Repairing dents in your vehicle yourself depends mainly on the vehicle's age. The older the vehicle, the more sense it can make to try such repairs yourself, as a professional job might cost more than the car's worth. Once you decide to repair the dent, take the dent's size into account to figure out the best repair method. Also, fender dents will often be easier, while door dents can require extra work.
Small Dents
The smallest of fender dents can be pounded out with a small hammer. Aiming for the center of the dent will keep you from pounding out protrusions on the outer side. Raise the vehicle on jack stands to help you view the dent from the underside, then hit the dent with small taps while feeling the dent with your free hand from the other side. For slightly larger dents, use a large suction cup with a handle. Place the cup on the surface along the dent's edge and pull outward, then move the cup toward the center of the dent. As you pull, tap the dent from the underside with either a soft mallet or a buckshot-filled bag.
Large Dents
Large dents will likely require you to remove the fender first. Disconnect every single bolt that attaches the fender to the car. This can get tricky because there is usually at least one bolt hidden somewhere. If the fender won't pull off easily, don't force it off--look for the remaining bolts. Once the fender is off the car, pound the dent with a heavier hammer. Hold a dolly against the outer side as you pound to help prevent protrusions. If you see any bent fender supports, vice grip pliers will bend them back into place. When re-connecting the fender, use every single bolt again.
Door Dents
If you are repairing dents in the door, using the suction cup method may work best--without the hammer or buckshot bag. If it looks like the dent is too small or large for the suction cup, you'll need to remove the door's inner trim panel. With the window raised all the way up, locate and remove all screws and fasteners for the panel. If the door has power windows/locks or any other electrical controls, unplug the battery's negative cable, pry off the control panels and disconnect the electrical connectors first. Lift up and remove the panel off it clips and disconnect any more connectors. Now you can use the hammer to reach and hit the dent from the inside of the door.
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