6G Celicas Forums

I know there are people on this site that do their own bodywork to their car. I'm gonna try to do some of the work myself over the next couple of days. I know that it is not a simple project, but I want to try. Can someone tell me a list of (necessary) things I'll need to buy in order to do it. I have a dent in the passenger rear quarter panel and a couple of dents along the door and front right fender. I'll try to post some pics of the dents I'm talking about.

This could also be a chance for someone to post a How-To article on it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Wow your not starting easy...u gotta those perfect or else it'll really stand out.

Your probably goin to use bondo, and u gotta buy that. And a hardender. Just 1 tube will suffice, unless there really big dents in which case u wouldnt use bondo, u'd drill and pull, then fill the hole.

Theres more, soemone else will need to add to the list.

sand paper and a DA.
i think if u r gonna just fill the holes u need to to sand down around the dent clear to the bare metal, fill, let dry and then sand.
there is alot of different grits of paper to get.
not sure what though.

the best thing you can do if you want to learn that on your own is go to a book store and get some books and videos..

Well, I've been searching the net for the past two days and I just can't find a site where they give step by step directions. I guess a book would be a good idea, but I though I would ask people who've already done it. I appreciate the advice. Any others?

ok what everyone else is telling is true

you need a DA (Dual action sander)
Bondo body filler (your call on type you can get it just bondo, or with fiber strands)
Bondo hardener
Spatula (rubber but are similar to puddy knife, at most auto store)
80, 100, and 150 grit sand paper (and higher if you want the dents to be smooth)
Laquer thinner
Primer (I prefer rustoleum they have a thicker primer and usually comes out better than cheaper primers)

You may need a rasp (looks like a cheese grater) if you are sloppy with bondo, or you could just sand it down)

Ok here we go *Note: Once you place lacquer thinner on area do not touch with hands* *Other note when mixing bondo w/ hardener do not add much hardener when u mix you want a light pink color, and place it on quick or the bondo will start to get chunky*
For small dents: First sand down area about inch or so around w/ 80 grit, to metal then clean with lacquer thinner. u can just mix the bondo and apply a a very thin even coat over the dent. let it sit for about 40 min. sand down w/ 100grit lightly if dent is still there clean up w/ lacquer thinner again and apply another thin coat of bondo. repeat process until everything is even. use 150 grit to get is very smooth, clean and primer

Once I see pics I can tell you if u need to drill or not though.

This post has been edited by Phr0z3n664: Apr 7, 2004 - 11:18 PM

Normally its a good rule to drill no matter the size, since bondo isnt really a good sticking agent, it tends to start cracking and will eventually fall off when you hit bumps, etc....

I got quite a bit of experince in bodywork. My dad has a shop and I worked there
for a while. I recommend using as less filler as possible, and if you use one use a fiberglass based one. Bondo is a generic name, and I personally dont use bondo products due to their being superior products out there. Hammer and dolly out the dent as far as you can. Assuming you can get to the backside of the dent. If you cant, thats why people say drill and pull. Theres a special welder that welds little poles to the dent, and then you pull it out. This keeps you from drilling holes into the body. Try a painting video. Most of them have a spot on bodywork. Filler has to be applied properly. Its been known to "fall off". I got a 10 set video tape collection on molding, molds, painting, bodywork, etc. It has helped me alot. Ill try tolocate the tapes at home.

Not trying to start anything but this comment is bs. The only time it will crack is if you place a thick coat at one time, or the dent is huge and you just try to fill it with bondo. thats where fiberglass mats, cloth or mesh and resin come into play.


Madmods did point out one other tool you can use to pull dents that i forgot to mention.

You need a stud welder and a slide hammer for serious dents, but we still need to see pics.

Thanks guys for the comments. I'm really going to try to post pics tonight so you guys can get a better idea of what I'm talking about. I noticed a couple of rust spots under the door and around the wheel wells. I'm looking into buying another Celica (it's for my brother) this weekend and it also has body damage, so I'll definately be using your suggestions. Thanks

not to jack this thread but i have the same dilemma with lots of body work to be done. I plan on working on it over the summer since ill have more time to do it. I was just wondering was that if the dent is pretty big what kind of tool lets you drill and pull it out since i beleive ill have to do that cause of one dents is right behind the passengers side door and is pretty large. also how big would the hole be if such a tool were to be used?

read Madmods and my above post:

You need a stud welder and a slide hammer

or drill a hole in the dent and, and with a screw tapped in pull it out. Pull easily, and get the dent to be as even as possible.

Okay, so I finally posted pics in my profile and I put pics up on Imagestation (look at signature). I already know I have to replace the door. Tell me what you think I need to do to repair it. Remember, I'm just a beginner but I figure I can't make it look any worse by trying. I'm willing to put in the time i just need the know-how. Thanks in advance for the help.

So umm before u do this work, have u considered having it put on a frame machine....

The frame isn't damaged.

The damage is pretty extensive. I would take the quick and easy route...Replace the door and panels from a celi in the junk yard.

I'd follow latincraze advice. Replace! The door is too damaged to fix. The rear quarter is also damaged pretty bad, but can be fixed. Id say its cheaper to replace both. If your going to do the rear quarter, your going to need to pull it off. Use a hammer and start pushing dents out. Your going to need a hammer and dolly set.
This is a art in itself, but somebody experienced can h/d that thing back into shape. They use special hammers, shrinking hammers, spoons and different picks
to shape metal. It can get expensive and its usually reserved for parts you can no longer buy...customs, antiques,hot-rods.
Id recommend a junkyard for your parts. The hit looks pretty serious. Are you sure the frame structure is ok?

yeah man, id be surprised if there was no frame damage...

I had someone look at the car and they told me that there was no frame damage. He's been in the car business for 30 years so I trust him. Believe it or not, the car drives perfect. If I let go of the wheel, it doesn't drift and there is nothing else irregular about how it drives. I found a door at a junkyard for $150 so I'm going to pick that up this week hopefully. There is still some damage at the bottom of the doorframe and the rear quarter panel is in pretty bad shape. When I get some time next week, I'm going to try and tackle this. Thanks for the advice.

This post has been edited by chosen1: Apr 14, 2004 - 12:14 AM

Sometimes frame damage has nothing to do with drifting a friend of mine had frame damage and it killed his tires, was getting suspicious wear on the inside of the tire....

It needs to be put on a frame machine, u just cant eyeball it and say its straight.