When to stop trying to fix all body imperfections?

[Dougo]

I've been working on this truck for far to long and am getting close to finishing off the cab body work. I'm not at body man and have no experience...just good old YouTube university for me. My question is when should I stop trying to fix every little small imperfection? What body imperfections are acceptable? What body imperfections are a big NO? These trucks even when new off the line had a "meh" level of strait body panels. I'm not building a SEMA truck just something to cruise around in. Been a member for a while, don't post much but need some advice.

 

[xm20k]

I'm at the point if it looks good from 10-20 feet away it's good enough for me.

Not a show vehicle far from stock and as long as it's warm/nice enough I don't need heat I drive mine.

 

[Rustisbest]

I want some less rusted front fenders but other than that just decent looking and in good mechanical shape/fun to drive is what I was after.

The first time a deer ran into the door and bounced all the way down side of mine on the way to work one morning I was glad I didn't make mine "pretty"

The 2nd time was when my foot slipped off the clutch in my Tahoe and banged into the tailgate with the front hitch. That was the straightest panel on the truck and I guess that just made it match the rest

 

[Grit dog]

If it’s your first time painting a car, it’s tougher to tell when to stop because it always looks worse once it’s shiny.
For body panels? Meh…nice part about these trucks like you said, not that awesome to start with. No one cares if door or fender gaps are perfect.
But it looks like chit if you getter all painted up and there’s sand scratches, dents and bodywork that isn’t flat.
Hard to say. Get it where everything sands flat within reason based on how visible it is and maybe paint the part you think is worst and if it looks good then you’re done?

 

[Camar068]

I want some less rusted front fenders but other than that just decent looking and in good mechanical shape/fun to drive is what I was after.

The first time a deer ran into the door and bounced all the way down side of mine on the way to work one morning I was glad I didn't make mine "pretty"

The 2nd time was when my foot slipped off the clutch in my Tahoe and banged into the tailgate with the front hitch. That was the straightest panel on the truck and I guess that just made it match the rest

can get you replacement fenders for ~$125 each from a guy in Danville, KY. He drives around area states a lot for his regular job. Wouldn't surprise me if he was in your area (free delivery when he's in your area).

I've been getting stuff from him for years and no complaints. Another example 2" metal cowl hood $450 delivered.

 

[Vbb199]

Comparison is the thief of joy! Hopefully you arent comparing to something else you have in your mind.

Perhaps take a week break, forget about it, come back and look at it again.

I say if it looks decent from 20 ft let it ride

 

[xm20k]

I want some less rusted front fenders but other than that just decent looking and in good mechanical shape/fun to drive is what I was after.

The first time a deer ran into the door and bounced all the way down side of mine on the way to work one morning I was glad I didn't make mine "pretty"

The 2nd time was when my foot slipped off the clutch in my Tahoe and banged into the tailgate with the front hitch. That was the straightest panel on the truck and I guess that just made it match the rest

I have 2 new fenders for mine primed and painted buckskin with single stage from a spray can. My roof used to be Santa Fe matched it the same way. Looks good enough for me. As soon as the weather clears up I'll install the trim and slap them on.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Rustisbest]

can get you replacement fenders for ~$125 each from a guy in Danville, KY. He drives around area states a lot for his regular job. Wouldn't surprise me if he was in your area (free delivery when he's in your area).

I've been getting stuff from him for years and no complaints. Another example 2" metal cowl hood $450 delivered.

I'm down in the Southeast corner of TN between Knoville and Chattanooga. PM me his info if you dont mind or think he would care. The shipping costs are what kill it for ordering online. $125 sounds right up my alley even if the fit isn't perfect. This ain't a Barret Jackson or Mecum Auctions ride lol

 

[Rustisbest]

I have 2 new fenders for mine primed and painted buckskin with single stage from a spray can. My roof used to be Santa Fe matched it the same way. Looks good enough for me. As soon as the weather clears up I'll install the trim and slap them on.

You must be registered for see images attach

Want to do the same. Mine was originally white and two tone that color. High school body shop in the next county over painted it before my brother bought it in 99 so. I'll have to get the local paint shop to colormatch it with they're equipment if they and make some up since I dont believe its a factory color.

 

[Ricko1966]

Park it somewhere warm for a month. Then wipe it down with wax and grease remover,stand back and look at in the light while its wet. If you are happy with what you see,paint it. You'll be surprised what pops up in a month after solvents and fillers cure and things shrink.

 

[Scruffy49]

Prepping my wife’s 85 swb for full respray. Was her late father’s last truck, so leaving some of his dents/dings. Sort of… If it will push out inflating a football behind it, good enough.

 

[mxer147]

Agree with Rick, some of my shoddy body work is showing through now that it’s sat outside for many months and surface materials shrunk. The doors look the worse which is where I started my body work efforts and thought they would be the easiest so I wasn’t meticulous enough. For me, it’s an old truck which I will drive on a rare occasion so I’m not losing any sleep over it, still looks much better than it did previously and the main goal was slowing the aging rust deterioration problems. Mine is a high mileage Frankenstein so it would be alot $$ to get it back to original condition which I would never get a $ return so I am not willing to spend too much time and money. And, when I get tired of working on it, I find something else to do. If it feels like work, it’s no longer fun or satisfying to consume that time that you will never get back. For me, it’s mostly stress therapy from my day job and rekindles memories from the past.

 

[Rusty Nail]

*yesterday

lol
y u no haz pix!?

 

[Camar068]

I'm down in the Southeast corner of TN between Knoville and Chattanooga. PM me his info if you dont mind or think he would care. The shipping costs are what kill it for ordering online. $125 sounds right up my alley even if the fit isn't perfect. This ain't a Barret Jackson or Mecum Auctions ride lol

shoot me a pm, for some reason I couldn't PM you.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I've painted vehicles with a roller no one ever noticed or commented on, including the next owner.

Go to any car show, walk around, and see what people are paying for. You'll feel better about your own work.