New Member
 

I'm new to this site and would like to learn about metal work for car bodies. I currently have a 1974 DeTomaso Pantera and would like to learn some techniques to solve problems with some of the funny things I want to do.

Sparky

Wow, that's two members here from God's Country with Panteras.

Welcome aboard Sparky!:)

Welcome to allmetalshaping Sparky. Car body work is what the majority of members here do. Is it not possible to buy panels for most cars of that era?. (I am in the UK so don't really know, I am just curious)

David

Hi David,

Yes, New Old Stock sheetmetal is still available for these cars that are going on 40 years old. I know that front fenders are still available and I believe rear quarters are as well. A lot of stuff isn't available, like the lower front valence and a lot of internal bracing -- most people fab up replacements from the originals. I know there is a guy in the U.K. named Johnny Woods that is on the Pantera boards that makes some really nice sheetmetal parts and sells them on eBay. I believe that he may be able to make anything one wants.

Anyway, I am looking at building a GP4 car with fender flares and a modified front. It should look pretty nice, but I am going to need help with technique. No reason to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.

Thanks,

Sparky

Welcome Sparky, I have a 74 pantera as well as a Long and Newman car.I rebuilt another 72 for a guy about 20 years ago repairing the usual rear suspention area that is always affected in the rust belt from all the hidden pockets that collect moisture.Hall pantera and Collecters Choice are 2 good sourses for any sheetmetal parts you need,as well as the GT-5 parts and Group 5 body parts.

Hi Dan,

I was in Wilkinson's shop about a month ago and wow, does he ever have a lot of DeTomaso treasures in his small shop. The upstairs gallery is literally stuffed with parts (used, new, NOS). Hall is just down the road from Wilkinson in Paramount, CA. I have never been to Cory's shop in Dane, but he is not very far from me either. I think he is heavy into Vipers right now?

Thanks for the information.