There are countless resources to help you repair your own car. For simple dents and scratches, you can save yourself the hassle of hauling your car into a professional garage by simply repairing the damage yourself.
For those of you who don’t know their paint from their polish, here are some handy tips when doing your own auto body repairs.
Know Exactly What You Want to Get Done
Before repairing something, you need to know what’s broken.
Small dents, scratches and rusted areas can be easily removed with a bit of know how. But be sure to make a list of all the areas you want repaired. Take note of their size and the kind of visible damage on the body.
This will help you identify what skills and tools you need to get the job done. Remember, every repair job is different, so be sure you take note of the scope of your repair work before getting started.
Get the Right Tools for the Job
You might have a solid set of tools in your garage, but auto body repairs need more than ordinary hammers and drills. Auto body repair work requires a very specific set of tools with a very specific set of uses. Body hammers, dent pullers, fillers and sanders are just a handful of the possible tools you might need. A lot of auto repair shops even sell do-it-yourself kits for simple home repairs. Take the time to check them out to see if they’re the right tools for you.
Safety First, Safety Always
A lot of auto body repair work use toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. Be safe and read the proper labels on how to use, store and dispose of them properly. Make sure to wear eye protection or safety goggles when using power tools or removing body materials. When grinding, sanding or painting, be sure to use face masks to keep residue and chemicals from getting in your lungs.
Fixing Dents with Body Filler
Dents are easily one of the most common repair jobs that can be fixed with a bit of body filler. But it’s a bit more complicated than simply slapping it on and letting it dry.
Body filler comes in a variety of brands and the choice really comes down to personal preference. After removing your car’s paint by sanding it down, you need to mix the body filler before use. Remember, mixed body fillers only give you so much time before they harden, so be sure to apply it once the body filler is ready.
Painting Your Car
Once the repair work is done, you can throw in a new coat of paint to give your car an even finish. Make sure to clean the affected area and cover any surfaces you want protected from the paint spray with masking tape and newspaper. Prime the area and spray on your desired paint.
When conducting your auto body repair work, it’s important to take your time and do your research. Don’t be afraid to consult a professional mechanic for tips on how to do it properly.
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