Fix It How To Repair Automotive Dents Scratches Tears And Stains Motorbooks: The Ultimate Guide

Your car is a valuable investment, so it's important to keep it looking its best. But even the most careful drivers can experience the occasional dent, scratch, tear, or stain. When this happens, don't despair! With the right tools and techniques, you can repair these minor blemishes yourself and save yourself a trip to the body shop.

In this article, we'll show you how to fix the most common types of automotive damage, including:

Fix It! How to Repair Automotive Dents, Scratches, Tears and Stains (Motorbooks Workshop)

by Kris Palmer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	88652 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	146 pages

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• Dents
• Scratches
• Tears
• Stains

Dents

Dents are caused by impacts, such as when you accidentally bump your car into a pole or another vehicle. Small dents can often be repaired with a plunger or a suction cup. For larger dents, you may need to use a dent puller or a hammer and dolly.

To repair a dent with a plunger, simply place the plunger over the dent and pull. The suction will create a vacuum that will pull the dent out. To repair a dent with a suction cup, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the dent with rubbing alcohol.
2. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the suction cup.
3. Place the suction cup over the dent and pull.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the dent is removed.

To repair a dent with a dent puller, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the dent with rubbing alcohol.
2. Attach the dent puller to the dent.
3. Turn the knob on the dent puller until the dent is removed.

To repair a dent with a hammer and dolly, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the dent with rubbing alcohol.
2. Place the dolly behind the dent.
3. Gently tap the dent with a hammer until it is removed.

Scratches

Scratches are caused by sharp objects, such as keys, fingernails, or branches. Small scratches can often be buffed out with a rubbing compound and a polishing cloth. For deeper scratches, you may need to use a sanding block and a primer.

To buff out a scratch with a rubbing compound, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the scratch with rubbing alcohol.
2. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a polishing cloth.
3. Rub the polishing cloth over the scratch in a circular motion.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the scratch is removed.

To repair a deeper scratch with a sanding block and a primer, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the scratch with rubbing alcohol.
2. Sand the scratch with a sanding block until it is smooth.
3. Apply a primer to the scratched area.
4. Allow the primer to dry.
5. Paint the scratched area with a matching paint.

Tears

Tears are caused by sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, or fingernails. Small tears can often be repaired with a fabric adhesive. For larger tears, you may need to use a sewing machine.

To repair a tear with a fabric adhesive, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the tear with rubbing alcohol.
2. Apply a small amount of fabric adhesive to the edges of the tear.
3. Press the edges of the tear together.
4. Allow the adhesive to dry.

To repair a larger tear with a sewing machine, follow these steps:

1. Clean the area around the tear with rubbing alcohol.
2. Fold the edges of the tear under.
3. Sew the edges of the tear together.
4. Reinforce the seam with a zigzag stitch.

Stains

Stains can be caused by a variety of substances, such as food, drinks, or chemicals. Small stains can often be removed with a household cleaner. For larger stains, you may need to use a commercial stain remover.

To remove a stain with a household cleaner, follow these

Fix It! How to Repair Automotive Dents, Scratches, Tears and Stains (Motorbooks Workshop)

by Kris Palmer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	88652 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	146 pages

FREE