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Cert III Body Repair study materials
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Cert III Body Repair practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Body Repair

Which document should a repair technician consult first to find the manufacturer's specified panel gaps and weld locations for a vehicle?

  1. The customer's insurance policy schedule
  2. A paint supplier's colour chip catalogue
  3. The vehicle manufacturer's body repair manual Correct answer.
  4. The workshop's general handover checklist

Explanation

Manufacturer body repair manuals are the authoritative source for panel gaps, weld positions, sectioning points and material specifications for a given model. General workshop documents and paint catalogues do not contain structural repair data. Insurance schedules describe cover, not repair procedure.

Question 2Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is about to MIG weld a high-strength steel panel. What is the most important preparatory step before welding?

  1. Apply a thick coat of primer over the joint
  2. Increase the wire feed speed to maximum
  3. Clean the weld zone to bare metal and confirm the steel type Correct answer.
  4. Loosen the panel fixings to allow heat expansion

Explanation

Welding requires clean, bare metal free of coatings, and the steel grade must be confirmed because high-strength steels often need reduced heat input or alternative joining methods. Coatings burn and contaminate the weld, and excess heat can destroy the strength of the panel.

Question 3Vehicle Body Repair

Which personal protective equipment is essential when spray painting in a booth?

  1. Ear plugs and a face shield
  2. Safety glasses only
  3. A supplied-air respirator and skin coverage Correct answer.
  4. A dust mask and cotton gloves

Explanation

Two-pack paints and solvents release isocyanates and other hazardous vapours, so a supplied-air respirator plus full skin coverage is required. Simple dust masks do not filter vapours. Eye and ear protection alone leaves the lungs unprotected.

Question 4Vehicle Body Repair

What is the purpose of applying a guide coat during panel preparation?

  1. To speed up the curing of filler
  2. To increase paint film build
  3. To seal the panel against moisture
  4. To reveal low spots and sanding scratches Correct answer.

Explanation

A thin contrasting guide coat is sanded back so that low areas, dents and deep scratches remain visible while high spots sand clean. This helps the technician level the panel before priming. It has no sealing, build or curing function.

Question 5Vehicle Body Repair

A vehicle has a misaligned bonnet after a front-end repair. Which measurement approach best confirms the body is within specification?

  1. Comparing the gap on each side by eye
  2. Asking the customer whether it looks right
  3. Checking that the bonnet latch closes
  4. Measuring datum points with a dedicated body measuring system Correct answer.

Explanation

Datum and control point measurements taken with a dedicated measuring system compare the shell against the manufacturer's published dimensions. Visual gap checks and latch operation only show that parts fit, not that the structure is correct.

Question 6Vehicle Body Repair

Why must a sectioning joint on a structural rail be positioned according to the manufacturer's instructions?

  1. To make the repair easier to sand
  2. To allow the use of adhesive instead of welding
  3. To keep the joint away from high-stress zones and preserve crash performance Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the amount of paint needed

Explanation

Manufacturers specify sectioning locations so that joins avoid high-stress areas and reinforcements, preserving the crash energy management of the rail. Moving a joint into a stress zone can cause failure in a subsequent impact. Paint economy and sanding ease are not engineering criteria.

Question 7Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is repairing a panel made of boron steel. Which approach is generally correct?

  1. Heat the panel with an oxy-acetylene torch to straighten it
  2. Replace the panel or follow the manufacturer's specific repair method Correct answer.
  3. Weld a patch over the damaged area without consulting data
  4. Cold hammer the panel heavily to reshape it

Explanation

Ultra-high-strength boron steels lose their properties when heated and are often designated as replace-only by manufacturers. The correct action is to follow the manufacturer's repair method, which usually means replacement. Uncontrolled heat or heavy hammering compromises the panel's strength.

Question 8Vehicle Body Repair

What is the correct sequence when refinishing a repaired panel?

  1. Preparation, primer, topcoat, clear coat Correct answer.
  2. Primer, preparation, clear coat, topcoat
  3. Clear coat, topcoat, primer, preparation
  4. Topcoat, primer, preparation, clear coat

Explanation

The panel is prepared and cleaned first, then primed to provide adhesion and corrosion protection, followed by the colour topcoat and finally the clear coat. Reversing these stages prevents proper adhesion and appearance. Each layer must be compatible with the one beneath it.

Question 9Vehicle Body Repair

A technician notices that a MIG weld bead is tall, narrow and poorly fused at the edges. Which adjustment is most likely needed?

  1. Increase gas flow to maximum and continue
  2. Change to a larger wire diameter without other changes
  3. Increase travel speed and reduce current
  4. Reduce wire feed speed and increase voltage appropriately Correct answer.

Explanation

A tall, narrow bead with poor fusion indicates insufficient heat relative to wire deposition, so wire feed speed should be reduced or voltage raised to restore the correct arc. Travel speed and gas flow affect the weld but do not correct the heat-to-filler balance. Simply fitting larger wire worsens the mismatch.

Question 10Vehicle Body Repair

What is the main reason for using a spot weld drill rather than a cold chisel when removing a factory spot weld?

  1. It avoids the need for any PPE
  2. It removes the weld with minimal damage to the surrounding panel Correct answer.
  3. It is faster to use on any panel
  4. It works on aluminium only

Explanation

A spot weld drill cuts only the weld nugget, leaving the parent panels intact for separation and later reuse. Chiselling distorts and tears the metal around the weld. PPE is still required with any cutting tool.

Question 11Vehicle Body Repair

When mixing body filler, what does adding too much hardener typically cause?

  1. A slower cure that allows more shaping time
  2. A softer filler that sands easily
  3. A brittle, fast-curing mix prone to pinholes and poor adhesion Correct answer.
  4. A stronger repair with better flexibility

Explanation

Excess hardener accelerates the reaction, producing a brittle, porous mass that can crack, shrink and trap air. Correct ratio gives a smooth, workable cure. More hardener never improves strength or flexibility.

Question 12Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is sanding a large area of old paint and reaches bare metal in several places. What is the appropriate next step?

  1. Treat the bare metal and apply an appropriate primer Correct answer.
  2. Buff the bare metal to a shine and seal with clear coat
  3. Apply wax and grease remover only
  4. Apply topcoat directly over the bare metal

Explanation

Bare steel must be protected with an appropriate primer, such as an epoxy or etch primer, to provide adhesion and corrosion resistance before further finishing. Topcoat or clear coat alone will not protect bare metal. Cleaning alone leaves the metal exposed.

Question 13Vehicle Body Repair

Which factor most directly determines the correct shade match when refinishing a vehicle?

  1. The vehicle's paint code plus a spray-out test card Correct answer.
  2. The brand of masking tape used
  3. The age of the spray gun
  4. The ambient noise level in the booth

Explanation

The paint code identifies the original formulation, but fading and variant colours mean a spray-out card must be compared against the vehicle before application. Masking tape and equipment age do not affect colour. Noise has no bearing on shade.

Question 14Vehicle Body Repair

What is the purpose of a corrosion protection cavity wax after structural repairs?

  1. To replace the need for seam sealer
  2. To add structural strength to the rail
  3. To coat internal surfaces that cannot be painted Correct answer.
  4. To act as a lubricant for moving parts

Explanation

Cavity wax is applied inside enclosed sections to protect internal surfaces from moisture and corrosion where paint cannot reach. It has no structural or lubricating function and does not replace seam sealer on external joints.

Question 15Vehicle Body Repair

A panel has been replaced and the door gap is uneven. Which action is most appropriate before refinishing?

  1. Reduce the gap by bending the door skin
  2. Adjust the hinges and panel alignment to achieve an even gap Correct answer.
  3. Add filler to the door edge to close the gap
  4. Force the door to close and continue

Explanation

Uneven gaps indicate misalignment at the hinges or panel mounting points, so adjustment should restore an even gap within specification. Forcing, filling or bending the skin damages the panel and masks the underlying fault. Refinishing should follow correct alignment.

Question 16Vehicle Body Repair

Why should a technician avoid using a heat gun on a plastic bumper for longer than necessary when reshaping it?

  1. It causes the bumper to absorb water
  2. Prolonged heat can distort the shape and degrade the plastic Correct answer.
  3. It makes the plastic conduct electricity
  4. It changes the colour of the bumper permanently

Explanation

Plastic softens as it is heated, and excessive heat causes sagging, loss of shape memory and material degradation. Controlled, even heating allows reshaping without damage. Colour change and electrical conductivity are not the main concerns.

Question 17Vehicle Body Repair

Which test is commonly used to identify whether a bumper is a thermoplastic that can be repaired?

  1. A spark test
  2. A magnet test
  3. A hardness file test
  4. A float or burn test in a safe area Correct answer.

Explanation

Thermoplastics can often be identified by a controlled float test in water or a small burn test that shows characteristic flame and smoke behaviour. Magnets do not attract plastic, and spark and file tests are used for metals. Identification guides the correct repair method.

Question 18Vehicle Body Repair

What is the correct action if a technician discovers a cracked weld on a suspension mounting point during a repair?

  1. Ignore it because it is outside the damaged area
  2. Report it and repair to manufacturer specification before continuing Correct answer.
  3. Grind the crack smooth and paint over it
  4. Fill the crack with body filler

Explanation

A crack at a suspension mounting point is a structural safety issue and must be reported and repaired to the manufacturer's specification. Grinding, filling or ignoring it leaves a weakened structure that could fail. Repair must precede refinishing.

Question 19Vehicle Body Repair

When should a technician replace rather than repair a damaged aluminium panel?

  1. When the manufacturer specifies replacement or the damage exceeds repairable limits Correct answer.
  2. Whenever the panel is scratched
  3. When the panel is more than one year old
  4. Only when the customer requests it

Explanation

Aluminium work-hardens and can crack, so manufacturers set limits on repairable damage and may specify replacement. Scratches and panel age are not criteria on their own. Customer preference does not override technical requirements.

Question 20Vehicle Body Repair

What is the main function of a seam sealer applied to a repaired joint?

  1. To hide weld discolouration
  2. To provide a base for wax and grease remover
  3. To prevent moisture entry and maintain joint integrity Correct answer.
  4. To increase the panel's tensile strength

Explanation

Seam sealer seals overlapping joints against water and contaminants, preventing corrosion and preserving the joint. It is not a structural strengthener and is not a cosmetic cover-up. Surface cleaning products are applied before sealing, not after.

Question 21Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is preparing to weld near the vehicle's fuel tank. What is the safest course of action?

  1. Place a rag over the tank
  2. Open the fuel cap to release pressure
  3. Remove or shield the tank and follow fire safety procedures Correct answer.
  4. Weld quickly to minimise exposure

Explanation

Welding near fuel creates a serious fire and explosion risk, so the tank should be removed or effectively shielded and fire safety procedures followed. Speed, rags or opening the cap do not remove the hazard and can make it worse.

Question 22Vehicle Body Repair

What does a paint thickness gauge help a technician determine during inspection?

  1. The torque of the panel bolts
  2. The strength of the panel's steel
  3. Whether previous repairs and refinishing have been applied Correct answer.
  4. The colour code of the vehicle

Explanation

A paint thickness gauge measures coating build, and unusually high readings indicate prior filler or refinish work. It does not measure steel strength, fastener torque or colour. This helps plan the repair and identify hidden damage.

Question 23Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is repairing a dent in a door skin and the metal has stretched. Which technique best restores the panel shape?

  1. Use a shrinking method such as heat shrinking or a shrinking hammer Correct answer.
  2. Apply filler over the stretched area without correction
  3. Hammer the area outward with a flat hammer
  4. Increase primer thickness to level the surface

Explanation

Stretched metal must be shrunk back to restore its shape and tension before filling. Heat shrinking or a shrinking hammer draws the metal together. Filling over stretch or hammering outward worsens the distortion, and thick primer will crack.

Question 24Vehicle Body Repair

Which statement best describes the purpose of a data sheet for a refinish product?

  1. It specifies the torque settings for wheel nuts
  2. It shows the vehicle's service history
  3. It lists the product's mixing ratio, pot life and safety information Correct answer.
  4. It records the customer's contact details

Explanation

Safety data and technical sheets give the mixing ratio, pot life, application conditions and hazard information needed to use the product correctly and safely. They do not hold customer, service or fastener data. Technicians should consult them before use.

Question 25Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is using a frame straightening machine to pull a damaged rail. Which principle guides the amount and direction of the pull?

  1. Rely on visual appearance only
  2. Apply controlled pulls in the direction opposite the damage, checking measurements Correct answer.
  3. Pull in the same direction as the impact
  4. Pull as hard as possible in one movement

Explanation

Damage is reversed by controlled pulls applied opposite to the impact direction, with measurements checked continuously to avoid over-pulling. Excessive force or pulling in the impact direction worsens the damage. Visual judgement alone cannot confirm structural accuracy.

Question 26Vehicle Body Repair

Which PPE item is essential when grinding or sanding body panels to protect the respiratory system?

  1. Cotton work gloves
  2. Ear defenders
  3. A suitable particulate respirator Correct answer.
  4. Safety glasses only

Explanation

Grinding and sanding generate fine dust that may contain paint, filler and metal particles, so a suitable particulate respirator protects the lungs. Eye and ear protection are also needed, but they do not address airborne dust.

Question 27Vehicle Body Repair

What is the main purpose of using a hammer and dolly together when removing a dent?

  1. To reshape the panel while controlling stretching Correct answer.
  2. To stretch the metal outward permanently
  3. To remove factory seam sealer
  4. To apply paint evenly across the repair

Explanation

The hammer strikes the high spots while the dolly supports the low spots from behind, allowing the metal to be moved back into shape while limiting unwanted stretching. Careful off-dolly technique keeps the panel contour controlled.

Question 28Vehicle Body Repair

Which tool is normally used to check panel gaps and flushness after a bolt-on panel is fitted?

  1. A gap gauge or measuring tape Correct answer.
  2. A torque wrench
  3. A micrometer
  4. A paint thickness gauge

Explanation

Gap gauges or a measuring tape give a repeatable reading of the space between adjacent panels and of flushness. These readings are compared against the opposite side or manufacturer specifications.

Question 29Vehicle Body Repair

What does the term 'orange peel' describe in a refinish job?

  1. A textured surface resembling citrus skin Correct answer.
  2. A patch of exposed primer
  3. A colour mismatch between panels
  4. A run of paint at the bottom edge

Explanation

Orange peel is a stippled texture caused by the paint failing to flow out and level before it dries. It is usually corrected by adjusting spray technique or by sanding and polishing.

Question 30Vehicle Body Repair

Why is it important to disconnect the battery before carrying out electric arc welding on a vehicle?

  1. To make the welding arc hotter
  2. To reduce the amount of shielding gas used
  3. To stop the fuel pump from priming
  4. To prevent damage to the vehicle's electronic modules Correct answer.

Explanation

Welding current can travel through the vehicle's electrical system and damage sensitive electronic control modules. Isolating the battery and following the manufacturer's precautions protects those components.

Question 31Vehicle Body Repair

Which statement correctly describes the purpose of a primer on bare steel?

  1. It promotes adhesion and corrosion resistance. Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the need for any topcoat.
  3. It provides the final colour and gloss.
  4. It fills deep dents in the panel.

Explanation

Primer bonds to the prepared substrate and provides a barrier against corrosion, giving the topcoat a sound base. It is not a cosmetic colour layer and cannot fill deep damage.

Question 32Vehicle Body Repair

What is the correct way to store body filler after opening the container?

  1. Leave the lid off so it can breathe
  2. Store it next to the hardener tube in a warm area
  3. Store it in direct sunlight
  4. Seal the lid tightly and store in a cool, dry place Correct answer.

Explanation

Body filler cures when exposed to hardener and moisture, so a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location keeps it usable. Heat and sunlight accelerate deterioration.

Question 33Vehicle Body Repair

Which action best protects a vehicle's interior before starting a repair that generates dust?

  1. Lowering the suspension
  2. Opening all windows
  3. Closing the workshop doors
  4. Fitting protective covers over seats and trim Correct answer.

Explanation

Protective covers shield upholstery and trim from grinding dust, overspray and accidental damage during the repair. This masking step is part of standard vehicle protection.

Question 34Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is drilling out a spot weld and the drill bit keeps wandering off the weld nugget. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Use a centre punch to mark the weld before drilling Correct answer.
  2. Apply more pressure with the drill at an angle
  3. Switch to a larger drill bit immediately
  4. Increase drill speed and push harder

Explanation

A centre punch creates a small starting dimple that locates the bit directly over the weld nugget and stops it wandering. This preserves the surrounding panel and avoids enlarging the hole.

Question 35Vehicle Body Repair

When applying body filler over a repaired area, what is the recommended condition of the substrate?

  1. Polished to a high gloss
  2. Coated with wax and grease remover left to pool
  3. Smooth, clean and abraded with no shiny spots Correct answer.
  4. Wet with solvent to aid spreading

Explanation

Filler needs a clean, abraded surface to key into and achieve mechanical adhesion. Shiny or contaminated areas cause poor bonding and later lifting.

Question 36Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is replacing a welded quarter panel and needs to reproduce the factory joining method at the door aperture. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Fit with adhesive only and leave the flange unpainted
  2. Bolt the panel through the visible outer skin
  3. Follow the manufacturer's specified joining method and locations Correct answer.
  4. Weld a continuous seam along the whole aperture

Explanation

Manufacturer instructions define the approved joining method, weld type and locations needed to preserve structural integrity and corrosion protection. Deviating from them can compromise crash performance.

Question 37Vehicle Body Repair

During a pull on a damaged front rail, a technician notices the chain is slightly twisted. What is the safest response?

  1. Increase the pull to straighten the chain
  2. Add a second chain alongside the twisted one
  3. Continue pulling but reduce the load
  4. Stop and correct the setup before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

A twisted chain or sling can fail suddenly under load and release stored energy, so the pull must stop and the rigging corrected. Safe pulling depends on straight, rated and correctly attached equipment.

Question 38Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is blending a new basecoat into an adjacent undamaged panel. Which technique best hides the transition?

  1. Apply the basecoat dry and leave it unblended
  2. Feather the colour out and finish with clearcoat over the blend area Correct answer.
  3. Mask a sharp edge at the panel gap and stop there
  4. Apply a heavy wet coat right up to a hard masking line

Explanation

Blending relies on gradually reducing the colour coat so the eye cannot detect a boundary, then locking it in with clearcoat. A hard masking line or dry edge leaves a visible transition.

Question 39Vehicle Body Repair

A plastic bumper has a tear that will be repaired. What must be done to the repair area before applying plastic adhesive?

  1. Identify the plastic type and prepare a V-groove with the correct adhesion promoter Correct answer.
  2. Clean with solvent and leave the surface glossy
  3. Sand the area smooth and apply body filler directly
  4. Melt the edges together with a heat gun only

Explanation

Plastic repair adhesives are formulated for specific plastic families, so identifying the substrate and preparing a V-groove with the recommended promoter gives a sound repair. Correct preparation controls adhesion and strength.

Question 40Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is preparing to weld a panel and notices the shielding gas cylinder regulator is damaged. What should the technician do?

  1. Tag the equipment out and replace the regulator before welding Correct answer.
  2. Increase the gas pressure to compensate
  3. Use the cylinder without a regulator
  4. Continue welding with a lower gas flow

Explanation

A damaged regulator can leak or fail and is a serious safety hazard, so the equipment must be withdrawn from service and replaced. Welding should not proceed until the gas supply is safe and correctly set.

Question 41Vehicle Body Repair

After a panel repair, a technician notices a slight low spot that remains after sanding the primer. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Use a guide coat and block sand to locate and correct the low area Correct answer.
  2. Sand the whole panel to bare metal
  3. Apply more topcoat to hide it
  4. Increase the primer thickness over the entire panel

Explanation

A guide coat reveals the exact high and low areas as the panel is block sanded, allowing the low spot to be corrected before topcoat. Hiding defects under paint leads to visible flaws later.

Question 42Vehicle Body Repair

Which factor most affects the drying time of a two-pack clearcoat in the workshop?

  1. The brand of masking tape used
  2. The size of the spray gun nozzle only
  3. The temperature and the amount of hardener used Correct answer.
  4. The colour of the vehicle

Explanation

Two-pack products cure through a chemical reaction between the resin and hardener, and that reaction is strongly influenced by temperature and the correct mix ratio. Cool conditions or incorrect ratios slow or prevent curing.

Question 43Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is repairing a door skin and finds the intrusion beam behind it is bent. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Replace the intrusion beam according to manufacturer instructions Correct answer.
  2. Fill the area with body filler to restore shape
  3. Ignore the beam because it is hidden
  4. Straighten the beam by hammering through the door skin

Explanation

Intrusion beams are safety components whose performance depends on their original form and material, so a bent beam is replaced rather than straightened. Manufacturer procedures specify the approved replacement method.

Question 44Vehicle Body Repair

A technician notices that a repaired panel has developed blistering around the filler edge several weeks after refinishing. Which cause is most likely?

  1. Correct hardener ratio in the filler
  2. Excessive clearcoat thickness on the roof
  3. Use of a guide coat during sanding
  4. Moisture or contamination trapped under the coating Correct answer.

Explanation

Trapped moisture or contamination beneath the coating expands and lifts the film, producing blisters. Thorough cleaning and adequate drying before coating prevent this defect.

Question 45Vehicle Body Repair

Why is it important to use the correct grade of abrasive when sanding primer before topcoat?

  1. To change the colour of the primer
  2. To reduce the amount of topcoat needed
  3. To achieve the recommended scratch pattern for adhesion Correct answer.
  4. To make the primer dry faster

Explanation

The abrasive grade controls the scratch depth left in the primer, which affects how well the topcoat keys and how smoothly it flows out. Too coarse a grade leaves scratches that show through the finish.

Question 46Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is asked to repair a high-strength steel rail with a small deformation. Why must the repair method be confirmed against the manufacturer's body repair information?

  1. Because high-strength steels may require controlled heat or replacement Correct answer.
  2. Because the rail colour indicates the repair method
  3. Because all steels can be heated freely without effect
  4. Because the vehicle's age determines the welding process

Explanation

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels can lose their designed properties if heated or straightened incorrectly, so the manufacturer specifies approved heat limits or replacement. Following those instructions preserves crash performance.

Question 47Vehicle Body Repair

During a structural repair, a technician measures a datum point and finds it 8 mm outside the manufacturer's tolerance after an initial pull. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. Refinish the area and release the vehicle
  2. Re-measure with the correct procedure and continue controlled pulling to specification Correct answer.
  3. Accept the reading because it is close to tolerance
  4. Weld the rail in its current position

Explanation

Structural dimensions must be brought within the manufacturer's tolerance, so the technician verifies the measurement method and continues controlled pulling as specified. Releasing the vehicle with an out-of-tolerance datum compromises alignment and safety.

Question 48Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is deciding whether to repair or replace a section of an aluminium outer panel that has both a crease and a stretched area. Which consideration is most important?

  1. The age of the spray booth filter
  2. Whether the material can be reshaped without cracking and retaining strength Correct answer.
  3. The number of bolts on the adjacent door
  4. The colour of the surrounding paint

Explanation

Aluminium work-hardens and can crack when repeatedly bent, so repairability depends on the alloy, its condition and whether the required shape and strength can be restored. Manufacturer guidance determines when replacement is required.

Question 49Vehicle Body Repair

A vehicle is presented with a repaired rear rail, and the technician must confirm corrosion protection has been restored after welding. Which evidence best demonstrates this?

  1. The seam has been covered with tape
  2. The weld has been ground smooth and left bare
  3. The panel has been polished to a high shine
  4. The weld and surrounding areas have been primed and coated with the specified cavity protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Welding destroys the original zinc or coating, so the repair must be primed and given the specified cavity and seam protection to prevent corrosion from starting. Bare or taped areas leave the steel exposed to moisture.

Question 50Vehicle Body Repair

A technician is assessing a vehicle with a repaired front section and notices the bonnet sits higher on one side with an uneven gap. Which investigation is most appropriate before any refinishing?

  1. Adjust the bonnet hinges and latch until the gap is even, then verify the underlying structure Correct answer.
  2. Refinish the vehicle and let the customer decide
  3. Sand the bonnet edge until the gap looks even
  4. Apply filler to the guard to close the gap

Explanation

An uneven gap after structural repair can indicate misalignment in the underlying structure or incorrect panel fitting, so hinges and latch are adjusted and the structure verified. Sanding or filling hides the symptom without correcting the cause.