QuestionOur 2004 Sonata was in a minor fender-bender resulting in the right front fender bending out slightly forming a very minor crease and exposing the body. We took it around to get estimates (between 400 and 1200 dollars) and each time the technician pulled more paint off of the location. Now there is a 2" x 3" square of exposed metal. One shop recommended that we replace the whole fender, the others thought they could sand it down and paint over it.
Having no auto-body experience, is there anything I can do myself for a temporary fix until the budget allows for a professional job?
AnswerHi Benjamin,
I'm sorry to hear of your recent misfortune. I'll try to be some help.
There are a few things that you can do as a temporary fix, but they should be looked at as just that...temporary.
The main thing that you should be concerned with is keeping the bare metal covered so that it doesn't begin to corrode.
What I would advise you do is...
1) Remove as much of the peeling paint as possible. You can do this by laying down a few strips of 1 3/4" masking tape around the damaged area and quickly removing it (sort of like you would quickly remove a band aid).
2) Mask an area off about three inches around the area of damaged paint. You can do this with the same 1 3/4" tape from step 1. Use a few sheets of newspaper to extend the masking out 36 inches or so to avoid overspraying the surrounding areas.
3) Find a local automotive paint supplier in the yellow pages. Visit their location and buy a small amount of 150 grit sand paper and a spray can of self-etching primer.
4) Sand the bare metal and surrounding area with the 150 grit sandpaper. You don't have to go crazy here, just scuff it enough to remove the shine from the surrounding paint and ADD some shine to the bare metal. It wouldn't hurt if you could soften up the edge where the paint meets the bare metal.
5) Clean the dust from the area with clean, dry rag, or compressed air (if available).
6) Apply light coats of the primer to the area until it is well covered, waiting 5 -10 minutes in between coats. Hold the can back 6 -10 inches to avoid putting it on too heavy.
7) Unmask the area and let it dry.
This should keep the steel from corroding. If you wanted to disguise it a little more you could probably purchase a spray can of SINGLE STAGE paint from the auto supplier that would come close to matching the color of your vehicle.
If you choose to do this, simply apply the color in the same manner as the self-etching primer, once the primer has dried completely.
I appologize for the delay in answering you, but hope this gives you some guidance. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, I'll try to be quicker next time around.
Good Luck!
Aaron
