Lionel,

You got any buddies who are "old hot rodders"? What I mean are people who used to build street/hot rods beforeyou could buy everything and bolt it on/together like in a "kit car". Most of these people had to do or learn to do, or barter to get done, the stuff they wanted done on their cars when there wasn't an existing industry to supply it. If you know any of these folks, maybe they'd be willing to let you glean some of their expertise.

I haven't "gotten into" welding and bodywork myself, yet. I know that it can be learned. I want to learn about welding basics first. In no disrepect to professionals whatsoever, I feel that welding would be simpler, for me, to get the hang of in fixing my own stuff.

Sometimes, people that you already know have "skilz" that you weren't aware of. When you ask questions, they're eager to tell you and show you.

I can't pay the market labor rate for repairs to my '02. I can just do the best with what I have as far as resources, whatever they are, go.

Regards,
Randy Bryant
Elkton, VA