Repairing Body Damage

Hi All,

I havnt been able to find a solution to this problem through a search, any guidance to achieve my end result would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 1995 Black Toyota Tacoma, V6 4x4 with Ex Cab. More or less in good condition, but its definitely showing its age.

There is some body damage on driver side, near the bed that I cant figure out how to repair. To me it appears that the metal cab is coated with a plastic or epoxy covering, which is chipping and exposing the metal underneath. (See Attached Photo) I will brush away the rust, but what material should I use to do this sort of body repair?

I would like the following end states: Remove the rust, and cover the area with the matching material and paint.


Please Advise.

Thank You.

 

Looks like there is a dent there and they just filled it in with bondo which over time will break apart like that. Your best bet would be to break all of it off, try and pull the dent out and smooth it up with a thin layer of bondo and then paint it

 

Can't patch that. Is that on the cab itself or a door? Whatever it is, you'll need to take the whole panel down to metal, fix that rust issue and dent if there is one, and repaint the whole panel. It won't match the rest of your paint, though, so be forewarned if you think it'll look totally normal afterwards.

 

Have you done body and paint work before OP?

 

Hi,

Never done any body work before. Best time as any to learn how.

Is bondo worth putting back on after I clear away the rust?

 

Bondo applied that thick will crack again.

 

Bondo shouldn't be thicker than 1/16" I don't think, though I haven't used it in about 15 years so it might be 1/8" or something?

It isn't meant to replace sheet metal, just to help smooth it out for painting.

 

Do you have more pictures that make it easier to see the dent itself and where it's at?

 

If you can get to the backside of the dent it will be easier for you, you may or may not be able to do and it might require removal of interior pieces large and small. If not, you can use a slide hammer and a several rivets to help you pull the dent back out from the outside. You can read up about the process and how to straight sheet metal online, YouTube will have videos for you as well.

You'll need some hand tools, for sure. Are you able to fund the dent removal and tools it requires, if not you might just sand the panel down (entirely) and repaint it.

 

Hi Peerunner,

Thanks for your insight.

I'll have to get more pictures and see if its a dent tomorrow.

If dent repair is required, I should be able to procure the necessary tools.

 

Okay. Well a Spetznagel welder if you can find it would be optimal.