You never know where or when that next dent might pop up.
Dents are unavoidable in the day-to-day world of driving as we combat weather, traffic and parking lots. Large repairs are best left to the pros but the majority of daily bumps and dents are manageable for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. Everything you need is available at your local automotive supply stores including specialty tools like dent pullers, slide hammers, and dent rods. Automotive suppliers can also mix up a batch of paint to match your vehicle. For the budget minded, there are a few tips and tricks with basic home tools and materials you can buy off the shelf.
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the car thoroughly.
2. Drill a 1/16-inch hole in the center of the dent.
3. Insert the screw into the hole. Leave enough of the screw sticking out to grab it with the pliers.
4. Grip the screw with the pliers and pull until the damaged metal is almost back in place. Metal stretches and you won't get it fully to it's original condition. Remove the screw when you are satisfied with the result.
5. Attach the 36 grit disc to the sanding wheel, then the wheel to the drill. Grind the dented area down to bare metal and grind the raised edges where you drilled the hole. Taper the repair area to good metal and paint. If rust is present, apply the rust converter and follow manufacturer directions for drying time.
6. Cut a small patch of adhesive-backed repair screen and cover the hole. If you have access to the hole from behind the panel, put the patch behind the hole.
7. Mix the body filler following manufacturer directions. Use only as much as you can apply in a short time as the filler hardens quickly.
8. Apply the filler in smooth, thin coats. Allow the filler to harden between coats.
9. Shape the dried filler with the body file to match the contours of the car. Use 45-degree angled, one-way strokes. Feel the area with the palm of your hand and your fingers to determine raised areas.
10. Sand the filler with 40 grit, then 80 grit sandpapers consecutively. Wipe down the repair area after sanding. This will prevent debris in the next step.
11. Apply the spot putty. Use thin broad strokes and cover the repair area. Follow manufacturer directions
for drying time.
12. Sand the spot putty with 120 grit sandpaper. The finished result should be smooth and feathered into the paint where it meets the bare metal.
13. Mask around the repair area. Three inches within the edges of the area should do. Use masking paper and tape. Newspaper can leave fibers in the paint.
14. Shake the primer for about two minutes. Spray the repair area using thin overlapping strokes. Apply thin coats, allowing drying time between. Sand the the primer with 400 grit wet/dry paper after it is completely dry and wash the area for painting.
15. Shake the paint for about two minutes. Spray in smooth, even strokes, shaking the can in between sprays. Use thin coats, allowing proper drying time between coats.
16. Wet sand with 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. When the paint has completely cured, finish with rubbing compound and buff.
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