on October 12, 2016, 08:50:06 PM
Hi all! I've just purchased my very first restoration project: a 1968 Camaro. ;D I have no idea what type since I've come to learn it's a "stitch" car (more on that later). My older brother has restored probably 20 classic cars (mostly Chevelles & Camaros) and will be helping me, but he lives 200 miles away, so I'm on my own for long swaths of time and I'm hoping you all can be my guiding light in these periods. I try to Google answers to my questions before bothering others, but sometimes there is just TOO much info (of unknown reliability) to sift through. I'll try to separate my questions into their own threads over time to prevent muddling topics, so here are some of my more pressing questions for now:

1) My car has a LOT of surface rust on the interior. I figure this might be a good place to start, but don't know what the "best" way to go about it is. Should I do nothing and just wait to have the car soda blasted when I can or should I wire wheel everything I can right now and use metal prep (vinegar water?) and some cheap primer to prevent further decay?

What is the PROPER sequence of steps that I should be doing?

2) How can remote areas be cleaned? For instance the trunk panel overhangs the parcel tray creating an essentially tubular pocket (see pic below). How can you kill the rust in there?!? Cut off the overhang, clean, and weld it back on? Spray product?

3) I will have to patch some areas. For instance, the rear of my door jambs have some nasty rot. To prep for the welding of new patches do I clean the metal and prime with weld through primer or is there a smarter/better way?

Trunk panel overhang area:
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8559/29990068050_8999b61188_k.jpg)

Thank you very much for your patience with me as I stumble my way through this process!!  :)
Title: Re: My 1st post... Questions!
Post by: simplemitch on October 19, 2016, 02:08:16 PM
Wow.... A full week and ZERO replies.  :-X
Did I break some taboo, or is this just a realllly low traffic site?
Title: Re: My 1st post... Questions!
Post by: ko-lek-tor on October 19, 2016, 03:30:09 PM
A lot of guys on here and a lot of experience, and a lot of guys that have been down that bodywork road. Your questions are all very subjective and are hard to answer without evaluating the whole car. All forms of stripping paint/rust have positives as well as negatives. I would guess that the lack of answers have to do with not having enough info or not a specific enough question...or guys are just turned off by seeing a smoking rabbit? Welcome! Don't run off. We want you to stay. Just give us some time to understand what type of repairs you are trying to accomplish. You see, most guys here are only into what was original, how to replicate what is original/correct and that takes a lot more knowledge, patience and $$...I'll add a few more, $$$ ,there, lots and lots of $, but not always necessary for the DIY guy. Some processes are quick or cheap, but messy or may harm the originality. sand blasting comes to mind. You may want to sandblast the rust, but it is messy and causes its own problems. Soda, better , IMO, but has some negatives and chemical stripping dipping, good and bad also. You should probably start out with the search feature here and read up on specific topics. Also do a Google search on blasting, dipping etc... Having said that, not all cars are fixed to a judged show  level, nor can be, or warrant that kind of outlay of time, energy and money. That does not mean a decent car cannot be made from lesser skills or money. Camaros fit several types of hobby levels and budgets. Everything from $100k restos, $150k pro-touring (God forbid), and pieced together local drag or cruise in rides. We all have a dream, a picture in our mind of what we want. So, the lack of answers has more to do with not understanding where you are going, not knowing your skill level or you having too many inquiries in one post to get good answers. I have seen everything from newspaper stuffed in a rust hole and also door screening  material filled with plastic filler, to guys who make sure the exact number of spot welds are replicated on each panel. Aside from all this, we would like to take the time to get to know you and your car, so post a little back story on yourself and your car. Many on here. being behind the curve on these cars, sell off or give up on their first project and find a better candidate after finding serious issues. Either serious hidden rust, poor previous repairs or finding that numbers don't jive on the VIN are all reasons guys abandon a project. Good luck.  Posting pics is almost always a requirement to getting good feedback.
Title: Re: My 1st post... Questions!
Post by: bcmiller on October 19, 2016, 04:12:34 PM
Welcome Mitch. There are several ways to accomplish what you want to do. Depends on what you want in the end. On the interior, blasting can work but could also seriously compromise what good metal is left. You might want to experiment with Evaporust and using a wire wheel. Then topcoat with a good primer.