<<Basically, the more you do it, the
more you develop a "feel" for the techniques. No, it isn't easy to do.
Maybe that is why we have such a hard time finding good bodymen these days.
Personally, I enjoy this kind of work. Must have spent too much time in
the paint booth without a mask. :-)>>
I helped to run a body shop specializing in restorations
in MD. We eventually shut it down since we were unable to
get or keep good bodymen. They tended to fall into three
categories: (1) Not very good, (2) Excellent, but "unstable"
(2 in jail for violent acts, 1 "committed"), or (3) Excellent
and stable, in which case they soon found better offers in the
really high-dollar shops.
I agree it's more of an art than a science (though science plays
a large role). I know the procedures and the science, but
don't really have the "feel". For me, doing mechanical work is
relaxing, bodywork is tedious. I'm currently sitting here with
4 cars needing paint jobs, but I haven't yet found a shop with
a reasonable "quality vs. price" relationship. I'd do it
myself, but I'd like a better job than I think I'm capable of doing.
Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI
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