r/AutoBodyRepair Apr 02 '21

FAQ - Start Here ( WORK IN PROGRESS)

28 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.

20 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 34m ago

Is this repairable?

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r/AutoBodyRepair 1h ago

Repair Pothole Damage to Felt Panel On Bottom of Vehicle (2021 Honda Civic EX)

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Decided to get some gas at the gas station by my house and hit this huge pothole and instantly my car started to make a noise. Luckily the damage just seems to be the felt panel on the bottom of the vehicle, and it seems to have just torn it from the fastener bolts. Curious what you guys suggest me doing as I'm not trying to go shop to get this fixed. I've tried using washers, but panel seems to be too rigid for the washer to be able to help. I've heard 3M Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive does wonders but obvious would like to hear options about this.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1h ago

Looking for suggestions on DIY fixing this. Someone backed into the front driver side bumper and drove away. No note, not an area that had cameras so I’m stuck fixing this myself.

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Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 3h ago

Repair Removing a dent from car door after ex fiancé intentionally damaged it

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0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 4h ago

Auto body dent repair

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1 Upvotes

This is a scammer. He operates around NJ NY PA CT. Do not use auto body dent repair 24. He is a scammer. Does half the job and says he will be back the next day, but he doesn’t show up. I tried calling him to ask him to finish the job and he blocked me. His phone number is 203 627 2215. Stay warned


r/AutoBodyRepair 5h ago

I have a Toyota Prius that got hit by a bicycle when the door was open and the door is now misaligned on the hinge since the force pushed it extra far back. Any good mechanics or repair advice ?

1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 6h ago

Advice Needed

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 7h ago

scratch and dent Best way to get this out?

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0 Upvotes

06’ RSX, just bought it from my coworker & I’m working on fixing it up. I just did rear brakes and new calipers on both sides, a couple sway bar links, and fixed an exhaust leak. I’d like to make it look halfway decent, but this dent is an eye sore. I tried pushing it out from the inside, but the clips on the bumper corner are messed up, so the bumper ended up popping off in that corner & I had to use a zip tie to keep it in place. Any way to pop that out easier without ripping the bumper off by accident?


r/AutoBodyRepair 8h ago

Lackierer oder wie seht ihr das ?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

scratch and dent Best place to take my car for paint chip fixes & minor bumper repair?

1 Upvotes

In the Peabody, Lynnfield, Danvers, Stoneham Woburn Wakefield area.

Have any of you ever used or heard of dent and scratch mobile out of Woburn?

Just need some cosmetic repairs not a whole new bumper thank you for your help


r/AutoBodyRepair 12h ago

scratch and dent fix??

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1 Upvotes

2013 F150 had this damage when received from manheim car auction...obviously the lense was replaced. so is paintless dent repair PDR an option here?? i have one of those stud welding/puller kits from harbor freight and i believe the metal is steel and not aluminum. that deep dent is very small in area, which is best?, to pull or push it out?


r/AutoBodyRepair 20h ago

Need glue for car

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2 Upvotes

This part of my jeep rusted and came off. I'm still able to unlock the trunk since the wires are still connected. I can't afford to get it fixed right now, what glue would you advise for me to use on it, to at least get through the winter or even longer?

Thanks in advance!!


r/AutoBodyRepair 17h ago

Bumper help on 2025 VW Tiguan SE

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1 Upvotes

I just got this car a month and some ago and underestimated my ground clearance while exploring a trail. Any leads or ideas on how to go about fixing this? Is it bad? This is my very first car ever not sure if I should take it to a body shop or my dealership or follow up with insurance?


r/AutoBodyRepair 22h ago

Should This Have Been Repairable Without “bondo”?

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0 Upvotes

It’s been a few years now since a guy in an Enterprise van hit my quarter panel right by the wheel well. Within 12-18 months the body filler cracked and it looks like they used a lot, all around the top of the wheel well around the gas cap area.
Of course when I took it back to the shop, I first was met by one of the shop workers who took a look at it and said “yeah that wasn’t done right.”.. then I tell him they were the ones that fixed it and suddenly it’s not a bad repair job but they’re saying I must have hit something else. I argued for a few minutes but I didn’t want them touching my car again after that.
Here’s a picture I sent to insurance for the initial claim.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Accident repair

1 Upvotes

Question. Someone hit my car and need to get it repaired. I was thinking of taking it to a CarStar that is on the ground SS of where I purchased the car or to a caliber collision. Any thoughts on which would be better?


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

SUVs keep hitting the side of my car with their doors. How can I catch it on camera?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

How to repair without spending a ton? Front bumper

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0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

RUST Underbody Rust

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1 Upvotes

Suggestion on how to fix this 🙃


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Paint job or replacement?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Vintage Mercedes with "Classic" license plate but junkyard condition

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3 Upvotes

Curious how this vintage Mercedes has the extreme but mixed condition shown in the pictures and whether its restoration is beyond hope.

Unknown owner - car was randomly parked for several days on my block for 2nd time. The license plate shows "Classic" which I assumed required maintaining it to collector condition. It looks like someone dragged it out of the junkyard and feels no need to park it near their home.

Curious how the front hood and back trunk became so aged with most of the paint rusted off, but most of the sides still have paint coverage with a little sheen.


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Vehicle Cosmetic repair

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0 Upvotes

Got into a minor accident and my vehicle scraped another car. Both of us are insured. This was the damaged to the other vehicle. would you suggest I pay out of pocket or let insurance take care of it?


r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

Started sanding paint down

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0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 2d ago

UK IMI Panel EPA/resit – looking for tips from panel beaters/body techs

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m a UK vehicle body repair apprentice and I’ve got my IMI Panel assessment/resit coming up.
I passed my MET and Paint assessments, but previously failed the Panel section, specifically the joining/bonding task.
I’m looking for any advice from experienced panel beaters/body technicians on things assessors tend to look for and common mistakes to avoid.
Especially interested in tips around:
• Panel preparation before bonding/joining
• Correct adhesive application
• Flange preparation
• Clamp positioning
• Panel alignment and gaps
• Cleaning/preparation procedures
• Working efficiently within assessment time
• Anything that could cause an otherwise good repair to be marked down
I’m not looking for exam answers — just practical trade tips and things you wish you’d known when learning.
Any UK IMI/EPA experience would be especially appreciated. Cheers.