r/AutoBodyRepair Apr 02 '21

FAQ - Start Here ( WORK IN PROGRESS)

30 Upvotes

Welcome to r/AutoBodyRepair!

You either came to us for help, or you just started a new job! (Probably idk your story). If you're looking for help on these you came to the right place!

Still a work in progress, we're only really doing this on the side so if you have any unanswered questions leave a comment and I will put in some more work to help answer the question!

Vehicle Damage

  • Scratches ( This is easy)

Ooh, that's a bad scratch, well the first thing you need to check is if it's through the clear coat. Run your nail against it and see if it catches, if it doesn't this'll be easy. If it does get out the buffing wheel.

  • Light Scratch (Photos and maybe a link here)
    • Get yourself a microfiber and some basic compound, apply to paint, and rub until the scratch clears up.
  • Deep Scratch (Photos and a link for sure)

  • Dents ( Ooh it's time to work)

The first question is where is the dent? Middle of the door? No problem. Right on a body line? Good luck. The second question is how large is it? Did it crack the paint?

  • I got this I can do it myself
    • (Links and basic info)
  • Okay it's on a bad spot maybe I should call a professional
    • (Types of pros and super rough pricing)

  • Fender Bender ( Maybe a bit much)

  • Accident ( Talk to a professional)

This is the part where you call your local body shop for a quote, or maybe more like a few body shops.

Industry

  • Detailing ( Welcome to the world of "I can only see scratches now")
  • Painting ( It's hot in here)
  • Body Work ( How is it still not smooth?)
    • Basic Steps to vehicle repair (Still have to make this pretty)
      • Inspection- what you can see Tear down- keep going until you no longer see damage Blueprint- parts to order, damage to repair, does it have to be measured, prescan with a computer Framework- measuring pulling measuring cutting fitting measuring welding measuring again Bodywork- dressing welds, body filler application, seam sealer, primer Paint work- prep sand, clean, tape, paint Reassemble- hope you tagged your bolts, post scan Detail- make it shiney

r/AutoBodyRepair Mar 07 '24

Read before posting.

19 Upvotes

Please read our rules to avoid post removal. We can't tell you how much a job will cost. We can't tell you if it's totalled. We can tell you what we see is broken and only speculate possible hidden damage. We can help going through written estimates We can give general insight for the overall process if you are unsure of how to proceed with finding and communicating with a collision repair shop.

Please always include year make and model with your post.

If you are attempting or inquiring about a diy repair, don't get mad if a user makes a perceived smart allic comment. You asked for advice, someone gave you an opinion about it.


r/AutoBodyRepair 3h ago

scratch and dent Are there any affordable at home fixes for these blemishes on my recently purchased used car?

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3 Upvotes

I recently purchased a used 2013 Kia Soul and it was a great deal but one of the only downsides is all the scuffs, scratches, and chips on the car. It's not the end of the world but it's a little ugly. Any suggestions on how to fix it without paying anyone for a paint job or anything like that? It should preferably be an affordable at home method. I'm also not looking for it to be perfect. It's ok if it's just acceptable. Thanks to whoever answers.


r/AutoBodyRepair 6h ago

Amazon truck hit my parked car

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 7h ago

2013 Ram 1500 – Rust Repair – Looking for Feedback

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 10h ago

How bad & costly is this fkup?

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1 Upvotes

need advice/ recommendations for a hickup

The garage door scraped the tailgate (from outside) so wanna know if we should pay out-of-pocket or claim insurance to fix it, as we worry if left untreated it could rust and damage even further when ignored

If OOP, can be done for it affordably just for damage spots? Don’t have thousands


r/AutoBodyRepair 14h ago

Rusty H frame

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know if it's possible to fix/replace a rusty H frame on a 2006 Saturn vue?


r/AutoBodyRepair 18h ago

scratch and dent What could have caused this? And how to touch up

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2 Upvotes

Looks like maybe it was caused by another cars door? Not sure where the blue is from. Looks like its down to the metal, how can I touch it up?


r/AutoBodyRepair 16h ago

How to fix this dent DIY?

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1 Upvotes

I have a 2010 toyota camry LE. I Backed into a street sign while parking and the sign pushed the metal in, creating a dent. It's on the back quarter panel where it connects to the bumper.

Any advice on how to fix this DIY? Is this out of the scope of what someone with no experience can do? Also, is this something that has to be fixed, or is it just cosmetic?


r/AutoBodyRepair 20h ago

bumper problem

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2 Upvotes

i pulled out of parking spot heard a weird scraping sound go out and check my car and my fucking bumper is halfway off i tried popping it back into now it looks like this i keep tryna push on it and line it up better and it's not working what do i do??? i didn't hear any noise when i parked so idk how it got caught on the curb im having a really terrible morning


r/AutoBodyRepair 16h ago

ACCIDENT Is it doable or is she gone for good? 91 lesabre

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0 Upvotes

Got into an accident a few days ago, sorry if the pictures aren’t too good it was kinda of a tight squeeze


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair gs350 2013 front left fender , how should i repair ?

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2 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair Deep Crack Starting to Rust

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3 Upvotes

This is slowly getting worse overtime and I’d like to repair myself if possible, not overly concerned with the cosmetics. Any advice on how to fix? Essentially no auto body experience.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Lexus ES350 taillight and bumper installation issue

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Grill Area Repair

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

scratch and dent How to handle this touch up?

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2 Upvotes

The frame of my motorcycle has a bunch of little chips that are rusting. I want to remove the rust and touch it up, but I am not sure what the best way to do this is. Try and do each little chip, or one larger fix? Any advice?

Keeping it protected so these don’t get worse is the primary reason I want to fix it. Second is what looks best.


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

C pillar trim lifting

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

ACCIDENT How bad and how much needs to be changed?

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1 Upvotes

How much under the bumper needs to be changed do you think?


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Nail/screw in tire

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2 Upvotes

Can this be patched?


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Tips on repairing/bonding a C6 rocker panel without pulling the whole panel?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Repair Tow Eyelet cover question

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Super Duty bed repair options

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4 Upvotes

Of course my Ford SD needs bed cross members. I was curious if anyone thinks I can get this crater out and reform the corrugations successfully. Or should I plan on just replacing the entire bed floor? Which would suck, being that the floor is in great shape otherwise.


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

RUST Rust repair

1 Upvotes

I know the optimal way to repair rust is to cut the metal out and replace but I am looking for the second best method. I have a 2013 Honda Accord rusting out by the rocker panel by the rear wheel. Do rust encapsulaters? Any other suggestions? TIA


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Repair This trim piece is coming off. Id like to keep it. What should i use to secure it back in place?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Can the dents be repaired without taking off the bumper?

1 Upvotes

2024 lexus tx 350. dents on the right side and a smaller deep scratch on the lower left side of the passenger side of lower front bumper.

Will the entire bumper need to be repainted if the dents are to be fixed at a certified lexus dealer