Author Topic: Tricky dent repair question. Need advice  (Read 581 times)

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Offline Cleric40

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Tricky dent repair question. Need advice
« on: August 29, 2014, 08:30:32 PM »

Hi All,

I have a tricky dent right near the left side emblem. Really there are two dents but I'm primarily wondering about suggestions on how to approach the one on/adjacent to the emblem holder. You can see it's right at the end of the emblem holder.

The other dent is just slightly above this area to the upper left.

I know of PDR but I'm not sure this would be accessible. Also I am considering maybe a harbor freight dent remover or dry ice and heat.

Before all that I figured Id run it past you experts out there on what you think would be best

Pictures are best I could get tonight. Thanks in advance! :)


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Offline calj737

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Re: Tricky dent repair question. Need advice
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2014, 09:36:50 PM »
A good PDR guy can fix those. The dent leading the emblem, is a bit deep where it almost "creases". It's not a problem to raise the metal there, it's just not a guarantee that the black paint won't be damaged in the process.

I've fixed dozens of these tanks using PDR, and some, luckily, with no paint damage. But it's the creased dents that almost guarantee that the tool marks from inside will transmit.

The left side panels are tricky areas too as the filler is directly over the tunnel and it makes access to the badge area pretty limited. I've had to drill a hole in the bottom, repair the dents, then MIG it closed and grind the metal flat again. Not preferable on "survivor" painted tanks, but sometimes necessary. At least it's unseen and can be painted over.

With those two dents in that area, there's probably a few others also, you may not have noticed. Use a light source to highlight dents and get your eye and the light slightly offline to each other, but casting light towards you. You'd be surprised how many show up when properly lit.

Glue pull plugs can work, but not on that dent. Also, the black does not have clearcoat on it, so be careful. Not much thickness to tinker with. And the stripes are taped on, they will pull off and damage very easily.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Tricky dent repair question. Need advice
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2014, 12:15:55 AM »
Yeah, try the PDR mate, sadly there are some factory pressings in that area and you'll need an expert to do it, or you might turn the factory "dents" (for the badge bracket) inside out. ;D
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Offline Cleric40

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Re: Tricky dent repair question. Need advice
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2014, 06:16:50 AM »
Hi guys. Thanks for the awesome response. I am thinking of repainting the tank this winter so I'm not too concerned if a glue pull plug messed up the paint a bit. Just want to get a head start on some things before the snow flys. Thanks again and I'll let you know how things turn out


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Offline calj737

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Re: Tricky dent repair question. Need advice
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2014, 06:26:47 AM »
If you are repainting, don't muck about, drill a hole in the bottom and use rods to push the metal dead straight. A small metal file can make it perfect afterwards, then repaint with a pristine surface.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis