The automotive body provides protection for the engine, power train components, operator, and any cargo or passengers. At the same time, it adds strength to the frame and provides adequate vision for the operator. Last but not least, the body design provides a pleasant outward appearance.

For military vehicles, appearance is secondary. The Naval Facility Engineering Command (NAVFAC) who controls all Navy vehicles states that transportation equipment will be repainted when inadequate protection is afforded against rust and corrosion. It also states that spot painting should be used instead of complete painting unless necessary for protection of the entire vehicle.

Part of your job as a Construction Mechanic is to perform body maintenance of the vehicles assigned to your command. In order to perform this task, you must known the procedures used for straightening fenders and body panels. Preparation and painting of the vehicle is another important task associated with this responsibility.

BODY TOOLS
Regardless of whether the vehicle is in need of extensive bodywork or has a dented fender, it is desirable to have a number of special tools. One of the most important tools required to repair heavily damaged areas is a portable hydraulic jack (porta-power) (fig. 8-58). The porta-power is provided with a number of adapters or accessories that will allow you to use it in many types of body repair work. This tool when applied, as shown in figure 8-59, will force the damaged area to return to near original shape and save many hours of labor.

Spoons (fig. 8-60) dinging hammers (fig. 8-61) and dolly blocks (fig. 8-62) are the common working tools found in the body shop. These tools are used to remove dents and smooth out and shape damaged areas.

Figure 8-58.- Portable hydraulic jack.

Figure 8-61.- Dinging hammers used to remove dents.

Figure 8-59.- Pushing a body dent out using a portable hydraulic jack.

Figure 8-60.- Spoons used in the body repair shop.

Figure 8-62.- Dolly blocks used to shape body panels.

NOTE
Make sure the surfaces of the spoons, hammers, and dollies are free from scratches and/ or dents. Surface defects on these tools will cause similar defects in the sheet metal they are used on. To remove surface defect on these tools, use a file and fine grit sandpaper until you have a smooth surface.

With these tools and experience you will be able to remove the dents and creases while restoring the body to a like-new condition. The ease and speed with which you can straighten the sheet metal is dependent on starting the repair work at the right point and the correct use of the tools. If this is done, the amount of "dinging" (light tapping of the metal with a hammer) required to remove the dent is reduced considerably. As metal is dinging and formed, a certain amount of stretching occurs. This causes additional work when nearing completion of the repair. Always remember, when straightening a damaged panel, the damage should be removed in reverse order of how it occurred.