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Re the recent discussion about doing one's own autobody work on a T3, I would respectfully like to disse擇�the prevailing good common sense that one sees with such monotonous regularity on this list. I think that one can, nay, SHOULD, do some of his/her minor body work (dings, dents, scratches, minor rust, etc.), priming, and shooting the color coat. My arguments follow: First: Anything is easy if you haven't done it before (it's only afterward that you learn what a bitch it is.) So, if you have never done it before... Second: Pounding on sheet metal is therapeutic as heck after a stressful day, and it sure beats going home and kissing the dog and kicking the wife. Third: You will spend the $$$$ not for labor, but for equipment/tools that you will have from then on. The tab for a good spray gun, hammers, etc. maybe won't bust you, but perhaps the cost for a good compressor will. Go for it anyway...you can always overinflate your tires every weekend if you own a compressor. And its running will drive your dog crazy! Fourth: You will learn patience, humility, and an enhanced vocabulary. Fifth: Your first job will most likely not look as good as that from a professional (read: expensive) shop, but it will be YOURS! And you can promise the car that, yes, some day you will re-do it. I did all this about 6 years ago on my '71 Square (even to the extent that I changed the color inside -- including the dash--and outside from yellow to white). This summer it will be time for a repaint after taking care of all the recent parking lot rash and one crumpled rear fender. I was a babe in the woods when I started, I learned a helluva lot, I saved big bucks, I made mistakes, and...I bonded with my ride! So should, I believe, other people. Go to your friendly neighborhood library, check out of good book on body work/painting, read it, and then PATIENTLY work on your car. Don't get in a hurry. Don't rush the job. A good hint is to slash all four tires the first day so you can't be tempted to drive the car before it is finished. Assuming a pure Muirean philosophical stance, I think that do your own body髤inting is achieveable and rewarding. Or, heck, just spend a lot of money with the professionals. Having said all that, I gotta get started on restoring the body of 40-year-old car the first weekend that brings pleasant weather. I await the collective moans of those wiser and more prudent than I. Phil dillard@suu.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------- Search old messages on the Web! Visit http://www.vwtype3.org/list/