Minor scratch/dent body repairs - how best to do?

IanTG

planning to change our 2012 Sterling soon, and we've gained an odd mark or two over the years which I would like to tidy up if possible.

if a simple surface scratch, can one T-cut it out as on a car?

if a 1/2 inch indentation, I assume that would be more tricky to address?

any guidance or shared experience most welcome.

EJB986

What is the surface....alloy, fibre glass..plastic?

That would help the advice

IanTG

Good question - it is alloy

EJB986

As far as I know there is no way to fill or reform alloy sides. The only suggestion that crops up occasionally is put a sticker over the damage.

Don't use T Cut as the paint skin is far thinner than on a car.

If sctatches and/or dents are really clean....ie the same colour as the other areas, then they well not detract too much.....hopefully!

jeffcc

You can fill alloy just the same as you can steel, it just takes more skill, there are special aluminium fillers available, you can also panel beat alloy, unfortuanately with the structure of caravan panels you cannot get to the back of the metal panel to
do this, so filler is the way to go. Your bigger problem is then getting a correct colour match as the manufacturers use odd colours, best to get a match by a local paintshop. And as EJB says dont use T cut as you will soon finish up with bare metal as the
paint is so thin.

p.s. i have succesfully repaired dents and holes in alloy using the correct fillers just takes time and practice.

IanTG

Thanks guys. They are not major dents, and as I have no experience and little skill in such matters, I may well leave it alone.  I do know the colour, which is described as Fiat White (as per the car), but even trying to touch up the scratch mark may make
it look worse.

jeffcc

You are very correct with that Ian nothing looks worse than a wrong coloured repair sticks out like a sore thumb

markflip

T Cut can be used to remove surface marks, just be very sparing & careful with it, a small amount with light pressure just enough to get the worst of the mark off, then switch to a polish, which still 'cuts' the paintwork, but more gently. 

I think 'honest' small dents are far less off putting to a buyer than a visible repair, that could be covering anything.  I don't think a few small dents/marks will substantially alter the value of your van and personally, I'd leave it for the buyer to repair
if they see fit.  Unless you pay for a professional repair, it's going to be very diffcult to make it perfect and invisible.

gygafo

Don't forget that it is a used Caravan you are selling and any buyer will be expecting the odd mark or two. Save yourself the time and expense (for little return) and give it a good scrub and sell it with a smile.

EasyT

Good advice