Trucks are tough vehicles that are built to withstand rough terrain and heavy loads. However, even the toughest trucks can get dented, especially in the bed area where loads are carried. Big dents in truck bed floor can be unsightly and can even affect the performance of your truck. In this article, we will discuss how to fix big dents in truck bed floor.
What You Will Need
Before we begin, you will need to gather the necessary materials to fix the dent. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Body filler
- Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, and 220-grit)
- Masking tape
- Primer
- Spray paint that matches your truck’s color
- Sandable primer
- Putty knife
- Sanding block
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps to fix big dents in truck bed floor:
Step 1: Clean the Area
Before you begin any repairs, make sure the area around the dent is clean and dry. Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to clean the area thoroughly. Once the area is clean, use masking tape to outline the dent. This will help you keep track of the affected area.
Step 2: Sand the Area
Using 80-grit sandpaper, sand the area around the dent. This will help rough up the surface and give the body filler something to adhere to. Be sure to sand beyond the outline of the dent to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 3: Apply Body Filler
Using a putty knife, apply body filler to the affected area. Spread it evenly over the entire dent, making sure to fill in any gaps or low spots. Once the filler is applied, wait for it to dry completely.
Step 4: Sand the Body Filler
Using 120-grit sandpaper, sand the body filler until it is smooth and level with the truck bed floor. Be sure to sand beyond the outline of the dent to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 5: Apply Sandable Primer
Once the body filler is completely smooth, apply sandable primer to the area. This will help you see any imperfections that need to be addressed before painting.
Step 6: Sand the Sandable Primer
Using 220-grit sandpaper, sand the sandable primer until it is smooth and level with the truck bed floor. Be sure to sand beyond the outline of the dent to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 7: Apply Paint
Using spray paint that matches your truck’s color, apply a light coat of paint to the affected area. Wait for the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats. Apply as many coats as necessary to match the rest of the truck.
Step 8: Apply Clear Coat
Apply a clear coat to the area to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Wait for the clear coat to dry completely before using your truck.
Conclusion
Fixing big dents in truck bed floor is not an easy task, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can do it yourself. Follow these steps and you’ll have your truck looking like new in no time!