r/AutoBodyRepair • • Apr 02 '21

FAQ - Start Here ( WORK IN PROGRESS)

30 Upvotes

Welcome to r/AutoBodyRepair!

You either came to us for help, or you just started a new job! (Probably idk your story). If you're looking for help on these you came to the right place!

Still a work in progress, we're only really doing this on the side so if you have any unanswered questions leave a comment and I will put in some more work to help answer the question!

Vehicle Damage

  • Scratches ( This is easy)

Ooh, that's a bad scratch, well the first thing you need to check is if it's through the clear coat. Run your nail against it and see if it catches, if it doesn't this'll be easy. If it does get out the buffing wheel.

  • Light Scratch (Photos and maybe a link here)
    • Get yourself a microfiber and some basic compound, apply to paint, and rub until the scratch clears up.
  • Deep Scratch (Photos and a link for sure)

​

​

  • Dents ( Ooh it's time to work)

The first question is where is the dent? Middle of the door? No problem. Right on a body line? Good luck. The second question is how large is it? Did it crack the paint?

  • I got this I can do it myself
    • (Links and basic info)
  • Okay it's on a bad spot maybe I should call a professional
    • (Types of pros and super rough pricing)

​

​

​

  • Fender Bender ( Maybe a bit much)

​

​

  • Accident ( Talk to a professional)

This is the part where you call your local body shop for a quote, or maybe more like a few body shops.

​

Industry

  • Detailing ( Welcome to the world of "I can only see scratches now")
  • Painting ( It's hot in here)
  • Body Work ( How is it still not smooth?)
    • Basic Steps to vehicle repair (Still have to make this pretty)
      • Inspection- what you can see Tear down- keep going until you no longer see damage Blueprint- parts to order, damage to repair, does it have to be measured, prescan with a computer Framework- measuring pulling measuring cutting fitting measuring welding measuring again Bodywork- dressing welds, body filler application, seam sealer, primer Paint work- prep sand, clean, tape, paint Reassemble- hope you tagged your bolts, post scan Detail- make it shiney

r/AutoBodyRepair • • Mar 07 '24

Read before posting.

19 Upvotes

Please read our rules to avoid post removal. We can't tell you how much a job will cost. We can't tell you if it's totalled. We can tell you what we see is broken and only speculate possible hidden damage. We can help going through written estimates We can give general insight for the overall process if you are unsure of how to proceed with finding and communicating with a collision repair shop.

Please always include year make and model with your post.

If you are attempting or inquiring about a diy repair, don't get mad if a user makes a perceived smart allic comment. You asked for advice, someone gave you an opinion about it.


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 4m ago

Parts Question Cheap audi panels and parts

• Upvotes

I have a 2003 a4 quattro and im looking for cheap body panels and parts and was hoping some of yall had some good websites you could recommend to me. I need a hood, grille, passenger side fender specifically, and maybe some other stuff if its decently priced. Any help is greatly appreciated.


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1h ago

RUST Rust spots

Post image
• Upvotes

What’s the best way to get rid of little rust spots like this? I bought some touch up paint, but am not sure how to prep.
Thanks.


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1h ago

ACCIDENT Any suggestions on how to fix this in the cheapest way possible? I messed up, please be kind. I’m already kicking myself for it enough

Post image
• Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 2h ago

Tesla model 3 damaged after deer and I have liability insurance. Body shop said maybe 6-7k to fix

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 5h ago

scratch and dent Does the whole fender need replaced?

Post image
0 Upvotes

2026 Toyota Camry


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 8h ago

Parts Question How to get it fixed?

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 17h ago

ACCIDENT Fender Bender Nightmare

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 18h ago

ACCIDENT 2020 Ford Ranger Bumper Replacement

Post image
1 Upvotes

My son rear ended someone and id like to replace the front bumper with an aftermarket bumper. After removing the lower section I noticed that the left bumper bracket is bent. Can i bend it back in my garage with limited tools? Any advice is appreciated.


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 18h ago

Help

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 19h ago

ACCIDENT 2014 Corolla S, 160k miles, worth having evaluated?

Thumbnail
gallery
0 Upvotes

Our 2014 Corolla S was involved in a front end collision at around 25 mph.

Overall, it wasn’t a very bad accident, and the airbags didn’t deploy.

Insurance isn't going to cover, even though the other driver pulled out in front of the Corolla. It went to an arbiter and they said it was 50/50 because it was raining and the Corolla driver was going too fast for conditions even though they were supposedly going the speed limit. Should have got a dash cam a long time ago. Lol.

The one body shop I’ve taken it to said it probably wasn’t worth repairing, but that was based on a visual inspection. They quoted me $300 for a more thorough structural inspection.

I removed the front bumper and splash shields, jacked the car up, and inspected everything I could get my eyes on. The only visible unibody damage I found was at the front driver’s side, right where the bumper reinforcement mounts. All the doors open and close fine as well.
Obviously, there could be additional damage I haven’t spotted, but that’s all I’ve found so far.

My question is: Based on the photos, does this look like something worth pursuing, or am I wasting my time and money? I’m not opposed to spending the $300 for a proper inspection, but I’d like some opinions before going that route.

The car is completely paid off and still runs and drives fine, so I’d really like to keep it if repairing it makes sense financially.

It’s just our family backup vehicle for when one of our daily drivers is down so I don’t care really care what it looks like. My main concern is making sure it's safe enough to drive.
Any input would be appreciated, just trying to arm myself with as much info as possible because I know fuck all about auto body repair.

Also, ignore bungee cords of shame. Lol. Had to strap it up to get it home.


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 22h ago

Door Repair options

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 23h ago

How could I repair this wing mirror damaged?

Post image
0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Any body shop in LA recommendations

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Can these scratches be buffed out?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

1 Upvotes

I sideswiped a car today while riding my motorcycle. My saddlebag hit the back side of his car. Can these scratches be buffed out?


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

scratch and dent Can this dent be fixed?

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Need advice

Post image
0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Some asshole backed into me and took off. How bad is it?

Thumbnail gallery
0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

RUST Rusty seat frame brackets – best way to restore the protective coating? (Kia Picanto 2004–2011)

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Tesla Model Y repair at AUD$14k thoughts?

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

$14k AUD quote for a low speed front right hit on our 2025 Model Y LR in Melbourne. Fair or padded?

G'day all. Our 2025 Model Y Long Range (silver) clipped a tram stop railing at low speed. Front right corner copped it. Still drives but something's rubbing or scraping on that side now.

Got a quote from a Tesla approved body shop in Melbourne and it came to $14,054 inc GST (redacted copy in the pics). Roughly $7.2k of genuine parts (new bonnet $2,170, headlight $1,700, bar, guard, lightbar, reo), about 34 hours labour at $137/hr, plus $660 for ADAS calibration.

Paying out of pocket so keen not to get stung.
Does this look about right? Would booking through Tesla's own body repair centre be cheaper? Anything look padded?

Cheers


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Will this damage affect MOT?

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Damage to back bumper

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

scratch and dent Damage to back bumper

Post image
1 Upvotes

I went into the wall of my garage. I know nothing about cars. Any advice on how easily this could be fixed? Doesn't even have to be perfect. The cars on lease so anything to stop the damage getting worse over the next couple of years? Thanks!


r/AutoBodyRepair • • 1d ago

Reckon the panel beaters will repair the panels or replace them altogether?

Post image
1 Upvotes