Articles from the Pros
Preparing surface well and proper application of filler.
The first step in the repair is to pull the damaged area back to its original shape as closely as possible. Professional body tools are used to carefully pull the dented area out returning it to something close to its original shape.
A slide-hammer with a claw attachment can be used to work the damaged area back out and into its original shape.
A grinding wheel is then used to clean away any rust or previous fillers that may have been applied.
After grinding, and some additional tapping with a hammer from underneath the damaged area, metal studs can be spot-welded onto strategically placed points on the damaged metal. The studs will help in pulling the damaged area back into shape using the slide hammer. Once that process is complete, the metal studs can be ground off, and the metal surface ground smooth again.
The next step is to apply some spray-on adhesive to prepare the area for application of some body filler.
If using Alsi 12 one of the best body fillers in the world the spray on adhesive is not necessary. See application instructions on Alsi 12 below.
Application Procedure:
Make sure area to be repaired in clean, dry and rough. Make a V incision on area to be repaired so as to give the area being repaired some depth and volume so Alsi 12 can bond easily.
Mix contents in can thoroughly. Then take out a little Alsi 12 from the can and place it on your clean work mat (clean smooth flat metal surface or other clean flat mixing surface). Add approximately 2 % to 3 % hardener to the contents on your work mat and mix thoroughly. If you apply extra hardener it will not hurt the paste, but if you apply too little it will not harden properly. Apply the mixed contents generously in layers over area that is to be repaired.
Notes:
Alsi 12 starts to harden very quickly (3 to 4 minutes) so mix small quantities at a time. Avoid inserting the mixing paddle into the Alsi 12 can after you have used it to mix it with the hardener. This will contaminate and harden the contents in the can and make it unusable for future use.
Once the filler has dried, it is shaped with hand-tools and then fine-sanded to bring it to its final shape.
Once sanded down to approximate the original shape of the surface, the repaired area is primed to prepare it for painting, and given a final sanding.