Opinion Poll

So, I took my wagon to a body shop, that does in fact restore old cars, for an estimate on eradicating some sheet metal rust behind the rear wheels (frame and floor pans are still solid). They've even done other wagons before (and actually had a '70 Chevy wagon all taped up ready for new painting when I was there). The estimate was pretty close to what I expected, about $3K. While the diagnosis was of no surprise, the reaction of the body shop tech was:

"This will require a lot of fabricating of new sheet metal...hence the cost estimate" they told me. They also warned me that the welding process could damage the otherwise perfect wood grain my car has, which of course would greatly expand the scope of the job/cost. I feel I was essentially talked out of getting the work done. (How do other wagon lovers decide whether to restore their rides when rust is involved?). Much to my own surprise, I now find myself entertaining the idea of selling my wagon.

I am a bit "caught up" in a sentimental connection to my wagon and could use some experienced opinions to give me a reality check... please. Part of me wants to tell them to do the work anyway. Part of me wants to sell the car to someone else who could perhaps do the work themselves or has more cash flow than I. But if I sold my wagon, I know I'd find myself looking for another Chevy clamshell in more pristine condition.

Opinions?

 

Your wagon looks pretty nice as it is. I would start by getting second and third opinions from other trustworthy shops.
If the other shops also indicate that they won't be able to save the woodgrain trim which I know would be fifficult to replace, then you can reconsider your options.
I am assuming that they are concerned that the heat of the welding would be close enough to melt DiNoc wood grain.
If they mean they would need to cut away sheet metal extending as far up as the wood grain, then maybe the car needs alot more work than it appears.
But keep in mind that many cars now use adhesives to hold them together rather than welding. Some body shops should have experience with adhesives and should be able to basically glue a patch panel in place after cutting out the rotted metal.
A friend of mine used the adhesive method to hang quarter panels on his 70 Road Runner, and now, many years later, the car still looks great.
Meanwhile check out this thread:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18529

 

Maybe you could post a close up picture of the rust? If you have at least a few inches between the repair and the vinyl it should be ok. I own a classic car restoration shop here in Phoenix and when welding in a rust patch I tack and stitch weld it very slowly so the heat doesn't wrap the metal. Is it just the bottom of both quarters behind the wheel? If so $3000 sounds a little high to me.

 

.....wrap, warp, I know what you ment

 

My bad. Senility has set in.

 

I can certainly understand where the shop is coming from. The Di-Noc on your wagon cuts down pretty low to the rear of the quarter wheel opening area. Not sure if an adhesive attachment method would work in this application. Usually, you would need a backing panel to attach the 'patch panel' to.

I would suggest at this point searching for possible replacement options for the Di-Noc, in case that becomes necessary.

You might want to check with Mick Hoglund at Woodgrain4wagons.
http://www.woodgrain4wagons.com/

 

Jim,
Yes you're correct. They're concerned that the heat from the welding would "travel" upwards to where there is woodgrain and cause it to melt. It appears I still have "good metal" behind the woodgrain and for about an inch below that line.
Adhesive? Thanks for this idea and the link! I'll mention this to the shop when I call them on Monday.
Truthfully, I've found it a bit difficult to find a body shop here in so cal that does resto work; most only do body "repair". When they see rust they run. This place where my car is currently, has a good reputation when it comes to doing classics (even wagons); but my job seems to be making them squeamish.

Anyway, thanks again Jim!

 

Hey AZ,
Good thing I took a couple of pics before dropping my wagon off, lol. The passenger side is a lot worse. As you probably already know, the spare tire storage well is vertically situated in the passenger side rear quarter. The pic here shows mine has rusted through the bottom. Driver's side just shows bubbling. On each side of the car (not pictured) I also have some rust just in front of the rear wheels; but not enough to concern me.
You own a resto shop? Maybe I should bring the car to you to look at?

 

Good idea Krash and thnx for the lead. I just sent an email off to Mick.

 

I might be able to look at it for you with out bringing it to Phoenix. Two weeks from today I'll be in Van Nuys at the "Sping Fling" Mopar Show on April 21th and 22nd. I can give you a qoute if bringing it to Phoenix isn't an issue. If that works for you let me know. I'll post a link to another website where i have a thread going with alot of pictures of my work.

 

Here's a link to the thread with pictures of some of my work. http://www.moparfins.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3681

 

I know a lot of the shops in SoCal..
Who are they?

 

Yes, I think I can make that work; thanks for offering! Other than mid-day commitment on that Saturday, I can bring the wagon to you anytime.

Matt

 

Hey Krash,

Simon's Body shop in Laguna, came to me via a high recommendation. Not to be misunderstood, I've been very happy with the level of customer service and honest opinions from them. My frustration with this project has been finding other shops of equal caliber willing to even consider my project. :confused:

 

It seems like Body Shops all over want to stay far far away from restoration work. Insurance paid collison repair is where the sure money is. That's one of the reasons I started my Restoration shop. I knew I'd stay busy due to not many shops willing to tackle resto work. One problem I've found with resto work is I'm not able to bill the customer for all the hours I actually put in. If I did nobody would want to pay that much. As long as I keep my overhead low I can deal with that.
I will be at Woodley Park all day Saturday and Sunday in the swap meet selling parts. I'll pm you my cell # and you can call me when you get there.