Sunday, 29 March 2009 01:55

Basic Dent Repair Steps

Preparing for filler

• The first thing you want to do is start with a clean surface, soap/water & wax remover before you begin. 
• Bring the metal back to shape as best as you can with the least amount of damage possible to the metal. If you can access the backside of the panel push the dent out and use a hammer and dolly to straighten out the metal. If you cannot access it you can use a uni spotter to weld on pegs to the metal that you can use with a slide hammer to pull out the dent.
• Once you have your metal as straight as possible, remove the paint down to the metal. Use a grinder or coarse sandpaper on a sanding machine.

Applying your filler

•  Mix you bodyfiller according to the data sheet of the product your using. Typically you will need to add 2-3% creme hardener to your bodyfill before its ready to be applied. Mix using downward pressure to squeeze out any possible air pockets that can lead to pinholes.
•  Using a spreader, apply your filler to the metal you exposed in the preparation. It is better to gradually apply your filler rather then to blob it all on at once.
• Your filler has a period of time around 7-10 minutes after applying where it isn't fully dry but not too wet. On larger dents you can take advantage of this by shaping your filler using either a cheese grater or some 40 grit sandpaper on a block. When using a block the 40 grit will cause your filler just to flake off and not actually gauge the filler with the scratch. If your 40 grit causes sandscratches then you've waited to long and you should not continue doing this.
• Block sand your filler with some 80-120 grit until the edges have leveled out
• If you filler is not straight at this point, reapply and repeat this process.

Apply a Finishing Putty

• These are the same as a regular bodyfiller but are thinner and designed to sand easier. Mix and apply the same way as your bodyfiller.
• You can catch this filler in a semi-dry stage too, but at this point you should only use 80 to quickly smooth out the area.
• Once dry, switch to a 120 and sand until your filler is almost perfect. At that point you can switch to 180 and sand until perfectly straight.
• Inspect your filler for pinholes and other imperfections. If you find anything you should repeat this process or reapply a very tight skim to the affected area.

 

Need Supplies? Refinish Network recommends these great products by Eastwood Body Shop Basic Video-DVD version Bodyshop Basics - An introduction to the tools and techniques used in the professional bodyshop. Includes compressor/air line set-up, pneumatic tools, spray guns and safety equipment. Runs through a complete autobody repair including working out the dent, filling, sanding, priming, blending and much more. A video suitable for amateur or professional refinishers. 90 mins DVD. The more advanced Series of Paintucation DVD's (34186) includes Body Shop Basics, Metal Prep/Rust Repair, Paint Your Car, and Color Sanding/Buffing at a savings.     7 Piece Body & Fender Set Body Work Starter Set - Here's an inexpensive way to get started doing your own panel straightening. This 7-piece kit in molded plastic case includes 3 hammers with most popular profiles and fiberglass handles, and 4 dollies including curved, general purpose, heel, and double end hand dolly. One year limited manufacturer's warranty. Made in China.     Stud Welder Dent Pulling System Conventional Dent pullers require that you drill a series of holes in the sheet metal, which can weaken the panel. The Stud Welder System spot welds pins to the surface of the metal. Then use the included slide puller to pull the dent out. After the dent has been repaired, simply snip off the pins, then grind off the remainder. The result-a great looking repair with minimal filler use. Includes 110 V Self-contained Stud Welding Gun, Custom Slide Puller, and 2 mm draw pins (100 count). 5 year manufacturer's warranty.*