Body problems with roof

[agemeansnothing]

Hey guys it's me I noticed that there are a bunch of little dents in the roof from something. But my question is how do I beat the dents out?

[240ZX]

Ian, I understand you are a really young fellow and have the Z car bug. The best thing you can do to learn about these cars and their issues is to do some research! The archives on this site has some much information it will make your head swim. Pretty much evrything that one would want to do or know about has been done and answered many times already. Every newbee generally asks the same questions about the old Zs, which is OK but, you have to learn to use the search function to hunt down the answers before you start asking on a post.....this is why some questions go unanswered. Also, it helps to purchase books on these cars and learn the history and such. We help those who help themselves......OK, sometimes we give out freebees. Believe me when I say that many members, myself included, have gone though this exercise. Good hunting!

[Fun_in_my_z]

Dont take this in any means the wrong way bud. But As 240Zx said you are a young man. A man with great tastes in cars!

The body work part of the car will take the longest. and to most is the hardest part of restoring a old car. Books and research can only teach you so much. Its like driving. You can learn from a book, But will still be a long way from beeing a safe driver.

You can read everything in the world. But you need to work with somebody who is VERY patient anmd will work with and show you what to do.

This is all based on my twisted logic. Glad to have you as a member and please do not take this the wrong way.

Ps. send us some pics!

[240ZX]

What a guy you are Bill. Thanks for indicating that no bad was intended from my previous post! One comment about research and reading books......when you don't know about a subject it's always a good place to start. It will certainly decrease the learning curve and likely save you some $$$ and time. You are correct however, that at some point you just have to jump in and start swimming. You'll be a lucky person if you can find that VERY patient person that will show you what to do correctly. Don't they have auto shop in schools any more? There is an alternative of course! Get a great education, land a very good paying job, and then have someone else do all the work for you....boring and you won't learn much about cars except that they cost!!!

By the way Bill, how old are you now?

[Fun_in_my_z]

going to be 18 in nov.

Lucky for me my dad is helping me or my z dream would be dead in the water.

Yes the have shop class in school. but i dont go to public school.

[agemeansnothing]

Neither do I I go to a private school and I learned alot in these few minutes thanks for time guys and the patience. I will read and research and ask family members before puting up a post. Can I add you guyes to my buddy list? Ian

[Fun_in_my_z]

sure thing man. What part of NM are you from anywayz. I been up their...

You dont have to ask them. You can post here. Not everybody is alergic to typing lmao

[ChrisA]

Hi Ian, I am very glad to see someone your age taking such an interest in a car. Good job. Might I suggest you and your folks get this book. There are a lot of tips in it that will help you with the Z.

"How to Restore Your Datsun Z Car"

by Wick Humble, published by Fisher Books

You can get this from Motorsport Auto, maybe Victoria British. I got my copy at a Barnes and Noble book store.

Here is a picture of the cover for you.

Good luck with the car.

Chris

P.S. this website is all about bodywork...www.eastwoodco.com they have books and videos on working metal. Might help you.

[EScanlon]

...One comment about research and reading books......when you don't know about a subject it's always a good place to start. It will certainly decrease the learning curve and likely save you some $$$ and time. ...

And another:

Some of the questions you will be posting actually have their own terminology. If YOU take the time to at least get familiar with the terms, then it won't take as long to explain something to you, which in turn will prompt more responses to your questions.

Here's an example of hammer terms that as you look them up, you'll answer a bunch of your questions on how to address the dents on the roof.

Ball Peen Hammer; Shrinking Hammer; Flat Hammer; Pick; Wedge; Dead-Blow.

Then look up Dolly, Anvil Dolly, Spoon Dolly.

Not that your roof will need all of these, but you should know what they are, so that when you get referred to specific books, posts, etc., you'll be able to understand the type of body repair you are undertaking.

Do a search on my name as author in the Tech Articles section, and you should find an explanation on shrinking metal. That might be what you end up doing.

Enrique

Don't get discouraged. Body working isn't working on engines, and suspension etc, it involves working on the part of the car that everyone looks at.