ASE Practice Test (B3: Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair) 2

Question 1

When repairing a dent in a steel panel using the "hammer-off-dolly" technique, where is the dolly placed?

Accepted Answer

Adjacent to the hammer, positioned beside the high spot to raise metal around the area

Answer

The hammer-off-dolly technique positions the dolly alongside (not directly under) the dent. The hammer strikes the high spot while the dolly provides upward support and pressure on the adjacent low area. This combination drives the high down and pushes the low up simultaneously, gradually working the metal back to its original contour. This is contrasted with the hammer-on-dolly technique for planishing.

Question 2

Which type of plastic repair requires a two-sided repair using a backing patch on the inside of the panel?

Accepted Answer

A structural crack or tear that goes completely through the plastic panel

Answer

A complete crack or tear through a plastic panel requires structural reinforcement from both sides. A backing patch (made of fiberglass cloth or plastic repair mesh bonded with adhesive) is applied to the inside (hidden) surface first to hold the panel shape. Filler adhesive is then applied to the outside to restore the surface contour. Single-sided repair of full-thickness cracks will fail under stress.

Question 3

After a minor fender repair, panel gaps appear uneven — the fender is too close to the door at the top and too far at the bottom. What adjustment is needed?

Accepted Answer

Adjust the upper rear fender mount to move the top of the fender away from the door

Answer

Uneven panel gaps require targeted adjustments. If the fender is too close at the top and too far at the bottom, rotating the fender — moving the top away from the door — will correct both conditions simultaneously. Most fenders have slotted mounting holes that allow in/out and up/down adjustments independently at each mounting point.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a "flex additive" when painting plastic bumper covers?

Accepted Answer

It makes the paint film flexible so it can expand and contract with the plastic without cracking

Answer

Plastic bumper covers flex during minor impacts and temperature changes. Without a flex additive, the cured paint film (which is more rigid than the plastic substrate) will crack or chip when the bumper flexes. Flex additive is mixed into primer and/or topcoat to give the paint film the elasticity needed to move with the bumper without cracking.

Question 5

Which tool is used to measure the straightness of a repaired panel surface for low spots that cannot be seen visually?

Accepted Answer

Long rigid straightedge or 36-inch rule

Answer

A long metal straightedge (often 36 inches or longer) is placed across a repaired panel in multiple directions to detect high and low spots that are invisible to the eye. Light between the straightedge and the panel reveals low spots; areas where the straightedge rocks indicate high spots. This technique is used before and during filler application to ensure panel straightness.