How would you take this dent out?

More of an art than a science - discuss metalworking and welding here.



Settled In
Posts: 46
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:41 am

Country:
Canada
PostPosted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 7:46 pm
This is the rear quarter panel in my 87 Samurai.
As you can see, the impact has squished the rain gutter hard against the roof panel, and there is some creased metal on the roof line panel. There is no access to the back side of the dent, as per the 2nd pic........save for cutting out the back panel which I'm not eager to do.

How would you get this dent out? I have a Uni Spotter with slide hammer, mig, torch, and basic auto body hammers / dollies. I don't have a spare panel to replace it with either.

Thanks for your expertise!
Image


Image


Image

User avatar

Site Admin
Posts: 3450
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2003 3:02 am
Location: New York
Country:
USA
PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:18 pm
Can't you pull the dent with your stud puller, then try to work that gutter back into shape? Maybe to get it perfect that gutter would need to be replaced.



Settled In
Posts: 46
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:41 am

Country:
Canada
PostPosted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:46 pm
Thats what I'm wondering.......is the uni spotter the correct tool for this dent? Any other options?
I am using the uni spotter right now [ for the very 1st time ] to pull out a crushed in / up rocker panel on the zuk.

The metal on the rocker has rust, and after cleaning the rust off, it is even thinner now [ as in paper thin ] than when new. I have welded on about 20 studs, am pulling them each bit by bit, and a bunch have pulled right off, taking a circle of metal with them leaving holes. However, I prolly left the trigger on a moment too long on some of them, causing them to burn through the metal a little.

Wondering if that is par for the course with these tools or is it just the uber-thin metal? Obviously, I don't need holes like this all over that top panel. For that rocker, I will prolly have to cut out that surface and weld in new metal.

I may have to make a new section of gutter if I can't salvage what is there.



Top Contributor
Posts: 6217
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm
Location: Pahrump NV.
Country:
USA
PostPosted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:59 am
Part of the roof is bent in there too behind the gutter isnt it?
Normal would be work it first outside in little at a time work in circle going in, work from inside behind.

Not going to be easy to fix,
The Studebaker I was going to do had a couple spots just like that, I had maid up my mind to just cut the gutter off fill with fiberglass lol
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



Fully Engaged
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:16 pm

Country:
USA
PostPosted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:08 pm
Frame machine



Top Contributor
Posts: 6217
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm
Location: Pahrump NV.
Country:
USA
PostPosted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:02 pm
HeavyCollision085 wrote:Frame machine


That sounds like a Lill over kill lol :drink:

I would think as already said a Stud gun and a slid hammer make it look good, As far as the Gutter goes there are small Hammer and dolly's from Eastwood for doing body Trim work that are small enough to work that gutter.

http://search.eastwood.com/search?w=trim+hammer
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



Fully Engaged
Posts: 431
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:22 pm

Country:
Canada
PostPosted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:53 pm
What he means by frame machine is bolting a clamp to the pinch weld/gutter area and pulling that out first which will then bring out most of the damage with it.When doing sheet metal repairs you first start by getting your edges and body lines out first(perimeter alignment) then pull out the remaining low areas and metal finish it for filler.Using a stud welder/hammer and dolly and starting from the outside and working towards the centre is good advice for small dents in panel repair but this is not the case here.The gutter is the first place to start.



Fully Engaged
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:16 pm

Country:
USA
PostPosted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 8:47 pm
Doright wrote:
HeavyCollision085 wrote:Frame machine


That sounds like a Lill over kill lol :drink:

I would think as already said a Stud gun and a slid hammer make it look good, As far as the Gutter goes there are small Hammer and dolly's from Eastwood for doing body Trim work that are small enough to work that gutter.

http://search.eastwood.com/search?w=trim+hammer
You obviously don't have much if any knowledge or experience in straightening metal, Using a frame machine, or structural repairs. So why give advice or comments on something your not capable of repairing? :talkhand: And on another note... There is no hammer, stud gun, or slide hammer that will pull out that.



Top Contributor
Posts: 6217
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm
Location: Pahrump NV.
Country:
USA
PostPosted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:50 am
What ever

You guys know it all, It is clear that as far as ALL YOU KNOW IT ALL PRO's hear are concerned There is only ONE WAY to do things.....

YOUR WAY
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.

User avatar

Site Admin
Posts: 3450
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2003 3:02 am
Location: New York
Country:
USA
PostPosted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:00 pm
ok, guys you each had your say...let's not fight over this.

The frame machine idea is fine but most DIYers at home won't have access to one. So what would be helpful would be some creative ideas on pulling that out at home. If the stud gun won't cut it then maybe:

- weld on some washers and rig up a multi-hook puller, to get enough force on it?
- slice the weld under the gutter to relieve the stress and then use the stud gun to pull the roof and the panel under the gutter, separately - then reweld the gutter?
- something else?

Let's try to help the guy out instead of arguing ;-)
Next

Return to Welding & Metal Fab

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 45 guests