DIY bodywork help (pics of damage)

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  • robrez
    No R3VLimiter
    • Jul 2008
    • 3376

    #1

    DIY bodywork help (pics of damage)

    I've got a couple dents caused by the prior owner that my paintless dent removal guy can't/won't fix. I just want the dents to look a little better until I can get them car fixed right and re-sprayed. Can you give me suggestions on how to pull/fix these dents? Thanks

    The first one is over right front wheel well, looks like the PO turned too sharp and scraped a pole, bending and slightly mangling the fender lip


    The second two are on the rear left fender. A ding on the wheel well lip where it meets the back bumper, and a ding/bulge by the tailight.
    sigpic
    January 2012 COTM
  • EightiesBaby
    Wrencher
    • Jul 2008
    • 268

    #2
    subscribed...

    Comment

    • archemedes
      Advanced Member
      • Aug 2008
      • 125

      #3
      neither one is an easy diy fix without paint (why the paintless guy won't do it) you need to get behind to bump it out, otherwise grind it fill it, prime it, paint it (never leave primer bare as it absorbs water and causes rust)

      Comment

      • robrez
        No R3VLimiter
        • Jul 2008
        • 3376

        #4
        Originally posted by archemedes
        neither one is an easy diy fix without paint (why the paintless guy won't do it) you need to get behind to bump it out, otherwise grind it fill it, prime it, paint it (never leave primer bare as it absorbs water and causes rust)
        He says that are too close to the edges to get them out correctly. I guess I could tell him to just do the best he can with PDR techniques, but I was wondering if there is another DIY option. Thanks.
        sigpic
        January 2012 COTM

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        • ethree
          E30 Fanatic
          • Aug 2007
          • 1213

          #5
          Just roll the fenders really, really hard!

          Comment

          • norwood e30
            E30 Addict
            • Mar 2007
            • 442

            #6
            A pint of bondo+ hardner, sand paper 80grit will get the job done. A bondo scraper to even the bondo out will make it easier as well. Try to Pull the dent out as much as you can. *Dont use to much bondo it will crack if you do.* Take your time and you should be fine bro good luck.

            Comment

            • whiltebeitel
              R3VLimited
              • Apr 2007
              • 2098

              #7
              Dolley+Hammer= done right.
              I would personally leave it alone, and watch for any spots of surface rust, then when you can afford to re-spray it, get the body work done right, and hammer it out, then give it a skim coat of filler, primer, sand, primer, sand....sand some more, then get it resprayed.
              '89 325i track sloot
              '01 530i daily

              -Enginerd

              Comment

              • ddavidv
                Grease Monkey
                • Aug 2006
                • 344

                #8
                Other than the one at the taillight, I wouldn't suggest these are DIY fixes for a noob at bodywork. The fender arch contours are difficult to get right. The rear wheel arch has no access to the backside and will probably need 'nails' welded on to pull the damage out. Each of these is about a 2-3 hr job to straighten by a pro but many, many, many more for a noob. Don't make more work for the real tech by screwing with it yourself.

                If you ignore my advice and do it anyway, DO NOT use the commonly available Bondo brand filler. It's garbage. Use professional grade filler like Rage Gold.
                sigpic

                Comment

                • Wiglaf
                  E30 Mastermind
                  • Jan 2007
                  • 1513

                  #9
                  with that front it might be easier just to replace and re-spray the whole fender. the rear doesn't look too bad.
                  sigpic
                  Originally posted by u3b3rg33k
                  If you ever sell that car, tell me first. I want to be the first to not be able to afford it.

                  Comment

                  • norwood e30
                    E30 Addict
                    • Mar 2007
                    • 442

                    #10
                    Yeah thats if your not into body work didnt really think of that.

                    Comment

                    • robrez
                      No R3VLimiter
                      • Jul 2008
                      • 3376

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Wiglaf
                      with that front it might be easier just to replace and re-spray the whole fender. the rear doesn't look too bad.
                      I'm hoping to find a Diamond Schwartz front fender. Thanks.
                      sigpic
                      January 2012 COTM

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