I was just about ready to drag my MG Magnette off to a body shop when my mechanic friend Vince Sauberlich came by last night. Vince thinks we should do everything on the car ourselves, even if I have to buy a sandblaster, a bigger air compressor, an Eastwood powder coating outfit and a rotisserie and then put 220-amp service in my shop to run it all.

I was thinking that a body shop could just get the job done. I would not have to invest a lot of money in equipment. I would not have to learn new skills.

Vince felt another way. He said he's seen a lot of cars sit around shops for long periods of time before they get done. I think he wants to see this job through all the way.

What's your opinion? I'd like to hear some real life experiences. You can tell us by clicking "Comments" below and writing in what you did or went through. Thanks. -- Gunner