does anyone know a good body shhop in san diego area. i want to get started on my 68 and am looking for good work for nnot too much green ($$$)

What type of body work are you doing? Will it be a frame off? Or just dents and dings? Frame off take it to American Muscle Cars, Sal Perez (High $$$). They are in Orange County but the time and effort is well worth it. For just dents and ding removal with paint Santee auto body & Paint.

it needs some rust repair and the left front is pushed back a little. i want to have the frame blasted and repainted seperatly. i am thinking a dark grey and either red or silver stripes accross the front and down the sides.

kinda like this

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/chevrolet-elcamino/images/chevrolet-elcamino-1968b.jpg

and wheels ( and paint kinda like the grey centers ) like this, in 17x9.5"

http://www.americanracing.com/dealerline/blackimages/mega/mCL205.jpg

I think that American Muscle Cars would be your best bet. They can do every thing for you but like I said they will cost you. The Santee place does a good job on paint. I had my chevy 1/2 ton truck painted there, just 2k.

I am (and have used) APEX on El Cajon Blvd the 5100 Block. They are currently about to paint my 1986 SS in its original black-silver colors. I have used them for other projects, and am happy with the results. They are not a cheap (aka Earl Shieb) outfit, but for quality work, they are not expensive (think 2-3k$ for a full color/clear coat job).
Harry Brattin