Bodywork Repairs in Tyne and Wear

Bodywork is the skin of the car, and it takes a beating from car park knocks, kerbs, stones and weather. Most damage is not dramatic, but left alone it can spread, and a small area of exposed metal can turn into a bigger problem.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out bodywork repairs as part of our accident and body repair work. This page is about everyday bodywork, how repairs are decided and what makes the difference between a repair that disappears and one that always shows.

What bodywork repair covers

The term takes in anything that affects the panels, the paint and the outer shell of the car. Some jobs are minor and some are substantial, and the right approach depends on which.

• Dents and creases in steel and aluminium panels
• Scrapes and paint damage that goes through to the primer
• Cracked or split plastic parts
• Door edges, wings and sills knocked or corroded
• Faded or lacquer-peeled paintwork
• Damage left after a minor collision

Repair or replace

Whether a panel is repaired or replaced depends on how far the damage has gone. A shallow dent in an accessible area can often be worked out, while a sharply creased or stretched panel may be better replaced. Where the damage sits on a body line or an edge, it is harder to make good.

We explain our reasoning when we have seen the car, and will not suggest a replacement panel if a repair is sensible, or the reverse.

What decides the finish

The quality of a repair is judged in the paint. Preparation is the part that does not show but makes the difference: surfaces are cleaned, filled where needed, sanded smooth, primed, painted and finished. Skipped preparation shows up later as bubbling, edges or colour mismatch.

Colour is another factor. Paint fades with age and light, so a new coat of the factory colour can look different beside an old panel unless it is blended carefully.

Looking after the repair

After a repair, treat the new paint gently at first. Follow whatever advice we give you about washing and polishing, because fresh paint takes time to harden fully.

Fix small chips and scratches promptly. Bare metal exposed to moisture is where rust begins, and it is far easier to deal with early.