How to Fix a Crack in Car Body

It’s inevitable: at some point, your car is going to get a crack in its body. Whether it’s from a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, a crack in the body can be unsightly and, if left unrepaired, can lead to further damage.

Fortunately, fixing a crack in a car body is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and materials, you can easily repair a crack in your car body at home.

Materials You Will Need

• Sandpaper (80-grit and 120-grit)
• Body filler
• Body filler spreader
• Sanding block
• Primer
• Paint
• Clear coat
• Masking tape
• Safety glasses
• Respirator

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the Area

The first step is to clean the area around the crack. This will remove any dirt, debris, or grease that could interfere with the repair.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the area around the crack. Then, use a degreaser to remove any remaining grease or oil.

2. Sand the Area

Once the area is clean, you need to sand the area around the crack. This will create a smooth surface for the body filler to adhere to.

Start with 80-grit sandpaper and sand the area around the crack until it is smooth. Then, switch to 120-grit sandpaper and sand the area until it is very smooth.

3. Apply Body Filler

Now it’s time to apply the body filler. Body filler is a putty-like material that is used to fill in cracks and other imperfections in car bodies.

Use a body filler spreader to apply the body filler to the crack. Spread the body filler evenly over the crack, making sure to fill it in completely.

4. Sand the Body Filler

Once the body filler has dried, you need to sand it down until it is smooth. This will create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.

Start with 80-grit sandpaper and sand the body filler until it is smooth. Then, switch to 120-grit sandpaper and sand the body filler until it is very smooth.

5. Prime the Area

Now it’s time to prime the area. Primer is a paint that is used to prepare the surface for the paint. It helps to create a smooth surface and it also helps the paint to adhere better to the surface.

Use a spray primer to apply the primer to the area around the crack. Apply several thin coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

6. Paint the Area

Once the primer has dried, you can paint the area. Use a car paint that matches the color of your car.

Apply several thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

7. Apply Clear Coat

Once the paint has dried, you need to apply a clear coat. Clear coat is a paint that is used to protect the paint from the elements. It also helps to give the paint a glossy finish.

Use a spray clear coat to apply the clear coat to the area around the crack. Apply several thin coats of clear coat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Conclusion

Fixing a crack in a car body is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and materials, you can easily repair a crack in your car body at home.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can repair a crack in your car body and restore it to its former glory.