Dent Removal

[uwe]

My trailer had a basketbal sized dent in one of the curved panels in the rear above the rear facing window. It seems somewhat soft, so when touched the aluminum still has some give to it. i would liek to pull it out, or have it pulled out professionally.
Question:
Anyone had any luck with paintless dent removal companies working on an airstream?
Anu suggestions on removing this dent? It is not accessible from the inside very easily. It is behind some cabinetry on the streetside of my 71 tradewind.
So many projects, so little wine......
Uwe

[BobbyW]

Is it in the middle of the panel or along a seam? If its in the middle, try a plunger or smaller suction cup to see if you can "pop" it out.

The "dry ice" method will not work on aluminum. (I just know someone will recommend it)

-BobbyWright

[uwe]

I went and borrowed some professional dent suction cups last night, and I will try them out today.
One of them is air powered.......scary.
The dent is fortunately in the middle of a panel, not along the riveted edge.
I will let you all know how it went. maybe I try some " before and after" pics.
Uwe

[uwe]

Update:
I used the suction cups today, and was able to pull out the dents with relative ease. The biggest one of them ended up with a very slight circumference crease, but diligent and very light hammering of the crease with a plastic hammer took care of this as well.
Sorry, forgot to take pictures.
Uwe

[BobbyW]

Great news. Glad things worked out right.

I really wanted to hear about the "Scary" air powered one. Sounds like a tool for frightening small children and pets.

-BobbyWright

[uwe]

Hi Bobby,

I did not have to use the air powered one. That one uses compressed air to evacuate the area behind the suction cup, so that you get a stronger seal, and can use a slide hammer type apparatus. I used a wet towel to clean the area, and then a 4" suctioncup with handle to gently pull things into perspective......
The air powered one is also good for areas where the additional pressure needed to install the suction cup is not beneficial.
Thanks for everyone's tips and concerns.
Uwe

[Tarheel]

Were your able to get to the backside? The paintless dent people that I talked to wouldn't try to work on mine because of the difficulity of getting to the backside.

[GStephens]

A dentless repairman successfully removed a dent in a rear curved top panel from my unit last year. You litteraly cannot tell it was ever there. He charged me a $150. Replacement of the panel would have cost over $1500.

GStephens