Do It Your Self Body Repairs - Keep Your Body In Shape - Tech Page 3

Body Filler

We found a low spot along the edge of this metal Chevelle hood that needed repairs prior to being sprayed with paint. Before doing any bodywork where filler or putty will be used, the area must be sanded. It was recommended to use a coarse, 240-grit paper to remove the paint.

We found a low spot along the edge of this metal Chevelle hood that needed repairs prior t
After the surface was prepped, we applied polyester spot putty to build up the low spots. Generally, polyester spot putty is used to fill areas less than 1/8 inch deep and plastic filler for areas greater than 1/8 inch. Spot putty is applied right from the tube (without hardener) and used for small imperfections on painted surfaces after sanding.

After the surface was prepped, we applied polyester spot putty to build up the low spots.
To sand down the repaired area evenly, we made long strokes with a long board. Check and replace your sandpaper often to keep material from building up. Start out with coarse paper (36-grit) and work up to finer grits (150, 180, or 240-grit), then finish with very fine 600 or higher.

To sand down the repaired area evenly, we made long strokes with a long board. Check and

Once the area was sanded down, the filled-in low spots were evident. We also added small areas of spot putty to fill in a few nicks and air-bubble spots. Then we sanded again before priming.

Once the area was sanded down, the filled-in low spots were evident. We also added small a

Ding Repair

While this isn't technically DIY, it goes to show that some small dings and dents can be repaired without performing major paint- or bodywork. The ding on the side of this pickup is about to be repaired at Ding Masters by Carl Cleavenger. Paintless ding-repair methods use vertical lights to illustrate the ding's shape.

While this isn't technically DIY, it goes to show that some small dings and dents can be r
Using an access area from behind, the ding is carefully spooned out with one of the many specialty tools. The work requires special training and technique so that high spots are not created and that the ding is removed without causing the paint to crack. Generally, the process can remove 97-100 percent of the ding or dent on areas that qualify for this type of repair; however, large dings, dents, or damage with deep bends are usually beyond its scope.

Using an access area from behind, the ding is carefully spooned out with one of the many s

Do It Your Self Body Repairs - Keep Your Body In Shape - Tech