Rookie here…

I am looking for opinions on best way to repair this. Truck will be a nice truck (it’s a c10).

It’s a small dent / crease under the driver door in the lower panel on the cab. Pictures hard to tell but it’s push in about 1/4 to 3/8 inch but it’s creased. The length of the intention is about 6-8 inches. So the repair would be larger.

I’ve thought about trying to pull it out with a stud welder and slide hammer but with that crease am I creating a bigger problem? I realize this is probably perfect for filler but I’m trying to do a filler free vehicle - all other areas I’ve repaired with new metal.

I could cut this out and weld in a new patch but I’ve hesitated because the crease goes right up to the seam. I’m pushing my metal repair skills as this is a concave shape and it’s right on the spot welded seem where all the cab panels converge and are spot welded from the factory.

My specific question is if my skill was not the barrier what’s the best way to repair this that opens up the least cans of worms?

I’ve been starting at this dent for 6 months over thinking how best to repair it.

For reference the rest of that lower rocker is in great shape and no rust. The rest of the truck is very nice.

Thanks all in advance for the help.

I’d post pictures but I have no idea how to this forum - need to look that up and will try to add pictures.

welcome to the forum. to post pics ya have to scroll down the page your posting a reply on just a bit.

im just a greenhorn but if the smallest can of worms is what ya want and you aren't looking for perfectly straight no filler after then it seems a stud welder to get it back as close as possible so the least amount of filler would be necessary would be the way to go.

Thanks for the assist on the photos

Trying to do this on my phone I wasn’t originally able to find the button / tab to get these uploaded.

You can always drill holes in the door sill area, or the inner rocker, and work it out with a body pick. Like one of these:
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/produc ... -pick-sets

stud welder! and as many studs as needed. + some good pliers to remove them. i use a good heavy-duty plier and then grind one side at about 30 deg. so you can get a good grip on the stud and the handles are up some so you can grip them good. give the stud a slight twist and off in comes .
Jay D.

badsix wrote:stud welder! and as many studs as needed.

Thanks all!

That’s what I was thinking and will give it a whirl!

Remember that when doing stud repairs of dents that your stud basically becomes the dolly. So pull on the stud and lightly tap, with a body hammer or spoon, on the high point(s) that are holding the dent in. Don't just yank on the stud and stretch the metal - you'll make double the work to then go back and fix the extra damage that you've caused.

EXCILENT!!
Jay D.

NFT5 wrote:Remember that when doing stud repairs of dents that your stud basically becomes the dolly. So pull on the stud and lightly tap, with a body hammer or spoon, on the high point(s) that are holding the dent in. Don't just yank on the stud and stretch the metal - you'll make double the work to then go back and fix the extra damage that you've caused.

Unfortunately I cannot get behind this as it’s the outer skin and the inner skin lays over the top of it.