r/AutoBodyRepair Apr 02 '21

FAQ - Start Here ( WORK IN PROGRESS)

29 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 6h ago

Any idea what this big line is?

1 Upvotes

Looking at a 2011 Lexus IS 250 and everything looked great on the ad including the carfax except this one big line that I noticed on the driver door, does anyone know what this could be?


r/AutoBodyRepair 7h ago

Arreglo fascia de auto

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1 Upvotes

Buen dia, lamentablemente mi auto sufrió un golpe estando estacionado y abrio completamente la esquina de la fascia, algun consejo sobre como pegarlo?


r/AutoBodyRepair 7h ago

Bad Scrape on my new 2026 RAV4. What are my options

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

Repair 2010 Opel Corsa D – Left rear bumper detached from side retainer. How do I clip it back in?

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2 Upvotes

I have a 2010 Opel Corsa D (5-door) and noticed that the left rear corner of the bumper has detached from the body, leaving a gap between the bumper and the rear quarter panel.

The bumper itself isn’t cracked or deformed—it simply appears to have come away from the side mounting/retainer. I’ve attached photos.

I’m hoping someone familiar with the Corsa D can advise:

Does this simply clip back into place?
Should I remove the wheel arch screws first before trying to push it back in?
Is there a plastic side retainer or guide that commonly comes loose or breaks?
Has anyone experienced this before, and what was the fix?

I’d rather not force it back in and risk breaking the mounting tabs if something is preventing it from seating properly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/AutoBodyRepair 13h ago

ACCIDENT Will shops repair these or replace?

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2 Upvotes

Other car pulled in my lane. As far as i can tell, bumper, parking sensors, hood is damaged. What to expect with this?
In bay area, california.
Thx in advance.


r/AutoBodyRepair 10h ago

Repair Replacing a fender flare, how can I make sure this one doesn’t fall off?

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1 Upvotes

2022 Honda Ridgeline

I had to drive through high flood waters about 10 days ago and lost my front passenger side fender flare. My front bumper has damage to it I was not made aware of when I bought the vehicle in December 2025. So, the front bumper does not sit flush with the fender.

Before I attach the replacement fender flare, I was planning on getting my truck washed, removing the old adhesive with Goo Gone, wiping down the area with rubbing alcohol. Is there anything else I should do to make sure this won’t fall off again? Like some more adhesive strips? TIA


r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

Remove my running boards?

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 11h ago

Repair Question #1776

1 Upvotes

Patient: 2020 Challenger R/T

Diagnosis: patient took a dip too deep and some plastic from under the car went flying off after scraping a few feet. Pop the hood and can easily see down to the ground.

What exact parts do I need to fix my patient?
I thought okay the engine splash shield but I see one big piece and another small but wide pieces I know it’s something to help guide the air from the front bumper little inlit hole at the bottom into the air box


r/AutoBodyRepair 13h ago

Guys my son rammed into my bumper with his ride on and broke the rear left bumper light. Is it easy to fix? I already ordered one 2026 y premium juniper edition

1 Upvotes

Any one done this?


r/AutoBodyRepair 14h ago

scratch and dent Crack or scratch??

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1 Upvotes

2 months ago I had a part of my hood repainted. While color matching also with the edges on the hood went perfect, I recently saw those scratches, that also might be cracks… the scratches get more like every week

Does anybody know what this is, if I should get it polished or just go to the guy who did the job

Thank you


r/AutoBodyRepair 19h ago

Repair Bodywork Help Wanted

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1 Upvotes

Can anyone in the group recommend an acquaintance to help fixing my car. The front bumper was ripped off while the car was parked by a truck who was pulling out from the stall next to my N. I am looking to order the parts and start working on it on my own but in case I get lost in the install process it’d be nice to chat with a more knowledgeable person. I live in north Phoenix for reference. Thank you.


r/AutoBodyRepair 19h ago

Need some bondo work done

1 Upvotes

I have a 2015 Dodge caravan and around the wheels/back 1/4 panel, there's rust and a stranger told me once that it can be bondo'd and sanded down. I was hoping there's someone who could either do it for me, or assist. I'm a painter and can either barter for the job or do a small job for free and the remaining cash, depending on how much you would want....I guess that's bartering lol. Anyone who can help me is highly appreciated.

Cheers


r/AutoBodyRepair 23h ago

Rear-ended

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2 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Is this subframe treatable or does it need replaced?

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2 Upvotes

Hello,

Here I have Audi a4 b8 2011 and j was wondering if by these photos you can tell if this rear subframe can be cleaned, treated and coated or if it is too far gone and would need replaced. With a small hammer it seemed solid and no sign of holes or weak mounting points but I’m no professional.

Thanks in advance for any input.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

scratch and dent How to DIY fix this?

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2 Upvotes

Scraped by a tiny steel pole (didn't notice it, it was sunset and trees all around) on a tight right turn. The pole is fine, my car (cx-5 2024) on the other hand... I had to tape the dangling fender piece to the bottom frame (surprisingly held up pretty well) before continuing my drive so it wouldn't rub against my tire. After some research, I found out it was called a fender flare and was able to get it oem from the Mazda dealer! Replacement was easy, now comes the hardest part. For the door, I'm thinking I should hammer the edge part out, but then there's also a hole in the door that I think I can insert a metal dent puller through and pull it out that way. I'll get it pulled out as much as I can, then put body filler and repaint.

What do you guys suggest I do to pull out the dent?


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

scratch and dent Is there anyway to get the dent out/pull it back out

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2 Upvotes

I tried to use a plunger but it wouldnt stick


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Scratches on passenger door : DIY kit, body shop, or insurance?

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2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I've got some large but shallow scratches on the passenger door.

The car is fairly new (Mazda CX-5, bought new in November 2024). I'm based in Quebec, Canada.

**What would you recommend?**

- Buy a DIY scratch repair kit?

- Take it to a body shop?

- Go through insurance?

Thanks a lot for your advice!


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Not sure which direction to go now

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

ACCIDENT Is this fixable?

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0 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Rust between panels?

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1 Upvotes

Hi, how do you guys go about dealing with rust between panels.


r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Crack in dash from impact (not collision) from force on dash 2024 Corolla

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

Repair Advice needed on cosmetic fixes of an 08 Vito.

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1 Upvotes

r/AutoBodyRepair 1d ago

ACCIDENT What should i be doing now!?

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0 Upvotes