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Panel Beating Basics

Started by _Big T_ , Nov 18 2009 04:42 PM

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18 replies to this topic

#1 _Big T_

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 04:42 PM

I've got a few dings to repair in the LX so I went out today and bought a panel beaters kit.

This one

Posted Image

It has:

* 1 x Pick & Finishing Hammer
* 1 x Light Shrinking Hammer
* 1 x Standard Bumping Hammer
* 1 x Curved Dolly
* 1 x Utility Dolly
* 1 x Heel Dolly
* 1 x Toe Dolly

I figured I would be able to find a resource online that could give me a bit info on panel beating basics but there doesnt seem to be much out there. I am not expecting to master the art however it shouldnt be too hard to remove a few dents surely. I have a couple of old panels to practice on but I just need some tips to get me started.

For example, in the case of "crater" type dent I know I start at the outside and work my way in but which dolly and hammer do I use and where do I place the dolly and where do I strike with the hammer?

What about with raised dents? You know the ones that appear in the rear quarters from something in the boot bashing the panel when a corner has been taken hard.

Are there any good metal working\panel beating forums you guys know of or even (heaven forbid) a book I can read on the subject.

Cheers,

T

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#2 GML-31

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Name:Kev
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Posted 18 November 2009 - 05:04 PM

find an old bit of steel that is useless Tony eg: a UC... dent it and practice knocking it back into shape

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#3 _Big T_

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 05:16 PM

Oh you are such a funny man Kev.

Should I paint the practice panel first or just leave it in its native primer?

I've got a nice straight rust free Hatchback door in the shed, I will use that.

*goes off to side kick an LX panel*

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#4 GML-31

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 05:25 PM

you really have a hatch door? dont wreck that.. I probably have an old door here if you want something to start on

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#5 _Big T_

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 05:54 PM

Hahaha sucked in banana skin !!!

I dont really have a hatch door although I do have a rusted out banged up sedan door I will use. I guess its just a matter of trying out various methods and banging away until I work it out.

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#6 _2DR_

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 06:03 PM

im not a guru T but i can give you what i know

which dolly depends alot on the panel shape you want to repair the right profile dolly for the panel etc..

sometimes they may need to be heated and shrunk back as some dents have stretched the metal and dolly work may not bring it back into shape enough

look on you tube and check out some ron covell dvds ive found some very helpfull

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#7 _Big T_

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 06:29 PM

Ahh, now I am on the right track. I totally forgot about the obvious.... youtube !!

Looks like Ron Covell and Kevin Tetz have a complete series of DVD's on AutoShopVideos.com. I wonder if I can borrow these from the library or maybe pick them up cheap on ebay.

Thanks for the hints 2DR !!

Cheers,

T

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#8 76lxhatch

That was easy!

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 08:18 PM

When you practice use steel at least as thin as what you intend to repair, its always harder to get the thinner stuff right

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#9 TerrA LX

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 09:04 PM

Looks like you got yourself a decent set of hammer and dollys there Big T. Well done.
Goes a long way towards a good job with the right tools.

As suggested, best to watch and learn, far easier that trying to write a tutorial, for me anyway.

As for your original question, "raised" or "cratered" dents are usually heat shrunk and dollied and alot of the time a slapper is used, I formed my own from an old second cut file, but best by far is freeze shrunk.

Hammer and dolly's are best used for creased substrates or forming shapes in flat metal.

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#10 lc2dr

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 09:21 PM

I too am learning the art of panel beating and purchased the same set to replace some elcheapo ones I got years ago... Decent tools make a huge difference...

Also managed to find some PDF'd books (Repair of Vehicle Bodies - 5th Edition, The Key To Metal Bumping & RACE&CUSTOM CAR METAL FABRICATOR'S HANDBOOK) on the web which are a pretty good read and explained the basics (plus a lot more). They're widely available through various file sharing applications or I could find somewhere to upload them if you like?. Also watched some Peach & Tommasini DVDs and got to know a local tin hitter - very handy for advice. :-)

Best thing to do, as has been mentioned by others, is to get a spare panel and have a go before touching your car! :spoton:

Cheers,
Jeff

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#11 LhMusL

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 07:45 AM

where did you guys get this kit from and whats the going price???

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#12 _Big T_

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 07:56 AM

LhMusl - I got my set from Trade Tools for $128- You can also buy them online from Trade Tools Direct HERE

Jeff - Thanks for names of those books. I'll see what I can find so I can have a quick flick through them before buying them.

Cheers,

T

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#13 Statler

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 07:59 AM

I've got a few dings to repair in the LX so I went out today and bought a panel beaters kit.

This one

Where are the hammers?
[frustrated boilermaker]

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#14 _darkone040_

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 04:08 PM

http://www.soldsmart...px?goods=TS0007
if you want a cheap set just to get you going..

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#15 _Pete_

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 05:54 PM

The Key to Metal Bumping is considered the best book to learn the theory of repairing.

Register on the MetalMeet forums and set aside a weekend to read through the various topics, there is a phenomenal amount of skill and knowledge on that forum its crazy.

Then the only way to really get anywhere is to just have a crack, Every repair is different so sometimes the theory books and offered advice should be left behind and you go for whatever works.

My advice to get you started is to begin with the smaller dents on your car in easy to get to places. Beginners tend to bash on the steel way too hard and end up stretching and chasing. Keep the thought in your mind that your trying to get your panel back into arrangement, not beat it into submission.

Good luck and take your time!

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#16 lc2dr

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 06:57 PM

where did you guys get this kit from and whats the going price???

Any body supply shop would sell the same or similar. Mine was from All Cars Paint in Croydon and was around $140 from memory.

LhMusl - I got my set from Trade Tools for $128- You can also buy them online from Trade Tools Direct HERE

Jeff - Thanks for names of those books. I'll see what I can find so I can have a quick flick through them before buying them.

Cheers,

T

No worries Tony. Have fun!

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#17 _Bomber Watson_

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Posted 19 November 2009 - 07:35 PM

What i use at work....

Got a similar kit to T's but its in a bag and has a body file for home, oh plus a few extra hammers that i have picked up here and there, and some really nice really old dollies that i have picked up here and there.....

Cheers.