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wolfpack · 05-01-2010, 09:33 PM

are there any posts with step by step exterior panel dent repairs by removing interior panels and pushing the dent out? I have a 2 ft by 3 ft soft dent where the previous owner must have brushed against a tree and pushed the panel in about 1 inch, no hard creases in the dent. am wondering what the best plan of attack is to go after pushing it back out.

68 TWind · 05-02-2010, 06:14 AM

Depends on where the dent is as to the level of difficulty getting to it from the back. If it is lower on the body and not behind the end cap, just drill out all the rivets that hold the panels in place. You may not have to completely remove the panel, just remove enough rivets so it can be very gently move it back so you can gain access. Gently push the dent out. Of course, the gaucho and everything else will have to come out. If the dent it high up behind the end cap, I would try to use one of the suction cup dent pullers. You lock it on the dent and it has a big handle to pull on.

Good luck

Birdwell57 · 05-02-2010, 08:02 AM

Have you tried pulling it out with a plunger?

putback · 05-02-2010, 05:56 PM

Just wondering. Is there a bucked rivet line within the dent area? If the rivit line is vertical an extruded alum frame bow could be bent, a bear to straighten. If the rivet line is horozonal a lite .032 alum c-chanel strut is bent, easy fix. If its just flat .032 skin it must be "oilcaned", streched. Something is holding the dent in. Its hard to find a 2x3 area without some kind of structure between the skins. Odds are the interior panel will have to be removed. Well worth the effort for a '59.

FreshAir · 05-02-2010, 06:15 PM

Post pictures. That would give us a better idea of your problem. Aluminum stretches and most dents cannot be totally removed. If it's a shallow push in then suction cups or even a plunger can help pull it out but if near a support it may require replacing the panel.
Neil

wolfpack · 05-07-2010, 07:57 AM

Here's a couple pics of my dent, skin is slightly pushed in from what appears to be the camper rubbed against a tree or something. I can get to it from inside, it would be approximately where the table would be. have not had time to locate a suction cup but will try that first. will post pics later if I am successful.

wolfpack · 05-07-2010, 08:08 AM

I've also got this to contend with, both wheel wells have skin damage above them. the one where the metal is ripped and re-riveted, I dont know what to do with that one.