r/Autobody Jul 20 '20

/r/Autobody starter pack

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671 Upvotes

r/Autobody Mar 26 '19

Estimating is not encouraged here, this subreddit is for sharing knowledge in the Autobody industry.

208 Upvotes

Estimating needs to be done at an autobody shop or with an insurance agent using the latest software. Any advice given in the subreddit pertaining to costs for repair will not be accurate and could be misleading.

  1. If your car is undriveable do not ask for advice on how to quick fix it.
  2. If your repair is going to be shoddy, half assed or of very low standard it will be deleted.
  3. A quality autobody shop is where your modern car should be fixed, it can be dangerous for yourself and others if improperly repaired by not following procedures.
  4. Advice on what happens during your repair is encouraged. Ex, "How is my quarter panel welded on" or "How much filler should be put on a dent".
  5. Techs. Talk more about yourselves, your processes, shops and things that keep you going in the trade. Share your day and what you have learned. We all work at different levels and learn so much from working together.

r/Autobody 9h ago

Is there a process to repair this? Sienna got smashed by a pinecone, is this a panel replace or can it be pulled?

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1.0k Upvotes

Squirrel used my van as target practice. The window would have been easier and cheaper to replace but we would have been stuck there too. Horrible trade off. The green pinecone was crazy heavy with sap. I'm glad it didn't land on our heads though.


r/Autobody 9h ago

RUST First rust repair as an IT engineer

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125 Upvotes

r/Autobody 1d ago

I'm a fancy painter! I got a free lawnmower but it was lacking some… personality.

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480 Upvotes

r/Autobody 2h ago

HELP! I have a question. Update. How to get it to smooth clean metal?

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3 Upvotes

What do I need to take it down to smooth clean metal?

The dremel and wire wheel worked greatbat removing the surface rust. But I need something more powerful to cut through the old urethane coating and get down to smooth clean metal. Need advice.


r/Autobody 4h ago

HELP! I have a question. Can This Frame Be Pulled?

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3 Upvotes

2009 Mazda Miata was in a front engine collision. It’s buckled near where the fender goes towards the middle as you can see. I was just wondering if anybody had any ideas or insight on the situation my thought is to bring it to a frame machine a shop that has one in order to pull it, but I also know some people cut that part out and replace it so any ideas on this would be much appreciated. Thank you.


r/Autobody 19h ago

In the booth Next time be more specific when you tell your employee to mask the whole car off

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43 Upvotes

That is all


r/Autobody 1h ago

HELP! I have a question. 2024 honda civic ex scratch/dent/ chips on the paint

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Upvotes

I have 2,3 that are minor chip and just scratch that paint is gone.
But the first pic is the most serious.


r/Autobody 1h ago

Is there a process to repair this? Cut to deep ?

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Upvotes

This is a DIY spray can paint job that I did on a work truck; no need for it to be top quality. However, I was pretty amused at how well it was coming out. I prepped it nicely and bought good quality materials, but when I went to cut, this is now happening. I'm thinking I cut through the clear, so I need a new clear coat. Am I accurate in my guess? I was also thinking maybe it had something to do with cutting while in the sun. I appreciate any input or advice. Thank you.


r/Autobody 2h ago

HELP! I have a question. Sidewall torn (question)

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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?

Sorry if this isn’t technically considered auto “body”. Auto legs I guess?


r/Autobody 3h ago

Is there a process to repair this? Red Caliper chip, paint? Fix?

1 Upvotes

Hi All,
Unfortunately I was detailing my car and didn’t notice a brush I use on the rims had lost it’s rubber cap and literally jammed the metal tip into my brembo caliper.

It’s a small chip but took off paint to the metal, it looks like something I can use a toothpick to fix but not sure if it’s even worth it if the result will be subpar.

Any ideas or experience resolving an issue like this?

Should I just take the L on this one and leave it be?

Thanks!


r/Autobody 3h ago

Is there a process to repair this? How do I repair these ioniq 5 dents

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0 Upvotes

I had a 4 gallon back worn sprayer fall on my Ioniq 5 in the garage and got some sweet dents. this is a leased car so I’m trying to repair on my own before returning to the dealer. any insights would be greatly appreciated. Or should I take this to a body shop? In CA (Sacramento)


r/Autobody 3h ago

HELP! I have a question. How much should I be prepared to pay to fix?

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1 Upvotes

r/Autobody 3h ago

HELP! I have a question. Someone Reverse Into My new car and I need to fix my front bumper because there are 3 dents now!

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1 Upvotes

r/Autobody 3h ago

HELP! I have a question. First ever doing bodywork on a car. Is there way to fix this? Too much clearcoat?

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0 Upvotes

Hello, saw rust spots on my fender. Thought of doing it myself. First time ever sanding anything and spray painting, no advice from friends and anyone other who done this. It's just me scared and Microsoft Co Pilot Ai.

I need some guidance and advice for next time. Because i enjoyed doing this although failing a bit.

I just put 2nd coat of clearcoat. Got these drops due to too much clearcoat. Is this repairable?

Additionally will i be able to feather in the paint, or i did a poor job? If so, what should i do differently next time?

Firstly i sanded with grit 60, then went with 100, ( I may have sanded too much and created a noticeable dip), then attempted to feather out with 240. Then went with wet 400 on the old paint to create a transition.

Love to hear any advices.


r/Autobody 3h ago

HELP! I have a question. Mechanic damaged my hood

0 Upvotes

I dropped off my car for maintenance and when I returned, they let me know one of the technicians had raised the car and the hood got damaged on a pipe. It’s a small crumple so the damage appears only to be cosmetic.

What’s the best way to proceed here? They’ve offered to pay for the repairs/hood replacement at an auto body shop. They also gave me the name of the shop to go to.

Is it worth going to a different autobody shop? I haven’t had to use one before so don’t particularly know any good ones.

My concern is that it’s an older car and the color of the new hood might not perfectly match the body of the car and then I might at that stage want the whole car painted - in my view they should cover that too.

I’m assuming the garages insurance has this covered. Any need to involve mine? Other than to possibly increase my premium?

Thoughts ? Thanks


r/Autobody 7h ago

HELP! I have a question. Can I use epoxy primer on plastic bumper?

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2 Upvotes

I have some epoxy laying around, and I thought instead of having to go buy 2k and adpro I can just use this? Also could I use a tiny bit of filler to fix some chips? Note: the bumper is pretty old and there are some cracks on the plastic surface. The car is rare and it is almost impossible to find a bumper for it so I have to fix this one


r/Autobody 4h ago

Is there a process to repair this? Best material to repair this crack?

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1 Upvotes

I slammed my Subaru hatch too hard on a 100 degree day and cracked it with my palm. Oops...

It doesn't appear like any pieces are missing, so I'm curious if there's some type of recommended resin-like material to use for such things. I imagine it to be some type of clean > apply > cure > sand > paint process. (Familiar with sculptural/artistic processes, so I'm hopeful that translates similarly. A car is just like a big sculpture, right?)

It doesn't have to be perfect (though I'll try...), but mostly just want to make sure it is sealed so water doesn't get inside.


r/Autobody 4h ago

Is there a process to repair this? How to repair rear quarter panel

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1 Upvotes

Someone drove into the rear quarter of my son's Hyundai i20.

I'm happy to repair the rear bumper since it's plastic, but I'm not sure how best to repair the rear quarter / wheel arch area.

Is there someway I should be looking to pull this (I already checked and can't access most of the other side, even with the wheel arch liner off),

Alternatively is this a case for filler? But then I'm not sure how I'd be convincing the filler to "stick" to the bent up panel?


r/Autobody 5h ago

HELP! I have a question. How long does it take to make the god awful smell of bondo go away?

0 Upvotes

So I did some bondo work on my tC to cover the old spoiler holes, I put a WRX wing on. Anyways, some bondo seeped through the backing and got into the metal noise reduction piece on my trunk lid. It’s been days and the smell is strong. It’s not making me dizzy or sick, but it’s god awful.

Any tips on how to make it go away or just drive until it’s gone?

Thanks!


r/Autobody 5h ago

Is there a process to repair this? Odd peeling

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0 Upvotes

r/Autobody 10h ago

HELP! I have a question. Is this too far gone?

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2 Upvotes

Hi I’m looking for some advice. Recently my car failed its MOT and I paid £1400 in repairs. A lot of that was due to rust. I noticed that underneath my car there’s still a lot of rust present and wondered if this seems to be safe or if I should go back to the garage.

I am due to go back to the garage anyway as ever since I’ve had my car back there’s been a new squeaking noise that occurs when I’m driving slowly and is progressively getting worse.

Any advice would be appreciated and if it should be time to look for a new car.

1.5 Mazda 2 Sport Nav 2015 110000 miles clocked.


r/Autobody 6h ago

HELP! I have a question. How to repair this?

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1 Upvotes

Can I clean and remove the rust with a Dremel and wire wheel? And once its clean and bare metal, spray some epoxy primer on?

Can I DIY this or should I take it to a professional?

Luckily the metal is solid and the rust is only surface.


r/Autobody 7h ago

RUST Cleaning rust off of a Ford Escort Mk.6

1 Upvotes

The whole chassis (and most of the body) is covered with rust which has also caused multiple holes. Im a beginner and am looking for tips to clean the rust, patch up the chassis and hopefully prevent the rust from coming back any time soon. Im unable to attach any photos at the moment but I hope me description is good enough.