Do you hear the creaking and crinkling sound of metal whenever your car moves? It may be a sign that something needs attention. Whether it’s due to an accident or just from years of wear and tear, having bent metal on your car can be both visually unappealing and dangerous for the driving experience.
Luckily, there are some simple solutions to fixing bent metal on any vehicle so that you can get back in control behind the wheel! In this blog post, we’ll look at how to spot signs of bent metal, different ways to repair it safely, and tips for preventative maintenance.
With these steps outlined about how to fix bent metal on a car, you’ll have everything you need to restore your car’s sleek exterior in no time!
What Will You Need?
First, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials to get started. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may vary, but some everyday items include:
- Hammer
- Dolly (a metalworking tool)
- Sandpaper or sanding block
- Body filler
- Paint and primer
Once these items are ready, it’s time to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Bent Metal on a Car
Step 1. Identify the Damaged Area:
The first step is to thoroughly inspect your vehicle and identify all areas with bent metal. Look for any signs of distortion, dents, or creases in the metal. It’s best to check in good lighting conditions to ensure you don’t miss any subtle damage.
Step 2. Prepare the Damaged Area:
Once you’ve identified the damaged area, it’s time to prepare it for repair. This involves cleaning the area thoroughly to remove any dirt, rust, or loose paint. You can use soap and water for this task, or a specialized auto body cleaner for a more thorough job.
After cleaning, sand down the area around the dent with sandpaper to remove any remaining paint and create a smooth surface for the repair work. Remember, preparation is key for a successful repair job, especially when dealing with fixing bent metal on a car.
Step 3. Position the Dolly and Hammer:
Now that the damaged area is clean and prepared position your dolly on the underside of the dent. The dolly should be held firmly against the dent’s backside. Using your hammer on the outward-facing side, gently tap around the dent’s edges. The idea here is to reverse the direction of the bent metal.
Avoid hitting the dolly directly, as this can further damage the metal. Patience is critical in this step, as straightening bent metal requires careful and gradual work.
Step 4. Hammer the Dent:
With the dolly positioned on the underside of the dent, you can now begin to hammer the bent metal. Start from the outside edges of the dent and gradually move towards the center. Apply gentle and consistent pressure with the hammer. The aim is to flatten progressively the dent, not to hammer it out in one or two heavy strokes.
As you work, frequently check the progress. The dent should gradually diminish as you continue to hammer. If the metal starts to appear stretched or the dent is worsening, stop and reassess your approach.
Step 5. Apply Body Filler:
After diminishing the dent through hammering, you’ll want to apply body filler to smooth out any remaining imperfections. Mix the body filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use a plastic spreader to spread it evenly across the damaged area, ensuring it covers the entire dent and blends with the surrounding metal.
Allow the body filler to dry completely; this typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the product and environmental conditions.
Step 6. Sand the Body Filler:
Once the body filler has hardened and dried, sand it down until it’s level with the car’s original metal surface. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove larger bumps, then switch to a finer grit to smooth the area for painting. Keep checking your work as you sand to avoid removing too much filler. The goal is to achieve a smooth surface that blends seamlessly with the surrounding metal.
Step 7. Prime the Repaired Area:
Now that the surface is smooth and seamless, it’s time to apply primer. Primer is crucial as it provides a solid, consistent base for the paint to adhere to. It also helps seal the repair, further protecting your car’s metal. Spray a thin layer of primer onto the repaired area, making sure also to cover a small portion of the surrounding undamaged area to blend the repair in.
Let the primer dry completely as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions. Applying multiple thin layers of primer rather than one heavy layer is often recommended, allowing drying time between each layer. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface for the paint.
Step 8. Paint the Repaired Area:
We’re now ready to paint after priming and ensuring a smooth surface. Shake your can of car paint thoroughly for optimal consistency, then begin to spray the repaired area lightly. Spray in a back-and-forth motion and maintain a consistent distance from the surface to avoid uneven application or dripping.
Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy coat, allowing each coat to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next. This patient approach will yield a more professional and even-looking result. Extend the paint slightly beyond the primed area to blend the new paint with the existing finish.
Step 9. Clear Coat the Painted Area:
After your final coat of paint is completely dry, you’ll want to apply a clear coat. Just like the paint, shake the clear coat thoroughly before use. Start spraying at one end of the painted area and move steadily to the other. Apply the clear coat using light, even strokes, overlapping each stroke slightly to ensure complete coverage.
As with the primer and paint, it’s better to apply several thin coats of clear coat rather than one heavy one. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly as per the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next. The clear coat provides gloss and protection to your paintwork, helping to maintain its appearance over time.
Step 10. Buff the Repaired Area:
The final step in fixing the bent metal on your car is to buff the repaired area. Buffing the surface helps to blend the new clear coat with the surrounding paint, ensuring a seamless finish. Using a fine polishing compound and a buffing pad, gently buff the repaired area in a circular motion.
Extend the buffing slightly into the surrounding area to blend the new and existing finishes. Start slowly and don’t apply too much pressure; you want to gradually bring up the shine without causing any damage. Once you’ve achieved a consistent gloss across the area, wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Your car’s metal should now be restored, with the repair barely noticeable. And that’s fix bent metal on a car.
By following these steps carefully, you can save yourself the time and expense of taking your car to a professional for repairs.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Ignoring Minor Bends: Small bends and dents on your car’s metal body may seem inconsequential, but they can lead to more significant issues if ignored. Rust can form in dented areas, which can cause severe damage over time.
- Avoid Using Incorrect Tools: Using the wrong tools to fix bent metal on a car can cause further damage. Make sure you use tools specifically designed for car bodywork repair.
- Avoid DIY without Proper Knowledge: While fixing minor bends yourself is possible, significant damages should be left to professionals. Attempting to rectify substantial damage without proper knowledge or skill could lead to further deformation of the metal.
- Avoid Neglecting Protective Measures: When working on the metal body of your car, safety should be your top priority. Always wear gloves and eye protection to guard against injuries from sharp metal edges or flying debris.
- Avoid Rushing the Process: Repairing bent metal on a car is a delicate process that requires patience. Avoid rushing the task, as this can lead to mistakes and potentially cause more damage.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your car’s metal body is repaired correctly and effectively.
Conclusion
To recap, if you have a bent metal panel on your car, there are several DIY methods that can help you fix it. Removing the damaged section and patching it in or reshaping the metal with shrinkers and stretchers are two different ways to straighten those pesky bent panels. You can save yourself from shelling out for expensive professional auto body work by taking a little time to repair what was once broken.
Hopefully, the article on how to fix bent metal on a car has given you a better understanding of the process and the tools needed for successful repairs. Remember, always prioritize safety, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the damage is beyond your capabilities.
So go ahead and be brave – maybe even add a few extra touches like bondo and paint to spruce it up even more – and fix up that car! Happy troubleshooting!
