Dent in 55 Spartan Imperial mansion - Can it be fixed?

[hardscribble]

Hi All,
I am trying to fix a dent in a 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion that belongs to a friend. I dented the corner when pulling a utility trailer past it in a tight squeeze. I know some people say you should leave the dents, but she does not want to leave this one. I have read about dent pullers and "rolling" the dent out from the inside. Can anyone tell me what might be possible with this dent?

Thanks,

[Dave Park]

A paintless dent removal expert may be able to get that scratch minimized with a couple of hours of work, but it'll never entirely go away. Also, the surface scratched are permanent and the amount of polishing to buff them out... I don't even want to imagine...

[easyride]

With that crease and scratches in the metal,I think your only option is a skin over repair.how big is the panel? Dave

[Kevin245]

You may be able to minimize the dent and possibly the creases but the scratches are likely there to stay. If this is a non-formed panel it can be replaced with off the shelf materials and some elbow grease.

I'd opt for replacement.

Good luck,

Kevin

[Dave Park]

Remember, replacement means you're probably going to be on the hook for polishing the entire Airstream to look matched - so allow that 50-100 hours of labor in your consideration

[easyride]

If you decide to repanel,and don`t want to polish the entire SPARTAN,a little vinegar should age your new panel. Dave

[Dave Park]

Hey, easyride... Thanks for destroying a perfectly good joke with your so-called "facts!"

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Dave Park

Remember, replacement means you're probably going to be on the hook for polishing the entire Airstream to look matched - so allow that 50-100 hours of labor in your consideration

Not necessarily. With time the new will patina closely matching the adjacent panels. The dulling is oxidation and aluminum oxides begin forming immediately upon contact with air. It won't happen overnight but it won't take years either.

Of course if the intent is to polish then he will have a 1-panel head start.