Contents
How to Do Small Car Body Repairs
Minor dents and scratches
Small dents and scratches can be repaired with a little elbow grease and some basic tools. For a small dent, you can use a suction cup to pull it out. For a scratch, you can use a rubbing compound to buff it out.
Tools you’ll need:
- Suction cup
- Rubbing compound
- Drill
- Dent puller
Instructions:
- For a small dent, clean the area around the dent with rubbing alcohol. Then, place the suction cup over the dent and pull it out.
- For a scratch, apply rubbing compound to the scratched area and rub it in with a circular motion. Continue rubbing until the scratch is gone.
Major dents and scratches
Major dents and scratches will require more extensive repair. You may need to use a dent puller to pull out the dent. For a scratch, you may need to use a body filler to fill it in.
Tools you’ll need:
- Dent puller
- Body filler
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
Instructions:
- For a major dent, drill a small hole in the center of the dent. Then, insert the dent puller into the hole and pull out the dent.
- For a major scratch, sand the area around the scratch until the edges are smooth. Then, apply body filler to the scratch and let it dry. Once the body filler is dry, sand it until it is smooth.
- Once the body filler is smooth, apply primer to the area and let it dry. Then, paint the area to match the rest of the car.
Rust
Rust is a common problem for cars, especially in areas with high humidity. Rust can be removed with a rust remover or by sanding it away. Once the rust is removed, you can protect the area from future rust by applying a rust-resistant primer.
Tools you’ll need:
- Rust remover
- Sandpaper
- Rust-resistant primer
Instructions:
- For small areas of rust, apply rust remover to the area and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Then, scrub the rust away with a brush or sponge.
- For larger areas of rust, sand the rust away with sandpaper. Be sure to wear a dust mask when sanding rust.
- Once the rust is removed, apply a rust-resistant primer to the area and let it dry. Then, paint the area to match the rest of the car.
Tips
- Always clean the area around the repair before starting.
- Use the right tools for the job.
- Be patient and take your time.
- If you’re not sure how to do a repair, consult a professional.
