Sooner or later, virtually every American who drives will need to repair auto body damage of some kind. You can save a small fortune over a lifetime by performing auto body repairs on your own. If you’d like to master auto body repair at home, these tips should prove fruitful.
Equip Yourself With the Right Tools
The most rudimentary collection of auto body repair tools starts with an assortment of metal and plastic putty knives for mixing body filler. Must-have power tools include random orbital sanders and angle grinders. You’ll also need a budget air compressor and an array of spray guns to apply paint and clear coats.
Practice Essential Skills on Junk Parts
Even if you’re a quick study, there’s always a learning curve when it comes to auto body repair. Grab a few doors and quarter panels from a local wrecking yard to use as guinea pigs. That way, you can fine-tune your skills without consequences before attempting to work on your vehicle’s exterior.
Devise a Step-by-Step Plan for Each Procedure
If you’re not an auto body specialist, it’s easy to miss a step in a repair process that may greatly impact the final result. Before you get started, watch a YouTube video of the procedure and make copious notes. Try to anticipate unforeseen developments and have contingency plans in place to address them.
Find a Friendly Mentor in Your Area
It’s a lot easier to attempt auto body repairs with confidence if you have an expert nearby who can offer advice. Try to find a local ASE-certified auto body repair specialist who can give you pointers on repair techniques and product selection. Alternatively, you can use DIY repair forums to bounce questions off of working auto body professionals.
Use OEM Hardware Whenever Possible
Auto body repair is hard enough for amateurs without having to worry about low-quality replacement parts that don’t fit properly. You’ll save yourself plenty of frustration by spending a little extra on OEM headlights and door panels. Once you’ve gained some experience, you’ll have the skills required to achieve acceptable results using aftermarket parts.
The biggest mistake amateur auto body technicians make is biting off more than they can chew. Some jobs are best left to professional auto body repair shops that have the facilities and know-how to tackle the problem. Spending a little extra on professional auto body repair is ultimately an investment in peace of mind.