| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| body work | 11/17/2009 |
Q: 1973 scout,not mush body panels available,I welded in hand made panels,used dura glass over ...
A: Either one of your repair materials is failing or you have water intrusion into the repairs from ...
|
| body repair prep for painting | 11/10/2009 |
Q: i have a 85 iroc z28 the front clip paint is cracking on the plastic around the head lights and how ...
A: Mike, ther is no easy fix here- it just plain needs the paint sanded off to bare plastic. It's going ...
|
| BB gun bullet hole :( | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I have a 2009 Dodge Ram. I was driving and received a bb gun bullet dent in the driver side back ...
A: i would absolutely just have this small imperfection fixed- you don't need a new door or anything so ...
|
| lead removal | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I'm restoring a car and need to remove a lead seam from a quarter panel that I'm replacing. Do I ...
A: I would use a torch, BUT- if you are replacing quarters, they were generally never sectioned at the ...
|
| corvette targa top fiberglass repair | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I have a crack about 8" long the edge of the front of the top about an inch up from edge. I would ...
A: I don't think my corvette is where I would try to learn how to do my first fiberglasss repair. ...
|
| deep scratches | 11/5/2009 |
Q: how do i repair deep scrathces on the bedside of an 90's s-10
A: This is an easy one. You either need to have them attempt to power buff them out at a local detail ...
|
| 1966 Mustang Coupe | 10/30/2009 |
Q: I have just purchased a 1966 mustang coupe which has had sonme sort of after market sunroof put in. ...
A: Dave, it depends upon your wallet. The best way would be to replace the roof skin with a donor skin- ...
|
| Paint Line Blending | 10/28/2009 |
Q: In the process of a full restoration my Dad's 62 Belvedere. He has decided to paint the ...
A: If you paint the underside with single stage, and the exterior with 2 stage- especially if it's a ...
|
| 67 malibue cowl panels | 10/25/2009 |
Q: Just wondering about filling the holes in the panels. I drilled the spot welds with a 5/16 bit. I ...
A: Harold, you offically made a mess. You should have used spot weld cutters as opposed to drilling ...
|
| Fiberglas use | 10/23/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a quart can of Cargroom long fiber body filler. How important is the air ...
A: Use a little extra hardner. Filler does warm up when mixed, but it's not so it can cure itself- that ...
|
| 1969 chevy van roof rust | 10/20/2009 |
Q: IM COMING TO YOU BECAUSE IM IN NEED OF SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP. I OWN A 1969 CHEVY VAN THAT I HAVE ...
A: Hey' I'm here to help. I don't know when the body shop busy season is in your area- but i bet you're ...
|
| 1969 chevy van roof rust | 10/19/2009 |
Q: IM COMING TO YOU BECAUSE IM IN NEED OF SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP. I OWN A 1969 CHEVY VAN THAT I HAVE ...
A: Hey Butch! Being as I live in Ohio, I can't recommend a shop for you. If you have rust holes, be ...
|
| Permission | 10/16/2009 |
Q: I own a 2002 Toyota Tacoma, and was recently in an accident. My truck sustained some rear bumper, ...
A: The other drivers insurance company probably gave the OK to the body shop to start the repairs- ...
|
| New Clear Coat Chip | 10/15/2009 |
Q: Last year on Christmas Day I hit a deer in my 2003 Nissan 350Z! After returning home and contacting ...
A: Jackie, as far as a paint chip, paint is paint- not kryptonite. Yes, a rock will chip paint at even ...
|
| 1990 Mustang | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I recently got an estimate for damage to a 1990 Ford Mustang. They quoted me $1500. The only damage ...
A: Baylie, it's impossible for me to give you any sort of damage appraisal without physically seeing ...
|
| Clearcoat repair | 10/11/2009 |
Q: The paint on the hood of our 1095 Land Cruiser has just begin to display two steaks (front to back) ...
A: It's difficult to say what's going on without seeing it in person. It could be just some sort of ...
|
| glue stick dent repair | 10/9/2009 |
Q: I have a 1990 Audi with original one stage red paint. the paint is in good shape but does tend to ...
A: I would go see a professional dent doctor because of the age of the paint. I would also be afraid ...
|
| PPG ratios for DCC | 10/7/2009 |
Q: I had a painter lined up to repaint my '72 Bug but he flaked out, now I'll do it myself. I bought ...
A: Don't know the ratios for PPG, but I know this- your temperatures are too low for painting.You need ...
|
| '99 Suburban cargo door hinge pins | 10/4/2009 |
Q: I need to replace the barn door hinge pins and bushings on my '99 Suburban and am thus far unable to ...
A: The front door hinge bushing holes need welded in the elongated areas and carefully re-formed with ...
|
| 98 Sonoma front bumper | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I'm looking for information on how to remove the plastic front bumper on a 98 Sonoma 2wd. The two ...
A: The entire lower air deflector is held on with push pin plastic clips- some models have a 10MM head ...
|
| Auto body-work | 9/27/2009 |
Q: I have a 1993 mustang that was in a hail storm and was just wondering if I could just sand the car ...
A: Don't go drilling holes in the dents. hand scuff the paint over the depressions with 180 grit paper, ...
|
| Door Alignment | 9/25/2009 |
Q: I have a 1995 Chevy C1500 Silverado standard cab. The passenger door appears out of alignment being ...
A: Your door needs new hinge pins and bushings, I've replaced literally hundreds of sets of them on ...
|
| bumper 2002 s-10 | 9/24/2009 |
Q: if a bumper has been hit and the bumper shock has been pushed back an inch or so, can you put a ...
A: The frame horn end is likely pushed in. Replacement bumper brackets are available through GM or ...
|
| Nissan Frontier Drivers side door replacement. | 9/22/2009 |
Q: I hear replacing a damaged door with a "shell" as opposed to a new door is the standard procedure. ...
A: Door skins are a lesser of two evils- easier and better than a door full of bondo, but you are 100% ...
|
| 2003 Chevy Impala rocker panel extention removal? | 9/20/2009 |
Q: How do I remove the plastic rocker panel extensions on a 2003 Chevy Impala? What appear to be the ...
A: They befuddle me, too. I have specail clip tools and I can SOMETIMES remove the upper clips and only ...
|
| Unibody rust on Maxima | 9/11/2009 |
Q: Sir, you answered a similar question 2.5 years ago on replacing a front crossbeam on a Nissan ...
A: Do you really want to find out what happens if the cross beam snaps? or explain to another driver ...
|
| Mercury Mystique Rear Bumper Damaged | 9/8/2009 |
Q: Forster, Thanks for reviewing my question. Recently my 1999 Mercury Mystique was struck in the rear ...
A: Al, you are not a bodyman, and therefore not qualified to make judgements upon the repairability of ...
|
| body repair | 8/30/2009 |
Q: I hit a curb on a wet road. i have taken the wheel, a-arm, tie rod end, and spindle to have checked ...
A: You would need frame straightening equipment, unibody measuring equipment, and a trained unibody ...
|
| Passenger side door | 8/28/2009 |
Q: Came home from shopping and had to go...lol anyway, I had my passenger side door opened and was to ...
A: You need the help of a body professional. The hinges are surely sprung, the A pillar is surely ...
|
| Oxidized Paint | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I started to buff out some bad paint on my truck using a high speed buffer and a 2ND product it came ...
A: You did nothing wrong- the paint is decaying. When something oxidizes, it's changing chemical ...
|
| Floor Panel Replacement | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I am doing a frame off restore of a '65 GTO. The drivers side floor has significant rust on the ...
A: It goes to asthetics. If you don't want it to look patched up from underneath when it's on a hoist, ...
|
| cb650 1980 honda interchangeable gas tanks | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell what tanks will interchange with a cb650 1980 Honda. I have ...
A: I don't normally get motorcycle questions, but you stumbled upon a guy who has a motorcycle business ...
|
| 96 Chevy K1500 3rd door add or cab swap | 8/17/2009 |
Q: I have a 96 Chevy K1500 extended cab and would like to add the 3rd door or swap with a compatible ...
A: Swapping cabs would be easiest, you can't reasonably add a 3rd door to a truck that doesn't have ...
|
| fisheye problems | 8/15/2009 |
Q: At my shop, we are having a serious problem with fisheye showing up in our paint plug4jobs. we have ...
A: Is there a detail shop near you? Diesel fumes will also cause fisheyes. Certail underarm deodorants ...
|
| full truck paint | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I'll try to keep this as brief as possible even though I've got a mess of info here that I need ...
A: Acrylic enamel with hardener is a nice, but dated product. It MUST be mxed with hardener to achieve ...
|
| 2002 mercury mountaineer | 7/23/2009 |
Q: replacement or repairing the left front inner fender assembly after collision damage,it seems to ...
A: The small mig will work. Use spot weld drill bits to remove parts, about 5/16 bits. Drill holes in ...
|
| ext cab replace/repair panels | 7/21/2009 |
Q: I have a 1990 gmc ext cab S-15 on the ext cab michigan rust took over and im triing to find both ...
A: Bob, I can't teach you how to do this in an e-mail. Year one, the restoration parts people, have a ...
|
| 55 Chevy 1st series P/U | 7/17/2009 |
Q: My son and I are working on a 55 chevy p/u. Someone before us had done some repairs on the body ...
A: Ron, there is so many things wrong about having 6 coats of paint on a panel that you just wouldn't ...
|
| Repair a Repair | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I was driving my truck and trailer in Arizona en-route to Mexico when some kids on a bridge dropped ...
A: You think it looks bad now, try using a rattle can to paint over the repair. Rattle can paint is ...
|
| 2002 VW Jetta | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I have a 4 questions. 1. How do I remove the passenger side mirror from the door in order to replace ...
A: You're in over your head. Don't mess with your vehicles SIR system, it takes special tools and ...
|
| crazing clear coat | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I have just finished painting my valiant wagon and found some very fine hair like cracks appearing ...
A: Jason, i suspect you are seeing sand scratches from when you sanded the panels before painting. You ...
|
| Cracking fiberglass | 7/4/2009 |
Q: What can you do to stop painted fiberglass from cracking more? Put body kit on 2000 Celica. It is ...
A: all you can do is fix it. There's no magic bullet for repairing cracks without actually going ...
|
| repair time | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I rear-ended a bus with my 1996 Audi A6 in December. My insurance totaled it, but my body shop ...
A: Sarah, take your mutual friend along, and go and demand that they get the car done. He was doing you ...
|
| repainting basecoat after clearcoating | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I sprayed a cavalier hood after prepping but ran low on color. The color looked close off the car ...
A: Sand the hood with 1000 wet to plain down the orange peel blend the fenders to avoid the ...
|
| Window regulator | 6/10/2009 |
Q: Five weeks ago I had the driver's side window regulator replaced in my '05 Land Rover Disco. (it ...
A: Lauren, it sounds like the motor failed. It's not related to the regulator problem, its just a sad ...
|
| Body kit | 6/5/2009 |
Q: just have a couple of questions. I bought a body kit for my 2005 Monte Carlo and have been told it ...
A: How do you know you have the right amount of filler, and know if it's sanded enough? The same way ...
|
| clear coat sandy texture | 5/26/2009 |
Q: ...could you tell me please how to fix a dry, sandy-appearing clear coat ? (I know why it's sandy ...
A: Kevin, you did pretty much everything wrong. Wet sand the entire car down carefully with 1000 grit. ...
|
| paint | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I am just finishing building a GT race car, and I tried to paint it today. I am using an acrylic ...
A: You need to wash it with wax and grease remover to properly remove contaminants- don't spray armor ...
|
| paint cracking | 5/14/2009 |
Q: my husband is painting a car but right when he applies the paint it starts to crack, and he starts ...
A: He's using an incompatible topcoat over the primer- if he used a 2 part catalyzed primer surfacer, ...
|
| how to replace rocker panel/lh side | 4/9/2009 |
Q: i have a 1980 chevy truck k1500 and i dont know how to take a rocker panel off or replace one. can ...
A: Year one, the restoration parts people, havea book called how to restore your chevy truck in their ...
|
| Interior fire | 4/8/2009 |
Q: Are their dangers or concerns in repairing a vehicle that has gone through an interior fire? Our van ...
A: Lori, it poses absolutely no risk- but I wouldn't accept the smell. Jump up and down on your ...
|
| rust | 4/3/2009 |
Q: i have a 83 buick that i parked with a strong body that sat for a couple of years now i found some ...
A: Nope. Fiberglass has no place on the steel body of a car. You can glue steel patches in with ...
|
| Catalytic Converter | 4/1/2009 |
Q: sir, Last week, my check engine light went on, so I immediately took my Isuzu Rodeo to the dealer ...
A: sounds misdiagnosed to me. You need to see another mechanic. The catalytic converter is an emissions ...
|
| 1996 Camaro | 3/30/2009 |
Q: My neighbor's large pine tree feel across my son's 1996 Camaro and did a lot of damage to the front ...
A: Joey, this is, by no means, an easy fix. The steel superstructure (I.E. unibody) is damaged, and all ...
|
| 1991 Jeep | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I am restoring a 1991 jeep. When I am trying to remove the windshield hinges the torx screws are ...
A: Joe, you should have heated them up with a heat gun before trying to remove them- they surely have ...
|
| Paint scuff. | 3/22/2009 |
Q: Have a black car. The fender has some white scuff marks on it from a car door. Also has some red ...
A: it's very likely you can remove at least part of it. I would start with a heavy compound, followed ...
|
| 1996 Plymouth Voyager Window | 3/11/2009 |
Q: BB gun bandit did a drive by. Can you tell me how to remove and replace a damaged side panel window ...
A: You need to cut the urethane holding the rest of the glass in, clean the glass up, and run a thick ...
|
| nason certificte | 3/10/2009 |
Q: i just finished my dupont re-finsher class.can you tell me where i can get a certificate for nason ...
A: Not all manufacturers have a certification program like the high end guys do, that's why they're ...
|
| clear coat peeling and bunching | 3/8/2009 |
Q: I have a 1995 toyota corolla wagon, Teal Mist Metallic paint. On the hood, roof, and driver's side ...
A: The clearcoat has a condition known as chalking= basically, the sun has beat it to death, and now ...
|
| Negotiating with body shop | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I need to replace the front bumper cover on my 2006 BMW 330i. I have a high deductible so I will be ...
A: Get 3 estimates, have the shop with the lowest estimate fix it. There isn't enough profit in a ...
|
| Crown Vic Collision Repair Question | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I have a 2002 Crown Victoria Police Intercepter that I crashed a week ago. A car collided into the ...
A: Looks pretty bad- What were you quoted to fix it? You're gonna have 4,000.00 in a 2000.00 car- If ...
|
| Leaky Roof Rack | 3/4/2009 |
Q: 95 Ford Escort Wagon roof rack is leaking. After asking around it appears that the headliner needs ...
A: Sorry, Gwen, but leak repair can be tricky and expensive to repair- especially in the case of 14 ...
|
| Replacing my hood | 3/3/2009 |
Q: Im replacing my hood on my 98' Dodge ram 1500, I've got the idea how to line everything up but im ...
A: These things are mass produced- and it's a truck. It's lines aren't going to be the same as a BMW. ...
|
| bumper cover repair | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I have a 2" crack in my 2000 cougar front bumper cover, besides some scratches. I heard it makes a ...
A: Yes, but most bumper plastics REQUIRE THE SAME REPAIR METHOD. Whoops! caps lock. Anyhow, in a ...
|
| Rust Warranty Repair | 2/26/2009 |
Q: My 2003 Mazda 6 has rust perforation around one wheelwell. Mazda dealer acknowledged that the damage ...
A: Dan, Good luck trying to sue Mazda- you can't sue the body shops, they only do what Mazda will pay ...
|
| my jeep | 2/21/2009 |
Q: i just got this sweet cherokee, '99, 83000... really nice right but there's a little rot on the ...
A: Hmmm, it sounds like your "cream pff" is a bit of a "crust puff". You need to get the rockers ...
|
| 2002 Honda Civic EX - fix or trade? | 2/20/2009 |
Q: A/C quit- upon inspection, found no freon, broken hi pressure hose & engine cooling fan motor ...
A: A 2002 Honda civic with 170,000 miles? 1 word- hoopdie. Unload this heap on some teenager for cheap, ...
|
| autobody repair | 2/16/2009 |
Q: i have a 94 chev silverado shortbox step side, and the box is mint except for under front steps. i ...
A: Gerald, this is why paint jobs cost so much money. They are labor intensive, and there is really no ...
|
| 1993 Honda Accord front clip replacement | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I have a 93 Accord Lx that rear ended a pickup truck. Took out the headlights, hood, d/s fender and ...
A: 2 things- this car isn't worth fixing, and what it needs is professional help. The unibody structure ...
|
| auto body repair | 2/12/2009 |
Q: My car was just repaired for a cost of $4000 canadian, approx $3117 us. Frame had to be ...
A: Sounds plenty reasonable to me. Paint materials are about 30 bucks per paint hour, frame time pays ...
|
| cracked frame rail 96 s-dime | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have a 1996 Chevy s-10 4x4 with around 130000 miles on it. When i got under it to do some work i ...
A: This is not considered repairable. It's incredibly odd to have a crack in this area, leading me to ...
|
| rocker panel replacement for a 92 chevy lumina 4dr | 1/31/2009 |
Q: i have a 92 chevy lumina 4dr that im planning to rebuild over the summer. the question i have is ...
A: The irony of your question is, a company in cleveland called Tabco makes rust repair panels for cars ...
|
| vw body rust | 1/30/2009 |
Q: I have an old 72' super beetle that is "chopped" to look like a baja bug. It probobly is not worth ...
A: You need to graft in a roof- a big job, at best. The only way to get rid of and stop rust is to cut ...
|
| Faulty Workmanship | 1/29/2009 |
Q: My car was in a minor front end collision which damaged the bumper, grille and the radiator. The ...
A: Bobie, take it to a certified mechanic- not a transmission shop- and have them check for bent cooler ...
|
| HONDA CIVIC FRAME RAIL SECTIONING | 1/28/2009 |
Q: ON MY 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX 4 DR. SEDAN CAN THE RT. LOWER FRONT FRAME RAIL BE SECTIONED AND HOW IS IT ...
A: Yes, it can. The dealership can access Honda sectioning procedures to properly section the rail. One ...
|
| windshield | 1/26/2009 |
Q: i have a scratch on my windshield that is not very deep and I think I could buff it out, could you ...
A: You need to call a glass company and have them buff it out. They have special buffers and diamond ...
|
| Faulty Workmanship | 1/24/2009 |
Q: My car was in a minor front end collision which damaged the bumper, grille and the radiator. The ...
A: Bobbie, it's the job of transmission shops to sell transmissions and transmission rebuilds- not do ...
|
| Collision repair | 1/20/2009 |
Q: OK I was in an accident and insurance said it was a total loss but haven't came to look at it yet. ...
A: David, your prelude is totaled. It's next to impossible to get parts for this ancient honda through ...
|
| Car Paint | 1/19/2009 |
Q: Had a minor accident in my own driveway ... need your help. Seems to me that growing up, my dad had ...
A: It was probably just good old 3M super duty rubbing compound, and some good old elbow grease. If the ...
|
| auto body repair | 1/18/2009 |
Q: I Bought a certified used car , a few weeks later I noticed an "X" shaped crack in the rear lower ...
A: They didn't properly repair the filler cracks. The old filler needs removed entirely, and new filler ...
|
| door and fender | 1/17/2009 |
Q: It started yesterday, first off the driver side door would always pop after a certain point and now ...
A: Either the wind has caught the door and bent the hinges, or the hinges are weak from the factory and ...
|
| F150 Ford Cab | 1/13/2009 |
Q: Trying to re-mount the cab on a 1979 Ford F150. How do you align the cab to the fenders?I am told ...
A: You can also jostle around the radiator support. There is no guide book on how to align panels- You ...
|
| Training | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I wanted to get into the auto damage appraiser field and was told I need to be trained and licensed ...
A: You need to contact insurance companies and express your interest in becoming an adjuster. They can ...
|
| 2000 Ford F-150 Floor Pan Repair | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I own a 2000 Ford F-150 that failed inspection due to a defective floor pan. It turns out the used ...
A: Lisa, you bought an 8 year old van from a car salesman- you should have taken it to an off site ...
|
| Repairing holes in body panels | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I got an '87 El camino from my grand father that had bed rails attached. To make the lines of the ...
A: They need welded shut- period. Your only other option is to try to solder patches under them. If you ...
|
| 04 Yukon Door gap | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I have a 2004 Yukon and as I drive on the interstate I recently started noticing wind noise around ...
A: Take a large rubber mallet, and place it in the door jamb about where the striker meets the door ...
|
| Holes in the Sub frame | 12/31/2008 |
Q: I have a KIA Optima 2001. I just found out that there are 2 holds in the sub frame about a penny ...
A: You need to find someone to weld patches into the sub frame- try an independent body shop. Tell them ...
|
| Can'Get Hood Open | 12/30/2008 |
Q: I have a hood that I can not get open.I made a mistake and now I do not know how to fix it. My car ...
A: Mel, I have no idea what sort of vehicle this is- that would help a little. The hood and hinges are ...
|
| cracked tail light on 2005 Buick Rendezvous | 12/28/2008 |
Q: I have an '05 buick Rendezvous with a cracked tail light that is on the tail gate. My hubby bought a ...
A: The lenses aren't detachable- you have to replace the entire assembly if it had damaged ANYWHERE. If ...
|
| Paint-number GMC VANDURA | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I have a '85 GMC Vandura G25,and i am looking for the numbers of the original paint what's on de ...
A: Your van is a conversion van- the stripe colors are anybody's guess if the conversion company's ...
|
| 1977 firebird transam 6.6 liter | 12/24/2008 |
Q: i am 15 getting ready to get a job and begin a restoration on a 1977 firebird 400. all quarter ...
A: Year One, the restoration parts company, has a book in their literature section called how to repair ...
|
| roof skin removal | 12/22/2008 |
Q: i have a 1983 gmc truck that i want to remove the roof skin and replace, because the sunroof that ...
A: Putting on a used skin is a real bear, going on and coming off. Remove the front windscreen, center ...
|
| Unibody Repair | 12/19/2008 |
Q: My wife was recently in an accident where she T-boned a mini-van with the passenger corner of her VW ...
A: Bodyshops generally charge 2.5 hours set up and measure for the frame rack, and then whatever repair ...
|
| vinyl top removel | 12/5/2008 |
Q: i have a 1977 Cadillac sedan Deville that has a old vinyl top on it the top is in good shape but I'm ...
A: It's possible to remove the top and leave the rear glass in without removing it, or having the glass ...
|
| auto body repair hazards | 12/4/2008 |
Q: Just put my car (2008 Odyssey) in the shop for extensive work ($13,000+) following an accident. ...
A: Terri, you will be fine. I've spent YEARS covered with body shop dust, and have had no adverse ...
|
| door&hinge adjustment | 12/2/2008 |
Q: Now where do i even begin to start to align the door again. i spent hours and it just seems to get ...
A: John, all I can really tell you is you adjust doors the same way you get to Madison Square garden- ...
|
| 91 Accord rust problems | 12/1/2008 |
Q: William, I have a 91 Accord wagon, with the typical rear wheel wells rust spots, just above the ...
A: Joe, I'll be direct. The car is in an advanced state of decay. I would be reluctant to put any money ...
|
| weight of body and engine? | 11/29/2008 |
Q: what is the weight of a 70 chevelle convertible body?engine?trans?separately? and frame? for lifting ...
A: Once again, don't go against the guys fixing it. Send the floor pans back to where you got them, and ...
|
| weight of body and engine? | 11/28/2008 |
Q: what is the weight of a 70 chevelle convertible body?engine?trans?separately? and frame? for lifting ...
A: These weights are approximate- the engine- 550 Lbs. Trans-250 Lbs. body-3250 Lbs. Your floor has ...
|
| 2000 Cadillac DeVille REar Door Glass | 11/27/2008 |
Q: Rear door glass stopped moving. The drive motor runs on command of switch, but it does not 'drive ...
A: It needs a new power window regulator assembly, This is a common problem. You can get an aftermarket ...
|
| Car Door | 11/26/2008 |
Q: The window recently fell off of the track on the passenger side of my 1999 Honda Accord two door and ...
A: It needs a new power window regulator assembly, This is a common problem. You can get an aftermarket ...
|
| Buffing out scratches - pros vs. cons | 11/25/2008 |
Q: Our 2006 Kia Rio was scraped along the whole driver's side. We were given two suggestions on ...
A: If the scratches are through the clear coat, it needs to be repainted, plain and simple. If the ...
|
| Fiberglass bumper | 11/16/2008 |
Q: My body ship has told me he can't repair the hairline cracking on the front bumper of my 1995 ...
A: Milton, the car is 14 years old, and lower facias take a pounding from everything from the wind to ...
|
| 06 silverado bumper | 11/12/2008 |
Q: How do you remove the bumper off an 06 Silverado? Looks like I need to disconnect the fog lights ...
A: It's almost easier to remove the bumper to replace the lower valance. Remove the grille- it should ...
|
| Filling a 1/4 hole | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I've got a one-off Mazda Miata that has a 1/4" hole in the trunk lid as the result of a non-stock ...
A: Tom, you're killing me here. About the only way to plug the holes is to put some sort of small ...
|
| crack in frame..95 pathfinder | 11/10/2008 |
Q: Epidemic of frame woes from this year/model..Okay..Cracks are from behind rear wheel susp ...
A: There is nothing non vital about any area of a perimeter frame- lets be clear on this. It supports ...
|
| wiring diagram | 11/9/2008 |
Q: I need a wiring digaram for a 1998 Ford Contour so I can fix my window. The motor sounds like its ...
A: You don't need a wiring diagram- which, by the way, only a Ford service department can supply- you ...
|
| Rust on driver's side wheel well and rust hole under driver side door | 11/7/2008 |
Q: i have rust on these spots on my 99 Chevy Silverado could i fill them with bondo or would they need ...
A: Hey Daniel! The only way to properly fix these spots is to replace the rusty steel with new. Rocker ...
|
| Roof replacement | 11/2/2008 |
Q: I have a 1956 Ford truck with rust all around the drip rails.The previous owner filled in the drip ...
A: Cut off the old roof SKIN ONLY- see if the supporting structure is in good shape. If the supporting ...
|
| aerosol paint | 11/1/2008 |
Q: I am painting my entire vehicle. It's a 95 dodge ram, daily beater. I want to change the colors ...
A: Come on, Ross, you can't be serious here. There ARE no good aerosol techniques for painting an ...
|
| tie rod damage | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I have an 06 Dodge charger, 88,000 kms approximate. I was hit on the driver side, I was travelling ...
A: Absolutely. You need to get with the insurance company and file and additional damage claim with ...
|
| Value of a 1964 1/2 Mustang | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I am planning to purchase a '64.5 Mustang convert. I has not been started in 15 years. It has ...
A: I can't see it to give you an accurate estimate- but I know mustangs, and I know convertibles. They ...
|
| Painted quarter panels without my permission | 10/27/2008 |
Q: I have an 08 Lexus that needed a bumper replacement after a minor collision. The body shop replaced ...
A: Alex, blending is an industry standard- not a way to cover a "mistake". Every painter blends out ...
|
| lead repairs | 10/24/2008 |
Q: William, I am restoring an early panhead (harley) both the front and rear fenders are in need of ...
A: Harry, in all honesty, I don't have access to lead tools anymore. Lead is a lost art, and the high ...
|
| Black Cars Look Better In The Shade | 10/23/2008 |
Q: I have a 2007 Black Dodge Caliber. When I got my car back from being painted (2008) from vandals ...
A: Black CAN ABSOLUTELY, 100% BE BLENDED. Black ranges from jet black to reddish brown under certain ...
|
| Driver side door | 10/22/2008 |
Q: I have a 1995 chevy Tahoe and the driver side door only opens from the outside? And when i use the ...
A: It needs a new inside door handle- this is a common problem with Tahoes and other chevy trucks of ...
|
| lacquer i think | 10/21/2008 |
Q: have just brought my first car and well its laquer i think on the roof and hood are peeling its ...
A: Jake, I SERIOUSLY doubt that you have a laquer finish on your car, Nobody has used laquer paint ...
|
| mazda mpv fender dent | 10/19/2008 |
Q: so last night i parked the van on the side of the rode, and i leaned on the front fender driver side ...
A: First, rey a drain plunger and see if it pops out. If it doesn't, take it to a paintless dent ...
|
| door panel | 10/17/2008 |
Q: 2007 siverado door panels removal. im having trouble figuring out how to release panel around ...
A: There's a few tabs between it and the bezel- insert a small flat blade screwdriver between the bezel ...
|
| rust | 10/15/2008 |
Q: I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer 2 door 4x4, on the rocker panel an the bottom of the doors I have some ...
A: I don't know what's bleeding out of your door, except maybe road salt that has gotten trapped inside ...
|
| door replaed | 10/11/2008 |
Q: I had to replace my 2000 dodge van door, I had it painted and then tried to put the door back on. I ...
A: Either the used door is damaged, or more likely, the hinges or hinge pillar is bent. If it's bent, ...
|
| Front Fender Removal | 10/10/2008 |
Q: I have a 1976 Chevy Caprice classic (2 door) I was wondering how to take the fender off?
A: It's going to be a lot of work. Remove the front bumper and headlight panel. Remove the hood. Now, ...
|
| collision repairs | 10/7/2008 |
Q: well, I have a question and a story all at the same time. I have found myself in a bad situation, ...
A: Lee, it sounds REALLY bad. It's a convertible unibody and it needs the very best, most competently ...
|
| Trash in my Clear Coat | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I just sprayed clear coat on my 67 mustang. The shop was cleaned but too vented on a windy day. I ...
A: If you can physically see colored pieced of debris in the clear, no amount of buffing will remove ...
|
| over spray removal on paint | 10/5/2008 |
Q: I just bought a 2006 Honda Civic and the paint has over spray in different areas like trunk, hood, ...
A: Try the basics first- water, strong detergent like formula 49, then try mineral spirits. If that ...
|
| PPG refinishing | 10/1/2008 |
Q: Worked my butt off the whole summer prepping my car for paint. Stripped with Eastwood Decoat, sanded ...
A: First, you should have done start to finish with the 1.5, and you went WAY too long between coats of ...
|
| Water Leak | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I have a 2007 Toyota Yaris 4 door recently my wife got rear ended and after that The car started ...
A: Richie, you need to take it back to the shop that repaired it. They should trace and repair the ...
|
| car | 9/27/2008 |
Q: is it possible for one with no real knowledge of cars to replace the front bumper cover (cover only) ...
A: It's possible, but you will still have to have the replacement cover painted. It's only about a 75 ...
|
| Acura MDX frame damage | 9/25/2008 |
Q: I am going to buy Acura MDX 2005. The carproof report indicates a frame damage. Strangely enough, it ...
A: Pass this clinker by. It's probably been in a serious collision. There are surely other Acuras out ...
|
| Body Filler Cracks | 9/24/2008 |
Q: I have a 57 tbird that I have done bondo/body work on. It has been a few years and the bondo has ...
A: Terry- you're doing something wrong, but I don't know exactly what. I suspect you are applying ...
|
| Replace or repair | 9/23/2008 |
Q: I have an Honda Accord 2008, other day while taking a turn from a very narrow lane the curb rubbed ...
A: If it's a separate molding from the body (plastic) you need to replace the part. It's almost always ...
|
| Prime and block | 9/18/2008 |
Q: I've been a painter about 12 yrs. Recently we've had a lot of hail damage vehicles. Most are ...
A: Kevin, I've given your question more thought than any other question I ever received. I'll try to be ...
|
| 1992 Chevy Lumina APV-Doors | 9/16/2008 |
Q: My moms 92 Lumina APV has both driver side and passenger side outer door handles broken. We ordered ...
A: The striker needs welded, the door handles are difficult to install. I really recommend you have it ...
|
| Paint Overspray Removal | 9/15/2008 |
Q: I recently brought my new 2008 BMW in to have a long scratch on the rocker panel repaired. In the ...
A: Take it back to the body shop and have them remove the overspray. It's an easy thing to do, and it ...
|
| Underbody rust repair options | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I just bought a 1995 Jeep Cherokee Sport and it has some significant rust on the under body. The ...
A: This jeep is in an advanced stage of decay. Nothing will stop the spread of rust except panel ...
|
| about a 1973 chevy | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I'd like to know will a 4.3 engine fit in a 1973 Chevy 3/4 ton (c-20) 4 speed? Also, how would you ...
A: Yes, it will fit, but I doubt it will pull around a heavy vehicle like the old Chevy 3/4 tons- ...
|
| When is more base coat needed in a cut through | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have a question on a fender flare I'm repairing (small 2" spot got scraped down to primer) for a ...
A: Bob, you're going about this all wrong. Use a grey scotch brite, don't use sandpaper. You are too ...
|
| Driver door 92 Astro Van | 8/26/2008 |
Q: The door hangs down a quarter of an inch, as if someone had hung on the door stretching it downward. ...
A: The door needs hinge pins and bushings installed, then it will likely need the door bet a bit to ...
|
| 1999 Cadillac Escalade, Passenger Door does not seal. | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I have a fairly decent SUV that was previously stolen and had the doors removed and such. Its in ...
A: The door has been caught by the wind and sprung a bit, or it needs pins and bushings. Pins and ...
|
| Driver door | 8/23/2008 |
Q: I have a Jeep Cherokee with the driver door not shutting properly. When it is open it isn't level. ...
A: Tim, the door has been left go too long with an alignment problem. I bet if you look around the door ...
|
| rubber/vinyl body trim-molding | 8/17/2008 |
Q: Is there a product to renew besides Armorall? ..a paint for black rubber trim on bumpers and body ...
A: There are many aerosol can trim black products out there that will work nicely. My preference is ...
|
| Car roof restoration | 8/16/2008 |
Q: G'day William I've recently had a sunroof removed from my classic car & a metal plate welded in to ...
A: The roof needs a new support welded underneath the area where the roof patch was welded in. There ...
|
| Roof Replacement | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 1988 Mazda hatchback with a manual sunroof that I want to remove. I know of several ways ...
A: Jim- you are treading only where professionals should go. First, The headliner must be removed no ...
|
| car painting | 8/12/2008 |
Q: I have been painting cars for some time now and every now and then I experience problems with ...
A: you are either over applying clear coat over high metallic colors, burning the metallic out of ...
|
| blending b/c c/c | 8/7/2008 |
Q: i have questions on blending b/c c/c. i have a spot at the bottom of sail panel, and i would like to ...
A: Mike, spotting in is a bad idea- especially on classic cars. You can color the area, and just clear ...
|
| Rear Bumper Replacement Estimate | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I recently rear ended a 2002 VW Jetta. I was not going very fast, as we were stopped at a stop ...
A: Call a couple local body shops and compare labor rates, their lbor rate seems really high- but I ...
|
| Patch or Repair armrest | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I recently had my car repaired at an autobody shop. They had to replace the right front fender and ...
A: I really have no idea how a body repairman would cause punctures in the armrest of your 4 year old ...
|
| help | 8/2/2008 |
Q: i just fixed rear quter now how to paint and clear with out a tape line please explain
A: It's pretty simple don- you have to paint the entire quarter. If there is nowhere to break it of ...
|
| 99 dodge ram pass fender | 7/31/2008 |
Q: i was looking on the web and came across your posting on 7/30/07. it was about the replacement of ...
A: Jake, I can't really improve upon the answer I gave back on 7-30-07. It's now been 3 years since I ...
|
| re-applying old decal or bumber sticker | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I have an old bumper sticker made out of thin plastic. It's a special bumper sticker design they ...
A: 3M makes a contact adhesive designed for re-applying emblems to cars. It comes in clear, flat ...
|
| clear coat | 7/23/2008 |
Q: can I use an iwata lph400 (tip 1.3)to base coat and clear? I've been using it for both and the base ...
A: Dan, it could be a lot of things going wrong here. If you're using a fast dry clear, they are ...
|
| Blending new paint into old paint | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a 03 S10 that had been rearended at one time & didn't receive a quality repair, ...
A: keep it small, wet sand the primer on the areas of repaired damage, stay away from the cab so you ...
|
| 2k Paint touch help help | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I have a toyota camry. Which is painted this bright (ferrari) 2K Red. It has got scratches here and ...
A: I would seriously reconsider what you are planning to do here. I think you will have poor results if ...
|
| Rebuilding a 51 Willies Jeep | 7/5/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of restoring & rebuilding a 51 Wilies Jeep. My question is, after putting on ...
A: Any sort of sealing primer will do okay, but nothing will seal as well as a good couple coats of ...
|
| Headlights, car is googley eyed | 7/4/2008 |
Q: My 95 Buick Regal custom 3.8 was involved in a accident, we replaced the hood, bumper and ...
A: You should be able to straighten the existing housings. The problem is, is not only are the metal ...
|
| Damage to buttons and speakers | 7/3/2008 |
Q: I have been going to the same panel beater over the years and I have noticed both times that after ...
A: No way the body shop did this. They bake cars at 140 degrees- it's common for car interiors to reach ...
|
| primer drying | 6/29/2008 |
Q: When I apply my primer coat It never seems to dry. I'm In a garage temp varies 65 to 70 I wait a day ...
A: what sort of primer you using? If it's a 2 part catalyzed, (many catalyzed primers say 2K on the ...
|
| Replacing quarter panels | 6/21/2008 |
Q: Restoring a '69 Camero coupe. What is the best way to support the body when replacing the rocker ...
A: removing the front sub frame and rear axle & components removes weight from the car- weight that can ...
|
| Replacing quarter panels | 6/20/2008 |
Q: Restoring a '69 Camero coupe. What is the best way to support the body when replacing the rocker ...
A: Support the car on it's suspension mounting points, as close to ride height as possible. This ...
|
| Cracked paint | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I have a 3 inch long crack in the paint of 2003 Yukon probably due to hitting the edge of the door. ...
A: You are fighting an uphill battle here, but with the galvonized steel underneath the paint, I forsee ...
|
| door hinges | 6/18/2008 |
Q: My front doors on my chevy 2500 truck have dropped so the doors are hard to shut. Do the hinges ...
A: You need to take it to the dealership, and have hinge pins and bushings installed. The hinges are ...
|
| only one car damaged??? | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I am taking the dishonest person to court who dinged my car. Because this grandma agreed to pay for ...
A: you should have made a police report. I don't dell out legal advice- all I can say is, the judge ...
|
| Car door | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I have a 1995 Crysler Sebring LX 2 door. the drivers door is sagged and i must lift it by hand at ...
A: It sounds like the wind has caught the door, and sprung the hinges- meaning the body, hinges, and ...
|
| rear bumper sensors | 6/7/2008 |
Q: I had a minor fender bender with my 2006 Buick Rendezous. The whole rear bumper assembly was ...
A: the sensors are meant to be painted- they actually come in a special little box from the factory ...
|
| motorcycle fiberglass fenders | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I have done a little fiberglass work before and now im taking on a more serious task. Im purchasing ...
A: Sand them down with 320 untill all the shine is gone, then primer them with 3 coats of primer ...
|
| 88-Trans-Am | 5/22/2008 |
Q: I have two 88 GTA's, I have took off the ground effects on one of my baby's. I would like to make it ...
A: Warping while welding is just part of life, bro. When they weld the steel plate of ships, they ...
|
| Cracked bumper repair and dings/dents | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I think I got scammed last night. A guy at a parking lot claimed to work for an auto collision ...
A: Caroline, you sound like a very sweet, but very naive, person. Let this be a life lesson to you- ...
|
| scrapes on rear quarter panel | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 2008 toyota camry se. There is are scrapes on the driver's side rear quarter panel, just ...
A: Jason, 250 bucks is CHEAP. you got what you paid for. I would have charged at least 350-400 dollars ...
|
| small chps and really bad dead paint sections | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I bought a 41 Ford, I can't afford to get it painted this year. I would like to make it look as ...
A: Bob, you are fighting an uphill battle. You can try 3M super duty rubbing compound, but you will ...
|
| Ford Focus Wagon | 5/3/2008 |
Q: the hatch door has a 1/2 inch triangular rip in the metal. The rip is left to the handle to open the ...
A: Take it to a body shop, and have them repair the gate. Surely they can repair it without damaging ...
|
| 1999 Chevy Tahoe driver's window | 5/2/2008 |
Q: The driver's window on my chevy Tahoe only goes down about 5 inches then stops. How do I remove the ...
A: Remove the bezel around the inside handle, there are 3 hidden tabs that need depressed with a flat ...
|
| rear cargo doors | 5/1/2008 |
Q: How do I adjust the rear cargo doors on a 1996 GMC Yukon. It looks like one is higher than the ...
A: If it isn't leaking water or air, or the doors aren't shutting poorly, I would leave them be. ...
|
| rustproofing | 4/25/2008 |
Q: just a simple question. can rustproofing the underbody of the car stop the spread of rust/ get ...
A: demand proof that the car was rustproofed at all, especially if you are buying from a dealer. Just ...
|
| welded frame after bumper replacement | 4/23/2008 |
Q: I just bought a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am and when it went up on the hoist the mechanic told me that the ...
A: Kim, it should be fine. If you are truely concerned, take it to a local body shop and have them ...
|
| rust on my Altima 2000 | 4/12/2008 |
Q: My Altima 2000 is rusting on the bottom of the doors, the inside of the trunk and little spots here ...
A: Just have the rust spots that bother you most fixed. I don't think the car is worth a paint job, and ...
|
| plastic bumper structural repair | 2/3/2008 |
Q: William- I am very handy and am going to repair the front bumper cover on a 2004 Olds SUV. In a low ...
A: Go to a professional parts store like Napa , Big A or anyone who sells professional automotive ...
|
| rust on my chevy | 2/2/2008 |
Q: i have a 1999 chevy 2500 truck with rust over the complete truck i the last owner plowed snow and i ...
A: You really picked a poor candidate for repair here, Terry. I would have the undercarriage ...
|
| paint scratched off plastic bumper | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I bought a black Pathfinder 1.5 days ago only to discover it was hit by a shopping cart or something ...
A: Get some heavy duty rubbing compound, and try to hand rub the spot out. i suspect it's something ...
|
| Severe Orange Peel | 1/16/2008 |
Q: Painted my chevy truck with single stage omni acrylic enamel metallic burgundy. Blew it. Can I wet ...
A: Okay, I see you have an HVLP gun. Yes, read with finger on trigger, but- enamel was designed for the ...
|
| Severe Orange Peel | 1/15/2008 |
Q: Painted my chevy truck with single stage omni acrylic enamel metallic burgundy. Blew it. Can I wet ...
A: The truck needs wet sanded with 400, then repainted. Enamel single stage doesn't sand or buff well, ...
|
| door hinge adjustment 70 el camino | 1/14/2008 |
Q: The passenger door on my 1970 elcamino rides to high at the front, it does not match the fender ...
A: The front fender needs adjusted if the door matches up well to the permanently welded body panels. ...
|
| solvent popping | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I am currently doing s project on an old mini cooper and seem to be having a problem with spraying.i ...
A: You are applying too much clear if you are using an HVLP gun. 2 coats are plenty. It may be the ...
|
| Severe Frame Damage | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I was recently rear ended in my 2005 Chevy Tahoe while hauling my 5x10 utility trailer. My frame is ...
A: Who told you that you have to send the title in and have a rebuilt title made? I don't know the laws ...
|
| Nice sharp clean body lines | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I'm doing my first restoration project. I've done a lot of panel replacement floor complete,rear ...
A: Filler work is something that only experience can teach you. Just keep trying- I do have a product ...
|
| Paint | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I was in the body/fender repair in mid 70's mostly paint work for GM Dealer. At the time we used ...
A: Spot repair ing isn't an option with the new stuff. It looks better (than spot repairing) to color ...
|
| Mildew on Body seam sealer | 1/6/2008 |
Q: I have finished detailing my 2002 Honda Odyssey. One aggrevating area I can't seem to clean are the ...
A: This is a pretty common problem, and I'm not sure what causes it. The paint over the seams is ...
|
| remove fender? | 1/6/2008 |
Q: Steps to removing front left fender on my 85 Caprice Classic?
A: Alfredo, this is a huge undertaking. You need to remove the front bumper, then the headlamp panel- ...
|
| glass replacement | 1/5/2008 |
Q: Woke up this morning to find my son's 1995 Ford probe had the Rt rear qtr pannel window smashed in. ...
A: First, remove as much loose glass as you can get out of the window frame then sweep the glass up- in ...
|
| Refinishing | 1/4/2008 |
Q: What does "refinishing" mean from a bodyshop perspective? Thanks in advance.
A: Basically, to paint. It's pretty much all encompassing, because anything we do is technically the ...
|
| Unibody Frame Damage | 1/3/2008 |
Q: Mr. Forster, I have a BMW X5 that was recently in an accident. The total cost of repairs is $30,000 ...
A: Eric, repairing light damage to structure is far better than replacing it. I personally don't like ...
|
| rust repair on 1950 Chev Sedan door | 1/2/2008 |
Q: Bodywork is my hobby. I found you on a "net" search. I've used AllExperts before regarding ...
A: Lead won't work well on what you want to use it for. You need to strengthen the inner panel before ...
|
| 1978 280z | 1/2/2008 |
Q: I used a product called Ferecla w good results,paint got clean and shines. The problem is chips that ...
A: Toch up paint doesn't work good in the fashon you are thinking of. It will just get rubbed back out ...
|
| Rust Spot on rear driver's side wheel well | 12/30/2007 |
Q: I have a 1999 Ford Taurus SE. I noticed a dime-sized rust stop directly above the rear driver's ...
A: carefully scrape away as much rust as possible, and just touch up the spot with the paint. Putting ...
|
| Suburban rear barn doors | 12/29/2007 |
Q: How to remove the left rear barn door from a 95 Suburban? I have purchased a used barn door from ...
A: I'm almost certain that if you look on the body, there are 4 plastic plugs covering up the body side ...
|
| Car door hinges cracking, etc | 12/29/2007 |
Q: Driver's side CAR DOOR hinges crack very loudly whenever opening or closing door wide - wind caught ...
A: Caroline, you teed to take your car to a body repair garage. The wind catching the door has caused ...
|
| sandstorm damage to clearcoat | 12/26/2007 |
Q: I got caught in a sandstorm that damaged my 2006 Ridgeline. Windshield is now frosted glass, as are ...
A: Hey, that's great George! I glad to see that sometimes I actually make a difference in the world. I ...
|
| '02 Avalanche pass. door sprung by the wind | 12/24/2007 |
Q: The passenger door was sprung past the stop by the wind, and now if I try to open it, it will bend ...
A: Let a professional handle this. It's a vary common problem on this vehicle, and any Chevy garage ...
|
| de-chroming | 12/24/2007 |
Q: 65 nova Just got the car and it has been de-chromed by bondo or filler material.I'm very new at ...
A: Use a grinder and 36 grit discs. don't linger too long in one spot, it will warp the panel. Figure ...
|
| de-chroming | 12/23/2007 |
Q: 65 nova Just got the car and it has been de-chromed by bondo or filler material.I'm very new at ...
A: Dennis, is the car already painted? If not, figure out where the filler is covering the molding ...
|
| prep required for repainting 93 Chevy Suburban | 12/23/2007 |
Q: I have a 93 Chevy Suburban with the famous GM white peeling paint. All the horizontal surfaces are ...
A: Your concerns are well founded. The crazed paint needs 100% removed, the peeling panels need the ...
|
| car painting | 12/22/2007 |
Q: I am doing a repaint of my Honda. I am using enamel paint with a suction feed gun. The problem I am ...
A: You need to increase the distance of the gun between the car and gun, and mist coat the horizontal ...
|
| Clear coat finish is faded | 12/21/2007 |
Q: I have an 01 Dodge Ram 1500 with dark blue/clearcoat paint. I have noticed that the clear coat is ...
A: The affected panels need sanded back to the ELPO, that's the very first coat of factory primer. ...
|
| 1999 Chevy Blazer Bumper replacement | 12/21/2007 |
Q: What is the procedure to remove and replace the front bumper and "black" on a 1999 Chevy Blazer? ...
A: I don't know where to get a diagram, I never use them. To remove the bumper, remove the grille by ...
|
| Clear coat finish is faded | 12/21/2007 |
Q: I have an 01 Dodge Ram 1500 with dark blue/clearcoat paint. I have noticed that the clear coat is ...
A: Hey Jeff! You hit the nail on the head- the clear is suffering from a condition officially ...
|
| RE: Swirl Mark Repair | 12/19/2007 |
Q: Good Morning, I have a Black Pontiac 2007 Solstice and have washed it primarily through automatic ...
A: Katrina, swirl marks on black paint are a part of life. You can hide them with wax, but within a ...
|
| CLEAR SANDED THROUGH | 12/18/2007 |
Q: Bill, Pls. reply to my email address, but you may want to post. The whole car is new base and clear ...
A: Clear coat is never a good medium for blocking waves, body filler and primer are for that. Clear ...
|
| Broken Van door striker | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I have a 1990 GMC Vandura Van. The door was not closing properly and I noticed that the striker and ...
A: This needs the striker removed, a steel plate fabericated, and the the plate needs welded over the ...
|
| Removing underhood panel | 12/15/2007 |
Q: 2001 Mercury Villager. I need to remove the plasic panel below the windshield that covers the wiper ...
A: They are plastic, and the phillips head is purely cosmetic. You need to insert a very small flat ...
|
| spoilers | 12/14/2007 |
Q: i want to know what is the function of spoilers.
A: Spoilers actually spoil the air going over the rear of a vehicle, letting it slip thru the air ...
|
| lacquer damage | 12/12/2007 |
Q: Do you think a repair could be done to the panel/panels or would a full respray be the way to go.I ...
A: It's probably not Laquer, it's more likely to be enamel if it still has the factory paint on it. I ...
|
| Lumpy body repair | 12/11/2007 |
Q: I just bought a 98' grey cadi that has had the 2 side doors and the rear qtr repainted. The paint is ...
A: The texture is called orange peel. Sometimes this can be wet sanded and buffed out, the overspray on ...
|
| advise | 12/11/2007 |
Q: i'm a collision repair/ refininshing tech in mississippi. never went to school for it just learned ...
A: Kelly, if you found me, you can find the I-car web site. That is the best thing I can tell you. ...
|
| sandstorm damage to clearcoat | 12/10/2007 |
Q: I got caught in a sandstorm that damaged my 2006 Ridgeline. Windshield is now frosted glass, as are ...
A: What happened with the insurance company and your car? I've been really curious, your question has ...
|
| Ford F-150 door glass goes down rough | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Meaning it reaches mid point when going down, stutters and stops. Can't explain it but after ...
A: replace the window regulator assembly. The roller on top of the regulator has gone bad, not allowing ...
|
| F-150 repair | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Yesterday while getting our Christmas tree at a farm, I backed into a wood post going less than 5mph ...
A: You need to see a body shop for a proper damage assessment. There are probably bent brackets and a ...
|
| Auto Primer | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I did the body work and took out the dents on my car and primer it black. I wanted to leave it the ...
A: The car in the photo isn't in primer, it's been painted with semi-gloss black paint. It was prepped, ...
|
| New paint | 12/3/2007 |
Q: I just got my 1996 SS Impala back from a body shop that a pretty good job straitening the body, but ...
A: If the paint has a texture problem it's really an easy fix. It just needs sanded and buffed, ...
|
| fiberglass repair. | 12/1/2007 |
Q: I am restoring a "56 Willys pickup. There is fairly extensive rust with some holes on the door ...
A: Jim, fiberglass has no place on a steel body part. I know it's tempting to just glass and mat it, ...
|
| Dead paint again | 12/1/2007 |
Q: I have a 94 Blazer which is dark red with really bad dead paint. If you rub your fingers across the ...
A: Your vehicle is suffering from a condition called chalking. The paint is actually undergoing a ...
|
| bumper damage | 11/28/2007 |
Q: My 2007 Tiburon now has a scratch about 18 inches long on the front right bumper, I think it is ...
A: Ooooh, it sounds fatal. You really need to visit a body shop, and see if it's indeed cracked the ...
|
| 2001 PT Cruiser | 11/28/2007 |
Q: About a month ago, someone/something side-swiped my car and left a small dent, scratch, and ...
A: Hey Marc! If you need to ask someone if they think you can fix it, well, you probably shouldn't ...
|
| spray painting problem | 11/27/2007 |
Q: Just applied clear coat over a metallic and have 'little threads' all over the place. What caused ...
A: The threads probably came off of your clothes, or something in the spray area. If you can see the ...
|
| My Hood | 11/26/2007 |
Q: During Thanksgiving stop-and-go traffic, i was involved in a crash at about 10-15 mph. It seems that ...
A: Rachel, I can't help you with an estimate to repair it without being there to actually see the ...
|
| My Hood | 11/26/2007 |
Q: During Thanksgiving stop-and-go traffic, i was involved in a crash at about 10-15 mph. It seems that ...
A: Rachael, you desperately need to go see a body shop, ASAP. The bowed hood that won't shut is a 100% ...
|
| rustproofing/inhibitor/underbody protection&sound deadner | 11/26/2007 |
Q: Just purchased a new dodge grand caravan. I would like to know if rustproofing is necessary or ...
A: I wouldn't put undercoat over oil. I would find someone to do the paraffin based undercoat, and ...
|
| rustproofing/inhibitor/underbody protection&sound deadner | 11/25/2007 |
Q: Just purchased a new dodge grand caravan. I would like to know if rustproofing is necessary or ...
A: Hey Joe. Don't do the black icky stuff thing, it really doesn't work. If you have it professionally ...
|
| sanding primer | 11/25/2007 |
Q: my question to you is this. i recieved a car from a friend that had the body work done somewhere ...
A: Hey Ron! I would consider blocking the entire car by hand with a long sanding block or hand file ...
|
| Air Compressor/Orbital Sanders | 11/24/2007 |
Q: I've got a project car that needs some minor body work, As well as primer work. I would like to do ...
A: Hey Jeremey! You are going to need a decent size compressor. What you are currently looking at is ...
|
| rust repair | 11/24/2007 |
Q: I have an 88 mustang gt. The roof section where the roof meets the hatch has rusted through about 2" ...
A: Hey TJ! Use the panel flanger and lap weld the seam, It will work fine on an arked panel. Flange the ...
|
| 1981 elcamino driver/passenger window trim | 11/23/2007 |
Q: I have a 1981 elcamino with chrome trim around the top of the passenger and drivers windows the door ...
A: Kelly, I mis- read your question, and actually gave you a wrong answer- I thought you were removing ...
|
| ratiator support | 11/23/2007 |
Q: I recently rear-ended someone, and it left my grille and hood crumpled. The hood opens and closes ...
A: Jay, about the simplest thing I can tell you is to find something strong and sturdy to chain to, ...
|
| auto | 11/14/2007 |
Q: How do you program a replacement keyless remote transmitter on a 2001 Buick Century . Thanks,
A: Dion, go to my dealership asking for spare keys or a new remote and you need to bring everything ...
|
| paint prep on old VW | 11/12/2007 |
Q: This rounded body just has slight waves on some parts, nothing major but I know it will show with ...
A: You will need a metal etching primer for the bare metal spots, then a primer-surfacer for filling ...
|
| Interior detailing | 11/11/2007 |
Q: I need your help, please, with my first automobile detail experience. My auto dealership just ...
A: Hey Anna! This situation is normal. The guys in the detail shop always slather them down with armor ...
|
| 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertable Bumper Replacement | 11/7/2007 |
Q: I've been involved in an auto accident and the front bumper on my Sebring has been replaced along ...
A: Chrysler , in all their infinite wisdom, assembled the car with the headlamps having to go in before ...
|
| kids team magnets left marks on car | 11/5/2007 |
Q: Kudos to you for such high marks on being a kind expert! Here is my problem- I proudly displayed ...
A: Cynthia, I suggest having it professionally buffed. The damage is probably from dirt getting under ...
|
| question about repairing a small ding on a brand new car... paint is chipping | 11/5/2007 |
Q: I just picked up a brand new black Honda Accord. I noticed that there is a small ding about 1/8 of ...
A: John, the car will be fine. A spot job won't last or look good for as long as painting the door ...
|
| Siphon Fed Guns | 11/5/2007 |
Q: What is the trick to siphon fed guns. Im real good with a gravity HVLP gun but i just cant seem to ...
A: Jerry, take it as a sign from God- just use gravity guns. Gravity feed HVLP guns are pretty much the ...
|
| 1994 Grand AM | 11/4/2007 |
Q: so i let my husband take the breaks off well when he took the breaks off and the breakline and put ...
A: If he took the brake line off, he needs to bleed all the brakes to get all the air out of the lines. ...
|
| Car Plastic coat | 11/3/2007 |
Q: I have a 1994 Nissan and the car is in great mechanical shape; however, I recently waxed the finish ...
A: Lynn, the problem isn't the wax, it's the car itself. Being 14 years old, the car's finish is doing ...
|
| Driver side fender 1998 monte carlo | 11/2/2007 |
Q: My daughter his a pole. I cang get a replacement fender cheap. I would like to replace it my self. ...
A: The fender is attached to the bumper cover- remove the headlamp to access the bolts. There is also a ...
|
| deer hit | 11/2/2007 |
Q: hit a deer,body shop replaced the following front bumper cover,bumper absorber,headlamp assy,hood, ...
A: Wheel allignment and such is the responsibility of the insurance company, not the body shop. He is ...
|
| bluing | 11/1/2007 |
Q: I want to strip the paint off the hood of my car and then "blue" it, as in gun bluing. In order to ...
A: Curt, a car hood is generally made of mild sheet metal. Even if you did manage to somehow blue the ...
|
| Frame repairs | 11/1/2007 |
Q: Is there an industry standard for frame repair times? Is there an estimating program that will ...
A: There are very definite times outlined for replacement of frame sections, replacement of unibody ...
|
| cadillitic converter (sp)? | 10/31/2007 |
Q: ...My name is Tracie and i recently purchased a 1988 Chevy Blazer 4X4 from my aunt...I live in Baja ...
A: It will run without it, but the exhaust will be substantially louder. I suggest having him first ...
|
| Damaged tab on front bumper clip | 10/31/2007 |
Q: the front bumper clip on my 2004 Golf has broken in the wheel wells where the clip screws into the ...
A: Hey Rob! You need to remove the bumper cover completely so you can access the back side of the tabs. ...
|
| Inner Door Handle Replacement | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I have a 1995 GMC Yukon, 2-door, and the driver's side inner door handle doesn't work...I purchased ...
A: To Remove the interior panel, first Remove the armrest screws. Then, use a stiff putty knife around ...
|
| side view mirror | 10/28/2007 |
Q: I have a 1997 Suburban and need to replace pass.side view mirror,Does the whole door panel need to ...
A: You can remove the plastic cover by inserting a stiff putty knife between it and the body, at the ...
|
| Fiero Auto Body Repair | 10/27/2007 |
Q: Luckily i can work on vehicles and its a fiber-glass body. So my question is... I really cant ...
A: Stephanie, I may be confusing the car with an early Saturn model. Either way, the bumper will be ...
|
| repair, prep & paint old 67 Caddy | 10/25/2007 |
Q: I have a 67 caddy deville convertable. It has been re-sprayed sometime before I bought it? The paint ...
A: The paint on the caddy is suffering from a condition called checking, which is a fancy word for ...
|
| Fiero Auto Body Repair | 10/25/2007 |
Q: Luckily i can work on vehicles and its a fiber-glass body. So my question is... I really cant ...
A: Stephanie, the fiero body is plastic, not fiberglass. The rear bumper cover is bolted and clipped ...
|
| Bowed Hood | 10/24/2007 |
Q: This morning I slid into the back of an SUV. I have a 98 Nissan Maxima and my hood is now bowed up ...
A: If you mean just flatten it out, possibly. Put a wood block under the front edge of the hood, on top ...
|
| collision | 10/22/2007 |
Q: Just recently they wrecked my 99 firebird an it looks like the frame is bad. My question is. Is it a ...
A: Franco, 2 things- the car has no frame. A unibody is as the name implies- all 1 part. The front ...
|
| fender repair | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I have a 98 Nissan pathfinder, both front fenders are rusting at the wheel wells due to chrome ...
A: Rich, You are wrong. Rusty bolts snap, or twist any parts bolted to them- like the front lower ...
|
| fender repair | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I have a 98 Nissan pathfinder, both front fenders are rusting at the wheel wells due to chrome ...
A: Removal of the bumper and hood is small potatoes compared to removing the fenders. The hood won't ...
|
| Getting auto body repair at vocational schools | 10/17/2007 |
Q: No collision insurance. I'm kicking myself. I always assummed that if I was in an accident it ...
A: Vanessa, get in line. It's difficult at best to get your vehicle into the vocational school unless ...
|
| head light lamps | 10/17/2007 |
Q: hope you can help. I have a '98 Lexus ES300. Is it possible to clear up cloudy, hazy plastic ...
A: Follow up- Sean, the haze comes from leaky headlamps, natural deterioration of the lamps, and the ...
|
| Body Priming etc. | 10/16/2007 |
Q: My son is 15 and we purchase a 1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster to restore together as his first car. ...
A: Spot prime bare metal with the metal etching primer, then re-prime with primer surfacer. I really ...
|
| solvent pop | 10/10/2007 |
Q: i have recently sprayed a vehical with ppg deltron base and transtar clear, everthing came out great ...
A: The spots you cut through will need primered and sanded, the rest will be okay- how much clear did ...
|
| Front bumper cover removal | 10/9/2007 |
Q: How do you remove a front bumper cover from a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500? I plan to replace it with a new ...
A: There are about a dozen clips that must be removed. They have a button on top about the size of a ...
|
| Tinning for lead work | 10/9/2007 |
Q: How important is it to wipe the tinning off after it turns brown from the heat before you apply the ...
A: Marge, I'm a little confused by your question. You tin the steel with acid core solder, well beyond ...
|
| Side window fell | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I have a 2002 Mazda MPV, and the side door window fell. I can hear the "motor" running, but it is ...
A: Take it to the Mazda dealer. It needs a new window regulator assembly. It's not something you can ...
|
| fender replacement | 10/8/2007 |
Q: 2000 Buick Regal passenger side fender needs replacing. Can I do this myself? I am somewhat ...
A: This car is too new to learn auto body repair on. If you don't blend the door, it will stick out ...
|
| 1969 impala ss | 10/5/2007 |
Q: Im restoring a 1969 Impala SS two door coupe. I want to put the same motor that came with it off the ...
A: Chuck, I give a lot of people the same advice on these old cars. Stop fooling around, looking for ...
|
| certified GM used car | 10/5/2007 |
Q: Forster, In January of 2007, I purchased a certified GM 2006 Tahoe with approximately 10,000 miles ...
A: Did GM pay for the tie rod ends under GM warranty? The paint problems should AbSOLUTELY be covered ...
|
| certified GM used car | 10/4/2007 |
Q: Forster, In January of 2007, I purchased a certified GM 2006 Tahoe with approximately 10,000 miles ...
A: Bardell, you didn't give me the miles. Suspension wear can be directly attributed to mileage and ...
|
| grill removal | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I have an '04 Buick Rendezvous, and I'm trying to remove the front grill so I can install a ...
A: Ther is not a manual available, only a GM garage can print you off detailed instructions on grille ...
|
| Mustang Roof Replacement | 10/3/2007 |
Q: In follow up to my previous question, I now have found a complete roof to replace the rusted out one ...
A: No, there is not. Eithe make a new seam about an inch above or below the existing lead seam. The ...
|
| Repairs using bondo | 10/2/2007 |
Q: What criteria is used to decided whether to repair or replace a rear quater panel. If it is repaired ...
A: filler is the lesser of two evils when it comes to quarter replacement. If the dent is fairly minor, ...
|
| CFM's | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I have been painting cars in my garage at home recently, just mainly for friends. I noticed I had ...
A: Many things can cause orange peel, such as under reduction of the paint, improper thinner/hardener ...
|
| zero injury car | 10/1/2007 |
Q: Sir I am planning to design a "Zero Injury Car" as a part of my Univ. project.So i require some ...
A: Krishna, ask me something hard, please. Zero injury is a pipe dream, I'm afraid. You would have to ...
|
| clearcoat | 9/30/2007 |
Q: I have a 91 Volvo with the clearcoat starting to flake off the roof. Is there something I can do to ...
A: Sorry Serenity, we all want a cheap fix that looks great- but there is none here. About the best i ...
|
| silver dollar sized hole in lower rear quarter panel and hole in wheel well | 9/30/2007 |
Q: I am restoring a 1980 chevy malibu. it has a hole in lower rear qurter panel. how can i patch it. ...
A: Yes, you can glue a patch into place- I prefer to glue them, and use rivets to hold them wherever i ...
|
| Sunroof | 9/29/2007 |
Q: I am from Bombay/India.What is the purpose of a sunroof? If sunroof sealing is not proper it will be ...
A: Obrien, it just goes to personal preferences. Some folks like the sun glaring down on them at all ...
|
| truck bed repair | 9/28/2007 |
Q: If you have a truck bed & floor boards rusting would sheet metal be the best way to go with ...
A: Sheet metal is absolutely the way to go. Nothing else has the strength, or the longevety, of a ...
|
| car body damage | 9/28/2007 |
Q: i have a Honda s2000, and i have a dent in the rear right quarter panel near the rear tail light. my ...
A: Yes, if you just paint the quarter, you will see a color difference. When the color comes near any ...
|
| Paint Color & number | 9/28/2007 |
Q: How do I decipher the Service Parts Label on my 1993 Cadillac DeVille to determine the paint color ...
A: There is a paint code on the bottom line, off by itself. Something like WA-8979. That is the ...
|
| 1995 Jeep Cherokee Floor Pan Replacement | 9/25/2007 |
Q: I am going to replace the floor pan in my 1995 Jeep. I have ordered panels but am unsure how to ...
A: Plug welding is an excellent option. Stitch welds are half inch long welds. If you stitch it all the ...
|
| Vintage 66 ford mustang resto is just beginning! | 9/25/2007 |
Q: I have a vintage 66 convertible mustang I just bought. I'm confident I can handle the mech work, ...
A: Purchase a jig, home made jigs are dangerous, and it's cheaper to buy one. strip the car, catalog ...
|
| 1995 Jeep Cherokee Floor Pan Replacement | 9/25/2007 |
Q: I am going to replace the floor pan in my 1995 Jeep. I have ordered panels but am unsure how to ...
A: Welding is the way to go, but Only do small stitch welds, you are going way over board with heat. ...
|
| miata | 9/22/2007 |
Q: Recently I was driving to work and on my way someone t-boned me. I was driving and continue to ...
A: Ali, check into paintless dent repair at your local Mazda dealer. If it's too serious for them to ...
|
| rust on roof | 9/22/2007 |
Q: I have a 2000 Ford Expedition that has developed rust spots at the end of the grooves on the roof. ...
A: This is a difficult spot to repair holes, at best. If you weld a patch over them, it will warp the ...
|
| 1996 silverado hood alignment | 9/22/2007 |
Q: My son had a wreck which damaged the front left corner of his 96 chevy 1/2 ton. We replaced the ...
A: Hey Bob! The frame is surely still bent. You can slide the support around maybe 3/4 of an inch left ...
|
| spoiler | 9/20/2007 |
Q: the passenger side of my trunk spoiler broke loose from the mounting bolts. can i get a new mounting ...
A: Mark, carefully remove the spoiler and any remaining fasteners and/or pieces. Take everything to a ...
|
| spoiler | 9/19/2007 |
Q: the passenger side of my trunk spoiler broke loose from the mounting bolts. can i get a new mounting ...
A: Mark, I've no idea what sort of truck we are talking about, So I'm goiing to say the spoiler is ...
|
| Paint Peeling | 9/19/2007 |
Q: I have a 1994 Chevrolet 3500. The paint on the roof, hood and front fenders is peeling or flaking ...
A: Use a razor blade knife, the type that uses a single edge safety blade, hold it almost parallel to ...
|
| Bumper | 9/17/2007 |
Q: I was recently in a minor car accident where i bumped into the rear of someone. The only damage ...
A: Paul. I gptta tell ya, I get this scenario a lot. Someone causes an accident, then when they get the ...
|
| sanding one-part acrylic lacquer primer | 9/16/2007 |
Q: how do i sand a one-part acrylic lacquer primer?
A: If you are sanding primer you sprayed over bondo, and using it to fill larger scratches from sanding ...
|
| clearcoat peeling | 9/15/2007 |
Q: 2000 ford f150 HD version the clearcoat is peeling on the bed hard cover; is there a quick fix or do ...
A: The gel coat is peeling on the hard cover- unless you had it painted to match your truck. No easy ...
|
| bumper cover replacement | 9/13/2007 |
Q: what kind of a job is it to replace a rear bumper cover on a 99 Cougar? The local body shop wants ...
A: Hey stephen! I can't see the damage to give you a proper damage assessment, and I don't do online ...
|
| Manual Driver side Mirror 2000 Honda Civic Sedan | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I'm relatively new driver using my car since the last 4 months. I park my car on the NY city streets ...
A: Turn it in to your insurance, and have a professional do the entire job. Amateur paint work on the ...
|
| Wheelwell rust on pickup | 9/12/2007 |
Q: Just bought a '91 Toyota PU in decent shape but the rear wheelwells are both covered with rust, ...
A: Lance, some things are better left alone. If you don't have the proper tools, don't even attempt to ...
|
| Lead Repairs | 9/11/2007 |
Q: Would you elaborate about preporation regarding lead body repairs? Any good books on the subject ...
A: preparation is pretty straight forward. All galvanized coatings must be completely ground off, all ...
|
| Body Work Questions | 9/11/2007 |
Q: Going to install rockers(and more) in my 57 T Bird.Planning a frame off restoration. Reading thru ...
A: Do the car supported on the wheels, like on jack stands . Put them under the rar axle as far out as ...
|
| auto body repair-sleeving | 9/10/2007 |
Q: at the the body shop a new quarter panel is being splicing into the existing roof pillars on our 07 ...
A: The technician sounds like he knows what he is doing. Many technicians just short cut here, and lap ...
|
| Car door won't open without hitting the car panel | 9/10/2007 |
Q: I had to have a tire changed, and now my door won't open all the way. There is some rust where the ...
A: Michelle, you really need professional the help of a pro. There are special tools for prying the ...
|
| bumper cover reattachment | 9/9/2007 |
Q: my bumper cover( rear) is off. I have the bracket that attaches to the inside of the bumper cover. i ...
A: Marguerite, it sounds like you have a serious problem, and probably need a new bumper cover. Covers ...
|
| 1995 buick century_replace headlight lenses | 9/8/2007 |
Q: I broke the lenses in the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. I want to replace the ...
A: Bob, you cannot buy replacement lenses. Most factory headlamps are glued or fused together, your ...
|
| 1995 buick century_replace headlight lenses | 9/8/2007 |
Q: I broke the lenses in the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. I want to replace the ...
A: No, bob, you cannot. Believe me, I've been asked this question plenty of times, and nobody sells ...
|
| side view mirror repair | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I was driving a UHaul truck last week down a narrow street and hit another vans side view mirror. I ...
A: Well, this is going to sound a little harsh, but you asked me what to do- this is what I think, ...
|
| bumper repair | 9/6/2007 |
Q: My daughter just bought a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (Red) and the front bumper has a gouge out of the ...
A: First, clean the entire bumper cover with bug melt, or a similar bug removal product. Then, clean it ...
|
| paint run | 9/5/2007 |
Q: i have painted several times and have very good luck with it, I am mostly a novice/hobby body guy, i ...
A: You are up a creek if the run is in the silver paint. High metallic paints like silver don't lend ...
|
| 1996 Chrysler Sebring | 9/4/2007 |
Q: I own a 1996 chrysler sebring lxi. just the other day, i messed up the bottom portion of my front ...
A: Sorry, Josh, this sort of repair is the realm of the professional body technician. Plastic bumper ...
|
| 2000 Dakota LH fender removal and installation | 9/4/2007 |
Q: I just bought a 2000 dakota quad with drivers side fender and headlight damage. It lookes to be ...
A: The fender isn't meant to be drilled apart like a bedside, it's all 1 big part, comprised of a few ...
|
| door repair | 9/3/2007 |
Q: My son has a 97 Buick Skylark (2 door)that the drivers side door makes a loud popping sound when ...
A: First, check the hinges. Try lifting the door up and down to see if there is excessive looseness of ...
|
| 1969 Chevy Impala | 9/3/2007 |
Q: I have a 69 Chevy Impala, 2 door, hard top. I'm getting it restored and need a new hood for it. ...
A: I just got an email from a yard I'm not famaliar with, but they say they have a hood- A&S auto parts ...
|
| Section of paint turns white when wet! | 8/30/2007 |
Q: Back in 1992, my father bought a brand new, blue Cadillac. I was with him when we drove it out of ...
A: The Caddy has a previous body repair, and it's starting to fail. Back in the early nineties, ...
|
| 2001 mitsubishi eclipse rear damage how to fix it?? | 8/30/2007 |
Q: I am thinking about buying a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse and it has salvage title. It got hit on the ...
A: Pass it by. It's barely worth that wholesale before it was wrecked. The salvage title is the final ...
|
| passenger side mirror for Geo Metro | 8/27/2007 |
Q: my daughter just got a nice little 1997 Geo metro, but the passenger side mirror is gone. We found a ...
A: There is a littel triangular shaped cover over the screws that hold the mirror on. you might have to ...
|
| New fender | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 1989 Z-24 caviler and the left front fender is dented pretty good. Where would I purchase a ...
A: Your best bet is to get a used fender. NOS fenders are impossible to find, and aftermarket fenders ...
|
| 1991 Honda Accord Cowl Panel Glue? | 8/23/2007 |
Q: I recently replaced my wiper transmission on my 1991 Honda Accord SE and in doing so I had to remove ...
A: 3M makes a product called super weatherstip adhesive. It comes in yellow or black, it should do the ...
|
| Endura rubber bumper | 8/23/2007 |
Q: Do you know of any modern products to repair a 1969 GTO endura bumper. My bumper need extensive ...
A: Bad news, I'm afraid, Your bumper is just plain decomposing, and nothing short of divine ...
|
| 1994 Siverado Cab | 8/22/2007 |
Q: I have an 1994 Chevy Silverado 1500 and both cab corners are absolutely shot. So i went to my body ...
A: Year One, the restoration parts people, have a book called how to restore your chevy truck in their ...
|
| Scrape on sideview mirror | 8/21/2007 |
Q: How do you repair a scrape on a sideview mirror? It is about 3 inches long, pretty much a surface ...
A: The easiest, cheapest option is to go to the dealership closest to you that sells your brand of ...
|
| Repair 1972 Monte Carlo Roof-rusted and caused a hole | 8/20/2007 |
Q: I have a 1972 Monte Carlo that I'm starting to restore. It has a vinyl top that cracked exposing ...
A: This is going to prove to be a difficult repair, in terms of fabrication, and longevity. It needs ...
|
| Rust Under a Vinyl Roof on a Vintage Mustang | 8/20/2007 |
Q: I have a 67 Mustang coupe with a vinyl roof. To my horror, when I started removing the trim to ...
A: Hey Lee! The rust needs sand blasted , then the holes need filled. The cougar roof will not work. I ...
|
| 1995 Buick Regal painting | 8/19/2007 |
Q: I have a 1995 Buick regal 3.8 that has the paint delaminating. The roof has all come off and the ...
A: Take a safety razor blade knife, the type that uses a single edge safety razor blade, and carefully ...
|
| Flowmaster | 8/19/2007 |
Q: What would be the cheapest and easiest way to give my truck a very loud exhaust. I have a 1983 Ford ...
A: Hey Marcus ! I don't really do mechanical questions, but I'll give you my two cents on this. Now, if ...
|
| door ding repair | 8/18/2007 |
Q: I have several door dings that haven't dented nor have the scratched the paint but I can seem to ...
A: I recommend that you go and see a den wizard. I don't know what brand of car you have, but I bet if ...
|
| Dent repair | 8/18/2007 |
Q: I had a wonderful day. I go out to my car and find a 8" dent on the left front fender of my 99 ford ...
A: Tim, I understand that you are upset about your fender, but I feel as though you are taking out your ...
|
| removing paitn | 8/17/2007 |
Q: i have a suzuki katana and i am planing on repainting it. I have already started sanding the paint ...
A: Why are you removing the paint? Just sand down any imperfections, and prime. There is no need to ...
|
| Replacing floor pans | 8/17/2007 |
Q: I need to replace floor pans on a vintage euro car. Replacement panels will run close to $1000+ ...
A: Absolutely do not try to fiberglass in the floor pans, the car is probably a unibody. The floor ...
|
| Rust -hole repair methods | 8/16/2007 |
Q: I am restoring a 1953 Studebaker. The previous owner has repaired rust-out in the rear inner panel, ...
A: I gotta say, Rod, I been called a lot of things in my day- teddybear has not been one of them! ...
|
| truck bed removal | 8/16/2007 |
Q: I have a 95 Chevy K1500, 305 TBI, 5 spd. man. trans., extended cab, 6' bed, 248K miles. I need to ...
A: Remove the 3 screws holding the fuel filler nozzle to the plastic bezel in the gas door area. Remove ...
|
| Rust -hole repair methods | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I am restoring a 1953 Studebaker. The previous owner has repaired rust-out in the rear inner panel, ...
A: Repairing rust holes with fiberglass matt is doing the job just as half assed as humanly possible. ...
|
| Air Conditioning | 8/15/2007 |
Q: Forster, The AC expert is unavailable, so I hope you can help. I have a 1997 GMC Sierra, and the AC ...
A: I'll try to help. Is the a/c compressor running constantly when the a/c is on max, or does it ...
|
| power window won't work | 8/15/2007 |
Q: My son has a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer and the driver's side power window is stuck down. We leave ...
A: You need to just break down, and have the window fixed. There's no easy way to just put the window ...
|
| Toyota Sienna trunk odor | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I have a 2005 Sienna AWD. The trunk floor on the right side is very wet and is emitting bad odor. ...
A: You need professional help. The vehicle has developed a water leak, and it's not going to go away. ...
|
| 1996 Chevy ck1500 P/U | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I am getting some pretty big rust holes on the bottom of the extended cab. I am going to cut them ...
A: You can find replacement cab corners on ebay. There are aftermarket panel companies in your area, I ...
|
| spots of clearcoat have been sanded away | 8/13/2007 |
Q: i had some pine sap bake into the clear coat of my wife car.A friend of mine said he could wet sand ...
A: You sound like you need professional help. Why don't you drop by a local body shop for a repair ...
|
| paint | 8/13/2007 |
Q: I have a car with high miles and some scratches I was thinking of painting florescent with paints ...
A: Yes. House paints have low gloss, even ones rated as glossy. Latex paints also let moisture through ...
|
| spots of clearcoat have been sanded away | 8/12/2007 |
Q: i had some pine sap bake into the clear coat of my wife car.A friend of mine said he could wet sand ...
A: Only the affected panels need refinished, not the entire car. Spot repairing will produce a poor ...
|
| Body repairs | 8/8/2007 |
Q: I have a 71 dodge challenger that I'm "restoring". It is not going to be show quality, but I want it ...
A: I'm not sure, it sounds like he's using marine gel coat over the body filler as a final fill on the ...
|
| Mini Floor | 8/8/2007 |
Q: I have a 79 Austin Mini with bad rust holes in the floor boards and wheel wells. I have found a ...
A: You sound like you are from somewhere in the UK, so the materials that are available to me may ...
|
| toyota avalon hood adjustment | 8/6/2007 |
Q: In my daughter's 1999 Toyota Avalon, the hood is down and latched, but has 1/2 inch vertical ...
A: The bolts on the striker need loosened, and the latch moved down. If it has no adjustment, the ...
|
| truck bed damage | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I had a tire blow out on my 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 long bed. It damage the driver side rear quarter ...
A: The bedside can be easily replaced, usually much more cheaply than putting on, say, a used bed ...
|
| Front bumper on 2004 Honda Accord | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I just purchased a (pre-owned) 2004 Honda Accord LX, 4-door this weekend from a Honda dealership. ...
A: Take it to a body shop for a damage assessment. I can't see the damage to determine if it should be ...
|
| Roof replacement? | 8/5/2007 |
Q: I have a car that had a vinyl roof. I took the roof off and now the roof has multiple holes and ...
A: The roof skin really needs replaced to do a quality job. If a roof is not readily available, the ...
|
| scratch/ding repair | 8/3/2007 |
Q: Hey, how's it going? I recently had a couple dings close together put into the door of my truck ...
A: Yes, it can, but you are using a brush? Automotive paint is designed to be sprayed, not brushed. I ...
|
| Door hinges on '00 Blazer | 8/1/2007 |
Q: Greetings! I have an '00 4 door Blazer S-10 that my wife drives. She started having troubles closing ...
A: The easies, cheapest option is to just have the holes welded, then the hole reamed back to the ...
|
| Classic Car Restoration | 8/1/2007 |
Q: Just looking into get my 74amx repainted. I want to do it right remove the interior and motor and ...
A: On the low end, for a nice paint job, expect to pay no less than 5000.00 for a quality job. A full ...
|
| rust | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I have a 97 dodge van 1500 that did not show signs of rust holes 9 months ago. Is it possible for ...
A: Yes, Don, it's possible. The rust came from underneath, and slowly worked their way through the ...
|
| Jeep Cherokee Classic | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I recently changed my oil in my jeep and when finished I never latched my hood. To make a long story ...
A: The hinges are bent, plain and simple. A bent hinge can be pretty subtle, and not be obvious when ...
|
| 97 Dodge Ram Fender Removel | 7/30/2007 |
Q: Can you please suggest a tool or the best way to remove the spot welds from the fender to the wheel ...
A: Do you mean the fenders, or the bedsides? The fenders are meant to be taken off intact, I've never ...
|
| requirements for certified cars | 7/30/2007 |
Q: if a used car has been certified and is being sold by a car dealership is there any chance that the ...
A: At least here in Ohio, the dealership has to disclose the title is a rebuilt vehicle title. Be sure ...
|
| replacing camry door w/electric windows | 7/28/2007 |
Q: My passenger front door was replaced and when I got home I realized that the driver front window and ...
A: It's possible that your master control switch (located on either the driver's door or center ...
|
| Painting Plastic Bumper | 7/26/2007 |
Q: I have a 2006 Dodge Magnum. I was attempting to sand and paint a large but shallow scrape on the ...
A: Jim, did you use aerosol paint? That will produce a poor result 100 percent of the time. You used ...
|
| PT Cruiser bumper | 7/26/2007 |
Q: Came in contact with the rear of another vehicle (tow bar holder) that left two 3 inch gashes into ...
A: I can't see the damage to give you A proper assessment. There may be hidden damage, or broken off ...
|
| Bubbling near stone chips | 7/26/2007 |
Q: I had an insurance repair to my partners Subaru impreza and the plastic front bumper was replaced ...
A: I can't see the damage, but the plastic bumper has a tendancy to be easily damaged by stones and ...
|
| 92 Mazda Miata | 7/25/2007 |
Q: I have a 92 Miata that club race. I have some hood dings, one up (due to throttle body hit) and one ...
A: Take it to your local Mazda dealership, and have them see if it's a candidate for a paintless dent ...
|
| polish vs. wax? | 7/25/2007 |
Q: I have a '96 Jeep Cherokee and the paint is fading from red to a pinkish tone. Can I use a wax or ...
A: You can try to polish it out, but man, without a buffer it's a ton of scrubbing. Try some rubbing ...
|
| base coat clear coat repair | 7/25/2007 |
Q: There are spots on the car where the clear coat has become cloudy, faded and almost worn off ...
A: No, Chris, you can't. The paint is suffering from UV deterioration, and it's reached a condition ...
|
| GMC Sierra inside latch | 7/24/2007 |
Q: I have a 1996 GMC Sierra 1500. Both of my doors will not open from the inside- I think the cable is ...
A: Both of the inside door handles need replaced, I've seen this many, many times. The handles are made ...
|
| Door lock | 7/24/2007 |
Q: The passenget door on my 1996 GMC truck is closed and locked but I cannot unlock it with the key or ...
A: You need professional help. About all I can tell you, is there is a part on the latch that has a ...
|
| nasonpaints | 7/23/2007 |
Q: I PAINT ALOT OF CARS TO HELP PEOPLE OUT WHO ARE HURTING FINANCIALLY. I USE NASON HOUSE COLORS THEY ...
A: Sorry, Pat, paint doesn't perform well in extremely humid conditions. Especially with cheaper ...
|
| Buying Salvage | 7/20/2007 |
Q: I am considering buying a 2004 VW Jetta GLS that currently has a salvage title. The vehicle was ...
A: To total this 2004 Jetta, it had to be totally BASHED in the front end, and it probably also had an ...
|
| Drivers Side Mirror | 7/19/2007 |
Q: 98 olds achieva, the mirror was taken off by a plow driver clearing our driveway. Mirror has been ...
A: Try taking a small block of wood, like a ripped piece of 2x4, and use it (and a hammer) to drive the ...
|
| Possible bad door hinges 1996 Chevy K1500 | 7/18/2007 |
Q: I have a 1996 Chevy Extended cab, K1500, 4x4 that has a right door that catches the panel every time ...
A: Take it to your local Chevy dealership, and have them install hinge pins and bushings. It's much ...
|
| Scratches and Dented door | 7/17/2007 |
Q: Greetings. I have a 2005 stone white dodge stratus. The other morning, trying to leave the gas ...
A: Ask your Dodge dealer if the dent is a candidate for a paintless dent repair. Purchase a tube of ...
|
| paint restoration | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I have a Ford Mondeo 1997 Mk 11 colour Ford C4. On repairing scratches, I used scratch remover ...
A: You burned through the color. You would have been better off just carefully touching up the scratch ...
|
| Chip repair gone bad | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I had a few paint chips in my 2001 Ford Focus (Zinc Yellow) I ordered touchup paint (by code), ...
A: You are WAY over applying the touch up paint. Less is always better with touch ups. You want to JUST ...
|
| 94 grand am | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I'm doing some minor rust repair on my 94 grand am gt and I need to take off the plastic molding on ...
A: Remove the 2 screws in the door jamb, and then push up on the bottom of the molding. Then, carefully ...
|
| 98 chevy malibu bumper repair | 6/27/2007 |
Q: My moms car has a front bumper that is worn and I've decided to replace it for her. Can you give me ...
A: First, have it painted. Remove both headlamps. Remove any plastic clips along the top of the bumper. ...
|
| Auto Painting | 6/24/2007 |
Q: I tried to spray paint my car yesterday using Standox paint and a $20. HVLP spray gun bought from a ...
A: Probably just about everything that could. What sort of air filtration set up do you have for the ...
|
| VW bus repair | 6/24/2007 |
Q: I have a 1973 vw camper bus that I am going to go get some quotes on fixing (since it's ...
A: Find someone who specializes in VW restorations. We did one when I was a kid back in the middle ...
|
| side mirror | 6/23/2007 |
Q: MY WIFE ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKED OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR TO OUR 99 CHEV TRACKER...THERE IS NO ...
A: The mirror must be replaced, plain and simple. They are easily replaced, and readily available ...
|
| 1996 gmc sierra door handle(exterior) | 6/23/2007 |
Q: I am working on my 96 gmc sierra p/u,I need to change both outside door handles they are both ...
A: Look at the bottom of the handle, directly under the lock cyl. There is a rectangular shaped hole. ...
|
| mustang passenger mirror broken | 6/21/2007 |
Q: the mirror is snapped and hanging by the wires. this is a 2000 mustange. there is a speaker on the ...
A: Patti, have someone who knows what they are doing take off the door panel. As memory serves, you ...
|
| Front Bumper and Left Fender | 6/20/2007 |
Q: I own Silver 2001 Jetta. I recently got into very minor accident at the company parking lot. We ...
A: He's shooting you pretty straight. Most guys charge for the full panel paint on a bumper, then just ...
|
| Replace / repair door skin on Honda Civic | 6/20/2007 |
Q: I have a 2000 Honda Civic (4-dr, DX) and I have dents on the door skin on the drivers side (both ...
A: Door skins are not a job for an amateur, they are crimped on all the way around. The skin needs ...
|
| Small Scratch on New Car | 6/18/2007 |
Q: My roomate put a small(2.5 in) yet deep scratch on the door of my new black truck a few days ago ...
A: Hey Chris! Buy some automotive touch up paint in a tube, and carefully brush touch up the spot. ...
|
| volvo bumper | 6/17/2007 |
Q: I have a volvo 850 glt wagon. The dark gray trim on the bumpers and side body guards are discolored, ...
A: Go to a professional auto parts store, like NAPA or Big A, and ask to talk to the paint ...
|
| 1978 Caprice collison and repaint. | 6/16/2007 |
Q: My Caprice Coupe was an original car prior to a 17 year old girl running into it. I have replaced ...
A: The cracking is what's called checking, and the only repair for checking is to strip the affected ...
|
| Truck damage | 6/16/2007 |
Q: I found a truck that I'm interested in buying, however the truck was in an accident and thequad cab ...
A: I can't see the damage, and if you read my bios, I don't do online estimates. There could be other ...
|
| VW GLI Repair | 6/15/2007 |
Q: I'm thinking of purchasing a damaged car at a local auction site. It's on their website, and shows ...
A: There is a reason that this car was totaled- the cost of repairs exceeds 3/4 of the value of the ...
|
| repaint 95 mazda | 6/15/2007 |
Q: My 95 mazda millenia has peeling paint, I had hoped it would all peel off and save a lot of sanding. ...
A: Once again, only remove the primer that is peeling, save as much of the ELPO as possible. Don't ...
|
| cab swap | 6/13/2007 |
Q: is it possible to put a 1988 ranger xtra cab and box on a 1990 ranger xtra frame??
A: What are you asking me? Will a cab and bed from a ranger fit onto an identical truck? Yes, it will. ...
|
| stress crack in paint on roof | 6/12/2007 |
Q: I just purchased a 2002 ford ranger which has a fiberglass roof was told it has stress cracks in the ...
A: Cracks in fiberglass toppers are vert common, and have less to do with abuse and more to do with ...
|
| Replacing Cab extension panels | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I have a '93 Chevy Extended Cab with some rust on the lower cab corners. I am weighing in on ...
A: You are welcome, Axe. The sail panel is the part of a quarter panel between the rear glass frame, ...
|
| repaint 95 mazda | 6/9/2007 |
Q: My 95 mazda millenia has peeling paint, I had hoped it would all peel off and save a lot of sanding. ...
A: First, try using compressed air, or better yet, go to the local car wash, and use the high pressure ...
|
| Replacing Cab extension panels | 6/8/2007 |
Q: I have a '93 Chevy Extended Cab with some rust on the lower cab corners. I am weighing in on ...
A: Hey again axe. The panel flanger not only creates a nice little shelf that makes for a flat surface, ...
|
| rear bumper slight damage | 6/8/2007 |
Q: A car must have slightly rubbed my rear drivers side bumper. 2006 Chevy Impala 5.3L. No deep damage ...
A: and thank you for your question! Sorry, but if you read my bios, you will see I don't do online ...
|
| Replacing Cab extension panels | 6/7/2007 |
Q: I have a '93 Chevy Extended Cab with some rust on the lower cab corners. I am weighing in on ...
A: Who are you trying to convince- me or yourself? You won't convince me, I stand by what I say. It's ...
|
| matching paint repairs on various materials | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I need to repair/replace my Mazda3 bumper cover and also may repair a 5" dent in the fender ...
A: Sure, if you ask around, and find they have a good reputation. Just because it's a dealership, that ...
|
| matching paint repairs on various materials | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I need to repair/replace my Mazda3 bumper cover and also may repair a 5" dent in the fender ...
A: Spray booth ads don't guarantee a better job. A poor musician blames his instrument, you see. A ...
|
| Welders | 6/4/2007 |
Q: I am looking for a good general purpose welder for auto repairs and restoration. I will begin ...
A: Don't skimp and buy a worn out welder. There are several good, lower priced welders out there. I ...
|
| fading paint | 6/4/2007 |
Q: I have a 99 Town and Country that is a candy apple red with a clear coat on it. the hood and roof ...
A: If you mean fade, by the color is turning pinkish instead of being the nice, vibrant red color, ...
|
| 1969 Olds Frame Repair | 6/4/2007 |
Q: I'm restoring a 69 442 convertible and the car has a damaged front center crossmember. The ...
A: To section the entire front torque box assembly is going to be difficult, and even if you do ...
|
| 2002 Chevy S10 Bumper removal | 6/1/2007 |
Q: How to remove the front bumper of a 2002 2wd LS Chevy S10 and install a replacement? The existing ...
A: Remove the headlamps by pulling out the 4 plastic clips that retain them. They are on the radiator ...
|
| Replacing Cab extension panels | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I have a '93 Chevy Extended Cab with some rust on the lower cab corners. I am weighing in on ...
A: Ax, this would be a costly mistake, it's MUCH cheaper to just go with the lower 1/3 aftermarket ...
|
| Does the whole door need to be replaced? | 5/30/2007 |
Q: My girlfriends 2001 Hyundai Tiburon Coupe had the front edge area of the driver door crushed in and ...
A: Door intrusion beams are made of high strength steel or sometimes Ultra Hss, and are never to be ...
|
| door hinge pins | 5/28/2007 |
Q: I've got 1998 GMC JIMMY. Can't find pins & bushings for doors. Any ideas? also tools need for ...
A: Pins & bushings are available at any GM dealership for around 25 bucks. Tools? By the time you buy a ...
|
| body repair | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 2006 Dodge Ram dually p/u. I was hit on the rear dually fender which appears to be ...
A: Will, how severe is the crack? If it has any size at all, I would INSIST that the insurance company ...
|
| Fender arc/quarter panel replacement. | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 1994 ranger long bed that is in need of some rust repair on the rear wheel archs and rear ...
A: Go to Napa, or a similar parts store, and buy some SEM panel adhesive. Glue the patch on, ...
|
| 1970 Chevelle qurater panels | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I am trying to find GOOD replacement quarter panels for my Chevelle. I have heard both good and bad ...
A: Year One has the best stuff out there, in my opinion, and they have a rating system for their ...
|
| 1994 impala ss | 5/26/2007 |
Q: i recently purchased a 1994 impala ss low milage and the passenger side door handle has to be pulled ...
A: The wind has caught the door at some point, and damaged the door/A pillar/hinges, or all three. ...
|
| Auto Body Work | 5/26/2007 |
Q: i have a 1976 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe 1/2 ton. My question is how do i remove the fenders, and are ...
A: The hinges are attached to the fenders. The fenders are made of 2 parts, an inner and outer, that ...
|
| Poor Work by Bakersfield Auto Body Shop | 5/26/2007 |
Q: A month ago I was told to take my truck to this body shop that was an authorized shop for 21st ...
A: Bob, it just goes to show you, just because an insurance company has preferred body shops, that only ...
|
| Repair of rear quarter panel | 5/25/2007 |
Q: knocked a piece (pie plate size) out of rear quarter panel on 2001 Silverado Sportside. The piece is ...
A: Arthur, this panel needs replaced. It requires special adhesive and repair procedures that will ...
|
| Peeling Paint | 5/24/2007 |
Q: I have a 98' Chevy Lumina. These are notorious as I'm sure you know for "peeling paint". Not really ...
A: Nothing you can do will stop the inevitable. It's going to keep peeling, and once the paint is gone, ...
|
| estimate differences | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I realize estimates are just that..estimates but why such differences..? i got 2 estimates from 2 ...
A: Rob, if cost is the number one priority, go with the cheap estimate. If you want it done right, have ...
|
| I have no idea.. | 5/22/2007 |
Q: Ok, so my goal as a senior in highschool is alot like most highschool guys, have a good sturdy truck ...
A: Dave. Body repair is miserible, thankless work. You spend your whole life working in car dealerships ...
|
| Honda Accord 2000 Coupe Bumper Repair/Replacement | 5/21/2007 |
Q: I recently bought a used Silver Honda Accord 2000 Coupe. One my very first drive, while pulling out ...
A: It takes special repair material to repair a bumper cover. I highly suggest having a professional do ...
|
| patching body panels | 5/21/2007 |
Q: What is the procedure for using 3m adhesive to glue a body panel patch? How much rusted panel do ...
A: Grind back the paint at least 3 inches past the overlap on the body with 36 grit. Grind the face of ...
|
| 1977 Bonneville Brougham | 4/20/2007 |
Q: I have a 77 Bonneville that was wrecked and I'm having trouble finding the parts that I need to ...
A: I don't think so. Caprice and Buick quarters look similar, but have different body lines. I'm not ...
|
| rust/discoloration | 4/14/2007 |
Q: Just bought a 1990 Pathfinder and would like to know of any way to fix discoloration from what looks ...
A: Try rubbing compound, then follow up with cleaner wax. This will be a temporary fix, though. The ...
|
| uneven finish | 4/13/2007 |
Q: I have a 65 Mustang that has been repainted with what appears to be two-stage paint. There is no ...
A: The slight waviness is probably from body filler, and from the fact the car was not stripped down to ...
|
| 2005 Town and Country Van Broken MIrror | 4/13/2007 |
Q: My van was vandelized last weekend and a rock was thrown at my passenger side mirror. The mirror ...
A: As long as the assembly inside the housing is intact, the mirror may be abl e to be replaced, either ...
|
| 1997 silverado door handle | 4/6/2007 |
Q: I recently replaced the outside door handle on my truck and hooked everything up the same as the ...
A: Blake, why did you replace the handle? It sounds like the handle push rod is not properly in place, ...
|
| 2003 Freightliner Aluminum Body Panel | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I have a slash in the body panel very low on the bunk. It is about 6 inches long. I used a puller to ...
A: If it's torn or crushed, it needs replaced. It's intensely difficult to weld aluminum, and if you ...
|
| A hole in my 2006 Nissan Altima rear bumper. | 4/3/2007 |
Q: No excuses here, I reversed into my grandma's car. She had no damage, but I got 2 nice bolt holes ...
A: Its not too diffficult, but I think it's worth it to pay the 75 or 100 bucks to have it installed. ...
|
| a-post | 4/2/2007 |
Q: i have a 1980 chevy c-10 i am restoring, the a-post between doors and windsheid are rusted thru,i ...
A: Graft in pillars from a used cab, or get another cab. I don't believe pillars are available ...
|
| Dodge Stealth TT Body Repair | 4/1/2007 |
Q: my name is Barroq and I am from Texarkana, TX. My Dodge Stealth recently has become a target for ...
A: Barrock, I can't teach you 20 years of collision repair in an e-mail, but I'll try to help- Year ...
|
| White powder spots on paint | 4/1/2007 |
Q: ON black paint, trunk there is white powder spots , similar to corrosion on aluminum. I have been ...
A: The finish is starting to "chalk", a common paint failure on sun bleached, 9 year old cars.. Pay the ...
|
| fiberglass vs. steel | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I am dying to purchase a new car. But, I am reluctant because new car bodies are made of ...
A: Latosha, most cars are still made of plastic and steel. I don't know where you got the idea they are ...
|
| 95 nissan maxima radiator support rusted out. | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I just bought a 95 Nissan maxima and after putting a new clutch in noticed that the rust on my ...
A: I'm not a mechanic Winston, but it sounds like you didn't assemble something right, or the fact you ...
|
| 97' Honda trunk replacement | 3/31/2007 |
Q: William, I have a 97' Honda Accord, 4 door, dx. The trunk and spoiler was damaged( beyound repair) ...
A: The hinges are either bolted to the rear body in the trunk jamb, or inside of the trunk. When ...
|
| Door hinge adjustment | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I took my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup to my dealer to get the front passenger door hinge adjusted and ...
A: Sounds plenty fishy to me. Plese describe the problem with the door in great detail. It could need ...
|
| 1994 firebird rear quarter panel damage | 3/30/2007 |
Q: I have been manualy trying to pound and pull the dent out but it was extensive, (as it was basically ...
A: Go to year one, and go to the Firebird books. Look in the literature section, and there is a book ...
|
| 95 nissan maxima radiator support rusted out. | 3/28/2007 |
Q: I just bought a 95 Nissan maxima and after putting a new clutch in noticed that the rust on my ...
A: The frame won't move, as long as you don't support the vehicle by the front frame rails. You sure ...
|
| bowed front car hood 97 camry | 3/28/2007 |
Q: My daughter ran into a trailer hitch of a 4X4 today, broke headlight and bowed the car hood of her ...
A: Toyotas are incredibly flimsy, I suspect that the radiator support is also bent if the hood is ...
|
| GM Model Specific Body Repair | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 1992 Chevy K1500. I have Helm factory manuals that I bought right after I got the truck new ...
A: Year One, the restoration parts people, have a book in their literature section called how to ...
|
| removal of two sided tape | 3/27/2007 |
Q: yes wondering how you recommend removing moulding two side tape i heat it and remove and then use 3m ...
A: Welcome to my world. Removing 2 side tape sucks. You might be able to remove it from the molding ...
|
| repair rear fender | 3/26/2007 |
Q: well i have a geo tracker and the rear left is in bad shape well it was hit and the guy before me ...
A: Have a junk yard cut a rear fender out of another car, and graft it in. Drill out the spot welds on ...
|
| "Fender bender" | 3/25/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help me. I'm in an ongoing situation that started 2 days ago .I backed up into ...
A: Suck it up, and pay for the damage, Noemi. Yes, sometimes a shop adds money to a repair for hidden ...
|
| enamel paint | 3/24/2007 |
Q: can u add more micro flakes to metallic enamel paint i was gona buy flakes so i can add it 2 da ...
A: Yes, you can add more flakes to the color, but it will change the color. The more flake, the lighter ...
|
| KIA Bumber | 3/23/2007 |
Q: I broke the front plastic bumper on my mother-in-law's 2005 Kia Sorento 4x4. I can order one online ...
A: Mark, it doesn't sound to me like you are comfortable doing this job, and I have never fixed a Kia ...
|
| hood alignment 1999 silverado | 3/22/2007 |
Q: My hood is out of alignment, 1/8th inch too high on the passenger side rear corner near windshield, ...
A: Mike, you are being too pickey with your truck. Trucks are utility vehicles, and your modle of ...
|
| Filling holes in rear deck lid | 3/21/2007 |
Q: Hey William, I saw that you are willing to answer DIY auto body repair questions, and had a fairly ...
A: welding is the only way to fix the holes, and have it last more than 6 months. The vibration of the ...
|
| Dodge Shadow rad. support | 3/21/2007 |
Q: My daughter met the back end of a Chevy Suburban and lost. The impact pushed the radiator support ...
A: The radiator support is welded in with spot welds. All unibody cars are spot welded together, ...
|
| paint bubble and peel on Toyota '02 back bumper | 3/20/2007 |
Q: What is the best way to repair the paint peel on my rear bumper? I've told to do it myself but ...
A: There is nothing you can apply to stop the peeling. wAS THE BUMPER repaired or replaced at some ...
|
| 1995 dodge stratus | 3/20/2007 |
Q: Before i bought this car, the woman who owned it filled the oil to the top and theyve had problems ...
A: I'm a body tech, not a mechanic. try the mechanical experts, but since you are here, I'll try to ...
|
| Fiberglass repair and paint | 3/19/2007 |
Q: i just bought a fiberglass dunebuggy that has about 3 coats of paint, and a few holes. what can i do ...
A: Yearone.com , the restoration parts company, has a book called how to repair and restore bodywork in ...
|
| Painting a Bug Shield | 3/14/2007 |
Q: Forester, I started a bug shield the same color of my truck. The man at the paint store said to take ...
A: Start over, get another bug shield. Don't apply the base so darn heavy, it's not supposed to be ...
|
| rust proofing | 3/13/2007 |
Q: Is it a good idea to enlarge or even add additional drainage holes in the bottom of doors and other ...
A: CLEAN motor oil can be used to help inhibit the spread of rust. Dirty oil stinks, and if you don't ...
|
| Acrylic Enamel Touch Ups | 3/13/2007 |
Q: I recently painted my truck with a metallic acrylic enamel, but did get some cluster with the ...
A: What color is the truck? Single stage enamel metallics doesn't buff well. Light colors like silver ...
|
| door handle | 3/10/2007 |
Q: I have a 1998 GMC Sierra extended cab w/third door on passenger side. My drivers side door will only ...
A: The inside door handle is just about to break. It's a very common problem wiht your model truck. A ...
|
| gun set up | 3/10/2007 |
Q: Your response to me was you have already answered this question for me before, this is the first I ...
A: Okay, found the prob. I answered it, but it never got sent. Here goes, and man, I'm really sorry. I ...
|
| crack in front bumper | 3/10/2007 |
Q: I hit an ice chunk with my 2006 Honda Civic sedan the other day and it put two cracks in the plastic ...
A: A 2006 Honda is no vehicle to learn to do body work on. The bumper is trashed with a total of 14 ...
|
| new paint job for brand-new car? | 3/9/2007 |
Q: I expect this is an unusual question, but here goes: have you ever seen someone buy a new car ...
A: First, you will void the paint warranty, which is at least a few years. No.2, it's really hard to ...
|
| bolts for fender | 3/8/2007 |
Q: where can I purchase the bolts for a chevy camaro 1997 front fender and the inner wheel splash guard ...
A: Look, if you want EXACT replacements for the bolts and splash shields, what do you want me to tell ...
|
| port-a-power | 3/6/2007 |
Q: We haven't replaced the quarter(It's cosmetic and plastic),yet. We did replace the bent strut . Now, ...
A: Once again, I can't see the damage, and you really need professional help. If you say the top of the ...
|
| port-a-power | 3/5/2007 |
Q: How would you use or position a 1 ton port-a-power for (97 Saturn), a quarter panel collision that ...
A: Your car is REALLY screwed up if the strut tower is bent, you need professional help. If you have ...
|
| Base/clear painting | 3/3/2007 |
Q: Sir, I have used Nason single stage paint 3 times in the past with what I feel were very good ...
A: Wow, too many questions, Brian. Get whoever you buy paint from to give you a product data sheet, or ...
|
| Primer vs. sealer | 3/2/2007 |
Q: Sir, I would like to know specifically what a 'sealer' is used for, and when is it to be used. ...
A: Different primer sealers have different properties. Some sealers are excellent ground coat colors, ...
|
| Fiberglass questions | 2/28/2007 |
Q: You answered my last question, thank you. Now I got a few more and have looked to see if I could ...
A: in 20+ years of painting, I've never seen an RTS primer, except for old style laquer sealers ...
|
| 2006 pontiac GTO | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I installed a pair of Mickey Thompson tires on the rear. They are a bit wider than the stock tire. ...
A: When I was a kid guys used to cut the wheel lip mostly away, and beat the inner fender well in to ...
|
| Scratching on the car | 2/26/2007 |
Q: I recently took my chevy into the dealership for some work, they had also thrown in a free car wash. ...
A: Swirl marks are part of life. Get used to them. Dark colored cars show them most. Every time you ...
|
| a couple of interior questions | 2/25/2007 |
Q: Sorry to be bothering you with so many questions. Spring is coming and I have a lot of projects. ...
A: Have the headliner professionally recovered by an interior shop. You will probably never fix it ...
|
| sanding body filler | 2/25/2007 |
Q: I never have any luck sanding body filler edge to blend in with surrounding metal. I always have an ...
A: How are you prepping the surface for filler? Are you using a quality filler? Bondo brand filler is ...
|
| refinish question | 2/25/2007 |
Q: I know that a good painter comes with time. I have taken classes and tried to paint some cars, at ...
A: If you never get any runs, you are moving too quickly, or too far away. If you have the huge orange ...
|
| long scratches and many chips on hood | 2/23/2007 |
Q: I need your expertise on this problem.I bought a white 2005 Mazda3 4 door sedan the other day.It ...
A: A good body shop can paint the hood, and blend the fenders, for a seamless match. If the paint is ...
|
| AUTOMOTIVE Repair | 2/22/2007 |
Q: What is Pot life
A: Next time, do your own homework. Pot life is how long a mixed, catalyzed paint can set, mixed, ...
|
| passenger mirror | 2/20/2007 |
Q: I had to replace my passenger door mirror on my 1994 F150. I bought the mirror from a salvage yard ...
A: Sounds like there is something wrong with the mirror. I wouldn't have so readily accepted a faulty ...
|
| removing chrome trims | 2/20/2007 |
Q: I have a 97 Altima GXE. The car has chrome trims around the windows and around the tires. The ones ...
A: If the ones around the tires dont have screws in the wheel wells, then they are held on with 2 side ...
|
| Window crank - 1995 lumina apv | 2/19/2007 |
Q: Good day, I tried to remove the interior door panel on my 1995 Lumina minivan to replace the window ...
A: You can't see the clip, and you need a clip removal tool. Slide the tool with the handle side under ...
|
| Repairs on 1999 Ford Contour | 2/19/2007 |
Q: William, Can you give me some tips on the following repairs to my Ford Contour. Right front fender ...
A: remove fender liner, there are probably 2 bolts holding the fender to the front bumper cover. You ...
|
| 1995 Firehawk | 2/14/2007 |
Q: I have a red 1995 Firehawk. Ever since I bought it, it has had sun damage on the driver side front ...
A: It sounds like it has a repair that is starting to fail. The only thing to do, is take it to a body ...
|
| Paint with or without removing fixed glass | 2/13/2007 |
Q: I have two bids on fixing a dent in the rear quarter panel of an Acura MDX. The major difference is ...
A: Yes, the paint quality might be marginally better with the glass out, but do you want to risk ...
|
| Exterior moisture inside car | 2/12/2007 |
Q: I have a 96 Grand Am, 2 door, with 90,000 miles. Have had this car for about 2 years. Really a good ...
A: The fact the water is on both sides leads me to believe you have 2 separate leaks. There is no tube ...
|
| gmc truck hinge pin replacement | 2/10/2007 |
Q: How do you replace the door hinge pins on a '93 gmc 2-door Yukon?
A: You need professional help here, Todd. You not only need to replace the pins, but the bushings, ...
|
| Urathane Paints | 2/9/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of repairing dents and rust damage on my 86 Mazda B2000. I am planning to paint ...
A: You will be fine on the primer, the B2000 isn't exactly a 65 GTO, you know what I mean? Your vehicle ...
|
| Re: Least expensive to repair car. | 2/9/2007 |
Q: I would like to know what you think is the easiest car to repair is, besides an old VW bug. I have ...
A: Art, you really are tieing my hands behind my back with the limited funds thing. About the cheapest ...
|
| 70 olds | 2/9/2007 |
Q: The car had a vinyl top and has rusted most of the way around the top of the front window. Under ...
A: Hey Bob! No pic's are really necessary. See if Year One had any patches before you go too far, they ...
|
| 99 4Runner Flare Moulding Damage | 2/6/2007 |
Q: I damaged the rear wheel flare mouldings on my '99 4runner limited. I plan on replacing the ...
A: If the moldings are basically colored plastic, just replace them. You don't need to remove the door ...
|
| Dry crusty 2 coat | 2/6/2007 |
Q: Thats good to know, that i was waiting to long between coats. Now that I messed up, It was just the ...
A: Lightly scufff with a grey scotch brite, then apply the last coat of color. base coat is supposed to ...
|
| Dry crusty 2 coat | 2/5/2007 |
Q: You helped me with a 66 mustang paint job and it turned out fine. (some sand marks came tru, but I ...
A: Why did you paint the nose on her car? Maybe this will tell me what went wrong. Another problem, is ...
|
| Bace coat clear coat | 2/5/2007 |
Q: My friend wants me to paint his 64 1/2 Mustang which he purchased in a restored condition.(Nice) It ...
A: If the paint is intact, with no cracking or checking, it's fine to paint over the old paint. Let me ...
|
| car door alignment | 2/4/2007 |
Q: William, I have a 1936 chevy sedan 2 door with a 3 inch chop. It is sitting on a stock frame with a ...
A: You can try removing the door, and reaming the holes in the hinges bigger to allow the door to slide ...
|
| 1998 Dakota front right fender.. | 2/1/2007 |
Q: Good day William. I looked over past questions not see any that would help me with my problem. ...
A: I can't remember right off the top of my head if there are bolts inside the door jamb. Look on the ...
|
| repairing rust spots on a 1996 nissan almera | 2/1/2007 |
Q: can you please tell me the proper procedure for repairing rust spots.
A: Yes. Take it to a body shop. I can't teach you how to repair and paint a car in an email. painting a ...
|
| 91 V1500 rear gate sill replacement | 1/31/2007 |
Q: I have a 1991 Chevy V1500 Suburban. It has a drop down gate, and I need to replace the rear sill on ...
A: The entire rear body section is welded together on your suburban. Is your rear body panel rusted ...
|
| 2003 Chevy Venture | 1/29/2007 |
Q: Yes its the sliding door and its not powered..I am working on a 03 Chevy Venture van, and am trying ...
A: FYI- Venture sliding doors, just like ALL vans with sliding doors, are never intended to be open ...
|
| paint and repair of plastic fender on Firebird | 1/29/2007 |
Q: I am painting fenders on a 95 Firebird that came out of a u pull it lot. There are some deep ...
A: Do this- Sand the scratches out with 150-180 grit on a dual action sander. Blow clean with air, ...
|
| Water leaking into interior, Ford F150 | 1/27/2007 |
Q: I am preparing to buy a 1996 Ford F150 XLT. It's in pretty good shape except there is water on/in ...
A: This is not a problem of drain holes. Water leaks are really the realm of the professional repair ...
|
| Bondo over lead | 1/25/2007 |
Q: I have 1973 mg that I'm restoring it has factory leaded seams was inquiring as what would best ...
A: why do you want to bondo over lead? If anything, sand or file the lead seam to a better contour. ...
|
| welding | 1/25/2007 |
Q: I have a question regarding welding patch panels(rust-outs)on older type vehicles. I can arc weld ...
A: Gas is preferable to flux core in every way. Flux wire is hard to weld with, requires more heat, and ...
|
| white streaks on roof of green Goe Prizm | 1/23/2007 |
Q: The roof of my 1996 Geo Prism has large white streaks running front to back on the sides of the top. ...
A: The clear coat on your car is chalking, which basically means turning to dust. The entire vehicle ...
|
| paint | 1/21/2007 |
Q: can you please explane to me ,,base coat clear coat ,,do i need a hardener for these,, and if i ...
A: base coat seldom needs hardener, it just needs reduced. Clear coat always needs hardener, it's ...
|
| '99 Mercury Mystique Hood Replacement | 1/21/2007 |
Q: Forster, I recently purchased a hood to replace the damaged hood on my son's 1999 Mercury Mystique. ...
A: and thanks for the feedback. Try this on the Hinge- take out the front hinge bolt, the one closest ...
|
| paint repair | 1/20/2007 |
Q: i need to fix dents and scratches on my grand cheoroke how do i fix them and what kind of paint do i ...
A: Karla, what sort of tools do you have at your disposal? Do you have a decent sized air compressor, a ...
|
| painting a classic | 1/20/2007 |
Q: William, I spoke to you earlier about the 1970 Rallye 350 that my wife and I are restoring. My ...
A: I paint in less than ideal conditions, and if you are doing the same, I highly recommend DuPont's ...
|
| water accident in clear | 1/18/2007 |
Q: I was on my last coat of clear when my water separator decided to let out a small spurt of water, I ...
A: what has happened, is the holes left by the water have filled up with wet sand scuzz and rubbing ...
|
| Power Windows | 1/17/2007 |
Q: My dad and i have a 76 chevy truck, and we are trying to restore/customize it. and i wanted to know ...
A: The easiest way is to scavenge the regulators, wire boots,and wire harness from a donor vehicle. ...
|
| side view mirror | 1/13/2007 |
Q: i need to replace the mirror on the head of my side mirror, to remove the head on a 2003 chev ...
A: You will probably need to remove the interior panel, if not to access the bolts directly, to un-plug ...
|
| fiber tech filler | 1/13/2007 |
Q: I'm the one helping his kid paint his 66 mustang. We figured out this car originally had a vinyl top ...
A: The holes need welded or leaded shut. If you fill the holes with filler, any filler, they will ...
|
| Car-body types | 1/13/2007 |
Q: I know nothing about cars but need to find out further info, specifically about the different types ...
A: I'm an American, I will have to use American factory descriptions. --- Standard body---- has a body ...
|
| Removing the fenders, bumper, grill & cover | 1/12/2007 |
Q: My car is a 1998 Dodge Durango. I have to replace the fenders, bumper, grill, and grill cover. ...
A: DO NOT cut the bumper off with a torch! The blue wrench is only used as an absolute last resort. ...
|
| Truck Mirror Replacement | 1/12/2007 |
Q: I am needing to replace the passenger side mirror on my 1994 F-150. It is also a power mirror. I got ...
A: take a dremmel tool with a cut of wheel, and cut a slot into it. Then, a flat head screwdriver may ...
|
| Seat Bells | 1/11/2007 |
Q: I have an 89 Cadillac Seville and a 1994 Mercury Sable. On both cars the seat bell retracts very ...
A: About the only service I will recommend trying, is take the plastic cover off of the lower ...
|
| blending paint | 1/11/2007 |
Q: I had a fender installed and they painted the fender the color that the inside of the door says to ...
A: Unless they did a budget job for you, which is a favor, they should have color blended the door to ...
|
| 1997 Toyota Corolla Hood | 1/9/2007 |
Q: Yeah, you're right, the latch is a bit off. It's the kind where there's a 'U' shaped bar coming off ...
A: The U bar doesn't adjust, the hood lock does. loosen the bolts attaching it to the radiator support, ...
|
| Door replacement | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I have a 1991 pontiac firebird I was in an accident and my driver's side door was damaged I have ...
A: Remove interior panel. Not all the torx screws actually do anything, they are just there for show. ...
|
| silver star head lights | 1/8/2007 |
Q: 99 olds cutlass cierra Is there a easy way to replace the original head lights with the silver star ...
A: Get out the owners manual, and see if there is anything on changing bulb in the headlamps. I'm sure ...
|
| back end damage | 1/8/2007 |
Q: Last spring my 2003 honda civic was rear-ended by a 1992 Toyota SUV. The SUV pushed me into the ...
A: Maybe its time to trade in the Honda. It sounds like you have worn out brake linings, condensation ...
|
| cars | 1/7/2007 |
Q: Have a Triumph TR4 that was undercoated with ziebart and the inside fenders by engine was also done ...
A: There is no easy way to remove undercoat. If the vehicle color is not white or silver, you can try ...
|
| Runs in first base coat | 1/7/2007 |
Q: Hey William, i just read one of your previous responses to paint runs. However, my stituation is a ...
A: you are WAY over applying the base coat. Base coats aren't meant to be applied shiny, they are meant ...
|
| Primer | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I am a painter and I primed and sanded a car for painting but I did not get it painted for at least ...
A: How long after priming did you sand the car? My concern would be shrinkage, especially if it's a ...
|
| 1997 Toyota Corolla Hood | 1/5/2007 |
Q: Sorry, I was trying to keep it short. It is the front hood. The hood is slightly too high where it ...
A: Much better, James! The hood latch needs adjusted down, as well as the hood bumper. If the hood ...
|
| 1954 belair trunk repair | 1/5/2007 |
Q: about 5"x5". i also removed the spare tire well and i want to fill these areas in. i am going to ...
A: I prefer flanging with a panel flanger, It recesses the patch, making the repair flush and easier to ...
|
| 1992 Mercury Sable Rear Bumper | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I have found a replacement rear bumper assy from junk yard. Where to look for help in installing a ...
A: Sorry Fernando, no pictorials that I know of, anywhere. Even factory manuals just have written ...
|
| 1988 760 volvo wagon | 1/3/2007 |
Q: on the rear door just below the window left hand side,theirs a spot about 2x3 where the paint looks ...
A: Hell again brad! If your Volvo is a prized posession, as you have described it to be, I highly ...
|
| 1988 760 volvo wagon | 1/2/2007 |
Q: on the rear door just below the window left hand side,theirs a spot about 2x3 where the paint looks ...
A: If there is grey primer underneath, it's the start of what is called delamination. within a year, ...
|
| Bumper cover repair | 1/1/2007 |
Q: The front bumper cover on my 2005 Expedition was damaged after hitting a curb. The cover did not ...
A: If it wasn't torn, the strength of the cover isn't an issue. Check underneath, and be sure that all ...
|
| Mounting a replacement door | 1/1/2007 |
Q: My wife backed our 1989 Isuzu Trooper into another car. it ruined both rear door but nothing else. ...
A: It may have some body structural damage, That would explain it's reluctance to go on. It didn't take ...
|
| how much paint to buy | 1/1/2007 |
Q: I want to paint an older car for My kid, It dosn't have to be perfect, I got him sanding a removing ...
A: Yes, you will still need to lay down a white base. Reds are all pissy thin, and cover horribly. It ...
|
| rust around rear windshield | 12/31/2006 |
Q: My wife and I are restoring a 1970 cutlass rallye 350. There are several areas around the rear ...
A: I would sandblast the pencil sized area, and slightly recess the area with a ball peen hammer. Use ...
|
| Chevy S10 2002 | 12/31/2006 |
Q: How do you remove the left fender? Are there just bolts or bolts and spot welding? Thanks for your ...
A: remove the grille/ remove front bumper- 3 bolts in the grille/bumper area that must be removed- ...
|
| clear | 12/31/2006 |
Q: have you ever used spies hecker?we have them in the shop i paint at,but we have been using ppg clear ...
A: How soon are you getting on the base coat with clear? I know its our tendency to push this stuff as ...
|
| 03 honda odyssey | 12/30/2006 |
Q: my 2003 Honda odyssey was hit in the driver side rear and cause frame damage to the back rail and ...
A: I can't see the car all the way out here in cyber space, so I can't give you any sort of assessment ...
|
| rust holes in jeep | 12/30/2006 |
Q: when i fix the small hole do i do it on the inside or the outside?I just purchased a 1993 jeep ...
A: Put it on the inside, it's probably easier to pull the carpet back and work up top, as opposed to ...
|
| rust holes in jeep | 12/30/2006 |
Q: I just purchased a 1993 jeep wrangler. Since i got it home I have found 2 rust holes. One is not ...
A: The old rust must first be cut away, then a new piece of floor put in. If the rust areas are small, ...
|
| Checking Body Work before Paint | 12/29/2006 |
Q: I am finishing various body repair on a 71 Karmann Ghia. Various rust panel replacemnts and dent ...
A: As far as checking the body work, that no one can really teach you but mother experience. Lay your ...
|
| cleaning plastic headlight lenses | 12/29/2006 |
Q: I own a 1998 Mitsubishi Galant and the plastic headlight lenses are "clouding over" from UV rays and ...
A: Replacement is the only way to go. None of the cleaners work, and besides, sometimes the clouding is ...
|
| 2000 Dodge Durango front end collison | 12/28/2006 |
Q: I read many responses from the experts prior to my posting so I was cautious about my question about ...
A: It's been a while since I did a Durango. I believe you will need to remove the grille to access the ...
|
| 2000 Dodge Durango front end collison | 12/28/2006 |
Q: Friend had a collision which slightly buckled the hood, pushed in the grill and damaged the lower ...
A: Steve, no good deed goes unpunished. If you have never painted a modern vehicle, or are unsure of ...
|
| 1993 Beretta door handle | 12/27/2006 |
Q: I am planning to replace an outside driver door handle on this 93 Beretta for a lady I work with. I ...
A: They're pretty straight forward, especially when you look at the new part. The lock is held in with ...
|
| Autobody big dent repair. | 12/27/2006 |
Q: I backed into my friends passat with my CRV, not ver y hard, but the Spare tire on the back of the ...
A: Glad to help, Moisei. I know, body work is expensive, but you just can't put a price on friendship. ...
|
| 2002ram 1500 window | 12/26/2006 |
Q: I have a rear sliding window in my Ram 1500 single cab. The driver side window got broken. does the ...
A: Rear sliders are generally replaced as a unit when a pane of glass has been broken out. It's ...
|
| rusted cab corners | 12/25/2006 |
Q: I have a 93 Chevy extended cab in dire need of cab corner replacement. Could you tell me where I ...
A: If you go to Year one online, the restoration parts site, pick chevy trucks on the vehicle type ...
|
| bondo and solvents | 12/24/2006 |
Q: Hey Mr. Forster, I'm laying bondo over plywood (making funiture), and I want to paint the work with ...
A: Body filler is pretty darn resilient stuff, I've sprayed over it with everything from lacquer primer ...
|
| Rust bubbles | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I am restoring a 1954 Hudson. On the front of the hood where it meets the grill and on the lower ...
A: I can promise you that these bubles go all the way through. Take an awl, and I bet you can bump it ...
|
| Major Rust Spots | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I Own a 1981 Ford Xl Super cab and Its Rusting really bad along The Bottom Of The Cab, There was ...
A: You can't bondo the air, my friend. For rust this severe, the only answer is panel replacement. Get ...
|
| 72 camaro | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I have some new quarter panels to install both sides. I can do all the welding but how do i make the ...
A: cut the old quarter off, and leave at least a half inch overlap for the new quarter to fasten to. A ...
|
| Rocker Panel Removal | 12/21/2006 |
Q: Ihave a 1966 chevy truck that I am wanting to replace the rocker panels . After drilling out the ...
A: First, have the new panel in hand. Use it to help decide where to cut the old one out. You will need ...
|
| painting front grill | 12/18/2006 |
Q: I noticed that the chrome on my front grill is peeling off, Can this be removed and painted with a ...
A: Nothing sticks to chrome. The only way to rough chrome up enough to get paint to stick is to sand ...
|
| Repairing hole in sheet metal | 12/18/2006 |
Q: If filler was to be used, any thoughts on aluminum-filled (Lab-Metal), versus plastic (Bondo) putty ...
A: Aluminum and steel do not mix. They cause each other to corrode. Check ebay for lead kits, or maybe ...
|
| Repairing hole in sheet metal | 12/18/2006 |
Q: How can I fix a round hole ~ nickel-size without using fiberglass or plastic filler? I have acess ...
A: The only other option is to lead a small patch into it. If it's a newer car, say 1994 on up, the ...
|
| 1969 superbee | 12/17/2006 |
Q: I am working on a 1969 Superbee . The rearend was rotted. I took the back section from a 4 dr ...
A: Randy, is there any way you can e-mail me pictures? Some folks post a link with their question. ...
|
| bubbling paint | 12/17/2006 |
Q: I recently painted my first car. I have been around the autobody profession for a while. This is ...
A: I would say you have some solvent trapping. You probably got on the sealer too fast with paint, ...
|
| preping lead repairs for paint | 12/16/2006 |
Q: Is there any special preparation for the leaded repairs on the 65 Mustang Fastback , or any other ...
A: Sand blasting creates the cleanest surface to lead to. First tin the area with acid core solder, ...
|
| Paint question. | 12/15/2006 |
Q: I am refinishing a 2 foot by six foot panel on a Haulmark trailer, thin sheet metal. Haulmark hooked ...
A: Rattle cans seldom do a nice job laying down anything, The panel you are doing is just a little too ...
|
| Blending Paint | 12/15/2006 |
Q: I have replaced a fender on my grandauthers car and repainted it with a flat and clear coat. I used ...
A: Stay out of the hood, its too large a panel to paint with cans. Scuff the entire door with a grey ...
|
| dent repair and painting | 12/14/2006 |
Q: im about to do some body work on my 1988 mustang GT. this car is mildly built and means a lot to me. ...
A: I'm not totally clear. Are you planning to paint the entire car with spray cans, or just 1 panel? I ...
|
| rx 330 popped weld seam | 12/11/2006 |
Q: My 2004 lexus rx330 had the passenger side rear corner between the bumper and taillight dented ...
A: This is a car, it's made of metal, and It's an imperfect world. When cars get dented, sometimes ...
|
| Recently repaired body | 12/11/2006 |
Q: I was recently in an accident. The body shop had my car for 6 weeks and put in 41 hours. The frame ...
A: This situation is NOT normal, return this car to the body shop, and demand it be fixed correctly. In ...
|
| gas tank cover repair | 12/10/2006 |
Q: i was involved in an accident with a black 2005 toyota harrier. my bike handle bar ...
A: I am not familiar with how well Toyota black paint matches. It may be necessary to blend the entire ...
|
| collison repair student needs advice on tools | 12/10/2006 |
Q: My son is in a collision repair school and wants to do this for a career . His school has a deal ...
A: I really don't suggest you go out and buy 10,000.00 in snap-on tools for a school kid. Like ...
|
| vin #'s? | 12/8/2006 |
Q: I have a reg cab truck and a crashed up extended cab truck,I want to swap the extended cab on to the ...
A: I don't know the laws in your individual state, and there are 50 different states, with 50 different ...
|
| Pontiac GTO, Patch Sunroof Hole | 12/8/2006 |
Q: I just purchased a 1966 GTO, it has a Sun Roof someone installed. What would be the best and easiest ...
A: This is a job for a professional. I would suggest grafting a roof section from a donor car onto it. ...
|
| Large Scratched Area | 12/3/2006 |
Q: What steps do I need to take concerning a large scratched area above the rear tire on the passenger ...
A: Contact a local body shop, and have them do a damage estimate. Then, contact your insurance company, ...
|
| Salvage Price? | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I was recently in a head on collision and have no collision insurance, so I wanted to know how much ...
A: I don't really do price quotes. I can tell you this- ancient neons aren't worth crap when they are ...
|
| Repainting a Jeep | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee, no rust whatsoever. Stock paint is still there, just fading and ...
A: Yearone.com has a book called how to repair and restore bodywork in the literature setion. I can't ...
|
| Unibody Damage | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I am in the market to buy a SUV. I have researched a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN ...
A: Take it to a reputable body shop and have them check it over. A mechanic won't have the eye to spot ...
|
| Orange Peel? | 11/30/2006 |
Q: I painted it in Sept. I used a reducer 4to1. The temp was 82 w/low humidity and 10 mi.wind. I ...
A: Well, you're stuck. It's been to long to buff it, and metallic single stage paint doesn't sand well. ...
|
| "Burn" methods | 11/29/2006 |
Q: William, thank you for the direct "no bullshit" anwser. I had figured as much about the insurance ...
A: More info is always good. I think that the problem you are having is the fact that the car is a BMW. ...
|
| Painting Jeep Doors | 11/29/2006 |
Q: I Just bought a pair of full 2004 jeep doors for my 1997 Wrangler. The doors are Khaki Metallic and ...
A: No need to go crazy on sanding. Just scuff the doors down with 600 grit, 1000 is really too fine to ...
|
| Frame Repair | 11/28/2006 |
Q: I want to be sure I understand. I am talking about the rear part of the frame. The body mount ...
A: When I say 3/4 or 1 inch flat washers, I mean the hole inside of it. A 1 inch washer is huge, a 3/4 ...
|
| "Burn" methods | 11/27/2006 |
Q: William, hello. I have recently been exposed to the body shop cases, and have a dire want to know. ...
A: You blend color to get a good paint match, you burn in clear coat to break off painting. "Burning ...
|
| Frame Repair | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I have a 1967 Firebird that I am beginning to restore. The front frame on the passenger side (bolts ...
A: A shortcut that I found that works well for rusted out frame mounts is to go to ace hardware, and ...
|
| 2000 ford contour body damage repair | 11/26/2006 |
Q: this past march my husband and I went on a 7 state trip to Colorado and my husband fell asleep at ...
A: I live in NW Ohio, and have no idea where to tell you to take your car to have it fixed, other than ...
|
| Rust on 69 Charger | 11/25/2006 |
Q: the question I have is the roof where the rear glass goes is rusted through about 8 inches long, ...
A: Any restoration project is a MASSIVE undertaking, in cost and man hours. It requires special ...
|
| filling and painting one inch in dia rust hole | 11/25/2006 |
Q: Nissan Sentra 1998.On left side of passanger entarance below (dogvleg) there was a small rusted ...
A: A hole this small I suggest you fill with Bondo glass, a water proof filler from Bondo corp. The ...
|
| 2001 silverado side body molding | 11/24/2006 |
Q: What steps do I need to take to remove the old side moldings and replace them with new ones and ...
A: You can only find stock moldings at the GM dealer, and they only come paint to match, meaning they ...
|
| primer on 2-stage paint job | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I am preparing to paint a 96 Rodeo. The current paint is in ok shape. The clear coat is not cracking ...
A: Only spot prime anywhere you break throught the paint, or apply filler. There is absolutely no need ...
|
| How to repaint a Grill for a Ford Escort | 11/23/2006 |
Q: Hope you can help me. Thank you for your time. I have as I said a Ford Escort, I am having to ...
A: Do you have an air compressor and a paint gun, and the know how to use it? If not, it's not likely I ...
|
| 96 neon dome light | 11/23/2006 |
Q: I got the manual out on this car and replaced the fuse so that the dome light would come on but now ...
A: Did you complain to the body shop about the problems with the car? If that hasn't brought you any ...
|
| Painting 1988 Silverado | 11/22/2006 |
Q: I need help and advice in the preparation of my truck for painting. I bought the truck new and as ...
A: I'm not familiar with the martin senior paint system. I would go to the local MS dealer, (we call ...
|
| tahoe | 11/22/2006 |
Q: i have a 2003 tahoe the passenger front window and door lock stopped working the keyless entry ...
A: It sounds like you may have a broken wire(s) in the driver door jamb, where the loom goes from the ...
|
| clearcoat overspray! :-( | 11/21/2006 |
Q: You suggested paint thinner to remove the overspray. How should I apply it? By the way, I ...
A: Hell again Mohammed! Use paper towels or clean rags. Wear a pair of gloves, like dish washing ...
|
| clearcoat overspray! :-( | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I have a black 1994 toyota camry (coupe). The clearcoat on the top of the front fenders (by the ...
A: Tape off the tops of the fenders to protect them, and see if some paint thinner will remove the ...
|
| Clearcoat | 11/20/2006 |
Q: Sanded my clear, but decided to start over with base. Can I spay the base over the sanded clear or ...
A: You will be okay spraying base on the new clear. Just don't lay it on wet. base is meant to be ...
|
| Interior Molding | 11/18/2006 |
Q: Excuse my typo but my car is actually a '79 Camaro. I am not just worried about price but ...
A: Are the pieces small enough that you could make a mold of them out of clay molding putty? It should ...
|
| Interior Molding | 11/18/2006 |
Q: I am in the process of repairing the interior of my 1976 Camaro and was a little wowed at the price ...
A: Plastic becomes brittle with the passing of time and exposure to sun and heat. T tops provide plenty ...
|
| 77 vette Bumper | 11/17/2006 |
Q: Bill, I have a spot about the size of a dollar bill on the driver side just under the flip up ...
A: It sounds like there is some degeneration of the fiberglass, like water has wicked into someones ...
|
| 1966 Mustang Roof Repair | 11/17/2006 |
Q: The frame work under the roof skin is in great shape as far as I can tell. Only problem was ...
A: I would say, do what you feel comfortable doing. If you would rather drill off the skin, that way is ...
|
| 1966 Mustang Roof Repair | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I am restoring a '66 Mustang Coupe. The car is an orgional vynil top and the roof is badly rusted. I ...
A: If the supporting structure is rotted, or it's rusted out around the lead seams, You can graft the ...
|
| Refinish Clearcoat | 11/15/2006 |
Q: I have plenty of clean air flow in my homemade booth. I think the orange peel was caused by lack of ...
A: Hey Ron. Urethane clear is an excellent choice. Be sure the hardner is the proper one for your temp ...
|
| Refinish Clearcoat | 11/15/2006 |
Q: I've got orange peel in the clear which is about 3 weeks old & too hard to wet sand out. It has 3 ...
A: Yes you can, Ron! Use 600 wet or dry paper, avoid going thru the edges. Anywhere you go thru will ...
|
| Patching hole in corrigated van floor | 11/13/2006 |
Q: .. If I use aluminum, is there going to be corrosion where it contacts the steel floor? Would I use ...
A: You are correct, the sheet aluminum will cause corrosion if bare aluminum is placed over bare steel. ...
|
| car door | 11/13/2006 |
Q: the driver side door of my 2000 chevy blazer s10 has dropped and I have to push up on the door while ...
A: I've done literally hundreds of these doors. The only way to fix it, is to put in new hinge pins and ...
|
| Patching hole in corrigated van floor | 11/12/2006 |
Q: I'm repairing a rust hole in the floor of an '84 Chev G-20 van, behind rear fender. The exhaust is ...
A: It will be impossible for you to match the corrugations in the floor, unless you use incredibly thin ...
|
| Roof rack on Escort wagon | 11/11/2006 |
Q: I happen to have so loved my '98 Escort wagon that when I drove it to death I bought a used ...
A: I never worked on an escort roof rack. Maybe i can help. First, remove the old rack. The center ...
|
| Paint Brand | 11/11/2006 |
Q: I have a 1970 VW beetle I want to repaint in a single stage. This is a daily driver, and want a ...
A: Nason make an excellent, economical acrylic enamel. It sprays great, and it should be readily ...
|
| shaving handles | 11/11/2006 |
Q: i have a 02 sonoma and im in the process of shaving the tailgate and the third brake light. as far ...
A: I was wondering how your patches you glued over your handle and third light turned out. Bill
|
| fiberglass repair | 11/8/2006 |
Q: Great and fast advice! Thanks. Here's the damage: ...
A: WOW the damage is severe! It looks like it's so broken up, it's actually sagging where the feature ...
|
| fiberglass repair | 11/8/2006 |
Q: I have a 1999 Mercedes CLK with an aftermarket fiberglass body kit. I foolishly was distracted while ...
A: Year One sells a book called "how to restore your collector car" part number FJ4393. I gotta tell ...
|
| Filling holes | 11/6/2006 |
Q: Sir, My son just purchased a 1997 Acura Intergra. The previous owner had a wing mounted to the ...
A: You need some sort of dolly block to back up the holes, and then gently hammer them flush. They MUST ...
|
| slk 350 repair | 11/6/2006 |
Q: hey mr forster, i asked one of the experts this question earlier, but this seems a little ...
A: Wow, you're right, Cameron is WAY to college professor for body repair explanations for the masses. ...
|
| Interior repair | 11/6/2006 |
Q: William, Just wanted to throw this out there to you in hopes you can give me some insight as I ...
A: Wow, I haven't done a Ram dash in at least 5 years. I can't really remember how it, or the air bags, ...
|
| fiberglas help | 11/5/2006 |
Q: i recently purchased a 91 civic the wheel well on the drivers side has some rot as well as the ...
A: You are going to need a grinder, an electric 4.5 inch will probably do, several 24 grit grinding ...
|
| body moulding on a Dodge | 11/3/2006 |
Q: I have a 1996 Dodge 3500 ClubCab that has the black body molding with a chrome stripe in the ...
A: Its a real pain to remove adheasive backed body side moldings. To remove them, without damage, I ...
|
| Welding in floor panels | 11/2/2006 |
Q: I want to weld in some new metal in the floor and later the bottom of the doors of my 87 F250. I ...
A: and well done on the mig welder and gas set up! Flux core will work, but man, it sucks. Now, I ...
|
| Plastic Bumper Cosmetic Repair | 11/2/2006 |
Q: Can you give me some advice concerning repairing small blemishes on painted plastic ...
A: Ask them if they will be using flex agent in the paint, and if they will be removing the cover from ...
|
| powder coated base coat. good or bad? | 11/1/2006 |
Q: i was wondering on what kind of experiences you have had with powder coated base coats for paint ...
A: Wow, an entire car? I don't know. You really need to discuss this with your grandfather. Powder ...
|
| dent/crease - bond-paint | 11/1/2006 |
Q: almost got side swiped on the highway and avoided a high speed colision with the other car by ...
A: Try and bring the metal back up to grade by prying from behind. You can gain access by removing the ...
|
| restoration of rusted rocker panel | 10/31/2006 |
Q: I bought a '72 GMC Jimmy,has less than usual body rot,but still want to restore. Ive noticed that ...
A: Tom, I found some info for you. Year one has a parts catalog for 67-87 chevy trucks. In the ...
|
| repairing a chunk of rust | 10/31/2006 |
Q: i got a 93 mazda and part of the back fender above the wheel is rusted out. Im planning on trying ...
A: I found 2 books available from year one that may help you. "how to restore your collector car" part ...
|
| Paint Discoloration | 10/30/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased a used vehicle which had aftermarket wheel-well chrome accents. My intent was ...
A: The wheel well accents protected the paint underneath from the sun, and the rest of the car's color ...
|
| F150 door panel removal | 10/29/2006 |
Q: I have something loose down near the speaker opening of the right door panel of my 2002 F150 pickup. ...
A: Okay, its been a while since I did a ford truck, but I think I can help. There may be a bezel around ...
|
| blending in a paint job | 10/28/2006 |
Q: You misunderstood my main question. I was wondering how I could fix the section in between the new ...
A: Joe, what's to understand? You have a flaw in the paint you can't live with. Repaint it! I gave you ...
|
| Paint | 10/28/2006 |
Q: I have an old car that I recently hired a neighbours 16 year old to paint. He did an OK job but on ...
A: I wouldn't bomb can any clear on the car. The panels are too large for that approach, and you will ...
|
| blending in a paint job | 10/27/2006 |
Q: I cut out a section of metal, fiberglassed it, filled in with bondo, glazing putting, primed, and ...
A: Aaargh! Okay, I'll try to help. You should be able to get on the paint right away. First, you won't ...
|
| base coat clear coat | 10/27/2006 |
Q: i was wanting to know how long after spraying the base coat of a multipule colored vehicle how long ...
A: Read the label onthe base coat color can, that should tell you most of what you need to know. I ...
|
| Touch up Painting Fiberglass bumper | 10/23/2006 |
Q: My 18yr old son drives a 1998 Gran Prix. The front bumper has quite a bit of paint missing due to ...
A: Clean the bumper thoughorally with bug remover, or a strong detergent. Clean off any tar with ...
|
| clear coating prob | 10/23/2006 |
Q: I have a 94 s10 thats just a daily driver. Its not perfect, and thats fine with me. The paints ...
A: Clearcoat peeling on an S10 this vintage is probably the result of a repair job starting to let go. ...
|
| Deville plastic fender crack | 10/20/2006 |
Q: Is there an easy way to repair the 3" crack on top of the plastic fender. This 92 Deville is ...
A: The only way to repair it is to glue it back together from the inside with plastic repair compound, ...
|
| Ding on the left driver side door from another car door hitting it. | 10/18/2006 |
Q: This morning as I was getting out of my co-worker's car at work, I hit the door of another ...
A: The door won't need removed, but The door handle and weather strips must be removed for the job to ...
|
| Small Fiberglass Damage on Replica | 10/16/2006 |
Q: Mr. Forster, Thanks for taking my question. Here's the situation and damage to the vehicle. I ...
A: I gotta say, the guy at auto zone who used to be a bodyman? Good bodymen dont go to auto zone as a ...
|
| 2000 Dodge Neon ES: Repair loose side-mirrors | 10/15/2006 |
Q: 2000 Dodge Neon ES: Repair loose side-mirrors Part Description: Both power side-mirror asseblies ...
A: Is it the glass that is loose, or the mirror on the base? The mirrors you are describing are called ...
|
| '01 Silverado Repair | 10/14/2006 |
Q: Followup To Question - Bill, Thank you for your fast and THOROUGH response! I pose my question to ...
A: Hey, I just had an Idea. What about a used bed, or a new take off? The truck is white, right? It ...
|
| '01 Silverado Repair | 10/14/2006 |
Q: Bill, Thank you for your fast and THOROUGH response! I pose my question to four experts and am still ...
A: Geoff. I looked thru my responses, and I'm not sure I made perfectly clear that when you get the new ...
|
| '01 Silverado Repair | 10/13/2006 |
Q: Bill, Thank you for your fast and THOROUGH response! I pose my question to four experts and am still ...
A: Using an air chisle is okay for removing the panel, but I gotta preach moderation and caution. If ...
|
| '01 Silverado Repair | 10/12/2006 |
Q: Recently, our 17 year old son learned about cutting turns too sharply in my 2001 Chevy 1500 ...
A: and ouch! Use body filler on the cab corner dents. Lead requires special skills, but anybody can ...
|
| Nissan Fender Replacement | 10/11/2006 |
Q: I have a new driver side fender to replace on my 97 Nissan pickup 2.4L 4wd. There are two bolts on ...
A: It's been a while since I fixed a nissan truck, but I'll try to help out. The bumper is obviously ...
|
| repair: filling a bumper hole | 10/11/2006 |
Q: This AM I did the stupidest thing and rear ended the back of a scion (I'm pretty sure it was an Xa). ...
A: Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Its called an accident for a reason. Yes, the body shop will be ...
|
| rust body along window edge | 10/10/2006 |
Q: I have a rust hole 3/8" along the front windshield of my 86 toyota 4X4. There are groves where the ...
A: Yes, that will work, but it will be a temporary repair at best. It will need redone every 1-2 years. ...
|
| Rust holes | 10/9/2006 |
Q: --Hello Bill The torque box has been changed along with the floor pans ,the cowl is welded in place ...
A: I can't see the rust holes, so it's difficult for me to guess where they are. I doubt that there are ...
|
| Blending Fawn Biege Lacquer on a '62 Corvette | 10/9/2006 |
Q: Please help... I have '62 Corvette that has just been sprayed in OEM 920 fawn biege, PPG#22005 and ...
A: Everything you are telling me makes perfect sense. The difficult thing to do here, is duplicate the ...
|
| Rust holes | 10/9/2006 |
Q: I have a 1967 Mustang with rust holes under front cowl. how can I get in there ,and what is the best ...
A: You probably have a very common rust problem with all mustangs. The areas that are most likely ...
|
| HOw do I know | 10/6/2006 |
Q: How do I know if my car is to rusty to be repaired? I have a 1966 Chevelle Project, It runs and ...
A: A 66 Chevelle is a valuable muscle car, and Is almost impossible to be too rusty to fix. There are a ...
|
| rocker panel replace | 10/4/2006 |
Q: My 15 year old son and i are repairing a 79 chevy truck he saved money to buy. We sand blasted whole ...
A: Yes, absolutely DO put the door back on for final fitting. I personally like to use sheet metal ...
|
| repairing a left driver side ding. | 10/3/2006 |
Q: alright.i have two cars with dings. one is a 70' 4-door chevelle. there is a small yet obvious ...
A: I would contact your local GM dealership, and see if they have a dent removal service, or one that ...
|
| A scratch on right door panel next to door handle,from a rock | 10/3/2006 |
Q: I have a scratch on the right door next to the door handle.A rock hit the car. I have tried using ...
A: Touch up paint is tricky at best. High metallic colors like silver and gold are nearly impossible to ...
|
| Paint - peeling | 10/1/2006 |
Q: I am interested in buying a 1994 Park Avenue that has the super-charger on it. The interior and ...
A: The car is suffering from a condition called delamination. It was a very common factory defect from ...
|
| rocker panel replace | 10/1/2006 |
Q: My 15 year old son and i are repairing a 79 chevy truck he saved money to buy. We sand blasted whole ...
A: Use a spot weld cutter bit, and only try to drill thru the outter panel. Center punch the spot weld ...
|
| '94 Camaro door won't open. | 7/24/2006 |
Q: Question about a stuck driver's side door on my 94 Camaro (it was an accident replacement door a ...
A: First, remove the outter door handle and lock. It will allow you a little more light, and eliminate ...
|
| body refinishing | 7/24/2006 |
Q: I had a minor parking accident with my two week old GM car which removed the paint on the back door. ...
A: If you like the work of the cheaper shop, then take it to them. GM may have quoted a price that ...
|
| door panel | 7/23/2006 |
Q: i have a 2001 deville how do you remove door panel on passanger side
A: Dennis, it really distresses me that you gave me a 1 rating on knowledge of this question. I was ...
|
| Paint Touch up | 7/22/2006 |
Q: I have repaired a few small areas on my car. After priming it I spayed it but the paint seems to be ...
A: Did you use hardner in your acrylic enamel? It's an important ingredient, and will make the finish ...
|
| Fender Repair | 7/22/2006 |
Q: I have an 88 BMW 325 convertible. The bottom of the right front fender is badly rusted (area ...
A: If you get off replacing only the lower 2 inches of fender, you will be VERY lucky. Figure on ...
|
| 84 Fiero | 7/16/2006 |
Q: I just bought this car, and the car was sitting around and the bottom of the car was surrounded by ...
A: Your paint is doing what is known as chalking, so sanding and clearing won't fix the problem. The ...
|
| BB Dent | 7/12/2006 |
Q: Ouch! You really know how to hurt a guy. I suppose I'll have to swallow my "I can do this myself" ...
A: If you really think you can fix it, and your dad helps paint it, do this. DA sand the dented area ...
|
| BB Dent | 7/12/2006 |
Q: You are correct. I don't know anything about refinishing. My dad owned a body shop in LA a long time ...
A: Wow, it sounds like you have a small caliber bullet strike, not a BB strike. You need to have a body ...
|
| BB Dent | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I think my 2004 Dodge truck was hit with a bb and I'd like to attempt the repair myself. I plan on ...
A: I have a question of my own- is the paint broken? If not, call your Dodge dealer and have them ...
|
| 88 mustang | 7/10/2006 |
Q: I was just T-boned in my stang and my passenger door was smashed into the interior, rear quarter ...
A: First, yes, A pillars can be fixed on any vehicle. Should yours be fixed? A 1988 Mustang? It sounds ...
|
| Lift-gate rust repair | 7/10/2006 |
Q: In Septmeber 2005, I had some rust repaired on my 2001 Dodge minivan. The seam at the bottom of the ...
A: Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but most body shops do not guarantee rust. Unless you ...
|
| Molding Adhesive / Mastic | 7/9/2006 |
Q: I just pulled the side moldings off my 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo so we do not have to bend my race ...
A: I've never pulled the moldings off a porche, but maybe I can help. 3M used to make a special ...
|
| 1992 Chev P/U Doors sag | 7/8/2006 |
Q: How does one go about shimming or lifting the sagging hinges on Chevy doors?
A: your hinge pins and bushings are worn out. That is really a job for the professionals, it requires a ...
|
| Rear Bumper on 99 Dodge Durango | 7/7/2006 |
Q: We have a 99 Dodge durango and unfortunately a 16 year old son who backed it into a trailer. There ...
A: Yes, this can be fixed. First, trim off any plastic that is sticking up from the surface with a ...
|
| repair scrape/dent | 7/6/2006 |
Q: after cleaning the panel that has a small dent/scrape, what do you sand the dent[apx 1/8 deep] with ...
A: The easy way- sand the area with 180 grit paper, and apply a coat of USC Icing body filler pn 26006. ...
|
| Painting | 7/4/2006 |
Q: How long must I wait if I didn't use hardener? Thanks EdI have repaired an area on my Toyota and ...
A: Wait 3 days to buff it to be safe. Don't let it sit in the sun in the mean time, the paint will cure ...
|
| Paint Bubbling | 7/4/2006 |
Q: William: I have a very small (dime sized) paint bubble on the rear fender of my show sports car. ...
A: I think someone is overthinking the problem. I believe you have a spot with an adheasion problem, or ...
|
| Body Repair | 7/1/2006 |
Q: I have a 1995 Nissan maxima, had a collision with a truck today at approx 10 miles/hr speed. Its ...
A: I'm sorry, I can't give you any sort of price on a repair. I can't see the damage all the way out ...
|
| 1929 dodge body work | 6/30/2006 |
Q: I have a 1929 dodge that I have completed the engine and interior on. I would like to do the body ...
A: One, use Rage bodyfiller. Sand it with 36 or 80 grit paper. I believe Rage is made by evercoat or ...
|
| paint | 6/30/2006 |
Q: I got another coat of paint on truck,got a few areas where the paint pulled away from primer,had one ...
A: I think you really need to find a buddy, or someone more famaliar with painting than you are, to ...
|
| paint | 6/30/2006 |
Q: I got another coat of paint on truck,got a few areas where the paint pulled away from primer,had one ...
A: I dont follow you on what you mean by pulled away. Do you mean the old paint wrinkled up, or peeled ...
|
| paint runs | 6/27/2006 |
Q: Followup To Question -Followup To Question - how do you get rid of paint runs in acr .enamel? ...
A: Stay away from the HVLP gun! Enamel was invented WAY before HVLP guns, and it doesn't really spray ...
|
| paint runs | 6/26/2006 |
Q: Followup To Question -how do you get rid of paint runs in acr .enamel? Answer - Hello! I need ...
A: If you sand with anything coarser than 1000 grit, those sanding scratches wont buff out. Yes, you ...
|
| paint runs | 6/26/2006 |
Q: Followup To Question - how do you get rid of paint runs in acr .enamel? Answer - Hello! I need ...
A: Give getting the runs out a whirl before you repaint anything. If you do need to repaint, refinish ...
|
| paint runs | 6/26/2006 |
Q: how do you get rid of paint runs in acr .enamel? Answer - Hello! I need more info. Is the paint a ...
A: Okay, you are good to go. Take a new safety razor blade, and hold it at a 90 degree angle from the ...
|
| paint runs | 6/25/2006 |
Q: how do you get rid of paint runs in acr .enamel?
A: I need more info. Is the paint a metallic, or solid color? Where are the runs, how severe are they? ...
|
| primer | 6/25/2006 |
Q: what sandpaper should I use on primer prior to painting?
A: If you are giong to hand sand the primer, spray a mist coat of black spray paint on it, then wet ...
|
| odyssey rear bumper replacement | 6/23/2006 |
Q: i backed into corner of a solid building at low speed and seriously damaged the bumper. is buying ...
A: It really sounds like you need to make an insurance claim. Anyhow, If you have a painted bumper, you ...
|
| Painting | 6/22/2006 |
Q: I have repaired an area on my Toyota and have painted it using acrylic enamel which has gold specs ...
A: Don't sand and buff single stage metallic paint. it will turn all blemishey and just look like crap. ...
|
| paint chips/rust | 6/22/2006 |
Q: I have a 2005 Subaru Impreza. Unfortunately I live in Pennsylvania, where we have harsh long ...
A: Touch up the paint chips, the rust will start spreading if you don't. Also, check with your Subaru ...
|
| tiny scratch | 6/21/2006 |
Q: My husband opened a car door in a parking lot and accidently made a tiny scratch on the door of a ...
A: and thank you for your question! Well, 450 is actually pretty much in line. Black is the most ...
|
| Paint matching | 6/19/2006 |
Q: Can you tell me where I can find the name of the paint I need to do up a ford capri circa 1978 - ...
A: Make an EXACT copy of all the information on the vehicle information tag, and take it to a store ...
|
| Fibreglass repair | 6/17/2006 |
Q: On a 1982 Datsun 280Z, involved in a light collision the firbreglass is cracked around the ...
A: Before attempting this repair, try to locate a new or good used panel. This will make a far better ...
|
| Long thin dents on car roof | 6/17/2006 |
Q: Since I was moving to a new city, I had my car shipped. While the car was being unloaded, the roof ...
A: First, the movers should be insured for this sort of damage. They may try to convince you otherwise, ...
|
| Part number question... | 6/13/2006 |
Q: Mr. Forster: I've got a 1979 Chevrolet El Camino...decent shape, and I drive it a good bit. Had a ...
A: Sorry, I can't help you on the exact part numbers for the bezel. They should be cheap on ebay, so ...
|
| water spots | 6/11/2006 |
Q: what is the best way to get rid of water spots on chrome trim? Thanks. TG
A: First, try windex. If that doesn't work, Use a chrome polish made specifically for chrome. If it ...
|
| Rain water leaking up into car on floor. | 6/9/2006 |
Q: I have a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant. I brought it used and I think it was in a rear-end accident before ...
A: If the water enters when the car is stationary, it's a gravity leak, coming in from the top down. ...
|
| painting | 6/7/2006 |
Q: I have a new hood for my pick-up. I have tried to can spray it and found that does not work on large ...
A: and thank you for your question! Is it base coat/clear coat paint, or single stage? (color only) If ...
|
| tar off paint. | 6/6/2006 |
Q: What works good for tar removal off car paint?Thanks.
A: and thank you for your question! On the cheap side, kerosene will work. If you want to spend a few ...
|
| Touch up paint | 6/1/2006 |
Q: i painted a small portion of the car's body but the newly painted part is very noticeable from the ...
A: Okay, it sounds like you know how to use a spray gun. You need to do a color blend on both panels, ...
|
| Touch up paint | 6/1/2006 |
Q: i painted a small portion of the car's body but the newly painted part is very noticeable from the ...
A: and thank you for your question! I need more information. Did you use professional car paint and a ...
|
| Scratch on passenger mirror repair | 5/31/2006 |
Q: My wife was taking our brand new 2006 Chrysler Town & Country through a drive through bank, she was ...
A: and thank you for your question! First, try removing the scratches with rubbing compound. If the ...
|
| collision repair cost | 5/20/2006 |
Q: i have a 97 mustang valued at about $4800. i got rear ended & busted out my lights, damaged the ...
A: and thank you for your question! No, you are not being over charged, especially with the damages you ...
|
| Clear Coat Problem | 5/19/2006 |
Q: I'm looking at purchasing a 1992 Nissan 300ZX with a clear coat finish. I live in Massachusetts and ...
A: and thank you for your question! I would say, pass the car by unless you can get it for a song. To ...
|
| Rust on 2004 Honda Odysey | 5/17/2006 |
Q: We have started to see very little rust spots on our silver Honda Odysey. Thinking it's defective ...
A: and thank you for your question! I don't know what part of the country you're from, or how they ship ...
|
| Passenger side mirror installation | 5/16/2006 |
Q: I am planning on installing a new passenger side mirror on my 2002 Ford Explorer. I have recieved ...
A: and thank you for your question! Yes, putting on a new mirror is something you can do yourself. ...
|
| 1992 extend cab chevy pickup (fram) | 5/14/2006 |
Q: Foster my Qustion is about my p/u truck fram,my wife was coming up our drive way she stoped and got ...
A: and thank you for your question! I need a little more info. How much other damage, other than the ...
|
| fillers | 5/13/2006 |
Q: I have heard that auto body repairs using fillers will eventually break away or develope hairline ...
A: and thank you for your question! The filler on your hood was either improperly applied, a low ...
|
