Need some opinions.

[PanamaE30]

As I'm approaching the six month mark with my car, I'm starting to really notice that it needs a LOT of cosmetic work. When I bought the car I was perfectly aware that I'd have to do such things, but now the extent of the damage is really starting to worry me.

Basically, my decision has come up to this: A friend of mine does body and restoration work, and he's willing to help me for literally nothing. The thing here is that I'll be doing it myself with his assistance. The other option is a known good body shop here that does incredible work, but it's pricey and will take a lot of time.

Now, up to this morning I was all gung-ho about going and doing it myself. However, when lowering my top i noticed that the rail that goes around the inside of the convertible top (where the seal outta be but isn't) is partially broken because of rust.

So now I'm debating what to do. My friend insists that it's nothing all that bad and that with his help I can fix it. So, what do you guys think?

$400 restoration through my friend or $2000-3000 restoration done through a professional, but taking ~3 months to complete?

[Jand3rson]

Spending more than the car is worth to have it professionally done doesn't sound like a very smart idea. If your friend is going to be helping you, go for it and do it yourself. You have no idea how much personal satisfaction comes from doing your own work. Besides, this is a GREAT opportunity to learn how to do body work, and invaluable skill for any car enthusiast to have.

[Schniddy]

Spending more than the car is worth to have it professionally done doesn't sound like a very smart idea. If your friend is going to be helping you, go for it and do it yourself. You have no idea how much personal satisfaction comes from doing your own work. Besides, this is a GREAT opportunity to learn how to do body work, and invaluable skill for any car enthusiast to have.

he's right, do it with your friend. Hell im going to work at a body shop during the summer to learn some things. Stuff like this you keep for life!

[PanamaE30]

I agree. One of the many reasons I had for doing it myself is that I really want to do it myself, gain experience and strengthen the bond between myself and my car.

But I'm afraid of not doing it right (because I'm a n00b at this). If it was only painting it I would have done it already...

I'm thinking of just doing it and if i fuck up, at the very least i'll control damage and later i can get it done right :P

[Jand3rson]

I agree. One of the many reasons I had for doing it myself is that I really want to do it myself, gain experience and strengthen the bond between myself and my car.

But I'm afraid of not doing it right (because I'm a n00b at this). If it was only painting it I would have done it already...

I'm thinking of just doing it and if i fuck up, at the very least i'll control damage and later i can get it done right :P

But you're going to have your friend there with you, and if you are unsure of something, you can ask for his help. Don't go into it with an attitude of "I might fuck something up", otherwise that's what you're going to do.

[PanamaE30]

Well, problem is that we work together, so while obviously i'm gonna take some time off to do this, he's not. Basically he's gonna take a weekend to show me the works and then let me loose on the car; then check on me later.

I'm just scared of going through the car with the sandblaster and having a hugeass chunk of car come off :(