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How does one go about restoring Mopars?

Wow all great advise! Thanks everyone I am definitely going to search for a job in a body shop of some kind, to bad I live in such a small town haha! thanks everyone!
 
It can also help to focus on one style or model of car. At least to start with.

I'm very well versed in 66/67 B Body, and I give myself about a "B" grade in 73/74 Chargers, but there's lots of stuff I "think" I know about 68-70 and 71/72, or even Plymouths that are the same year, that, well, let's just say, "think" was the operative word.

I've been learning since the mid 1980's, and am still learning new things all the time.

Bodywork IS an area that you can still get fairly low cost training in, at the affore mentioned vocational schools, however, it will probably focus on newer methods, marerials and supplies, like plastic panels, adhisive panel joining, etc. Probably should still have the basics of welding and filler, though.
 
It can also help to focus on one style or model of car. At least to start with.

I'm very well versed in 66/67 B Body, and I give myself about a "B" grade in 73/74 Chargers, but there's lots of stuff I "think" I know about 68-70 and 71/72, or even Plymouths that are the same year, that, well, let's just say, "think" was the operative word.

I've been learning since the mid 1980's, and am still learning new things all the time.

Bodywork IS an area that you can still get fairly low cost training in, at the affore mentioned vocational schools, however, it will probably focus on newer methods, marerials and supplies, like plastic panels, adhisive panel joining, etc. Probably should still have the basics of welding and filler, though.

you know what, do what you do. you are the only one that has to be happy.
 
Glad to see an intrest in the worst part of the restoration process i know of no one that really likes this process but on the same hand it is the most rewarding when you take some thing that looked like it was ready for the scrap heap and after many hours of work it gleams and you did it your self.I do not know anything about metalwork or body work/paint but with the folks on this forum, the internet,you tube tutorals i think i can do it won't be perfect but better than what i started with.
 
It's tough finding a shop around here hiring haha.. perhaps i should just buy a car and learn myself? lol
 
You need to think about these aspects are you mechanical[have you ever worked on cars], can you afford to do a restoration,purchase the tools [welder,hand tools,compressor,air tools ect.] do you have a garage or can you rent a place that you can work on your project. It is not going to happen overnight it takes a long time and sometimes it seems like your not getting anything done, some folks loose intrest after a month or longer. Basicly what i'm saying is building a car is sorta like gettin married make sure you purchase a vehicle that you like very much, be ready to give it a lot of attention and spend some money,and most of all be patent. Good luck best wishes.
 
A good way to learn how things work is to take them apart- try to buy a mopar parts car, maybe a 4 door, and part it out. This will give you some hands on time turning wrenches and figuring out how things tick. It will also give you an idea of what you're in for in your chosen career. You may even make a little money if you grab a decent car.
 
Very hard to make a living on peoples hobby, doing it as a side job would be the best way to go IMO. A lot of hobbiests do their own work including myself. Good luck.
What part of Canada are you in?
 
Very hard to make a living on peoples hobby, doing it as a side job would be the best way to go IMO. A lot of hobbiests do their own work including myself. Good luck.
What part of Canada are you in?

Alberta you?
 
I'd start out by learning as much as possible, and then giving it a go on a dented/rusty body panel like a fender to get an idea of whether you'd want to stick with it.
 
hello rex, something that you MUST have to succeed in the restoration field is PASSION!!! you must love what you are doing have pride in your work and as stated in another post have LOTS of patience. you WILL make A LOT of mistakes along the the way that you will learn from, and as you learn, your work will improve. This is a fantastic place to gain knowledge and these are the right people to get that knowledge from. lots of luck to you!!!
 
Thank you satellite! That's the kind of answer I was not only looking for but hoping for, haha I really don't have the money to go to school or anything like that so I was really hoping that's how most of us started. I have been looking for a restoration place to work at, I'm really eager to learn but no one really wants to give me a chance, I'm certain one will come up sooner or later. Thank you very much and any other info you can give me, or advice is greatly appreciated thank you!

- Rex

If you are that interested, find a local car club and join. There you can network with lots of like minded people. You can start by helping out other members on their projects and maybe find someone that is looking for a helper.

Jeff
 
I'm still searching for a Body shop to work in, My cousin owns a restoration shop that I could probably get an apprentice position in, but the only thing is the relocation.. it's on the other side of Canada but I'm starting to think its worth it.. Thoughts?
 
If he willing to take you under his wing, that might be an option.
Just remember your going to be the swamper for awhile and not get paid all that much till you get a lot of experience.
With people holding onto their money, not many people are willing to pay out the money to restore a car say 8 years ago.
You can start your education at a local votech. Nothing glamorous about restoring a car. Say good bye to your finger nails and hope your like looking like a powdered donut everyday.
 
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