You are here:

Auto body repair & detailing/dent in alum fender

Advertisement

Expert: Michael Kakuk - 3/8/2010


Question

alum dent
I have an RV with alum body that shredded a tire and whapped the panel behind the tire- see photo-- I would like to know if and how I can remove the dents so it looks ok from say 30' away. there is limited access from above and behind the dent.  tks.

Answer
KEN.....THE BEST APPROACH WOULD BE TO GAIN ACCESS FROM THE UNDERSIDE IF POSSIBLE.
IF THERE IS TO MUCH INVOLVED TO GAIN ACCESS BY REMOVING ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO
CUT AN ACCESS AREA BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO GO INTO ANY PLUMBING OR WIRING.
POUND THE DENT OUT THE WAY IT WENT IN.

YOU COULD USE A PIECE OF 4X4 AND DRIVE THE METAL BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL SHAPE.
ALUMINUM IS LESS FORGIVING AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT IT WILL TEAR IF TO MUCH FORCE IS APPLIED.

YOU COULD USE A DENT PULLER BUT THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO FINISH THE HOLES OFF IF THERE IS NO ACCESS
FROM THE INTERIOR OR UNDERSIDE.

Michael Kakuk

Expertise

I can answer any question that you may have about collision repairs and what to do after an accident. I can also answer basic mechanical problems but that is not my area of expertise.I can help you with repairing your own vehicle in your garage and also answer any paint related questions.

Experience

15 years experience with State Farm insurance as an auto inspector. 10 years of collision center management with 3 fortune 500 companies.

Organizations
Ezine expert author.

Publications
Ezine magazine Car advertisements Various car related web sites

Education/Credentials
Votech School Chief Frame School Hunter Alignment school I-CAR Certified Plastic Repairs Aluminum Repairs

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.