There are several ways to remove dents from cars, but anyone trying these methods should know the basics in this article before starting. From small dents that can be done with no painting at all, to dents requiring sanding and painting of the entire area, here are a few tips that can help you get your car smooth again.
Paintless Dent Removal
For removing a dent without having to repaint, it you have to inspect it first. If there are any chips or cracks or any paint missing at all, then the dent cannot be repaired without painting. Even the smallest area of bare metal that is exposed to the air can become rusted.
If the dent has no rust, you can attempt to remove it without painting it. Start by using a household plunger. Wet the dent with water and a small amount of liquid dish detergent to make it slippery. Place the plunger in the center and press it to create a suction to the side of the car. Pull the plunger to pop the dent into place. Pull with as much force as needed to get the dent out. This method can work on many dents, but won't always repair all dents.
Dent Repair from the Inside
Before removing a dent, see if you can get on the back side of it. If the dent is on a front fender, lift the car with a jack and jack stands to remove the plastic liner in the wheel well. If the dent is on a door, remove the door panel inside the car. Dents on the rear of the car can sometimes be reached by opening the trunk and removing the carpet lining. If you can't get to the back side of the dent, it can still be repaired but will need more body filler than a dent that can be reached.
Use a metal dolly and body hammer to gently tap the dent out into place. Place the dolly against the metal on the back side of the dent and tap it with the hammer where needed. The dolly is flat on one side and slightly curved on the other, so use the side that corresponds with the shape you need for the dent. Most often, the curved side should be placed against the car and the hammer tapped against the flat side. This gently puts the sheet metal back into place. Many times, this method can get the metal back into shape without the use of body filler. If there are chips or cracks in the paint, the area will need to be painted.
Large Dents
Large dents or dents in areas that cannot be reached from the back side must be repaired using a dent puller. Dent pullers are available in different sizes at almost any auto parts store. For a medium- to large-sized dent, buy the largest-sized dent puller.
Drill small holes in the dent, scattering the holes around near the edges of the inside of the dent and near the center. You can add more holes if they are needed once you start shaping the metal. Place the tip of the dent puller into a hole and screw it in like a screw. Hold the sliding weight on the dent puller close to the car and quickly pull it back toward your body. This pulls the metal out each time you pull on the dent puller. Use as much or as little force as necessary. Move the dent puller to different holes as you slowly pull the dent into place. The dent puller will never get the dent flat again, so further repair is necessary.
Grind the paint away from the dented area. Apply body filler, like Bondo, on the metal with a plastic squeegee. Allow the filler to dry for an hour and sand it smooth with 80 grit sandpaper. The dent should now be gone and ready for refinishing.
Tags: dent puller, back side, into place, back side dent, body filler
