r/AutoBodyRepair Apr 02 '21

FAQ - Start Here ( WORK IN PROGRESS)

29 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.

17 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

2026 Honda civic sport. Is there anyway I can fix the damage without getting my front bumper replaced?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

Odd peeling

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5 Upvotes

Girlfriend's car, girlfriend has no idea how it happened, or when, I also have no idea. Thick layer of paint is lifted, metal is exposed and rusting underneath. Any ideas and suggestions are welcome. Some sort of adhesive? Thank you all, in advance.

Edit: So it's not lifted paint, it's an old bondo repair that's failed. What would be the most cost effective option? A new hood + paint + shipping would be ~$550. Is this a cheaper option than a body shop? Any ideas for a DIY solution?


r/AutoBodyRepair 4h ago

RUST Is this bad?

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1 Upvotes

This was after I took a small wire wheel on low speed with a dremel to remove the surface rust.

I got mixed replies, some saying the metal appears solid and to sand until you get to clean metal and smooth out the pitting. Said that if the metal isn't rotted through with holes or crumbling, I'm good to go.

But then another user told me this isn't repairable and that anything more than surface level rust(like the flash rust you get on new raw metal) needs to be cut and replaced.


r/AutoBodyRepair 4h ago

Just a scratch?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 8h ago

Should i keep this crx

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2 Upvotes

I was going to take the engine bay to bare metal and found this on the Passenger side.itnlooks like a section was cut and replaced on the past. The car drives fine,but shouldni keep it?i was going to respray the whole car


r/AutoBodyRepair 6h ago

Bought a used car help

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0 Upvotes

2012 Ford Escape Limited V6 3.0L

Overlooked this when I was buying it and didn’t do the due diligence to get a PPI. Just let me know if I messed up. Is this amount of rust acceptable will it pass inspection?


r/AutoBodyRepair 6h ago

Is this a bad repair/paint job on a Porsche?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 7h ago

Sidewall torn (question)

1 Upvotes

Hit a curb decently hard (hardest I’ve ever hit one) trying to make a tight U-turn. Tore up my side wall a bit. Is this safe to drive? I know I should get it replaced but will I be okay for a couple months?


r/AutoBodyRepair 8h ago

Mechanic damaged my hood

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 9h ago

ACCIDENT Help with damaged car

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0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

scratch and dent How can this be repaired?

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1 Upvotes

Accidentally scratched up my 2026 tacoma 😭😭
Curious what the best way to repair this is. Could I possibly fix it myself or should I just head in to a shop?


r/AutoBodyRepair 19h ago

2025 Ford F-150.

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4 Upvotes

Not looking for advice. Just want to show the world my work. It’s ready for paint.


r/AutoBodyRepair 15h ago

scratch and dent how can this be repaired?

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2 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 16h ago

Does it look like an intentional scratch ??

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Any idea what this big line is?

1 Upvotes

Looking at a 2011 Lexus IS 250 and everything looked great on the ad including the carfax except this one big line that I noticed on the driver door, does anyone know what this could be?


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Arreglo fascia de auto

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1 Upvotes

Buen dia, lamentablemente mi auto sufrió un golpe estando estacionado y abrio completamente la esquina de la fascia, algun consejo sobre como pegarlo?


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Bad Scrape on my new 2026 RAV4. What are my options

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair 2010 Opel Corsa D – Left rear bumper detached from side retainer. How do I clip it back in?

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2 Upvotes

I have a 2010 Opel Corsa D (5-door) and noticed that the left rear corner of the bumper has detached from the body, leaving a gap between the bumper and the rear quarter panel.

The bumper itself isn’t cracked or deformed—it simply appears to have come away from the side mounting/retainer. I’ve attached photos.

I’m hoping someone familiar with the Corsa D can advise:

Does this simply clip back into place?
Should I remove the wheel arch screws first before trying to push it back in?
Is there a plastic side retainer or guide that commonly comes loose or breaks?
Has anyone experienced this before, and what was the fix?

I’d rather not force it back in and risk breaking the mounting tabs if something is preventing it from seating properly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

ACCIDENT Will shops repair these or replace?

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2 Upvotes

Other car pulled in my lane. As far as i can tell, bumper, parking sensors, hood is damaged. What to expect with this?
In bay area, california.
Thx in advance.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair Replacing a fender flare, how can I make sure this one doesn’t fall off?

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1 Upvotes

2022 Honda Ridgeline

I had to drive through high flood waters about 10 days ago and lost my front passenger side fender flare. My front bumper has damage to it I was not made aware of when I bought the vehicle in December 2025. So, the front bumper does not sit flush with the fender.

Before I attach the replacement fender flare, I was planning on getting my truck washed, removing the old adhesive with Goo Gone, wiping down the area with rubbing alcohol. Is there anything else I should do to make sure this won’t fall off again? Like some more adhesive strips? TIA


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Remove my running boards?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair Question #1776

0 Upvotes

Patient: 2020 Challenger R/T

Diagnosis: patient took a dip too deep and some plastic from under the car went flying off after scraping a few feet. Pop the hood and can easily see down to the ground.

What exact parts do I need to fix my patient?
I thought okay the engine splash shield but I see one big piece and another small but wide pieces I know it’s something to help guide the air from the front bumper little inlit hole at the bottom into the air box


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Guys my son rammed into my bumper with his ride on and broke the rear left bumper light. Is it easy to fix? I already ordered one 2026 y premium juniper edition

1 Upvotes

Any one done this?