progress and hopeful

I got most of the paint off and wow vans are big. I'm used to painting motorcycles and I up till now haven't done body work, It's been a learning experience.
I hope to have it in primer in a few weeks. The motor and trany are new and I still have to do the valves before I start it, but I'm getting close.
After it's primed I'll put a basic paint job for the summer and go crazy with the airbrush and custom stuff this winter.

Looks like you're well on your way. Have you done airbrushing before on motorcycles? This would be a much LARGER canvas!!! Look forward to seeing some progress pics. Where are you in New Hampshire? I live in Ashburnham, Mass just below Rindge, NH. Looks like a great project!

If you never did body work then either google it or u-tube . and find out some of the tricks of the trade, look in to airplane stripper, to save a ton of time getting the layers of paint off , But don't get it on your new bondo,

I'm next to haverhill mass. I've done tons of airbrush on bikes and can't wait to have this in my shop. I also do boating canvas and int. so it will be super fun to custom the interior. So close I can taste it.

For flattening a big, low-crown panel, use a "long board" (I have one that's 3' long) sanding block to block down the filler. There is no un-important step to body work.
The best paint job in the world will look only as good as what is under it. Good luck have fun and take your time.

Joel

Can't wait to see them pics. Any theme ideas for the artwork yet? Curious minds want to know...

The body work part I have some help from a guy who has been at it for 40+ years . He comes and looks at what I've done and tells me good, bad,or other and I go from there. Time is an other issue. But I'm having a blast.

The theme is going to be what the van should be . I'm looking at early 70'S type paint jobs and going to put a 2013twist on that.

That sounds like a cool plan. It's great you have someone to give you pointers, there are a lot of tricks that make the job take less time and turn out better.
I had to mention the long board because I saw the drill with the sanding disc and was hoping you weren't using that to flatten the filler.
And again, best of luck!!

Joel

Looks good, a little at a time gets the job done

It's a big help having someone talk you threw the body work,without help I think I would just be making more work. I will pat myself on the back for a few things I've man'd up and figured out on my own. All said these are the reasons I can be proud of when I'm done with this van.
Back to the help part. This site and the people on it have been such a big help with info and finding parts,etc. I hate to think how long and how much money it would have taken me to figure out "I need to lower my motor 1 inch to fit a four barrel carb" or any of the other questions you've answered for me thanks again. ~ GK.

I just learned how to weld and have no idea what I'm doing with body work.
So I figure if I prep everything right and use the right materials what could go wrong ?

Just cut out the offending metal and weld in something a little more likable
lots of noise and sparks just like on TV.
Don't be scared!
All better.

WOW your Van project is moveing right along looks real good. ...Rear rims and tires really set it off it gives it that hot rod look.......JOE VAN...

lookin awesome man! Congrats and great work!

Looks like you're well on your way...And you still have all your fingers. LOL