Overhaulin'

Classic car restoration question for the body work pros?

When restoring an old 60's model chevy, how much would a good body shop charge to fix rusted areas around the windshield and back glass? Is it a lot of work? When choosing a car to restore, are there areas that might be rusted that make a car not worth messing with? I can do everything myself except body work, that just isn't my knack.

Public Comments

1. oooh, around the windshield? not good at all. too structural. will cost you a bucket load.
2. as long as the rust is limited to removable parts (fenders, doors, hood, ect) and the normal areas like floor and trunk pans; the car is restorable. At the point where double wall frame or sub frame, shock mount/ shackle mount, window pillars, and headliner areas are eaten out--- basically as this point it is best to purchase a donor car. The cost to have the body work then would exceed buying a car that has been gutted--but has a good frame. Around windows can be pricey because if not done correctly can cause the windshield to crack if the area is weakened and flexing happens. these are bad areas on 1967-1970 camaros and firebirds. Often trying to fix these areas causes the windows to have to be removed--- and about 50% of the time a window is cracked or broken. I shy away from anything but skin replacement-- i can order a new section cheaper than having it rebuilt.
3. Check out http://www.old-car-parts.com to get information on restorating your classic car or truck. Hope this helps.