paint questions

[Dr. Dennis M. Szal]

I am at the point of restoration where I need some help concerning body work and paint. I've not been through this process so I'm unsure of what type of questions to ask.
I have a 60 vette. When doing the prep work on the body, do the cracks need to be v-cut out and then filled? In order to prevent a crack from spreading is it necessary for the body shop to drill a small hole at the start and end of the crack to prevent it from spreading?

What questions should I ask a potential body shop? Does anybody have any recommendations for this type of work to be done in eastern Tenessee?

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: paint questions

Dr. Dennis

If your '60 body has cracks they should be drilled at both ends of the crack and the crack should be cut between the holes with either a hacksaw blade or cutting wheel, the area should have fiberglass mat and resin applied from the back side for strength and to prevent the crack from returning. Then the exterior can be prepped for paint. My '58 had several cracks around the hood and ventilator openings. Never had one return. I have seen many C1's with repaired cracks that returned in a fresh paint job because they were not backed up properly.

Hope this helps.

Mark