Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: How to Repair Body Damage

Assessing the Damage

Before you begin any repairs, take a close look at the damage. Determine the extent of the damage, whether it’s just a scratch or a dent, or something more serious like a crack or hole. This will help you decide what tools and materials you’ll need and how long the repair will take.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

Once you have a good understanding of the damage, you can start gathering the tools and materials you will need. The specific items will vary depending on the severity of the damage, but here are some general essentials⁚

• Body Filler⁚ This is a paste-like substance used to fill in dents and scratches. It comes in different grades, so choose one appropriate for the type of damage you’re dealing with.
• Sandpaper⁚ You’ll need a variety of sandpaper grits for smoothing out the body filler and preparing the surface for painting. Start with a coarse grit and gradually work your way up to a fine grit.
• Primer⁚ Primer is a base coat that helps the paint adhere to the metal. It also helps to fill in any small imperfections.
• Paint⁚ Choose a paint that matches the color of your car. It’s a good idea to use a high-quality automotive paint for a long-lasting finish.
• Clear Coat⁚ Clear coat is a protective layer that goes over the paint. It helps to protect the paint from UV rays, scratches, and other damage.
• Masking Tape⁚ Masking tape is used to protect areas that you don’t want to paint. Use it to mask off the surrounding area and create clean lines.
• Putty Knife⁚ A putty knife is used to apply body filler and to smooth it out.
• Plastic Spreader⁚ A plastic spreader is used to smooth out the body filler and to remove excess material.
• Sanding Block⁚ A sanding block is used to smooth out the body filler and to prepare the surface for painting.
• Paint Gun⁚ A paint gun is used to apply the primer and paint.
• Paint Thinner⁚ Paint thinner is used to thin the paint and to clean the paint gun.
• Gloves⁚ Wear gloves to protect your hands from the paint and other materials.
• Respirator⁚ Wear a respirator to protect yourself from paint fumes.
• Safety Glasses⁚ Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from paint and sanding dust.

Once you have all of the necessary tools and materials, you’re ready to start repairing the body damage.

Repairing the Body Damage

Now it’s time to tackle the actual repairs. Follow these steps to repair the body damage⁚

1. Clean the Damaged Area⁚ Before applying any filler, thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding. This ensures the filler will adhere properly.
2. Apply Body Filler⁚ Apply body filler to the damaged area using a putty knife. Work the filler into the dents and scratches, creating a smooth, even surface. Don’t overfill the area, as you’ll need to sand it down later.
3. Let the Filler Dry⁚ Allow the body filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will usually take several hours.
4. Sand the Filler⁚ Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a fine grit. Sand until the surface is smooth and even.
5. Prime the Repaired Area⁚ Apply a coat of primer to the repaired area. Primer helps the paint adhere to the metal and creates a smooth, even surface for painting.
6. Let the Primer Dry⁚ Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes several hours.
7. Sand the Primer⁚ Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the primer. This will help to create a smooth, even surface for painting.

Once the primer is dry and sanded, you’re ready to move on to the next step⁚ painting.

Painting the Repaired Area

Now it’s time to give your car a fresh coat of paint. Follow these steps for a professional-looking finish⁚

1. Mask Off the Area⁚ Use painter’s tape to mask off the area around the repaired section. This will prevent paint from getting on other parts of the car. Make sure to create a smooth, clean edge with the tape.
2. Apply Base Coat⁚ Apply a base coat of paint to the repaired area. Use thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The number of base coats you need will depend on the color of your car and the opacity of the paint.
3. Let the Base Coat Dry⁚ Allow the base coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes several hours.
4. Apply Clear Coat⁚ Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Use thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The number of clear coats you need will depend on the desired level of shine.
5. Let the Clear Coat Dry⁚ Allow the clear coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes several hours.
6. Remove Masking Tape⁚ Once the clear coat is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. The paint should be completely dry and the tape should come off cleanly.

Once the paint is dry, you’re almost finished. It’s time for the final touches;

Final Touches and Inspection

You’ve come a long way, and your car is looking great! But there are a few final steps to ensure a smooth and flawless finish⁚

1. Buff and Polish⁚ Use a buffing compound and a polishing cloth to remove any imperfections or haze from the paint. Work in small sections and apply light pressure. This will give your car a shiny, smooth finish.
2. Clean Up⁚ Remove any leftover tape residue or paint splatters with a cleaning cloth and a solvent. Be careful not to damage the paint job.
3. Final Inspection⁚ Take a close look at your work. Make sure that the repaired area blends in seamlessly with the rest of the car. Check for any imperfections, such as scratches, paint runs, or uneven surfaces. If you find any problems, address them before moving on.
4. Waxing⁚ To protect your newly repaired area from the elements, apply a layer of wax. This will help keep the paint looking shiny and new.
5. Enjoy Your Work⁚ You’ve successfully repaired the body damage on your car and given it a fresh new look. Take a moment to admire your handiwork! You’ve learned a valuable skill and saved yourself a lot of money.

Congratulations on completing your car body repair! You’ve demonstrated patience, attention to detail, and a knack for fixing things. Now you can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.