Doing body work myself...

[tbird]

I am trying to get some tips on doing body work my self... I want to fix some dents and dings and prepare for paint any tips would be great...

 

[chriw21_2000]

Here’s a little thing I wrote up a while back. Hope it helps

1. Dent Removal (part 1)

If the dent is slightly bubbled in, a normal plunger or industrial suction cup can be used to remove the dent. Simply place the suction device on the area and pull it back out. Some times this will work, while other times it will not.

If the dent is deeper, and can be accessed from the backside, here is the procedure to remove the dent. First take a hammer and a dolly and work on getting the area back to its original shape. If the area is curved/flat, use the appropriate dolly to repair it. Once the area is brought back to close to its original shape, you will need to use a filler to finish the smoothing process. Remove all paint from the area in which filler will be applied. Any brand filler will adhere to bare metal better than paint. Next make sure there are not any high spots in the area. If so, work them down. An easy way to check for low spots is to spray a mist of spray paint on the area and block sand the area. Any low spots will still be misted with paint. Once the area is prepped for filler, mix the filler according to the directions on the can. Remember that the more hardener you put the quicker its going to dry. Also you put enough that it will dry. Now once the filler is mixed, time to put on the area. Spread the filler out smoothly. Remember that the rougher the filler is on the car the more sanding you will have to do. Also try to avoid getting air bubbles in the filler. Once the filler is in desired shape let it dry. If you are shaping an area back to its original shape a grater may also be used to trim excess off. Now time for sanding. To start with, never use a sandpaper rougher that 180 grit. The sand scratches created with using rough sandpaper will show back up in the paint job. Start rough and work your way to smoother paper. Just remember leave enough to sand the scratches out with. Primer will take out some but not all. Then get smoother sand paper and go over it until you get it how you want it with few to no sand scratches. Primer, sand and paint.