Dent Removal for Dummies

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 6, 2005 | 06:51 AM

Christopher2

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,771

Likes: 39

From: Minnesota

Dent Removal for Dummies

I know we have covered this at some point I just can't seem to find it. I need some guidance towards good books, videos, and websites. Currently I do not even own simple tools for body work and am going to buy them after I do a little research. I need something on real dent removal not those little dents I would call dings.

May 6, 2005 | 07:36 AM

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

A Video IMHO is far superior to any book you can buy. It's much better to see and HEAR what the hammer hits sound like to learn the difference between on dolly and off dolly hammering, the major technique needed for sucessful dent removal, for example.
If you don't buy anything else buy "basic metalworking techniques" by Ron Covell in VHS or DVD. He covers in easy to understand exercizes all the work needed to restore a 1932 Cord body in poor condition from drilled hole filling to creating compound curve replacement panels to fillerless metal finishing. There are more techniques that are good to learn or have alternative ways to accomplish with less equipment but are more difficult to master (edge shrinking is an example: Ron uses a benchtop shrinker, you can do the same with a hand ruffler and body hammer but it takes a lot of understanding and careful hammering to accomplish the same.) You should also check out the Metalshapers Assoc. web site: http://www.allshops.org/ for a lot of good info and some downloadable short videos.

May 6, 2005 | 09:48 AM

Jag Red 54

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 4,489

Likes: 5

From: Valley Center, CA

Ax is right about the video. Also, there is a whole section on body and paint here on FTE that has lots of body guys on it.

Jag

May 6, 2005 | 10:51 AM

Steve_B

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 432

Likes: 1

From: West London, England

Have you got a local college that runs vocational bodywork courses
This is what I did saved me a fortune on tools and equipment

Stephen

May 6, 2005 | 10:59 AM

Christopher2

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,771

Likes: 39

From: Minnesota

I don't have anything I would condsider local it is about 60 miles away and I would never get anything done that way. I would like to take a few classes but not really an option when I have to travel that far one way. I ordered the DVD so I will see how it goes. I have read the paint and auto forum some good information if you have a specific question, I need to see and learn a few of the techniques before I can ask an intelligent question.

May 6, 2005 | 08:12 PM

51ford fan

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 1,908

Likes: 2

From: Seattle WA.

Chris, If you have a junior college close that has a body shop class you could sign up for a class. I did that back in the 70s and was able to take my body parts to class and work on them. I sure learned a lot, and got some good techniques down. I have read some posts recently about guys being able to paint there vehicles as class projects.

Rod

May 7, 2005 | 11:12 AM

jvmcc

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 823

Likes: 4

From: Calais, Vermont

I bought a kinda cheap body work kit...three hammers and three dollys came in a plastic box. I think it cost about twenty five bucks. I also got a Haynes book called Car Bodywork. It described the way to use the hammers and dollys for different kinds of dents and creases. It even touches on stretching and shrinking sheetmetal. I have to say that using these tools is the most fun I've had working on my truck. To reshape the bent metal and misc dings and dents back to its original form is very satisfying. Anyway, I guess between the tools and book I'm into it for about 50 bucks.