For anyone passionate about auto restoration or tackling car body repairs at home, having the right tools is essential. Eastwood has been a trusted name in the automotive DIY community since 1978, offering a wide range of Tools For Body Work On Cars. From addressing minor dents to undertaking full panel replacements and achieving flawless finishes, Eastwood provides everything you need to handle any auto body project. This guide explores the essential categories of tools for body work on cars, ensuring you’re equipped for every step of the repair and restoration process.
Essential Tools for Sheet Metal and Panel Repair
The foundation of any successful body work lies in addressing the sheet metal. Whether you’re repairing damage or customizing your vehicle, Eastwood offers specialized tools to reshape panels to their original form or create unique modifications.
For dent repair, Eastwood provides comprehensive solutions ranging from paintless dent removal (PDR) kits for minor imperfections to traditional hammers, pullers, and door repair tools for more significant damage. These tools for body work on cars are designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians. A variety of body hammers and dollies are available, expertly crafted for shaping and smoothing metal panels, making them indispensable tools for any auto body technician.
When it comes to panel replacement, Eastwood supplies all the necessary tools, including welding accessories, clamps, rivets, shears, and seam splitters. Panel gap tools ensure precise alignment and professional results when replacing rusted or damaged sections. Fender rollers are another popular tool, allowing you to modify fender wells to accommodate larger tires while maintaining a clean, factory-like appearance.
Beyond metal, Eastwood also caters to plastic and glass repair. Their product line includes solutions for repairing cracks, chips, and breaks in both interior and exterior components. Tools and kits are available for restoring interior trim, including plastics, vinyl, and fabric, helping you achieve a factory-quality finish throughout your vehicle.
Body Fillers and Metal Finishing Tools
Achieving a smooth, paint-ready surface often requires the use of body fillers. Eastwood stocks a wide selection of high-quality body fillers and associated tools from leading brands like 3M, EverCoat, and USC, alongside their own trusted Eastwood Contour line. These include modern plastic fillers such as lightweight options, fiberglass-reinforced fillers for strength, and glazing putties for achieving ultra-smooth finishes before painting.
For those preferring a traditional approach, Eastwood still offers body solder kits. These kits, reminiscent of classic metal finishing techniques, provide a robust and durable repair solution for metal surfaces. Each kit includes solder, paddles, and flux, allowing for a traditional metal finishing process that stands the test of time.
Sanding and Finishing Tools for a Smooth Surface
The sanding and finishing stage is crucial for achieving a professional-looking auto body repair. Eastwood provides a comprehensive range of sandpaper in various grits, catering to every stage of body work, from initial shaping to final smoothing. You can choose from flat sheets or sanding discs for orbital sanders, with options for both PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) and hook-and-loop backings to suit different sanding pads.
To ensure precision and control during smoothing, Eastwood offers a quality assortment of sanding blocks and boards. Available in flexible, rigid, and longboard styles, these tools are designed for various applications and contours. For a cleaner workspace, consider the Eastwood DSB Dustless Sanding Block, engineered to capture 99% of sanding dust, keeping your shop tidy even during messy projects.
Seam sealers are another essential component of body work, designed to fill and waterproof joints, protecting against moisture, dust, and rust. Eastwood seam sealers are available in brushable, sprayable, and self-leveling formulations. To enhance vehicle comfort, Eastwood offers a range of sound deadening materials. These materials, including mats, sprays, and adhesive-backed sheets, effectively reduce noise and vibrations, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior.
Body Carts and Work Stands for Stability and Accessibility
For larger restoration projects, securing your vehicle or body panels is vital for efficient and safe work. Eastwood’s car body rotisseries and carts are designed for frame-off restorations and custom builds, providing 360-degree access and mobility. They offer options for high-capacity rotisseries and versatile body carts suitable for various vehicle sizes and workshop spaces.
Eastwood’s paint and fender stands are invaluable for securely holding panels, hoods, bumpers, and other parts during painting or assembly. These stands offer stability and adjustability, making painting and finishing processes easier and more efficient.
Education and Support for Auto Body Repair
Eastwood is committed to supporting the DIY community with more than just tools. They offer a wealth of educational resources, including books and DVDs covering a wide range of auto body and restoration techniques. These resources cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced restorers looking to refine their skills.
With a comprehensive selection of over 4,000 products, Eastwood provides professional-quality tools for body work on cars directly to your home garage. Their 24/7 online store, phone catalog ordering, and expanding network of physical locations ensure that Eastwood auto body supplies are always within reach, making your auto body projects achievable and enjoyable.
