Tuesday, January 14, 2014
How to Patch Rusty Automotive Floors
Prolonged exposure to the elements of snow, rain, sleet, mud or any combination thereof can wreak havoc on the undercarriage of your vehicle. Over time, the metal can start to corrode allowing rust to set in and eat away at the metal base beneath your feet. Rust spots can start out very small but quickly grow, becoming a problem in need of attention. Fortunately, rust spots on your cars flooring can be fixed with a little patchwork.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the seat where the hole is located. If the bolts are locked down too tightly, remove the surrounding carpet.
2Using your tin snips, cut away the rust from the hole. For precaution when welding the new metal, cut away an additional 1 1/2 inch to 2 inches of good metal. Pull away excess metal shards and pieces with vise grips.
3Cut your sheet metal to cover the hole with a 1/2 inch to 1 inch overlap.
4Using your 110 volt welder, weld the sheet metal to your metal flooring.
5Weld in spots rotating around the covered hole to prevent warping the metal.
6Spray one coat of rust inhibitor to the surface of the welded metal to prevent future rusting.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
How to Patch a Car Bumper
Over time, your cars bumper will likely sustain cracks, scratches or blemishes. If you accidentally bump into other objects or get hit by other vehicles, the damage can be minor but noticeable. Since many of todays cars have plastic bumpers, you can patch a hole, crack or blemish yourself, which will save you from spending money on expensive car repairs. This task requires a few tools and materials.
Instructions
- 1
Smooth the affected area of the bumper with a section of 80-grit sandpaper by rubbing the sand paper across the damage from side to side. This will help the paint adhere to the bumper.
2Slide on a pair of plastic gloves. Dab a small quantity of plastic prep solvent onto a clean lint-free microfiber cloth. Smooth the solvent across the affected area of the bumper in the same direction. Do not wipe back and forth.
3Stir together 3 tbsp. of hardener and 3 tbsp. of repair adhesive on a piece of cardboard.
4Wipe the repair adhesive and hardener mixture on the damaged area of the bumper with a squeegee. Wait about 20 minutes for the substance to dry on the bumper. Apply another layer if necessary to completely cover the blemish. Wait for it to dry before moving on. Use only as much of the mixture as you need; you may not use it all.
5Apply a thin layer of plastic filler onto the damaged area with your second squeegee. Wait for it to dry, which normally takes 20 to 30 minutes. Be careful not to put the plastic filler on too thick, because it will be harder to sand down later.
6Smooth out the repaired area with a piece of 80-grit sandpaper. Make sure the plastic filler has completely dried before you do this.
7Dispense the paint you will be using into the paint sprayer, according to the manufacturers directions. Apply two or three coats of paint to the affected area, waiting about one hour between coats. Allow the paint to dry overnight.