Auto Exterior Repairs
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-340 -- More Projects » Auto-body expert Larry Boser provides easy ideas for repairing auto rings and rust.
- Small auto-body rust stains can be removed from chrome bumpers and other chrome surfaces by scrubbing them with fine steel wool that has been soaked in kerosene or a soap-filled wool pad. These tips also work for removing paint. Do not do this near an open flame. Use a well-ventilated area, and wash your hands well after using either of these products.
- Apply a thin layer of clear silicone-rubber sealant along the tops of body moldings to keep water from getting behind the moldings. Water trapped there can cause rust.
- To deter rust, it is important to wash a car often with a non-silicone wax. Silicone emits a gas that can cause bubbling in the paint. A rule of thumb when waxing is "the harder it is to buff off, the better it is for your car." When buffing, try using cotton rags such as old cloth diapers or cheesecloth.
- In early spring, rid the bottom of a car of all rust-causing agents (salt and other chemicals). Park the car over a lawn-soaker hose (a hose with holes around the end of it) and turn on the water for at least 20 minutes. This will remove salt that may have collected there during the winter.
- If you find paint chips on the car, promptly clean the area with soapy water and paint over it with the proper touchup paint to prevent rust. If you do not have the paint, try using clear nail polish. To ensure that the touchup paint is the same color as your car, try mixing 1/2 paint and 1/2 nail polish (the color of your car).
- Until you can properly paint over scratches, a good way to seal the scratch is to take a matching color crayon and work it into the scratch.
- Another tip for touching up paint or covering small scratches is to use a strong glue to adhere a small piece of foam paintbrush to the end of a toothpick. Use this "brush" for touching up paint. Other options are using a rolled-up piece of paper or the end of a paper matchstick.
- Round, shallow dents can sometimes be fixed with paintless dent repair. Try pounding the dent out with your fist first. If you cannot reach the back of the panel, purchase a dent suction cup (approximately $5 at an automotive store). Apply the suction cup to the area of the dent and slowly pull it out. This does not work with dents that are creased.
- If you have a light scratch or scrape, try to rub it out with car wax. If car wax doesn't do the trick, purchase super-fine rubbing compound. Make sure you rub the scrape or scratch horizontally.
Guests Larry Boser
Auto-Body Expert / Instructor, Dakota County Technical College
1300 E. 145th St., County Road 42
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone: 651-423-8324
E-mail:
larry.boser@dctc.mnscu.edu
Website:
www.dctc.mnscu.edu
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