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Instructions on how to repair minor damage on your car, such as small dents and scratches, reshaping damaged panels, rust repairs and how to use bodyfiller.

First Steps – Getting ready to repair dents in car bodywork

Check that you have the correct tools and materials to carry out your intended repair. Apart from the usual spanners, screwdrivers and sockets, hexagon and `Torx' (star) drive fasteners are now in common use. If possible wash the repair area with a good detergent or a washing soda solution to remove any traces of wax...

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Repairing Scratched and Chipped Paintwork

Scratches and chipped paintwork, although insignificant in terms of physical damage, can greatly detract from the overall looks and the value of almost any car. With a little time and attention to detail most damage of this type can be repaired with the minimum of cost. Check that the damage is confined to the paint/primer...

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Reshaping damaged panels

Dented panels add some extra stages to the repair process, basically; (1) Restoring the metal to as near its original shape as possible, (2) Levelling the repaired area with polyester bodyfiller, (2) Providing a smooth surface to the filler to continue with primer. If the dent is very small or shallow, it may well be...

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How to get perfect results using bodyfiller

Before mixing any type of filler, the area to be filled, whether it be a small dimple or a previously straightened metal panel, must be thoroughly dry and free from wax, grease or dust. Check that the correct type of bodyfiller is being used for the metal surface, if it is galvanised or aluminium.   ...

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Removing Rust

Removing rust spots and blisters This section deals with "cosmetic" rust repairs, on panels that do not form part of the vehicles load-bearing structure. Any repairs to chassis, frame or mounting points of any type must be carried out to a professional standard, which is not the intended scope of this section. Rust repairs generally...

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Permanent Rust Repairs

Longer lasting repairs to rusted panels 'Permanent' is probably the wrong term to use when dealing with rust repairs - rust always wins eventually, but there are alternative methods which can extend the life of the repair considerably. One material which has been in use on the production line and in repair shops since cars...

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Anti-Corrosion Treatments and Rust Prevention

As long as car body panels are made from any type of ordinary steel, the metal will always try to revert to its more natural stable form, iron oxide. We normally just call this rust! Moisture of any kind which can access the bare metal will soon form a rusty coating, which then penetrates deeper...

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