How to make a body repair with your own hands

In detail: how to make body repairs with your own hands from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

The body of a modern car is a complex structure that performs many important functions. Its renovation is the other side of the coin of importance and functionality. It is complex and time consuming.

Conditionally body repair can be divided into two stages. The first is the restoration of the body geometry, the elimination of dents, the replacement of irreparable elements. The second is body painting.

Particular attention should be paid to restoring the geometry and rigidity of the hidden underbody. It is these elements that are responsible for the safety and driving characteristics of the vehicle. All suspension elements are attached to it.

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It is difficult to connect body elements by electronic welding, but real. Moreover, the quality of such a connection is very low.

If the metal is not allowed to cool during welding, then the body may move, which will have to be additionally putty. Moreover, such defects cannot always be corrected with putty.

The first step is to replace the doors, then the fenders and sills are exposed. This is the only way to avoid the formation of gaps.

This often happens if one body part is painted without a smooth transition to another. Even if the paint is matched exactly to the original, the old paint on the body has a change in hue, which is associated with fading in the sun and other environmental factors.

Video (click to play).

They appear with poor-quality car putty and its insufficient drying. Usually they appear after repairs, when the car is in the sun. Usually it is necessary to re-polish the putty after that.

This is the relief of the applied paint. After painting, there is usually shagreen on the body, but it is removed by polishing. But there is one that cannot be removed by polishing. Usually the defect occurs when the paint is not applied correctly, at high temperatures in the chamber, or viscous paint.

Usually occurs if the car is not painted in a special chamber. But when painting in a dirty chamber, it also has a place to be.

Deepenings from the penetration of silicone, which had to be cut off with a special knife.

Appears if you work with a grinder at high speed or grind the same place for too long, not allowing the varnish to cool.

If the welds are poorly cleaned and primed, then rust can appear in these places, which manifests itself through the paintwork.

By doing car body repair in particular, welding work, then for welding work you need to use a semiautomatic device or argon welding. With the help of such welding, metal up to 1 mm thick is cooked and the possibility of burning through the body elements is excluded.

Body damage can be light, medium, or severe. Straightening usually does not require special skills and, using professional tools and materials, everyone will be able to do it. Only certain difficulties and the need for skills can arise during straightening work after medium to complex damage to the body.

You need to paint the car with fresh paint. The primer will help you identify irregularities and putty them with a finishing filler. It is possible to paint only after the putty and primer are completely dry.

Use a special spray gun for painting. The paint should dry in the special conditions of the camera without direct sunlight.Polishing is permissible only after the paintwork is completely dry.

The body is the main element of the car, ensuring its proper operation. This component has a complex structure and is subject to high loads from time to time. Therefore, problems arise that require intervention. Body repair allows you to restore damage and return the car to working condition.

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The reasons for the repair are two factors:

The most common manifestation of the first factor is wear and tear. Most of the damage to the body is a natural process. This component has an operational period, after which the strength values ​​decrease and it becomes vulnerable. The most common cause of wear is corrosion.

Sometimes the cause of problems with the body is non-observance of the rules for storing a car, or improper use. These actions are related to the human factor. Also included in this category:

  • constructive flaws made by the manufacturer;
  • malfunctions of defects arising from the assembly of the machine;
  • damage resulting from poor quality repairs.

The human factor includes road accidents. More than 50% of accidents involve damage to the car body.

General body faults:

  • operational;
  • constructive;
  • technological.

Body damage includes damage to the original condition of an element, from minor scratches to large dents or creases.

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The organization of the technological process of work on car restoration begins with diagnostics.

Diagnostics determines the presence of all faults, their features and nature. This makes it easier to choose a way to repair the body. Diagnostics is performed in three stages:

  1. The paintwork of the machine is inspected for defects.
  2. An assessment of the geometry of the body is given - if there are irregularities, an inspection without special equipment is sufficient.
  3. A quality examination is carried out to determine the condition of the welded seams and fasteners. This task requires attention and experience, since the main load is distributed among these elements.

After troubleshooting, a repair plan is drawn up.

Body repair is a set of technological actions aimed at restoring the body. The basis of this process involves the elimination of damage of any nature.

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There are two types of body repair:

  • full - used when repairing large damage. Most often it is used when restoring a car after an accident;
  • local - used when detecting scratches, chips and other minor damages.

Car body repair technology depends on the level of malfunctions. At a high level using full recovery, special equipment is required.

This type of body restoration can be done at home. Local repair does not require laborious actions, and is used to repair minor damage. Body repair includes restoration of:

  • scratches and chips;
  • small dents;
  • early stage of metal rust.

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External body repairs are performed using:

External repair cannot eliminate the dimensional damage to the elements. Additional tools for airbrushing and glass cloth processing may be required.

In most cases, the restoration of the body by an overhaul method cannot be performed independently. Its implementation requires professional equipment and special skills. This type of restoration work involves the dismantling of the car. Its purpose is to detect all defects and minor damage. During the restoration, even minor elements are removed.

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To detect hidden defects, contact welding zones are drilled out.

Welding works are carried out upon detection:

  • corrosion of parts;
  • cracks in the body structure;
  • deep deformation of parts.

Overhaul is not complete without replacing damaged structural elements.

The main tool used to restore the car body is the slipway. This tool is constructed with high strength values ​​sufficient for power work. The main alignment action is to drag. It involves the use of a system of fasteners acting on points of the structure, under pressure on which the body part takes on its original shape. This task involves a high level of complexity, which is difficult to cope with in the absence of experience.

The slipway provides the measurements required for accurate repair work. Geometry alignment is carried out in stages:

  1. Secure the vehicle on the slipway platform.
  2. After calculating the points on the machines, the rig is attached to them.
  3. Start slipway installation.

After starting, the slipway and rigging automatically pulls the damage into the desired shape. The equipment assumes the use of a computer program that calculates the required level of effort and an indicator for measuring the rack.

The advantage of the slipway installation is that it does not violate the quality of the metal in the fault zones during their elimination.

Do-it-yourself car body repair of car dents is carried out in three ways:

  1. With glue. Straightening or editing is done using the Pops-a-Dent kit. It includes a heat gun, silicone glue, special rods. After applying the glue and fixing the rods, you must wait until it hardens. Then carefully pull out the dents along with the rods.
  2. Using a vacuum. The main special tool is a vacuum suction cup. It attaches to the surface of the dent, creating a vacuum. The dent can then be pulled out without risk of damaging the coating surface. Using vacuum pads is a paint-free way to remove dents.
  3. PDR technology. With the help of special levers, which are inserted through the technological holes of the car, it is possible to reach large dents and remove them by extrusion.

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The last method is not recommended for doing it yourself. PDR technology is used by those who have good skills in using professional equipment.

If standard local body repair fails, patches are used. They are used to seal holes in the car body. The patch allows you to repair through rust, if the hole diameter does not exceed 8-10 centimeters. Otherwise, the part is completely replaced.

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Before attaching the patch, the edges of the hole are processed. The patch itself must have a diameter exceeding the size of the damage (welded overlapping). For its manufacture, thin metal is used. For fastening, a continuous seam is used. It is recommended to use semi-automatic welding machines.

Scratches and chips are removed with minor body repairs. It involves the use of paint and polish. Additionally, you can apply a primer. The surface is sanded, then a protective coating is applied. New technologies provide sanding, after which the abrasion will not be visible. Cosmetic repairs are easy to do at home.

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The paint must match the color of the body finish. Otherwise, the surface of the machine will look unpresentable.

For painting in accordance with the technology of car repair, you need to use only substances designed to cover the surface of the car. In some cases, several stages of coloring are required. After body repair and painting, the surface is thoroughly washed.

The painted machine is polished. Sanding is carried out with soft abrasives only after the paint has completely dried.

An article about the main types of car body work - tools, work procedure, tips and tricks. At the end of the article - a video about an important secret of body repair.

Finding a problem quickly affects both the speed of its implementation and significant savings in money. The slightest scratch or harmless chip makes the body metal defenseless against corrosion, which can destroy the integrity of the surface for a year.

Fault categories:

  • mechanical;
  • corrosive;
  • destruction of the anti-corrosion surface.

Mechanical damage occurs as a result of accidents and driving on country roads. The complexity of the repair depends on the degree of the received malfunctions. Of course, if the vehicle is not easier to sell for parts.

As a result of car accidents, the geometric parameters of the car are violated, the return of which to the original factory state is carried out by service stations, service centers and auto repair shops. Moreover, damaged elements can be replaced if they cannot be restored.

The restoration of car body elements is divided into two main categories: local (minor) and complex (major).
There are also subcategories. For example, external repairs and works of medium complexity. The first involves the application of paint and varnish coatings (LCP) and the performance of airbrushing, and in the second case, restoration work with the possibility of replacing individual parts.

Body reconstruction cannot always be done by hand, since extensive damage requires diagnostics and specialized tools.

Types of body repair:

    Restoration of geometry. Returning the geometric parameters of the body to the factory ones. If necessary, parts are replaced using metal cutting and welding.

Paintwork. Body painting is carried out after repair and processing.

Selective (local) painting. Damaged or replaced parts are painted. At the same time, careful attention is paid to the shades of the paint, so that color imbalance does not arise.

Abrasive polishing. It is used if the paintwork has damage in the form of shallow scratches and non-critical defects. Abrasive pastes of various grain sizes are used. Read the article - Do-it-yourself car polishing.

Local anti-corrosion work. The affected parts are cleaned to the metal surface. For these purposes, rust converters are used.

Alignment of dents without damaging the paintwork. Removal of problem areas is carried out using the “Dellen ohne Lackieren” technology, which does not require painting. Read the article - How to fix a dent without painting.

Front and rear bumper restoration.

Restoration of thresholds. The work involves the restoration of places for the jack.

Work on the slipway. A device designed to restore the body shape after accidents.

  • Straightening.
  • Specialized equipment and adherence to process technology are the main factors in performing quality body restoration work.

    In order to save time and money, non-critical damage to the surface of the vehicle body can be eliminated by hand. First of all, this is due to the prevention of corrosion.

    Before starting work, you should stock up on the necessary materials:

    • primer and paint;
    • sandpaper;
    • solvent;
    • putty.

    If the damage is fresh, then it will be sufficient to clean it of dirt and dust, and then wipe it with a cloth soaked in solvent. The dried surface is primed with a thin brush or foam sponge.
    After the primer has dried, paint is applied - by spraying or with a brush. If the shade is correct, then the restored area will not stand out on the surface of the body.

    Puttying (if necessary) is carried out in several layers.In this case, each layer is sanded and degreased. The final step is to apply a primer and paint the surface.

    Manufacturers treat most car undersides with special mastics that can fight corrosion for many years. The effectiveness of mastics is reduced to zero if the integrity of the protective layer is violated.

    Driving on roads of poor quality (country roads, forest roads, with potholes on asphalt surfaces, etc.) leads to damage to the vehicle bottoms. In this case, it is necessary to timely protect the exposed metal, since under the influence of corrosion in the floor of the car, additional (unwanted) sources of ventilation will appear in a year.

    Restoring the protective layer of the bottom of a car can be done by hand. This is a simple process, but inconvenient. It is imperative that you have eye protection - a mask or glasses.

    Materials for repair work are:

    • sandpaper;
    • solvent;
    • primer;
    • bituminous mastic.

    First, dirt and rust are removed from the damaged areas of the bottom. Then a solvent is applied to remove the remaining dirt. Problem areas are primed and, after drying, are treated with mastic.

    When the dent has an open character (chips, delamination), then with the right approach, you can do without the help of professionals.

    First you need to level the damaged surface. Using a suitable tool (screwdriver, pry bar, hammer handle), a metered force is applied to the inside of the body part. Use rubber tips to avoid scratches.

    Sanding, filling, priming and painting are performed after the work surface has been leveled as much as possible.

    A car frame is, first of all, a metal that can properly serve for more than a dozen years, but it is defenseless against corrosion. There are enough hard-to-reach places inside the car, but the following are considered the most vulnerable:

    • niches for doors and trunk lids;
    • thresholds;
    • spars.

    In preventive measures, anti-corrosion agents are used - "Movil" or the like. When using thick mastic, it is necessary to dilute it with a solvent. If cans with protective components are used, then it is enough to choose a suitable nozzle.

    Anti-corrosion treatment is carried out without disassembling the body parts. For its exact implementation, it is necessary to refer to the vehicle maintenance manual, which usually contains a diagram for carrying out anti-corrosion work in hidden cavities and ways of accessing them.

    When the body structure is critically damaged or a complete replacement of parts is required, a major overhaul is performed. Similar procedures are required after car accidents or natural disasters.

    At the same time, self-alignment of the body geometry and further repairs are impossible without specialized tools and suitable conditions. It is in such cases that an appeal to specialists is relevant.

    Equipment required for body reconstruction in service centers:

    • lift;
    • slipway (used to restore the geometric parameters of an automobile body using high-tech electronic measuring systems);
    • welding machine;
    • jack;
    • spotter (for straightening);
    • pneumatic tool;
    • locksmith's tool;
    • inventory for carrying out tin works.

    Also used are racks, chains, grips, workbench, anvils and other means to carry out repair work.

    This method of removing irregularities on the surface of body elements has now gained high popularity. Such methods are to the liking of any car owner, since during the operation of the vehicle, “offensive” defects often appear on the surface of body parts.Such damage can result from intentional or unintentional exposure to hands and feet, hail, unsuccessful parking and other factors.

    The main advantage of such a restoration is the high quality of the work performed.

    The Soviet auto industry is not suitable for such repairs due to the soft body coating. It is better not to do such a restoration with your own hands, since it is almost impossible to get rid of dents without violating the paintwork without proper skill and the availability of the necessary tools.

    For convenience, the bumper is usually removed and the composition of the element is determined.

    Work progress:

    • irregularities are removed by heating;
    • chipped scratches are putty and sanded;
    • for faults, heat sealing is used;
    • the product is painted using standard methods.

    There are two types of polishing - protective and abrasive. The first is to apply wax-containing components to the surface of the body, and the second is to apply abrasive pastes to the paintwork, previously cleaned from a thin layer of factory paint.
    In both cases, polishing serves to remove minor scratches on the body elements and brings the car's appearance to the factory condition.

    When carrying out straightening repairs, anvils of the corresponding configuration are used. Due to the change in the physical properties of the metal, when working with it, it is necessary to have not only special hammers, but also the correct "impact arrangement" - weak but frequent blows. If the working surface of the product has folds, then the restoration begins with them, with a movement towards the center of the defect. In this case, it is necessary to check the restored metal by touch after several blows in a row.

    Vehicle body repair can be done by hand if:

    • damage is not a critical level;
    • the necessary inventory and means for recovery are present;
    • the owner has the right skills.

    When it comes to complex repairs or the car owner has excessive requirements, as well as in the absence of places for restoration (garage, adjoining territory, etc.), you should contact specialized repair centers.

    Corrosion is the main enemy of a car and its owner. Rust can kill a car of any manufacturer. The first anti-corrosion treatment must be carried out in service centers. Moreover, in Russian conditions, this is mandatory even in those cases when the car has just left the factory assembly line.

    With the proper approach and careful attitude, the car can serve its owner for more than a dozen years.

    Video about the secret of body repair:

    The main blow to all kinds of aggressive environmental influences is taken by the car body. Thus, its restoration is practically a defining task in extending the life of a vehicle. A problem that has not been eliminated in due time will cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the main mechanisms that ensure movement.

    Putting the body in order, and with it the paintwork, is the most difficult task, combined with significant costs. But this is only if all the work will be carried out by third-party specialists. By doing DIY car body repair , the cost savings are greatly enhanced.

    - Formation of rust as a result of natural processes;

    - Violation of the integrity of the body as a result of a road accident;

    - Poor quality of the road surface;

    - The occurrence of damage as a result of stones flying out from under the wheels;

    - Structural disruption due to low vehicle ownership;

    - Natural factors - eg hail.

    - Full. Restoration of the entire car body. This method is relevant in the case of large-scale destruction caused by the strongest impact, for example, a severe accident. Its price is naturally higher due to high costs;

    - Local. Elimination of local damage.It is used to repair minor damage caused by hail or tree branches. It is worth noting that minor damage can cause large damage, therefore, it is impossible to delay the repair.

    DIY car body repair a rather lengthy and complex process. Despite this, information about self-employment is becoming more popular. Why is this happening?

    - Improving your own knowledge, therefore, increasing self-esteem;

    - In most cases, motorists are not satisfied with the quality of the work performed in the car service. This includes both the speed of execution and the price;

    - The modern automotive business industry is quite widespread, which allows you to purchase all the necessary elements of car systems and tools.

    - But besides a great desire, you need to have at least basic knowledge and a little experience. It is advisable to master the skills of a welder, painter and other manual labor specialties. Also, for resuscitation work, you will need a spacious garage, where there is lighting and heating.

    Do-it-yourself car body repair and hWhat will be required to carry out a full-fledged activity?

    In order not to be distracted during work by searching for the necessary parts or tools, the following sets should be purchased in advance:

    - Hydraulic set for straightening damaged areas of the car body;

    - Platform slipway. With the help of this equipment, it becomes possible to restore the frame and body geometry. Thus, the presented equipment makes it possible to bring the shape of the body up to standard indicators by means of multidirectional efforts;

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    - To remove dents, you need a quick extraction system;

    - Reverse, straightening and gentle hammers are required as additional tools;

    Image - How to make a body repair with your own hands

    - Welding machine. By welding, patches are created, cracks are removed and metal elements are connected. A better quality apparatus is able to create less thick seams, while without loss in strength;

    - A device that allows you to eliminate defective areas of plastic parts. A good example is the bumper, which will cost a lot to replace compared to repairs. In addition, one of the most common problems with a bumper is cracks, which can be easily repaired with this device;

    - Set for straightening the damaged area. The principle of operation is to glue the device to a concave surface. Further, with the help of a lever, the process itself is carried out.

    - After the necessary manipulations, the device is peeled off using a specialized hair dryer.

    The car should be painted only with the prescribed car paints. Their functionality is much higher than that of conventional paints, they are less susceptible to the destructive effects of acids, alkalis and other strong substances. It also provides protection against rust, keeping the original appearance for a long time.

    - Thorough washing of the body surface. Thus, the possibility of a more detailed inspection for damage and determination of the scale of work is provided;

    - Next, the surface must be treated with a degreasing agent;

    - Dismantle small elements of the car;

    - Carry out cleaning of the body by removing rust using a grinder or sandpaper. For better removal of traces of corrosion, special nozzles are used that do not damage the metal. The method using chemicals in body stripping has low popularity.

    In the case of perforating corrosion, metal recovery is possible. If the hole is not very large, then it can be closed with a metal patch. You will need a piece of metal slightly larger than the diameter of the hole. Using a rust converter, this piece must be soldered.

    Next, it is necessary to irradiate the outer side of the patch along the perimeter. The connecting weld must be continuous. Having achieved the desired result, you may face a new problem. The soldered piece may protrude above the base surface. To neutralize it, you must use a hammer.

    After this, a small fossa is formed. It is easiest to remove with a regular putty. Before applying the putty, the metal area is cleaned, slightly going beyond the patch. Then degrease the surface. To prolong the life of the metal structure, a primer is applied before the paint is applied. This will allow you to avoid premature destructive processes in the form of corrosion, you can read about the measures of protection and prevention here.

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    - Acidic. This type of primer is quite liquid, therefore, drying is carried out in a very short time period. It should be applied in a thin layer. After waiting a quarter of an hour, the next layer is applied;

    - Acrylic. This type of primer is distributed as an aerosol. Its application is carried out in stages, in two layers. After applying the first layer, you must wait 10 minutes for the composition to dry. Then the second is applied.

    It takes about 3 hours for the final result to dry completely. After that, you can putty the surface. To obtain the final result, you must use a fine grain sandpaper.

    Having done all the manipulations, the question of excess metal remains unresolved. Experienced businessmen solve this issue very simply. For this they need a special apparatus. The area of ​​the metal that has been stretched is heated and cooled. As a result, the bubbles disappear. In general, the event is not particularly difficult, but it requires equipment that is quite expensive.

    Sometimes damage is not accompanied by the destruction of the paint layer. Small dents appear as a result of hail, icicles and other factors of influence. In this case, a new coat of paint is not required. This technique is quite common because it has been around for a long time.

    By means of special mechanisms, a concentric effect is carried out on the damaged area, from the reverse side. But even if there is no way to manipulate from the inside, the work can be done from the outside. To do this, a lever is glued to the dent. The metal is straightened. Further, the lever is peeled off without causing damage to the paintwork. The technology is distinguished by a high speed of work, while the financial costs are quite low.

    The cost of refurbishing a car, even after a minor accident or other damaging factors, can be quite high. But it seems that there is nothing particularly difficult in carrying out these works. If there is a desire, time and appropriate resources, then do-it-yourself car body repair is quite within the power. Let's analyze the technology step by step.

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    First of all, you need to decide on the volume of work to be performed, and for this, the car must be washed and carefully inspected.

    First, you need to make sure the integrity of the spatial geometry of the body.

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    The control is carried out by measuring the distances between the control points. If there is no information on direct points, then you can focus on the visible power structure. The distances between the fastening elements of the suspension, the power unit must be symmetrical.

    If the geometry has suffered, then restoring the car body with your own hands is possible, but extremely difficult. The fact is that for this purpose you need special equipment, almost a whole stand, which allows you to pull the body in any direction. This equipment is not cheap.

    You can, of course, try to use improvised means, such as various stretch marks and jacks, but it is rather difficult to perform a high-quality restoration of the car body with such means.

    Therefore, if it is not possible to use the corresponding stand, then there is no point in purchasing it - repairs in the service will be cheaper.

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    Rust spots should be considered carefully. Punch-through corrosion should also not "pass by". If there is only a rusty spot on the paint, this does not mean that the base is not completely rotten - there may no longer be metal under the paint. All these places need to be checked (the simplest way is tapping, it will become clear from the sound).

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    Often, auto body repairs begin only because of the presence of many minor damages. Although the control of other items does not cancel it.

    On the other hand, if the deformations are small, without stretching the metal and tearing, and even where there are no stiffening ribs, then they can be corrected without resorting to subsequent painting. This is achieved by mechanically restoring the original shape while preserving the paint layer, but this is a difficult and time-consuming job.

    When welding or replacement of a part is required, then painting is no longer necessary. But you can act with simpler methods, and the result will also allow you to do without putty. Although if this is not important, then it is possible to simplify the procedure even more, but closer to painting.

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    If the repair of the car body requires the restoration of the geometry, then for the above reasons, it is rather difficult to do it yourself. The process, in short, consists of stretching in three-dimensional space a predetermined point of the body. To do this, it is necessary not only to "calculate" this point geometrically, but also to predict the behavior of the body during extraction, and this requires experience.

    Therefore, we will consider a simpler and more often required type of repair.

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    First, we replace the body kit elements, which are easier and cheaper to replace than to restore. These can be doors, hood, fenders, trunk lid, etc.

    Next, we eliminate the consequences of corrosion. Through defects are cut completely to the "living metal", where fresh material is then welded. Where corrosion has not reached such a scale - we simply clean the surface to metal.

    Body repair of a car body almost never does without work to eliminate deformations in the form of dents. Moreover, most often, these are dents, tk. the body of the machine itself is convex, and external influences of excessive force create deformations in the form of dents inward.

    Very small defects (shallow dents, on a flat surface) are the easiest to fix. They are even called "flaps", because of their characteristic behavior during recovery - it is enough to heat or mechanically act from the back side, they return to their original state with a characteristic pop.

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    Repair of more serious damage requires complete removal of the paintwork. For this purpose, it is convenient to use a grinder with an appropriate attachment. The main thing is not to overheat the metal (not to bring it to blue in the face), otherwise its properties change.

    It's another matter when the metal is stretched out along the perimeter of the dent quite strongly (deep dent). Here it is necessary to "lead" it back so that it returns to its original form. Those. it is necessary to influence starting from the perimeter, smoothly bringing the surface back to its original appearance. For this purpose, you will need a small anvil and a rubber mallet (or a wooden mallet). It is undesirable to use an iron hammer, since it itself produces deformations of the sheet.

    The anvil is applied to the outer edge of the dent, and from the inside, using a mallet, the metal is returned to its "rightful" place.

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    When the metal is stretched too much, it will be quite difficult to straighten it using the previous method.But you will also need to remove the paintwork. In addition, this type of car body repair will require an industrial hair dryer and / or spot welder with various graphite electrodes.

    The process itself is similar to the previous one - it is necessary to straighten the dent from the perimeter, approaching the center. Only it is not a mallet and an anvil that is already used, but a point heating of the metal, and then a mechanical effect. During the heating process, it becomes more plastic and malleable. The degree of heating is selected empirically.

    If you use an industrial hair dryer, then no difficulties are expected. However, when spot welding is used, attention is needed, otherwise you can burn through the metal. The shape of the electrode depends on the shape of the dent itself - it is convenient to fix round ones with a round electrode, and long ones - with a wide one.

    To restore the shape, you need to get to the part from the other side, but this may be either impossible or too laborious. In this case, you can try to straighten out the dent completely from the outside.

    For this, a welding electrode is welded (more precisely, grabbed) to the place on the metal surface that needs to be pulled out at the moment. Further, using either special equipment or a reverse hammer, they pull out the metal. After that, the electrode breaks off, and the surface at the welding site is ground. This is a fairly simple and effective method of restoring the shape if the car body is being repaired with your own hands, because only a welding machine is required from expensive equipment. You can even make a reverse hammer yourself.

    Another recovery method is soldering the metal into the dent. In this version, the deformation is not corrected, just a special solder is soldered into the formed "pit". With this method, the surface can be brought out almost perfectly, so much so that a specialized device for measuring the distance to the metal (paint thickness) will not show any traces of repair.

    For soldering, you will need solder, flux (with acid) and a heater (powerful soldering iron). The surface is thoroughly cleaned, after which tinning is performed (a small layer of solder is applied). Further, the entire required volume is gradually fused, the main thing is that there is enough of it. At the end of the soldering, the surface must be thoroughly rinsed, because the flux is reactive and can lead to corrosion.

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    Of course, this does not make the surface ideal - an appropriate mechanical treatment will be required. Further, the surplus is mechanically grinded until the correct shape is obtained. After polishing is carried out, according to the results of which an ideal surface is already obtained.
    Video (click to play).

    It is very easy to repair and restore a car body using this method in a garage. In this case, you don't even have to disassemble anything. True, painting is still required. Small irregularities can simply be leveled with a putty, large ones can also be, but this is unreliable. However, this is already a topic for another article.

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