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Auto body repair & detailing/Questions Answered by Expert Michael Kakuk
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Referencing Replacement Core Support? | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: Long story short, "Junior" rear ended a car several months ago and I'm just now getting around to ... A: SET THE PIECE UP AND USE SHEET METAL SCREWS TO HOLD UPPER TIE BAR IN PLACE. THEN SET YOUR HEADLAMPS ... | |
| body & roof replacement / hail | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: How does replacing the entire outer shell of a vehicle along w/ replacing and rewelding the roof ... A: REPLACING A ROOF IS DONE ALL THE TIME. MOST ROOFS ARE GLUED ON AND SINCE YOU ARE REPLACING A FACTORY ... | |
| Electric door lock question... | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Kakuk, Don't know if you can help with this question, and I hope you don't mind my asking. I've ... A: I WOULD CHECK THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR FUSE LOCATION TO SEE IF THEY ARE ON A SEPARATE CIRCUIT. ....ALSO ... | |
| rear end bumper | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: At a stop sign, I was behind a car that drove forward, and I proceeded to drive forward. The car ... A: I can't know without seeing the damages but if you were to ask her to get an estimate of repair you ... | |
| door closing | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a 97 cavalier for $400 because it was hit on the passenger side both doors were ... A: HARD TO SAY WITHOUT SEEING THE DAMAGES....IT COULD BE THAT THE POST IS IN...HOW IS THE GAP AT THE ... | |
| 2005 Honda CRV | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: My granddaughter has slammed the seatbelt into the door several times on my CRV. This has resulted ... A: YOU WOULD NEED TO CALL THE DEALER AND GET A PRICE QUOTE ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL. THEN ... | |
| question on clear coating | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: what clear coat can I use at room temperature in my garage without a paint booth. I already painted ... A: JOE...THERE ARE A LOT OF CLEARS ON THE MARKET AND IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE USED A REDUCER THAT TAKES ... | |
| Back door | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: i drive a 1997 honda crv and a few weeks ago i backed up into a small sign that made some damage to ... A: V......THE BEST ADVICE THAT I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO RUN BY A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP AND GET AN ... | |
| primer | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I just bought a challenger 72 and planning to rebuild it myself a the exception of the paint. I want ... A: IT DEPENDS ON THE CONDITION OF THE PANELS....TAKING THE PANELS DOWN TO BARE METAL MAY NOT BE YOUR ... | |
| Trim attachment | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I own a 1993 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon that I damaged the left front fender. I have ordered a ... A: VERY GOOD QUESTION.....I BELIEVE THAT YOU NEED THESE REPLACEMENT CLIPS. I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT ... | |
| 1999 Audi a6 | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: i need to know how to remove the front fender and what tools ill need A: JERRY....I CAN'T TELL YOU BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THAT INFO HANDY...THE BEST APPROACH WOULD BE TO GO ... | |
| 2001 Dodge Stratus | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: My son had a car accident with his 2001 Dodge Stratus. He was going 75 in a 35 and stepped on his ... A: I WOULD HAVE A BACK GLASS INSTALLED AND GET HIM BACK ON THE ROAD. YOU HAVE INVESTED 3600....SELLING ... | |
| Minor chip repairs | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: I keep my vehicles for the long haul. Right now, I have a 2005 Camry. I am starting to notice a ... A: Toyota are known for the rock chip problem...you should be seeing them at the top part of the roof ... | |
| 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Bumper Replacement | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: Rear end bumper damage prevents door opening. How to repair/replace bumper on older Caravan? ... A: After removing as an assy there may be additional damages that you would not be able to fix without ... | |
| 2000 chevy malibu | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: how to remove front bumper on 2000 chevy malibu A: Remove clips attaching cover ...remove lower fender liner clips that hold cover...might have to ... | |
| Trunk Repair | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2005 Subaru Impreza with 80k miles. Recently I had and accident in a parking lot and the ... A: sorry for the delay in answering....computer issues have kept me from getting on. Yes it is worth ... | |
| Old fiberglass and decal removal | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a 1976 Scamp camping trailer in Phoenix, Arizona. The thing is in nice condition ... A: Unfortunately there is not an easy way to do this. Sometimes a citric based cleaner will soften the ... | |
| splash shield | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: How do I replace the front driver side splash shield on my 06 Dodge Caravan? A: First remove the retainers holding the plastic shield in place. Remove shield Replace retainers You ... | |
| Rust and dent repair | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: Good day. I bought a 2007 Sonata a couple of months ago for a fairly good price because of some ... A: No the insurance company will not cover that. You will only be able to lower the costs of the ... | |
| Saturn rear lip spoiler | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I have acquired a spoiler off of a 2007 Cobalt SS and I want to put it on my 2002 Saturn SC-1 but ... A: There are structural adhesives that will do the job for you. If I understand you....you are trying ... | |
| 2001 Honda Accord core support | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: Does anyone make or do you know where I can get detailed dimensions/measurements for in between the ... A: CHECK YOUR LOCAL BODY SHOP AS THEY HAVE DIMENSIONS FOR THE CORE SUPPORT. IF YOU ARE PURCHASING AN ... | |
| inner wheel well plastic | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: What is the plastic liner inside the wheel well on the rear passenger side of a 2004 Yukon XL ... A: ROBERT...... THE INNER WHEEL WELL LINERS ARE NOT SOUGHT AFTER PIECES AND CAN BE DIFFICULT TO ... | |
| R&R bedside panels with LKQ parts | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I grew up in body shop and know quite a bit about repairs. I mainly deal with insurance companies, ... A: KELLY...... I FIGHT THE SAME PROBLEM EVEN NOW.....IT'S NOT BECAUSE YOUR A GIRL IT'S BECAUSE THE ... | |
| repair panel ford truck | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: would like to try to use the new glue to replace the side panels on the bed of my truck . just how ... A: GEORGE....THERE ISN'T ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT STRUCTURAL ADHESIVES TO DO IF YOU HAVE THE EQUIPMENT. ... | |
| repair panel ford truck | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: would like to try to use the new glue to replace the side panels on the bed of my truck . just how ... A: GEORGE.....IF THE PANELS ARE RUSTED OUT THERE MAY BE MORE DAMAGES THAN CAN BE SEEN. IT IS A TIME ... | |
| Fender scuff | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: My driver side fender is scuffed right along the edge above the wheel. how can I smooth the scuff to ... A: JEFF.....YOU ARE ASKING ME TO DESCRIBE HOW TO REPAIR A DENT AND SCRATCHES ON YOUR VEHICLE. IT WOULD ... | |
| SCRATCH REPAIR ON BOAT | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I PURCHASED A USED BOAT THAT HAS A DARK MAROON COLORED FIBERGLASS SURFACE. IT ALL LOOKS NICE EXCEPT ... A: REX....YOU CAN BUFF THE AREA AND THAT WILL REMOVE SOME OF THE SCRATCHES THAT ARE NOT TO DEEP. ... | |
| Car Repari | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I recently hit a curb with my front right wheel with my 2005 VW Golf. The wheel liner fell off and I ... A: MICHAEL....I WOULD CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ASK THEM FOR AN ESTIMATE. THERE IS NOT A WHEEL ... | |
| Is Bondo on hood OK? | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: My car sustained minor damage to the hood from a front end collision. The front lip was bent. The ... A: STEVE....RELAX EVERYTHING WILL BE OK. THE REPAIRS TO THE HOOD EDGE HAVE TO BE METAL WORKED PRIOR TO ... | |
| fender removal | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I just want to know if you could tell me how to remove my driver side fender from my 1999 Chevrolet ... A: JOSH.....REMOVE THE TOP BOLTS UNDER THE HOOD....REMOVE BOLT AT DOOR OPENING AND THE ONES THAT ATTACH ... | |
| spot repair solid white paint and blending it in without dry edge | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I am repairing certain areas of my car and am using 2k solid paint (white) I am having problems with ... A: PETE....I RECENTLY PAINTED A HONDA WITH SINGLE STAGE AND FOUND IT TO BE DIFFICULT. YOUR BEST BET IS ... | |
| corner panel 93 civic del sol si | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: coulndt figure out how to respond to your answer. its not a homework question, i actually need to ... A: BY CORNER PANEL I AM ASSUMING THAT YOU ARE SEEKING A QUARTER PANEL ? TRY A SALVAGE YARD .....YOU ... | |
| Where to get panels for 1993 honda del sol si | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: i ham having trouble finding the rear quarter panels for a 1993 civic del sol. i understand it is ... A: IF THE PANELS ARE NO LONGER OFFERED BY THE HINDA DEALER THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO LOCATE THEM THRU A ... | |
| trunklid hits recond bumpercover mystery | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: I had bumper cover on my 2004 camry which was dented in a parking lot (a corner hit, only damage was ... A: A RECONDITIONED COVER IS ONE THAT IS AN OEM PART...REPAIRED AND SENT OUT FOR RESALE AS A ... | |
| spot repair solid white paint and blending it in without dry edge | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: I am repairing certain areas of my car and am using 2k solid paint (white) I am having problems with ... A: PETER....IS THE PAINT A BASE COAT CLEAR COAT OR SINGLE STAGE ? YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BLEND A ... | |
| car repair | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: 2003 ford explorer has plastic panel below rear window it cracked in middle ford would not fix it i ... A: TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND ASK TO SPEAK WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SHOW HIM YOUR OIL ... | |
| need to replace right fender on 1994 mercury cougar | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: I can get a used fender from a wrecking yard Will it be difficult to replace? Can husband do it in ... A: IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GETTING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE PAINTED IT WOULD BE WORTH YOUR TIME TO SEE WHAT ... | |
| How to replace a quarter panel | 6/12/2010 |
| Q: Mike, I want to replace the rotted rear quarter panels in my '73 Nova, but I have never done ... A: GARY....I WOULD NOT TRY TO DO THIS YOURSELF. IF YOU CUT INTO THE INNER QUARTER BY ACCIDENT,,, THE ... | |
| need to replace right fender on 1994 mercury cougar | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: I can get a used fender from a wrecking yard Will it be difficult to replace? Can husband do it in ... A: CINDY......I AM ASSUMING THAT THE REASON THE FENDER NEEDS REPLACED IS DUE TO A COLLISION. THERE ARE ... | |
| paint scratch repairs | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I have recently bought a used 2007 Rav4 with several scratches,some that I can feel with my nails. I ... A: RICH....IF YOU CAN FEEL THE SCRATCH WITH A FINGERNAIL THEN IT IS GONE INTO THE CLEAR COAT. THIS CAN ... | |
| car repair | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: 2003 ford explorer has plastic panel below rear window it cracked in middle ford would not fix it i ... A: IF THE DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT WITH THEM. ... | |
| 98 acura CL 3.0 | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: My 98 acura two door CL was slightly hit in the front passenger corner. I found that the lower ... A: SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE A POSSIBLE BENT ENGINE CRADLE. I WOULD REPLACE THE RADIUS RODS TO SEE IF THEY ... | |
| 95 Eclipse front fender backed into -red paint, i need to paint whole car | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: My 95 GST was backed into on the street in front of my son's home. I have been holding my breath ... A: THE REPAIR SHOP WILL WORK OFF THE INSURANCE COMPANY ESTIMATE......NO PROBLEM..IF THEY OPEN UP THE ... | |
| 2003 Tahoe Fender | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I bumped my fender on a post and had to replace it. When I put on the replacement (from a salvage ... A: YOU MAY HAVE GOTTEN AN AFTERMARKET FENDER FROM THE SALVAGE YARD AND WILL HAVE TO ELONGATE THE THE ... | |
| Front and rear bumper estimates seem too steep. | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2003 Toyota Echo that has a dent in the rear bumper and the front bumper is cracked. One ... A: THE BEST WAY TO GET A FAIR PRICE IS TO GO GET THREE ESTIMATES AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE. THEY SHOULD BE ... | |
| mechanic repair shop estimations | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I recently got into a front end accident with my 1992 Acura legend that had minor damage to the ... A: DEREK.....FINDING ADDITIONAL DAMAGES IS VERY COMMON IN TODAY'S WORLD OF AUTO REPAIRS. THE PROPER ... | |
| 1994 Toyota Celica body damage, repair or replace? | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Micheal sir, I have a 94 Celica with a lot of aesthetic work done to it (tires, rims, full body kit, ... A: Would it be economical to repair all the cosmetic damages ? Sounds like you have a few thousand in ... | |
| sanding | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1989 camaro that's being sitting in my driveway for 2 years and the paint is fading so I ... A: YOU NEED A DA SANDER TO PROPERLY DO THE JOB. DUAL ACTION SANDERS AND THE REQUIRED SANDPAPER TO FIT ... | |
| 04 Ford Taurus - Quarterpanel repair | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2004 Taurus and recently someone back into the left side of my car and crushed the ... A: JOHN....IF THE FORD DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ONE AVAILABLE THEN THE ONLY OPTION IS TO HAVE ONE PUT ON ... | |
| front bumper bar r/r | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I need to replace a rusted front bumper bar on a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. I was told remove the grill ... A: DOUG..... I CAN'T ANSWER THAT ONE FOR SURE BUT THE BEST WAY IS TO REMOVE THE BUMPER FROM THE MOUNTS ... | |
| BLEND SOLVENT | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: Dear Michael what does 1K Urethane solvent used for? A: WITHOUT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION I CAN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION. URETHANE SOLVENT.....SOUNDS LIKE YOU ... | |
| Hail damage roof repairability | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2008 volvo XC90 SUV which has extensive hail damage on all panels. The roof is peppered ... A: CATHRYN... 08 VOLVO ACTUAL CASH VALUE IS GREATER THAN TH ESTIMATED COSTS TO REPAIR. THAT'S WHY YOUR ... | |
| Escalade door panel removal | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: How do I remove the drivers door panel A: BRIAN.....YOU NEED A TRIM PANEL REMOVAL TOOL THAT GETS BEHIND THE CLIPS THAT ARE HOLDING THE TRIM ... | |
| tire marks | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: How do cars get tire marks on them? I was in a car accident, I have tire marks on the back passenger ... A: MICHELLE.....TIRE MARKS CAN BE SCUFFED BY RUBBING A CURB,AND COLLISION DAMAGE. IF YOU WERE MOVING ... | |
| 2006 Nissan Altima passenger front window inching halfway down | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: Kakuk, I own a 2006 Nissan Altima and was in a minor accident about a month ago. I was side swiped ... A: IT COULD BE THAT THE WINDOW GLASS RUN CHANNEL WAS DAMAGED IN THE ACCIDENT. IF YOU WENT THROUGH A ... | |
| door alignment | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: 2003 Yukon XL. My wife opened driver door in very strong winds. Now front door has shifted too close ... A: SOUNDS LIKE THE DOOR HINGES HAVE BEEN BENT AND THE DOOR CHECK HAS BEEN DAMAGED. YOU ALSO MAY HAVE ... | |
| Touching Up Scuffed Plastic | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I own a 2007 Toyota Prius. I accidentally ran over a curb in a parking lot (not the result of a ... A: THE QUICK ANSWER IS THAT THERE ISN'T REALLY ANYTHING THAT I"M AWARE OF THAT REPAIRS TEXTURED ... | |
| maybe center link or tire rods? | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Someone was driving my car and ran over a median going about 35mph, the tire went flat and had to be ... A: WITHOUT KNOWING THE TYPE OF SUSPENSION IT SOUNDS LIKE Y0U HAVE A BENT INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS. IT ... | |
| enamel clear coating | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: ok, this may be a little odd but i painted my old truck using enamel tractor paint. i would just ... A: I ASSUME THAT YOU USED A SINGLE STAGE ENAMEL BASED PAINT.....NOT MEANT TOO BE CLEARED OVER. YOU CAN ... | |
| Painting over decals | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: I am sorry this is not a question which pertains to an auto. It is a boat trailer of which is ... A: PAINTING OVER DECALS IS DONE ON SOME SITUATIONS AND AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO SEPARATIONS FROM THE ... | |
| 91 acclaim trunk lid rack | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: i recently pick up a 91 acclaim and the rack on the trunk lid is UGLY i want to take it off but i ... A: I DON'T KNOW WITHOUT INSPECTING. TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP AND ASK THEM IF THERE WILL BE ANY HOLES ON ... | |
| 1995 eclipse 2.0 | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: i have a question reguarding my 95 eclipse. i paid a idiot to put a clutch in my car and he left the ... A: MY BEST ADVICE IS TO TAKE THE CAR TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND HAVE IT REPAIRED RIGHT. THEN CALL THE ... | |
| Rusty Bolts | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: I am currently looking to buy a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant. I had my mechanic look at it. Everything ... A: IF SOME BUT NOT ARE RUSTED ARE THEY AT THE SAME /APPROXIMATE HEIGHT? IF NOT I WOULDN'T WORRRY. ... | |
| Repairing molded on rear fiberglass fender flares | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: Need help Repairing molded on rear fiberglass fender flares on a 65 Mustang. My son hit a pothole ... A: nice car.....sounds like you have the pieces needed but need an answer on how to re atatch to car. ... | |
| Auto body work | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: 2000 subaru 150thous. miles. About to attemt first try at body work . Have 1" X 4" hole after wire ... A: I WOULD APPLY A RUST INHIBITOR SOLD AT THE AUTO STORE...SOME YOU BRUSH ON. IT TAKES WHATEVER MINUTE ... | |
| removing dents w ?.. Welding. | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: Is it true you can remove auto body dents with a blow dryer and liquid nitrogen (dry ice)? Its' on ... A: ECONOMICAL DENT PULLERS ARE THE ONES THAT HAVE A SCREW ATTACHED TO THE END OF A BAR. DRILL HOLE ... | |
| Repair or replace Audi fender? | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a black 2005 Audi A4 with a dented driver's side fender (neighbour's minivan backed into it). ... A: looks like a repair wouo aheadld be ok. The body tech will first reshape the metal prior to using to ... | |
| paint matching issue | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: Had back hatch of 2006 Ford Expedition xlt repainted. Although paint code for the white color was ... A: GLEN....THERE ARE A BUNCH OF REASONS AND I WILL EXPLAIN A FEW FOR YOU. YOUR VEHICLE HAS A PAINT CODE ... | |
| Corolla '94 paint | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm planning to have my Corolla '94 painted. (it still has the original paint). What should I look ... A: RICK THAT ALL DEPENDS ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR A JOB. THE MORE MONEY THE ... | |
| 04 GM Dually Rear Fender | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: I backed into a "hidden" post and cracked my rear dually fender. All the pieces are there, it's just ... A: TOM.......THE BEST WAY IS TO USE A PLASTIC REPAIR KIT/WELDER WHICH CAN FIX THE CRACK. THE COST IS ... | |
| Rear panel cracking | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: Six months ago I purchased my first car off a dodgy character. Its a second hand 2001 Mitsubishi ... A: TOM......IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE A MESS ON YOUR HANDS. THE CRACKING COULD BE DUE TO EXCESS FILLER ... | |
| Fender painting | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: I bought a used fender that has no rust or dents. However, it is painted white and my car is ... A: ALEX.....CLEAN THE FENDER WITH SOAP AND WATER GOOD. REMOVE ALL GRIME FROM INSIDE AND OUT SIDE. SCRUB ... | |
| fame repair | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: I would to know if a bent frame would make your abs light come and make a howling noise like ... A: DOUG...THE ABS LIGHT CONCERNS YOUR ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND A WHEEL SENSOR COULD BE BAD. THE SHOP ... | |
| Rusting | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1998 Dodge Durango with bad rusting on the front bumper, and other areas of the truck. I ... A: RON YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF YOU COULD REPLACE THE BUMPER WITH AN AFTERMARKET ONE IF AVAILABLE IN ... | |
| Trim Removal | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a 97 gmc shortwide and I want to remove the trim pieces, what's the proper way to do so? The ... A: Most trim pieces can be removed by using a trim removal tool specifically designed to get behind the ... | |
| auto body repair | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: Which tool would you use on a dented creased fender, Also on the highs and lows? A: Ron.....if i had one i would use a spot weld puller which welds little rods to the lows and then you ... | |
| Repairing a Paint Scratch | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a paint scratch (no dents) on the corner of the rear bumper of a black Toyota 4runner. The ... A: ANGIE.....DEPENDING ON THE YEAR OF THE 4RUNNER THE REAR BUMPER COMES IN 3 PIECES OR 1 PIECE. WITHOUT ... | |
| Auto Body Damage | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Kakuk: Recently my automobile was in a car accident and my insurance company said that they ... A: MURPHY.....THE DEALER BODY SHOP WILL ONLY USE FACTORY PARTS IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY INDICATED SO ON ... | |
| auto repair | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: i want to purchase a car from copart maybe possibly one that has been in an auto accident and then ... A: EDDIE........NOT A GOOD IDEA. THE VEHICLES AT COPART ARE TOTAL LOSSES THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ... | |
| blisters in paint | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: Mike I noticed a couple small blisters on my rear wheel wells and fixed them. They multiplied and I ... A: KEN BLISTERS INDICATE A CHEMICAL REACTION I STAKING PLACE DUE TO TRAPPED SOLVENTS. YOU SAY YOU HAVE ... | |
| 2002 Dodge Durango Fender | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: We have been able to remove all the bolts from my son's 2002 Dodge Durango passenger side fender ... A: BOB....I"M NOT SURE ABOUT THE CORRECT ANSWER HERE. i WOULD CALL YOUR LOCAL DODGE BODY SHOP AND ASK ... | |
| scratches | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: Sir: What is the best way to repair (remove) some superficial scratches on my rear door. I don't ... A: CARL.....THE BEST SOLUTION IS TO USE RUBBING COMPOUND FOLLOWED BY WAX. RUBBING COMPOUNDS COME IS ... | |
| 1969 Camaro rear quarter mis aligned | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I got robbed on eBay. (So what else is new, right?) I bought a 1969 Camaro from Texas. No rot, no ... A: CORY... YOU COULD EXPECT $800 OR SO DEPENDING ON THE SHOP RATE AND SO ON. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS WHAT ... | |
| painting? | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: an graduated from high school. i didnt really know who to ask about this, but i was wondering how ... A: BRYAN THE BEST ADVISE THAT I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO ASK FOR A PAINTERS HELPER POSITION AT A BODY SHOP. ... | |
| Prep work and tool selection | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 questions. First question is I have a canopy I bought from a salvage yard in good ... A: QUESTION 1 PRIMER OVER REPAIRED AREA AND SAND .....YOU CAN USE AN AEROSOL PRIMER PREFERABLY ... | |
| 1989 chevy camaro | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: My car has been under the sun for 3 years and the paint is faded so i want to paint the car myself ... A: AFTER PRIMER YOU CAN SAND WITH 180 OR 220.....IT WILL TAKE LONGER WITH THE HIGHER GRITS. I WOULD DO ... | |
| Body Work | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: We had some work done on our car (2010 Rav4) after we had a minor accident. We went to a body shop ... A: DOUG..... FIRST...YOU ARE NOT BLOWING ANYTHING OUT OF PROPORTION. DO SHOPS STORE PARTS THAT ARE ... | |
| 1989 chevy camaro | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: My car has been under the sun for 3 years and the paint is faded so i want to paint the car myself ... A: OK......LUIS FIRST WASH THE CAR CLEAN CAR WITH PAINT PREP WAX AND GREASE REMOVER REMOVE NECESSARY ... | |
| Body Work | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: My daughter was in a car accident yesterday. The 1997 Chrysler Sebring was hit on the passenger ... A: DEBBIE....CAN'T ASSESS THE DAMAGE UNTIL IT IS VIEWED....YOU MAY BE ABLE TO REPAIR THE QUARTER AND ... | |
| dent in alum fender | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I have an RV with alum body that shredded a tire and whapped the panel behind the tire- see photo-- ... A: KEN.....THE BEST APPROACH WOULD BE TO GAIN ACCESS FROM THE UNDERSIDE IF POSSIBLE. IF THERE IS TO ... | |
| Factory Paint Job | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: My daughter owns a White 2003 Toyota Echo coupe. She wants to paint it silver, using a number from ... A: DON....PAINTING THE CAR A TOYOTA SILVER IS A GOOD IDEA. IF YOU PAINT A VEHICLE A FUNKY COLOR THE ... | |
| clk seats repair | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2000 clk 320 and my seats on both side want move forward or backwards, when u push the ... A: MIKE I WOULD ONLY BE GUESSING AT THE PROBLEM BUT HERE ARE SOME POSSIBLE CAUSES THE GEAR THAT ... | |
| painting new body panel | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a new left front fender that I am going to paint. It appears to be primed already since it is ... A: JAMISON THE NEW FENDER HAS A BLACK COATING CALLED A TRANSPORT COAT AND IS SANDED AND YES IT CAN ... | |
| Front Bumper | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: My 98 Toyota Tacoma was in an accident on the front passenger side. My father was going to do the ... A: Elizabeth......the best thing for you to do i sto get a repair estimate from a body shop. The ... | |
| Headlights | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: I just want to know how often I should be replacing my headlamp assembly ('03 Ford Econoline ... A: Saul, If you want a brighter light from the headlamps then replacement would be your best bet. ... | |
| 2010 Buick Lacrosse | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: Inner hinge pillar A what metal type is it . A: CARL..... USUALLY THE INNER STRUCTURE PANELS AT THE HINGE POSTS,CENTER POSTS ARE MADE OF HSLA METAL ... | |
| Control arm | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: i have a 08 hyundai elantra with 30,000. I took it to get alligned and they said my camber is ... A: OK.....WITH NO VISUAL DAMAGES AND HAVING THE LR CAMBER A FULL DEGREE OUT OF SPEC. A SECOND ... | |
| passenger side mirror replacement 1994 Oldsmobile 98 Regency | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I have the replacement mirror (whole assembly). Popped off the inside door panel. Can see the vapor ... A: STEVE....A FEW OPTIONS TO TRY.....POWER THE WINDOW DOWN TO SEE IF THAT GIVES YOU THE ACCESS THAT YOU ... | |
| rust spots (tiny) | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: My 2002 has many tiny orange in color spots. I have pictures of the spots. I have not waxed it since ... A: RIKKI....THAT LOOKS LIKE A GOOD IDEA BASED OFF THE PHOTO. MAKE SURE THAT YOU USE A FINE COMPOUND AND ... | |
| Chevy Malibu front fender repair/replace | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: My brother's 1998 Malibu was involved in a fender bender that damaged the front bumper cover and the ... A: JOE.....NOT FAMILIAR WITH AN 88 MALIBU BUT....YOU PROBABLY HAVE TO GET TO THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ... | |
| vw beetle | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: I have an 04 vw beetle and was parking bt went over the curb a little at a target.... now its making ... A: KAYLA..... SOUNDS LIKE YOU MAY HAVE DAMAGED YOUR CORE SUPPORT WHICH IS THE METAL STRUCTURE THAT ... | |
| dent repair | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Can dry ice really take out some small dents? If so, how would you go about using this method? ... A: Dry ice can be used for small and shallow dings. This method is old and not used in repair shops . ... | |
| Paint and clear coat | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I wish to repaint the roof and hood of my 97 ford pickup. My question is that the clear and base ... A: Chris....by the description of the hood it sounds like the hood will have to be stripped down to ... | |
| 1994 Honda Accord | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: This past December I was going down a hill and hydroplaned right into a street pole at about ... A: JOhn.....sounds like you have damaged the bumper reinforcement and core support. The reinforcement ... | |
| Touch Up Paint on 2008 328i BMW | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: i recently backed into another car very slowly and it took a line about 1 cm thick and 5 inches long ... A: J.... NO PROBLEM. OPTION #1. CALL THE DEALER AND GIVE THEM YOUR VEHICLE ID NUMBER LOCATED ON THE ... | |
| UNIBODY DAMAGE | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: i was about to buy a 2006 Nissan 350Z Conv.with 44.000 miles. the dealer said it was never damaged. ... A: RAY..... DO YOU REALLY REALLY WANT THIS CAR? WHAT I MEAN IS ARE YOU GETTING A PRICE REDUCTION FOR ... | |
| Hyundai rear driver door | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I have recieved three different solutions from three seperate auto body repair shops regarding ... A: ERICA....MY FIRST QUESTION IS TO ASK IF YOU ARE GOING THRU INSURANCE FOR PAYMENT OR PAYING OUT OF ... | |
| Body collision and frame repair | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: An accident involving a Suburban and a BMW, colliding while both were backing out of opposite ... A: WILLIAM.... WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE DAMAGES IT IS DIFFICULT TO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE. THE ... | |
| remove/repair roof on lincoln t/c | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: how do i obtain information on how to go about replacing the roof on my Lincoln at/c.right now it,S ... A: CHARLES..... SOUNDS LIKE YOU WANT TO REMOVE THE VINYL TOP FROM THE ROOF OF THE LINCOLN. THIS IS NOT ... | |
| Toyota Matrix Drip Rail | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix and one of the drip rails is damaged at the rear, just in front of the ... A: WALTER.....BY DRIP RAIL ARE YOU MEANING THE RUBBER ROOF STRIP? I AM ASSUMING THAT YOU ARE. ON SOME ... | |
| Repairs on a 2007 Camry after rear end collision | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: My 2007 Camry was hit on the left side of the rear end. My driverside rear tire was pushed inward ... A: NOEL.....THE REAR WHEEL SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHING THE BODY OF THE CAR. ASK THE SHOP FOR A COPY OF YOUR ... | |
| painting | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: mike,i need help. i have a 2000 grandam gt with dent in door, it is in the middle of the door ,i ... A: STEVE.........IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT TYPE OF PAINT YOU ARE PLANNING TO USE...BASE/CLEAR OR SINGLE ... | |
| Painting OEM panels off car | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I need to get my daugthers 98 Toyota back on the road so she can commute to school.... I have ... A: YES....PRIMER AND WAIT TILL YOU HAVE SUFFICIENT HEAT. YOU WILL HAVE TO SAND DOWN THE PRIMER IN THE ... | |
| Painting OEM panels off car | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I need to get my daugthers 98 Toyota back on the road so she can commute to school.... I have ... A: CRAIG.....IF YOU CAN GET THE GARAGE TO A MINIMUM OF 60 DEGREES YOU CAN USE A 2 PART PRIMER. IF YOU ... | |
| need some assessment regarding frame damage | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: I am attaching the pics. how likely it is that frame was damaged? insurance has deemed it total and ... A: I SEE MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE BASED ON THE NEW PHOTOS....MY ADVICE TO YOU ... | |
| need some assessment regarding frame damage | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I am attaching the pics. how likely it is that frame was damaged? insurance has deemed it total and ... A: froogle.....the photo indicates that there is a good possibility of the rt hinge post being in need ... | |
| Driver side door not closing | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a 03 gti and the driver side door does not close all the way, i don't know exactly how big ... A: MIKE. .... SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE A DOOR LATCH PROBLEM. SLOWLY CLOSE THE DOOR AND SEE IF YOU CAN FEEL ... | |
| accident | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: Awoman backed into my 98 firebird it tweeked the front end toward the passanger side and cracked the ... A: MICHAEL.....THATS FINE IF THEY SEND THE CHECK TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE GOING ... | |
| paint question?? | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: ok, i went to a body shop to get my car repaired. he told me verbally that he'd prime the entire ... A: PHILLIP.....IF HE PRIMED OVER THE REPAIRED AREAS AND THAT IS ALL YOU PAID FOR THEN THAT IS OK. IF ... | |
| swapping out body parts | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I am buying a 1996 dodge caravan for parts.I have a 1997 plymouth grand voyager. Will the body parts ... A: LOUIS....THE EASIEST WAY TO FIND OUT IS TO CALL A BODY SHOP AND HAVE THEM CHECK THE ESTIMATING ... | |
| Temperature Gauge on Toyota Tacoma | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: The temperature gauge on my 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 indicates that my engine is warm even when the ... A: RALPH....NOT A MECHANIC BUT I'LL BE HAPPY TO GIVE IT A SHOT. IT COULD BE THAT THE GAUGE IS ... | |
| Rear Bumper repair | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2002 LEXUS ES300. Recently when I backed my car I bumped into the wall behind, and this ... A: SHUO...........WITHOUT SEEING THE DAMAGES IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE WASTING ... | |
| Rear fender rust | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a mazda protege 02.The left rear fender has the paint bubbled up like you can lift it and ... A: ILIR.......THE RUST IS ON YOUR LEFT QUARTER PANEL AND YOU COULD CUT THE RUST OUT AND RIVET A NEW ... | |
| collision | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: I hit a car and am paying for the damage out of pocket. The damage was behind the rear wheel on the ... A: JILLINA....IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE DAMAGES WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. I WOULD ASK THE ... | |
| Black Paint Blending Problem | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: I just completed a rear quarter panel/dog leg rust repair on a 1997 black Ford Contour. I used ... A: JOHN.....YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO BLEND EASILY WITH SPRAY CANS....THE PRESSURE INSIDE THE ... | |
| Repair of small rusted dent on 1982 van | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1982 chevy van that was slightly dented a few years ago extending between the rear side ... A: JOSHUA.....SAND THE RUST OFF USING 180 GRIT AND FOLLOW WITH 220 OR 320. PRIMER CAN BE BOUGHT IN A ... | |
| Paint | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a 2010 black Honda Accord. Before I drove it off the lot, I noticed a tiny tiny bump ... A: JEANNE....THE BUBBLE COULD BE DIRT IN THE FINISH FROM A PRIOR REPAIR....IF THEY SAID THEY CAN TAKE ... | |
| Oxidized paint | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I have 97 Ford F150 with dark red paint that has gotten dull looking due to being in the sun. I ... A: GARY......USING A BUFFER IN THE BEGINNING IS OK BECAUSE YOU STILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO. THERE ... | |
| Door Won't Stay Open | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a 99' GMC yukon, 4dr and 4x4. One of the back "barn" doors will not stay open, it constantly ... A: BO THE BACK DOOR THAT DOES NOT STAY OPEN QUESTION IS THE ONE THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU ... | |
| Alignment after rear end collision | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I was in a minor rear end collision this week. A young guy ran into the back of me. There was a bit ... A: JILL.....IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE STRUCTURAL DAMAGES BUT TO BE SAFE I WOULD RUN BY A BODY SHOP ... | |
| Remove right fender 2002 Chevy S10 | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: What do I need to do to romove the right front passenger fender on a 2002 Chevy S10 PU. A: JEFF....I DON'T HAVE TO MUCH NEWER CHEVY DETAILS...THE BEST THING IS TO CALL THE CHEVY DEALER THAT ... | |
| bronco rust | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I have an 81 bronco which is in fantastic shape. It only has a small amount of rust on it. The wheel ... A: JAKE....THE BUBBLES THAT YOU SEE ARE AN INDICATION OF PANEL RUST AS YOU NOTICED. THE PROBLEM WITH ... | |
| 1989 chevey pickup | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: i just painted my 1989 chevey pickup , today it bubbled , why A: JERRY....WITHOUT MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU PAINTED YOUR TRUCK WITH MY ANSWER WILL BE VAGUE. IF ... | |
| side molding removal | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I'm trying to figure out how to remove a piece of body side molding from the rear quarter panel of ... A: MIKE.....SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE DESCRIBING A DRIP RAIL MOLDING. I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANY INFO ON THE ... | |
| airbrush for touchup | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: Can an airbrush be used to touchup paint chips, most are on leading vertical edge of 99 tahoe hood? ... A: JOHN.... I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE AIRBRUSH. THE CHIPS WOULD STILL BE THERE JUST THE SAME COLOR AS ... | |
| crack repair | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm working on an old pickup and I've already got it primered.There are some cracks coming through ... A: BOB.....I WOULD SAND THE CRACKS UNTIL SMOOTH AND THEN APPLY THE FILLER. IF YOU SWIPE FILLER OVER THE ... | |
| Rear-View Mirror | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: As I was driving, my passenger rear-view mirror was impacted with an object. Although the fixture ... A: KIM....THE WOBBLE MAY STAY THE SAME OR GET WORSE DUE TO MORE DAMAGES CAUSED BY DRIVING AROUND. THE ... | |
| seat belts are very dirty | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: i would like to know what i can do to clean the seat belts in 97 lincoln cont the color is light tan ... A: BARBARA......I WOULD SUGGEST STOPPING BY YOUR LOCAL AUTO STORE AND GET SOME CARPET AND TRIM CLEANER. ... | |
| light body repair | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: This doesn't involve and collision damage, but still...same catagory of "help" I think. I hope you ... A: CHUCK.....THE BEST SANDER IS WHAT THEY CALL A D.A. SANDER OR DUAL ACTION. YOU CAN USE IT AS A SANDER ... | |
| Replacing Dodge Sport L Front Fender and Bumper guard | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: How do I replace the driver's side front fender and the bumper guard on my 2000 Dodge Sport truck? A: LES....... REMOVE ALL THE BOLTS THAT YOU CAN SEE...THEN OPEN THE DOOR AND LOOK FOR BOLTS ON BACK OF ... | |
| mud flaps | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: I own a 2001 Kia Rio and my question is The mud flaps on both sides in the front are coming loose, ... A: PAUL....YOU MAY WANT TO TRY TO USE NUTS AND BOLTS WITH AN OVERSIZE WASHER TO GET TO GOOD METAL IF ... | |
| driver fender removel | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: i got in a wreck an i need to remove my fender on my 1997 Honda prelude how would i go about doing ... A: AARON....DEPENDS ON THE MODEL...SOMETIMES U HAVE TO REMOVE THE AND HEADLAMPS TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ... | |
| auto body repair | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to help an elderly lady get her car fixed. She has a '91 Lumina and was in an accident a ... A: KARLA...THE THING TO DO IS HAVE AN ESTIMATE DONE SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE A GOOD DECISION. IF THERE IS ... | |
| Honda Accord Side Mirror | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: A deer jumped into my car & knocked my driver side mirror off. Are the brackets for all Honda side ... A: PAMELA.....THE BRACKETS FR THE MIRRORS ARE PART OF THE MIRROR ITSELF. I WOULD RUN BY A BODY SHOP AND ... | |
| Replacing auto carpet | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1997 Ford F150 that had a leak in the rear window, as well as around the windshield. ... A: GARY....ON THE DOOR OR PILLAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS A 3X5 DECAL THAT HAS THE VIN # AND A BUNCH OF ... | |
| side view mirror. | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: i was backing out into my garage and i hit my radio and in the my side mirror cracked and not all ... A: KAREN......I WOULD SEE A BODY SHOP AS THERE MAY BE DAMAGE TO THE DOOR FRAME WHERE THE MIRROR BOLTS ... | |
| cracked body kit | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a 97 Nissan Altima GXE with a molded body kit on it. I have over time cracked the body kit in ... A: ELI..... I AM GOING TO ASSUME THAT THE IT IS FIBERGLASS?? IF SO YOU CAN REMOVE THE KIT AND REPAIR ... | |
| bent frame | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to know how much does getting a bent frame fixed may generally cost? A: MO.....FIRST I WOULD SEE A BODY SHOP AND HAVE THEM SET UP AND MEASURE YOUR VEHICLE. THE RESULTS ... | |
| Collision | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1998 white Toyota Landcruiser and the front left fender is crumpled in to the point that i ... A: ALAN....TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE FENDER BOLTS ON. THE OTHER CONCERN IS THAT IF YOU HAVE THE ... | |
| Generator warning light | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find out under what circumstances will a vehicle's generator warning lights are ... A: GERALD.....I AM GOING TO ASSUME THAT BY GENERATOR YOU MEAN ALTERNATOR WHICH CONVERTS POWER FROM AC ... | |
| Hyundai rear end collision engine damage | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: I am in the early stages of a battle with my insurance company, who claim that a rear end collision ... A: DEB....SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK.....AS FAR AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS CONCERNED THEY ... | |
| KIA Spectra 5 | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: Woke up this morning to find that my car had been taken for a joy ride. Without proof of much, I'm ... A: AMANDA.....IF A FRIEND TOOK THE CAR WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM YOU,YOU MIGHT HAVE SOME COVERAGE ... | |
| rear ended | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: it sounds like the other insurance company is going to total our 2001 ford windstar. by appearance ... A: TRINA.......IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT IF YOUR VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS ASK THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A ... | |
| 98-99 crown vic | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering how much it would cost to replace the window from the back seat on the passenger ... A: I ASSUME THAT YOU MEAN A WINDOW THAT IS ON THE DOOR OR A FIXED WINDOW..? IN EITHER CASE IF THERE IS ... | |
| 1999 Camry radiator support replacement | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: I am attempting to replace the radiator support assembly in a 99 Camry. So far I'm doing OK with ... A: JIM......OH WHAT A FEELING AS TOYOTA SAYS......I'M PRETTY SURE ON THE OLDER CAMRYS THAT YOU HAVE TO ... | |
| Aerosol spray paints... | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I rear ended a person about a month ago. My whole front end was destroyed but salvageable. ... A: DANTE..... I UNDERSTAND THAT MONEY IS TIGHT SO HERE IS A SUGGESTION... HOW ABOUT WAITING UNTIL YOU ... | |
| Urathane paint on urathane bumper cover | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Will spraying a urethane bumper cover, (brand new part, never painted) with urethane paint, require ... A: MICHAEL......THERE IS STILL RESIDUE IN THE NEW COVER SO IT WOULD REQUIRE WASHING WITH WARM WATER AND ... | |
| painting over chrome | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: Back bumper gloss black Front bumper chrome Would like front bumper to match back bumper. Are ... A: SAM....IT'S A PAIN TO DO BUT YOU COULD SAND THE CHROME BUMPER DOWN AND APPLY SOME EPOXY PRIMER AND ... | |
| welding corolla bumper cover | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I am experienced welding plastic (canoe and kayak repair). The front bumper on our 06 toyota corolla ... A: David......Bumper covers are made of several plastics, all of which fall into two categories: ... | |
| 1995 Silverado Door Alignment | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1995 Chevy C1500 Silverado standard cab. The passenger door appears out of alignment being ... A: David..... I am going to assume a lot here.....door closes good with no issues. Roll down the door ... | |
| repairing a plastic fender | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I have received a deep scratch in the plastic front passenger fender of my 2003 Jeep Liberty. I ... A: Danielle.......The scratch can be repaired by a body shop. They have a zillion different processes ... | |
| Clear Coat | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: Is Omni MBC base coat compatible with V-POL 20:88 clear coat? Is it OK to mix brands of base coat ... A: Kelly...........V-Pol will work fine with any base coat system per the website. I found information ... | |
| Cost of Redoing Paint on Bed of Truck, Plus Hole in Bumper Strip | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm considering buying red Dodge Ram 2500 pickup. I just learned it has had body work. The paint ... A: Steve....I can't be to realistic trying to quote you without visually inspecting the truck. But ... | |
| Gouge on edge of Hyundai Sonata rear panel | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a gouge about 1.5" wide by 1" high by 1" deep on the right edge of the body panel next to my ... A: Rob....sounds like you have some deep damage on your quarter panel..... The correct way to repair ... | |
| 2005 gmc stepside bed repair | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: 2005 gmc stepside,color,white..need to replace the fender on the box of my pickup. does it just bolt ... A: Jeremy......call the dealer and ask the parts dept if the rear fender comes painted...if not ask ... | |
| Repair | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: General question - if a mechanic cant fix your car are you still liable to pay them even though they ... A: Bre......if the shop attempted to diognose the problem and spent time checking the vehicle over ... | |
| won't shift out of park | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: i know not your expertise, just need any ideas at this point. have a 1999 subaru forester/automatic ... A: CHERYL......THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A SHOP SO THAT THEY CAN DIOGNOSE. IT MAY BE ... | |
| elantra models | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2000 hyundai elantra that has front end damage. Which other year models could I use to ... A: karter........... YOUR BEST IDEA IS TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND ASK FOR THE PARTS DEPT. ... | |
| 2001 ford taurus driver side mirror got hit | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: i was going through the drive thru at a bank and got a little to close and the drivers side mirror ... A: KATIE......I AM GOING TO ASSUME THAT IT IS A POWER MIRROR AND IF SO YOU CAN FIND ONE AT A SALVAGE ... | |
| fender-bender acura tsx09 | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: As you can see in the picture, damage is on the left rear door. One body shop quoted an estimate of ... A: DAVID....I KNOW ITS HARD TO JUDGE BY A PICTURE BUT I WOULD GO WITH #2. REPAIRING THE DOOR AND ... | |
| body repair | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2003 Honda civic which needs following body repairs done. I am trying to do them myself, ... A: Peter......sounds like there is more to your repairs than you think. If you have bumper and ... | |
| fender-bender acura tsx09 | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: As you can see in the picture, damage is on the left rear door. One body shop quoted an estimate of ... A: DAVID......Paintless dent repair would not be able to get all the damages out but it would look a ... | |
| Repair driver side fender | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: TO MAY CONCERN. I DRIVE MY TRUCK AND HIT A PARKING LOT YELLOW POST IN THE BOTTOM LEFT SIDE OF THE ... A: MIGUEL...... YOU NEED TO HAVE ACCESS THO THE BACK SIDE OF THE FENDER IF THE DENT IS TO DEEP. IF IT ... | |
| driver door hinge | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: i am tring to remove a door hinge off a 2000 dodge ram 3500 p/u. it is the top hinge. i can not ... A: I don't have the answer.....I remember that coming up in the field and I think that you have to ... | |
| Paint | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: Good day, I have sanded a section of my car to removed the rust, I have primed it and the ... A: Stephanie.....you can't put laquer paint over base coat clear coat as it will cause a reaction. You ... | |
| Base coat/clear coat paint repairs | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to repair a small paint area on a door panel that has a clear coat. I have sanded down ... A: John..... sounds like you want to repair a spot on the door and try to blend into the clear around ... | |
| bondo vs replacement parts | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: Michael I drive a 2004 Kia Sedona mini van.While I was Pulling out of my underground garage I ... A: Alex..... If the estimate was written to replace the door skin it is usually not wise to repair. If ... | |
| jeep cherokee fender | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: I need to replace the deriver's side fender on my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic. How would i go about ... A: Nick...... First remove the wheelhouse flare if it has one...some are bolted on and some are riveted ... | |
| sound in my car | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: i have a ponitic grand am 1999 and i brought it used. so im hearing a sound that sounds like a ... A: Brittany....... you say the hissing sound gets louder after 10 minutes of driving....ok are you ... | |
| painting a car | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1989 camaro convertible rs that's being seating in my driveway for 3 years and the paint is ... A: You need an air compressor that will handle the air needs of a dual action sander first of all. ... | |
| 2008 gmc sierra pinstripe | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: Wondering if you could give me some ideas on how to apply pinstripe to each sides of this vehicle ... A: Terry...the best idea is ride around the dealership and look untill you see another similar model ... | |
| fiberglass front bumper repair | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a 95 Eclipse RS that i let a friend borrow and he hit a concrete pillar in front of the ... A: Jesse......... If you have collision insurance then call your agent and report the claim. If you do ... | |
| auto paint | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a red 2007 ML35 Infiniti. I would like to get it painted dark grey and also have the windows ... A: MT.....GO to the shop and ask to see what they have ready for delivery for another customer. This is ... | |
| HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE A SMALL DENT IN THE LOWER RIGHT TAIL GATE. I THINK I CAN PUSH IT OUT IF I ... A: Bill.....If you are trying this yourself be prepared to have it look just a little better. I would ... | |
| Repairing | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I just Bought a 1986 Monte Carlo and the griil and the bumper wasnt attached but i want to restore ... A: I would check your local salvage yards for a bumper assembly and grille. You probably will not be ... | |
| painting a car | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1989 camaro convertible rs that's being seating in my driveway for 3 years and the paint is ... A: If the paint has faded to far you will have to strip. If you want to try it yourself prepare the ... | |
| long term results from hail damage repair | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a leased 2007 Santa FE, which I love and would like to buy rather than return. I had it hail ... A: Cathy......I see that the repairs were made in a reputable shop...good thing. I would ask the shop ... | |
| 2007 nissan frontier bumper repair. | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: My car was hit in the front. The one thing I have to ask is what the chrome bumper is attached to? ... A: Arlen..... you are correct. The front bumpers on nissan suv's and older Toyota Rav's mount directly ... | |
| Mechanical Lien | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are new to the paint and body business. We had a customer sign off on a work order ... A: I unfortunately know exactly what spot you are in. Is their an insurance company involved ? If there ... | |
| Best primer for older vehicle refinishing | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: Mike, I am restoring a 1957 GMC pickup. I am using body solder(lead)for the major panel ... A: Richard.....Technically speaking if you go down to bare metal it is best to use a self etching ... | |
| 1999 Honda Accord refinished clearcoat peeling | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I do vehicle appraisals and I inspected a vehicle that had front end repainted after a collision in ... A: Florencio......the photo is a huge help. From what I can tell the clear coat delamination is a ... | |
| Repair Costs | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: Could you please give me an estimate on how much it would cost to replace a rear bumper and a right ... A: It is impossible to give you exact figures because there are variables at play here. Without ... | |
Auto body repair & detailing
Answers by Expert:
Michael Kakuk
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer any question that you may have about collision repairs and what to do after an accident. I can also answer basic mechanical problems but that is not my area of expertise.I can help you with repairing your own vehicle in your garage and also answer any paint related questions.
Experience
15 years experience with State Farm insurance as an auto inspector.
10 years of collision center management with 3 fortune 500 companies.
Organizations
Ezine expert author.
Publications
Ezine magazine
Car advertisements
Various car related web sites
Education/Credentials
Votech School
Chief Frame School
Hunter Alignment school
I-CAR Certified
Plastic Repairs
Aluminum Repairs
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