Making progress on this once crushed tin can...

[cbt0011]

Hi All,

Just a thank you shout out to the good information on here. Attached are before and after pics of my panels. I'm still babying them, but she's staring to show her old self.

[Kevin245]

A marked improvement . Looks like you have done a good bit. Much more to do, but I’d say that you’re on the right track.

[Disco Stu]

Well done! May I ask what process you used to straighten them up?
Stu

[cbt0011]

Disco Stu,


I used an english wheel from Harbor Freight. The key is to start just grazing any bumps and then tighten gradually till your smoothing out entirely.



Here's a link to the tool: https://www.harborfreight.com/englis...and-68385.html


If you dont have an english wheel, you may be able to find a local body shop that would allow you to use one.

[Disco Stu]

I have exactly the same wheel, sold under a different brand here in Australia, I've never tried straightening up damaged compound curves, just making new ones.
Best of luck with the repair, it's looking good so far.
Stu

[putback]

A very tough job to do, been there with same model same year same damage same place! I don't know how it could be done with out the english wheel. In case you don't yet know the panels will be streched. The old rivit holes won't line up. If its usefull the only way I could make it look right was to use the original exposed holes on the "show side", rebore the under panel sometimes leaving a hole and a half and use a piece of 0.32 aluminum as a backer plate to buck the rivit to. 10 years later and no leakes or loose rivits. Used urithane sealer. Some rivits took 3 people, one on the gun, 1 holding the backer piece/inner panel up tight, one on the bucking bar. You get it done let me know, we'll split a bottle and cry about how foolish we were for even trying!

[cbt0011]

Updated shot, got a lot of the rivets bucked. Still babying the skin, been using a hammer and dolly on little stubborn areas, working outside in. It seems to do the trick.

[InsideOut]

Looking good! MUCH better I would say ~

Shari