Repair of minor scratches in the body structure
1. If the scratch is superficial and does not penetrate the metal of the body structure, repair is very easy. Lightly rub the scratched area with Turtle Wax New Color Back, or a very gentle Holts Body + Plus Rubbing Compound, to remove loose paint from the scratch and clean the surrounding body of wax polish. Rinse this area with clean water.
2. Apply automotive paint such as Holts Dupli-Color Color Touch or a paint like Holts Autofilm to the scratch using a soft paintbrush; continue to apply thin coats of paint until the surface of the paint in the scratch matches the surrounding paint. Add new coats of paint at least every two weeks so that it can harden; then blend it into the surrounding color by rubbing the scratch area with a resurfacing compound or a very fine cleaning paste such as Holts Body + Plus Rubbing Compound or Turtle Wax New Color Back. Finally, apply polishing wax, one of the Turtle Wax range of polishes.
3. Where a scratch has penetrated through the paint to the metal of the body, giving rise to rust, a different repair technique is used. Remove rust from the base of the scratch with a penknife, then apply a rust-retarding paint such as Turtle Wax Rust Master to prevent future rust. Using a rubber band or nylon indicator, fill the area with Hotts Body + Plus Knifing Putty. Before the primer paste sets in the scratch, wrap your finger with a smooth cotton rag. Dip your finger in a cellulose compound, such as Holts Body + Plus Cellulose Thinners, and then quickly dab it across the surface of the paste in the scratch; this will make the surface to be treated slightly hollow. The scratch can now be painted as described earlier in this Chapter.
Dent Repair
4. When repairing dents, the first step is to level the dent as close to its original shape as possible. There is no point in trying to completely restore the original shape, since the metal in the damaged area will be deformed and cannot be restored to its original contours. It is better to bring the level of the dent to a mark 3 mm below the level of the surrounding metal. In cases where the dent is very superficial, you should not try to fix it at all.
5. If there is access to the back of the dent, it can be straightened out using a soft-faced hammer. As you do this, press down on the wooden block on the opposite side to absorb hammer blows and prevent the metal from pulling out.
6. If the dent is at a point on the body that has double layers or is not accessible for some other reason, a different technique is used. Drill a few holes in the metal inside the damaged area, especially in deeper compartments. Drive long enough self-tapping screws into the holes to get a good grip in the metal. The dent can now be pulled out by pulling out the protruding screw heads with pliers.
7. The next step in the repair is to remove the paint from the damaged area and 2.5 cm around the surrounding metal. This is easily done with a wire brush or an emery wheel clamped in a drill, although it can be done just as effectively with hand sanding. To finish the primer preparation, scratch the surface of the metal with a screwdriver or file, or drill small holes in the area to be treated. This will ensure good adhesion to the filler material. To complete the repair, see priming and painting.
Repair of rusted holes or holes
8. Remove all paint from the surface to be treated and 2.5 cm around, using a wire brush or an emery wheel clamped in an electric drill. This operation can also be performed efficiently by hand with sandpaper. After removing the paint, determine the severity of the damage and decide whether to replace the entire part or repair the damaged area. New body panels are not very expensive and it is often faster to install a new part than to repair large damage
9. Remove all parts from the damaged area, except those that will help restore the original shape of the damaged body (type of headlight frames, etc.). Cut out damaged or rusted metal. Hammer in the edges of the holes to create a slight vacuum for the primer.
10. Use a wire brush to clean the damaged area to remove powdered rust. Paint the area damaged by rust with a corrosion-inhibiting paint such as Turtle Wax Rust Master; if the back of the rusted area is accessible, treat it with anti-corrosion paint.
11. Before proceeding with the primer, seal the holes. This can be done by riveting or screwing a sheet of metal, or by filling the holes with metal mesh.
12. Aluminium, plastic or fiberglass coating such as Holts Body + Plus Glass Fiber Matting is probably the best material for filling large holes. Cut a piece of material approximately the size and shape of the hole to be filled, then place it in the hole so that the edges are below the level of the surrounding body structure. It can be attached with a few drops of primer around the perimeter.
13. Aluminum tape should be used for small or very narrow openings. Unwind part of the roll and measure it to the approximate size and shape required, then peel off the insulating paper (if used) and put the tape over the hole; it can be covered if the thickness of one part is not enough. Draw the edges of the tape with a screwdriver handle or similar and check that the tape is securely attached to the metal.
Body structure repair - priming and painting
14. Before reading this paragraph, see the paragraphs on dents, deep scratches, corroded holes and hole repair.
15. There are many types of body primers, but generally speaking kits that contain primer and hardener resin are the best for this type of repair, such as Holts Body + Plus or Holts No Mix, which can be used directly from the tube. A wide nylon brush or flexible plastic will be needed to apply and level the primer.
16. Mix a small amount of primer and thickener in a clean container (use thickener sparingly). Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. Alternatively, Holts No Mix can be used straight from the tube without mixing, but requires daylight to cure. Using a brush, apply the primer to the prepared surface. To achieve the desired contour and smooth the surface, brush across the surface of the primer each time. As soon as you reach contours close to the original, stop applying the paste. Continue to apply thin layers of paste every 20 minutes until the filler level is close to the level of the metal around.
17. Once the filler has set, the excess can be removed with a file or sandpaper. Use coarser grain paper first and finish with finer grain paper. Always wrap the sandpaper around the flat bar to keep the surface completely smooth. While sanding the surface, the fine sandpaper should be periodically rinsed in water in order to obtain a very smooth surface.
18. At this stage, "dent" should be surrounded by a ring of bare metal, which in turn should be surrounded by a 'smooth' edge of good color. Rinse the repair area with clean water to remove all dust.
19. Spray the primer onto the surface to be treated. It can be Holts Body Plus Gray or Red Oxide Primer - this will reveal all the imperfections on the surface of the filler. Repair defects with a new primer or filler and sand the surface again with sandpaper. Repeat this procedure until you are sure the surface is perfect. Rinse the area with clean water and let it dry.
20. Now you can start painting. It is sprayed in a warm, dry, windless and dust-free area. These conditions can be created in a paint shop, but if you have to work outdoors, choose a dry, windless day. If you are working indoors, dampen the floor with water to keep out dust. Trim parts, such as chrome strips, door handles, etc., must be protected or removed. To do this, use duct tape and several layers of newspaper.
21. Before spraying, shake the paint bottle well. Then apply a test coat and practice the spray painting method. Paint the repaired area. It should be applied over a well dried thick layer of primer.
22. Start spraying from the center of the area to be repaired using Holts Dupli-Color Autospray, then work in a circular motion to the edges. Paint about five cm beyond the edge of the repair. Remove all protective coatings 10-15 minutes after spraying is complete.
23. Let the new paint dry for at least two weeks, then use a color refreshing compound such as Turtle Wax New Color Back or Holts Body + Plus Rubbing Compound. After that, use the spec. polishing compound to blend the contour of the new paint with the old. Finally, apply the wax finish.