Repairing Auto Quarter Panels
Auto quarter panels are susceptible to dents, dings and scratches that will harm both the metal and the paint. Small scratches will lead to the formation of rust when left unattended. Perform quarter panel repair as soon as possible to prevent the spread of rust. You can conduct a quick body repair at home or hire an expert to take care of the problem. You will need to assess the damage before deciding on the right course of action.
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Things You'll Need
- 150 grit sandpaper
- Auto body filler
- Putty knife
- Sheet metal
- MIG welder
- Sheet metal scissors
- Prime
- Paint
- Spray gun and compressor
- Clear coat (optional)
Instructions
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Sand the damaged area with 150-grit sandpaper until smooth and free from rough spots and rust. Small dings, dents and rust spots on vehicle quarter panels will need to be prepped, primed and painted. Depending on the severity of the dent you will also need to apply auto body filler to level all surface imperfections. Wipe off excess dust and apply auto body filler using a flexible putty knife and let dry for at least an hour.
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Use a spray gun to apply at least two to three coats of primer to provide adequate protection to the underlying metal on the quarter panel. This is true especially for repaired quarter panels where new sheet metal was utilized in the process. Allow each coat to dry for at least 20 minutes before applying a new coat of primer. Sand the primed surface lightly using 150-grit sandpaper and wipe off any excess dust before applying paint. This will ensure a smooth and even surface that is free from ripples or pockmarks.
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Use a spray gun to apply three to five ight coats of paint depending on the color that you wish to achieve. Allow each coat of paint to dry for at least 15 minutes before applying every succeeding coat. Let dry for eight hours or more and apply clear coat to seal the finish. Clear coat is utilized by modern cars as an added layer of protection against scratches and harmful UV rays that will dull and oxidize the paint.
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Tips & Warnings
Quarter panels with severe rust spots or badly damaged areas will need new sheet metal. You will have to remove the quarter panel from the body and cut out the damaged part of the panel. Use sheet metal scissors to cut sheet metal and use a MIG welder to solder the sheet metal to the quarter panel. Depending on the severity of the damage, car owners usually source body panels from junk yards or salvage yard instead of replacing the actual sheet metal.
