Fender benders and minor auto accidents can really put a drain on the wallet. Add in the fact that filing car insurance claims will increase your premiums, and you have an excellent and compelling reason to learn how to do auto body repairs.
Doing minor auto body work isn’t actually that difficult, you simply need to take the time to learn about the proper steps (prepping, pounding, hammering, drilling, sanding, etc.) and tools needed. As a rule of thumb, if the damage to a body panel isn’t severe then it’s best to repair it. If you notice more extreme damage like areas of sharp, creased metal, you’ll probably be better off simply replacing the entire panel.
Finding replacement parts for your car and truck repairs doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal either. There are many junk yards/salvage yards that will give you access to the parts you need on the cheap.
To learn more about the specific processes and tools used to repair auto bodies, it’s best to invest in a course on auto body repair. There are many in-depth, educational references available and learning how to do things the right way from the beginning will ultimately produce the best results.
Be prepared to fork out some money in the beginning on both instruction materials and tools. In closing, here is a short list of a few of the tools you’re eventually going to need:
- Dolly
- Sanding block and sand paper
- Body hammer
- Disc sander
- Auto body filler
- Putty knife