When it comes to car repair, being able to fix it yourself can save you a lot of money! From minor scrapes to large dents, the right tools can make light work of nearly any auto repair problem you encounter.
Different Solutions for Different Dents
Obviously, dents range in shape and size, so larger and more irregular ones require a little more elbow grease and possibly the expertise of a professional. If you’re an avid DIY enthusiast, trying it yourself can’t hurt. But if not, visit our professionals! So, let’s get started!
For dents, you’ll need to get to the heart of the matter. Simply speaking, you’ll need to remove the exterior paint so you can get down to the nitty-gritty. After applying a cleaner and degreaser, a grinder comes in handy to give some grit to the surface making it easier to work with. At this point, you should be down to the rough metal frame and ready to bring your car back to its original beauty.
Next, you’ll need a stud welder. This handy tool hooks onto the low point of the dent and then requires the assistance of a pulling tool that brings the low-lying area up to where it started. For larger dents, you may have to attach the stud welder to several spots to achieve a full pull to get it back to its original position. After the dent is level with the original surface, the stud welder is removed. Removal of the stud welder can be a quick snip and twist or require a cut and some grinding.
Finally, you’ll need to fill in this pocket. Think of this last step as comparable to patching drywall. A good body filler is applied and consumed throughout all of the nooks and crannies to provide a leveled and smooth surface fixing the original dent. Again, it’s important to allow adequate time for the filler to settle so you know you’ve covered all your bases.
Making Sure Everything Looks Seamless
Once this filler dries, you may need to lightly sand the area. The key here is to make sure the transition from the dented area to the rest of the vehicle is smooth and seamless. This step ensures a professional quality finish as your paint and topcoat dry.
Most dealerships can provide you with an exact match paint in a small bottle for a fair price. Using the same paint makes a difference and allows it to blend in much better. It’s always nice to have a small jar of this on hand for minor scrapes from car door bang-ups or grocery cart crashes.
The key to any successful DIY project is to do your homework and not be afraid of trying. There is a lot to be said for experience, but no one acquires experience without trying. Most aesthetic car repairs, like dents and scrapes, are hard to blunder. Take a chance and try it yourself. If you mess up, don’t sweat it! Consult with a buddy or take it to a professional who is sure to be able to fix any minor mishap you’ve created.