Expert: Gary - 11/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 1990 ford f150 that was hit in a hit and run, got alot of front damage but also got hit in the rear right above the rear tire. Someone told me I could use a tube to push it back out. If so what kind of tube? Is this something that can be done or am I just better off using a puller? It;s a work truck takes a beating anyway. Looking for an easy way to pull it out. Thanks alot

ANSWER: Hi LaDonna,

I would assume they are talking about a truck (18 wheeler) inner tube. I have never tried it before but it may work as long as the metal isn't creased. The other way you can do it is by drilling holes and using the old style slide hammer. The problem with it is the panel will need to be primed and re-painted to avoid corrosion around the drill holes.

If the dent isn't too bad you could always try one of these procedures: http://www.wisebread.com/remove-car-dents-quickly-and-cheaply

Good luck with it!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your response, it's got a couple creases in it, I attached a picture of it. Front is almost done replaced most of that. So would the slider be a better way then? After done should I use bondo on it to smooth it out? If so can you recommend a good one. Thanks again

Answer
Hi LaDonna,

Quite honestly you may have more time and material invested than if you just bought a new bedside. Don't get me wrong, it can be fixed but with amount of material and time invested it may not be worth it.

If you should decide to fix what you have you will need some type of dent puller. I would suggest a 10 pound slide hammer kit. You can buy one at http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38878

Once you get the bedside within a 1/4" to straight you can then apply your plastic body filler (AKA Bondo). I would not recommend using bondo brand filler though. I like Fiberglass Evercoat's Rage Gold. Here's a link: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-fe-112-rage-gold.cfm