Instant gratification. For most any true enthusiast, those two words typically aren't associated with much when it comes to building a classic truck-even less when having one built. As with anything worth having, it requires time and plenty of it to take an old truck from start to finish, even if your definition of "finished" is simply being able to drive said truck. Among the tedious, time-consuming jobs, bodywork ranks right up there at the top, if not being the most lengthy process of them all. While the actual amount of physical time spent on a vehicle varies drastically from one person/shop to another, all will testify to the abovementioned facts and agree that if you want it done right, you better have as much, if not more, time than money.
If you've ever grabbed a sanding block and a can of Bondo, even if just to repair a single boo-boo on your parent's car way back when, you too can sympathize with the labor intensity involved with bodywork. Granted, corners can and often are skipped (the preceding two articles on metalwork are often the most skipped portions of prepaint, especially by amateurs and hacks alike). But the old saying "your paint job's only as good as the prep work underneath" is pure fact. That's why some of the pros today are demanding high five-digit figures (and beyond) for show-quality paint jobs. For average folk, taking a second mortgage out on the house isn't an option-at least not for bodywork and paint...on an old truck, no less! So, how do we combat that? Do it yourself, that's how!
If you can't spare the money, but have some extra time on your hands, why not spend it learning how to do your own bodywork? Once you've got metalworking basics under your belt, there's simply no reason why you shouldn't be able to take it one step further and have the ability to get your truck ready to roll in the spray booth. For most intents and purposes, the tools (blocks/paper) are fairly affordable, as are the materials (filler/primer) necessary for the job. If you think bodywork is in your future, follow along as we bust out a Cameo bedside with Butch "Uncle Bitchen" Lynch and his daughter, Kelsey. (Keep in mind, despite what some may tell you, there isn't "one" way of skinning a cat-or doing bodywork, either! Various techniques/practices will vary from one individual to another, but when done properly regardless, the results will all be the same: flawless.)
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As with most jobs, bodywork requires specialized tools for many steps of the process-most importantly, sanding blocks. Today, you have a wide variety of styles and shapes to choose from. Just be sure you use the right one for the job! |
And while the term "Bondo" is generally used in reference to all types of plastic/polyester body filler, it's just like calling any soda a Coke! Obviously, Bondo's a trademarked brand, but for higher-end bodyworking, it's generally not used anymore. These days, lighter-weight fillers are more commonly used for their easier workability, among other things. | 
Our test subject for the day's lesson is a nice little '55 Cameo currently undergoing the Full Monty at Uncle Bitchen's in Temecula, CA. |
Despite a charitable effort, the previous bodywork attempt wasn't quite up to par, which just compounded the "To Do" list for Butch "Uncle Bitchen" Lynch and his multitalented sidekick-his daughter, Kelsey. First order of duty: lines (or more precisely, straightening them!). | 
Masking tape is pulled and scribe lines drawn (often with a long straightedge) along the Cameo's factory linear planes, all of which will be used for sanding references. |