Auto Body Repair Instructions

Repairing the body of a car can have a costly startup, with the purchase of tools and paint, but in the end saves money over sending the vehicle to a repair shop. With a little elbow grease, the right tools and some practice anyone can easily fix a damaged body. Most local auto stores carry all of the supplies one needs to get the job done right.

There are three main steps that have to be taken:

1. The physical shape of the metal has to be reshaped. The cheaper way to do this is to drill holes in the damaged area based on the center of the dent. Use a large nail and a dent puller/slide hammer to begin reshaping the metal by:

• Insert the nail from the inside of the body so the point is toward you.


• Attach the dent tool/slide hammer to the nail securely


• With a swift stroke pull outward as hard as possible


• Remove the nail and begin on the next hole.

   For the more expensive and professional look, a stud welder and slide hammer combo can be purchased. This requires no drilling; it instead uses rods that are tack welded to the dent using electricity. The slide hammer would then be used on the rods to pull the dent out and reshape the metal to a rough form of what it previously looked like.

2. Use an electric hand grinder to smooth the dent area. Remove any leftover paint in the area with medium-grit sandpaper, then fine-grit sandpaper. Apply body filler according to the instructions. Add a medium thick layer of primer and let dry. Sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper once more.

3. Repaint the area, which requires one of two decisions, either remove the part from the vehicle so it can be spray painted while hanging, or purchase some plastic sheets and painters tape so the area can be taped off to prevent paint from getting on other parts of the vehicle. Tip: The more clear coats of paint the better the shine will be, three to five coats is best.