Dent Repair
20. If there are deep dents on the body, the first task is to straighten the dent to such an extent that the damaged area of the body approaches its original shape. There is a small nuance in trying to completely restore the original form. Since the metal in the damaged area is stretched upon impact, it cannot fully return to its original contour. It is better to ensure that the level of the dent is located approximately 3 mm below the level of the adjacent body area. In cases where the dent is very shallow, you should not even try to straighten the body.
21. If the reverse side of the dent is available, it can be gently «earn some money» mallet with a wooden or plastic head. At the same time, firmly press a block of wood against the outside of the panel to absorb the energy of the mallet and prevent «swell» large area of the body.
22. If the dent is located in the area of the body, which has a double skin, or there are any other reasons that prevent access from the inside, the frost method is applied. Drill a few small through holes within the damaged area - especially in the deeper area of the dent. Then drive long self-tapping screws into the holes, not deep enough to secure well in the metal. Now the dent can be straightened out by pulling the screws by the heads with pliers.
23. The next stage of repair is the removal of the paintwork from the damaged area and in the area at a distance of 2-3 cm from it. This is most easily done with a wire brush or emery wheel and an electric drill. But this can be effectively done by hand with sandpaper. To complete preparation for applying putty, scratch the bare metal surface with a screwdriver or file shank, or alternatively drill small holes in the area to be repaired. This will ensure better adhesion of the putty to the body. To complete the repair, refer to the paragraph on applying filler and spraying primer and enamel.
Repair of holes resulting from corrosion or holes
24. Using an emery wheel or a wire brush and an electric drill, completely remove the paintwork in the repaired area and at a distance of 2-3 cm from it. In the absence of an electric drill with a brush, a few sheets of unexpected paper will help to do this job no less efficiently.
25. Once the paintwork has been removed, you will be able to assess the severity of the corrosion and decide whether to replace the entire panel (if it is possible) or repair the damaged area. New body panels are not as expensive as most people think. Installing a new panel is often faster and more acceptable than attempting to repair large corroded areas
26. Remove all additional elements from the damaged area, with the exception of those that will act as guides when giving the original shape to the damaged area of the body. Then, using metal shears or a hacksaw blade, remove «weakened» and other parts of metal, strongly «eaten» corrosion. While tapping around the perimeter of the hole with a hammer, slightly fold the edges of the hole inward to create a small indentation for the putty.
27. Use a wire brush to clean the area being repaired of «rashes» rust on the surface of the remaining metal. Apply anti-corrosion paint to this area. If the back of the rusted area is accessible, treat it in the same way.
28. Before applying putty, you will need to plug the hole in some way. This can be done by riveting or screwing a piece of tin to the damaged area on the reverse side of it, or by covering the hole with wire mesh.
29. After the hole is plugged, you can proceed to the procedures for applying putty and paint to the damaged area (see below).