Car Paint Repair

 $39.99 LANGKA Complete Paint Chip Repair Kit $4.95 VERSA-TIP KIT


It is very easy to repair car paint scratches and chips if you have good instructions and right tools. A scratch can go into 4 layers, clear coat, paint, primer and metal. Depending on how deep the scratch is, you would use different car paint repair technique. Here is what you need to do:

Before starting the repair, wash your car. Use auto soap that is specially designed to remove all the grease and wax to wash the scratched area. Next, determine how deep the scratch is. Knowing that, will help you to choose right tools and products.
Light Car Scratches
If the scratch damaged only the clear coat, it is very easy to fix. All you need is a good quality rubbing compound. Next, apply polishing compound for shine and paint protections. Finish it with wax.
Medium Car Scratches
If the scratch went into the paint, but have not damage the primer, start by sanding the area with a fine sanding paper. When the area is smooth, apply touch up paint in layers. Make sure to give each paint layer enough time to dry. Since each paint has different drying time, check the label for the instructions. When paint is dry, apply clear coat. To blend it in use rubbing compound, following it with polishing compound. Wait for a month before applying wax.
Deep Car Scratches
Fixing deep paint scratches will take just few more steps. First, check for the rust. If you see some rust development, sand it with a lower grit sanding paper and smooth it out with a fine grit. Now, you are ready to apply the primer. The main function of priming is to ensure that any successive layers of paint adhere to the surface properly. Apply 2-3 layers of primer giving each layer enough time to dry. After primer is dry, sand it with 600 grit paper. Touch-up paint should be applied also in layers. Paint can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to few hours to dry. When paint is dry apply clear coat for surface protection and shine.
After all layers are dry, repaired area might still stand out. To blend it in with rubbing compound or sand it with a find grit sanding paper. There is also a new product on the market called "clear coat blender" This product does exactly that, it blends the newly applied top coat with the old one. It needs to be sprayed when clear coat is still wet. Wait 30 days before applying wax.

As you can see it is very easy to repair car paint scratches at home. All you need is a good weather, right products and instructions.

For detailed step-by-step car paint repair guide visit my site. There is no good reason to pay someone hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money to repair car paint scratches when you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.

Car Paint Repair Guide
In this guide you will find out how to sanding, priming, masking, getting rid of residue marks, fixing all kinds of scratch and chips, apply touch-up paint, apply clearcoat and much more. Learn hidden expert techniques for car paint repair and save hundreds of dollars by fixing scratches and chips yourself!

Alternator Replacement [Video]

$19.72 Quality-Built 14129 Premium Alternator - Remanufactured

  $76.43 MasterQuality 21812 Premium Remanufactured Alternator

Alternators - New, Used Or Rebuilt?

There are several considerations when having to replace your alternator. New alternators are expensive and in some cases may cost more than your vehicle is worth. Used, rebuilt, and new alternators vary in price significantly. Making the decision can be difficult because there doesn't seem to be a typical life span for an alternator. Alternators can last for 20 years or they may only last for 2. Knowing everything about alternators will help make the right decision, however, the amount of money in your wallet is a very important factor as well. The ultimate goal is to not get stranded on the side of the road because your alternator fails.

Rebuilt alternators are typically ok as long as there is a warranty. You might be surprised to find that the only thing you are buying with a rebuilt alternator is the warranty. The extent of some rebuilt alternators is only a good cleaning of the part, maybe some fresh paint, and this makes it "look" new. If it is found that some of the replaceable components should last the length of the warranty than they may not necessarily be replaced. Some auto parts suppliers have even taken to testing their "rebuilt" alternators before selling them because of the large number of failed units right off the shelf. Typically a rebuilt alternator should have a new bearing, voltage regulator, and brushes. These are the easiest and cheapest components to replace. The result is a much more affordable alternator.

A used alternator might be an option for you. They are typically the cheapest but also the most unreliable. This is due to the fact that it may have been sitting for an undisclosed period of time. During this time of inactivity, the potential for corrosion is high. The contacts and bearings are first things to suffer because of a static alternator. A component like this may have an unknown amount of mileage. The general consensus is to stay away from a used alternator if it has not been thoroughly inspected and tested.

If you drive an old car that you are barely keeping alive, you will be blown away by the typical price of a new alternator from a dealership. Dealerships sell new alternators that can cost upwards of $600, so finding a new aftermarket alternator with all new components might be the best mix of cost and quality. The beauty of a new aftermarket alternator is that you know you are getting all the components new, they come with competitive warranties, and being direct replacement parts that have to produce the outputs that your vehicle requires. You may even find the option of getting a more powerful alternator which is always good to have especially if you are running high amperage accessories.After everything is considered, you might come to the conclusion that the dealer recommended alternator might get you the most reliable part. Is the extra cost worth it? That is your decision- if you are looking for my opinion, the answer is probably not. I would choose an aftermarket alternator as the best combination of price and reliability.

Shane White has over 30 years' hands on experience in the Auto Repair and Aftermarket Auto Parts industry. As a fully licensed mechanic Shane ran a successful garage for over 10 years. Over the past 9 years Shane has focused on the managerial side of the Auto Repair and Replacement Auto Parts industry. Currently Shane is Vice President Operations with Prime Choice Auto Parts a Factory Direct to consumer, online store, specializing in High Quality - High Value Aftermarket Auto Parts like Hub Bearing Assemblies, Complete Strut Assemblies, Brake Parts, Car Starter Motors and Alternators for all makes and models.
Buy - Alternators - Strut Assembly - Brake Pads from Prime Choice Auto Parts