How to Fix an Auto Body
A full auto restoration or repair project will require meticulous attention to detail and a progressive working system that ensures all areas of the vehicle body are suitably prepared for the painting process. There are many different elements to an auto body and all of them will require attention if the integrity of the vehicle is to be preserved. A wide range of tools and skills will be needed, and on a full body repair, there also will be a significant investment of time.
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Things You'll Need
- Trolley jack
- Axle stands
- Lead lamp
- Heat gun
- Metal scraper
- Wire brush
- Auto body undercoating
- Paint stripper
- Clean water
- P80-grit sanding discs
- Random orbital sander
- Metal dolly
- Metal flip
- Body filler
- Plastic spreader
- Flat sanding block
- P80-grit abrasive paper
- P180-grit sanding paper
- Oxyacetylene torch
- Lead bar
- Wooden paddle
- Metal file
- Rust removal solution
- Paintbrush
- Degreaser
Instructions
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Raise the vehicle from the floor with a trolley jack and place it on axle stands. Attach a lead lamp to the underside of the vehicle and use a heat gun to warm old undercoating before removing it with a metal scraper. A wire brush can be used for crevices or areas that are difficult to reach. Add a fresh application of undercoating to protect the chassis from mineral deposits and moisture, which can ultimately cause corrosion. Put the vehicle back onto its wheels.
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Strip down the vehicle and store trim safely so it can be refitted later. Do a visual inspection of the vehicle to locate dents and damaged paintwork. If the auto body has multiple layers of old paint, apply a generous coating of water-washable paint stripper and let it activate for 20 minutes before removing the bubbling paint with a metal scraper. Wash down the vehicle with clean water to remove the paint stripper and dry thoroughly. Remove any remaining layers of paint with a P80-grit sanding disc and a random orbital sander.
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Access dented areas by placing a dolly behind each one, holding it firmly in place with one hand. Reach around the panel and tap the other side of the dent with metal flip, ensuring that it makes contact with the dolly to ease out the depression. Work your way around the vehicle until all dents are a maximum of 1/16-inch deep.
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Apply filler sparingly to the dents with a plastic spreader. Rub down the filler with P80-grit abrasive paper wrapped around a flat sanding block until all of the dents are flush with the surface of the panel. Lightly rub over the top with P180-grit paper to remove excess scratches.
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Use lead instead of body filler on thick metal. Heat the end of a lead bar with an oxyacetylene torch while resting it over the dented area. As the lead bar melts, twist it into the dent and continue applying heat while dabbing down with a wooden paddle. Use a metal file to remove the top layer of lead so that it sits flush with the surface of the panel.
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Treat pitted areas of rust with a rust removal solution. Apply a generous coat over affected areas with a paintbrush and leave to dry. Sand with a P80-grit disc on a random orbital sander. Carry out a final visual inspection of the vehicle before cleaning it thoroughly with degreaser and beginning the priming process.
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References
- Photo Credit rusty and green image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
