Getting the Vehicle Dents Out Before the Paint JobGetting the Vehicle Dents Out Before the Paint Job

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Getting the Vehicle Dents Out Before the Paint Job

About three years ago I had my car repainted, but I couldn't afford to have the dents that were apparent fixed first. The paint job looked great, but it sure did make the dents stick out like a sore thumb. In fact I was so uncomfortable with the outcome that I purposely scratched the paint near the dents in an effort to make the damage look more "natural" and less noticeable. It worked, but I was left back at square one. So I went about the process of learning how to fix the dents myself while I saved up for another paint job. What I learned is that it's completely feasible to fix minor body damage without the need for costly service appointments. So, I decided to post some of the options that I've personally used with success on this blog. I hope the information here is helpful to you!

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Three Ways To Save Money On Auto Body Repairs

16 January 2016
 Categories: , Blog

It's common for people to avoid fixing dents and scratches on their vehicle because they think that the repair work will be costly. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can save money on auto body repair services, if needed. Just check out these helpful tips to learn how.

Paintless Dent Repair

If you car only has a few small dents, you might be able to have the dents repaired without damaging your car's paint job. When an auto body shop does paintless dent repair, the technician pulls the dent out without sanding, filling scratched areas, or painting the car. The service costs less because there isn't as much work involved, so ask your auto body shop if your car qualifies for paintless dent repair so that you can save some money.

DIY Scratch Repair

If your car has small scratches, you may be able to make the repairs yourself.

  1. Look on the driver's side door jamb for your car's paint code.
  2. Buy a bottle of touch-up paint in the shade that matches your car's paint code.
  3. Use 2000-grit sandpaper to sand down the scratch, smoothing out the surface.
  4. Wash the sanded area with soapy water to remove any dust from the body of your car.
  5. If needed, repeat the entire sanding and rinsing process until the damaged area is completely smooth and dust free.
  6. Apply a coat of touch-up paint to the sanded area, and let it dry.
  7. Blend the finish by adding rubbing compound to the area.

If you have scratches on your car that are too big for you to repair, you can still repair any smaller scratches surrounding the large scratch before you take you car to the body shop to save some money.

Replace the Damaged Area

It might be cheaper for you to replace the damaged area of your car than it will be to fix it. Junkyards often have parts, such as quarter panels, fenders, and bumpers available to purchase. So, before taking your vehicle to the body shop, visit the junkyard to purchase the parts that you need. Then, you can either replace the damaged portion of the car on your own before you take the car to the body shop to get painted or take the parts to the body shop to have the work completed.

Unfortunately, you have to have car repairs completed from time to time, and the repairs can be costly. However, by fixing some of the damage yourself or inquiring at an autobody shop like Custom Kar Tops or others about paintless dent repair services, you can save money on auto body repairs.