Re: Best way to get small dents out of the thinner sheet metal?

Posted by Ken McWilliams on September 01, 2000 at 17:20:03 from (172.140.39.185):

In Reply to: Best way to get small dents out of the thinner sheet metal? posted by Roger C. on August 31, 2000 at 22:30:39:

Roger,

Any dent is a result of stretch metal. Some of the auto restoration catalogs have what's called shrinking hammers. These hammers look like a meat tenderizer except the pattern is much finer. These tiny pyramids when impacting the surface will make the metal surface look like a tiny waffle plate and gather the surface. You will have to thin the metal getting the gathered surface back to being smooth which will make the area more susceptable to more damage.

I've used a torch to heat cherry red and quenched with water with limited success, also.

Unless you're making a megabuck exhibition machine, use Bondo. If done right it will outlast the sheetmetal. I usually start by sanding off all the paint in the area, work around the dent to get the high places worked down caused by the dent and fill the entire area. Then feather the area, refill and continue to level the Bondo. A good "air file" with 40 grit paper used to work down the Bondo will minimize the ripples and, then, finished with a random orbital sander with 120 grit. If done right you'll not see the patch. Wet sanding with 400 grit wet/dry over the primer with a block sander will bring the surface to a pit free surface ready to receive paint.

To get the smoothest and glossiest surface, use slow drying solvent to thin the paint. Too often people will use fast drying reducer, but it will not allow the wet paint to level and get glossy.

I restored my '64 Ford Galaxie in 1983 and you can't find the repairs unless you have a magnet. Fix the dents with Bondo,and enjoy the tractor sooner.

Ken McWilliams
Dayton, OH

Follow Ups:

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Re: Best way to get small dents out of the thinner sheet metal? Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]