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⚠️MD Inspection Alert: Your 2000-2005 classic needs expert metal repair to pass. Handformed precision protects value.
Beyond the Patch: The Process of Metal Finishing
Beyond the Patch: The Process of Metal Finishing
Metal finishing is a time-honored craft that separates a quality restoration from a quick repair. It is a painstaking process of manipulating the bare metal back to its factory contours using specialized tools, including a variety of body hammers, dollies (hand-held anvils), and body files.
DIAgnosis
DIAgnosis
The craftsman first uses a body file (or a similar straight-edge tool) to expose the high and low spots of a panel, creating a map of the surface imperfections.
Manipulation
Manipulation
Using the hammer on one side and a dolly on the back, the technician carefully "coaxes" the metal. The goal is precise, calculated force to gradually shape the metal.
Hammer-on Hammer-off
Hammer-on Hammer-off
Techniques are varied; some taps are made "on the dolly" to smooth and shape the metal, while others are made "off the dolly" to move surrounding metal and relieve tension.
Shrinking
Shrinking
If the metal has been stretched thin by damage, a skilled technician uses heat shrinking (often with a torch and shrinking disc) to carefully contract the metal fibers, bringing the panel back to its original stiffness and shape.
Lead Loading (Body Solder)
Lead Loading (Body Solder)
For the most authentic, high-value restorations, the traditional method of lead loading (or "leading") is used to fill minor imperfections, smooth welded seams, and finish body joints (like where the roof meets the quarter panel).
Lead is permanent, chemically bonds with the steel, and flexes with the metal, unlike polyester fillers ("Bondo").
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