Fixing Major Dents

Step 9 Finishing Up

Now the door is ready for primer and paint. Don't forget to paint the inside of the skin first to prevent corrosion. Follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations as to how many coats are needed and drying times. Keep any drainholes along the door's bottom edge clear of adhesive and paint; if they are blocked, water will collect inside. Then you and your helper can reinstall the door on the car, making sure to align the hinges with the marks you made on the body. You may have to make slight adjustments to get the door gaps right, since the new skin might fit slightly differently. Once the door is back on the car, reinstall all the pieces you removed. Crimp the flange by using a body hammer to carefully tap the excess metal over and up tight against the frame.

Comments

[neffk]

This really is a lot of work. Very professional results, thought.

I have rust on the edges of my car's doors. I'm considering grinding off the folded portion and welding on a new strip of sheet metal, which I will fold into place. The result will be ugly, but the door will still shut properly.

[rprough]

Way too much work. A used door would be far easier and probably cheaper.