Preferred body repair methods

[Sprockmonster]

Everyone, post up what your favorite/preferred method of repairing your vehicles' bodies and painting along with any tips you have in doing so.

I.E.-
Welding methods (Tig/mig/flux core/other)
Taking body panel off/keeping it on the vehicle
Bondo/all metal/fiberglass
Favorite tools
Cutting methods (plasma/angle grinder w/ cutting wheel/ metal sheers)
Paint as you go/prime everything and paint all in one shot
One body panel at a time/ do everything at once

Im new and would like to begin body work on my truck. I don't need to drive it every day... Only the occasional need to use the bed on it.

 

[donmateo]

I'm a novice and have not done bodywork on my own, but I will say if you have the choice between a filler or metal panel replacement, always do a metal one. Just make sure to get quality replacements. Only take panels off if they can't be properly repaired. I say prime/paint as a whole, not by panel. Especially for paint as the coloring and finish will be more cohesive.

That's just my amateur opinion based on the shops I've been to and family in the business.