ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Body, Paint & Sealers => Topic started by: Fullbasement on March 27, 2018, 12:07:42 AM

Title: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: Fullbasement on March 27, 2018, 12:07:42 AM

I've been evaluating my door shells trying to choose the best ones for my convertible project. I can rework issues on the exterior, but my best doors all seem to have one or more small dents on the inside textured side. Of course there isn't much room to work a hammer or dolly inside the door and I'm concerned that if I start trying things I might end up making the condition worse.

So I'm wondering if any of you guys have a method you've used that had good results?

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: jwc66k on March 27, 2018, 12:27:20 AM

It depends. Sometimes you can cover a dent with Bondo and do a "texture". Sometimes a dent puller will work on larger ones, then it's back to the Bondo thing. Or a weld on dent puller (see Bondo). A body shop has "tricks". A door is "portable". Consider that.
Jim

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: Bob Gaines on March 27, 2018, 12:42:45 AM

The paintless dent repair (PDR) people might be a alternative . 

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: ExportMach on March 27, 2018, 01:08:29 PM

Ive seen dry ice used to pulled small dents on exterior panels that have been hail damaged.

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: KevinK on March 27, 2018, 01:29:09 PM

You might look into thiis. T-hotbox PDR. Not cheap but works well.

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: Bossbill on March 27, 2018, 01:35:23 PM

You might try the Eastwood PDR system of dent removal.
I'm not sure if it will stick to the grain surface.

Do note that although I've had success with the Bondo method, it requires a great deal of experimentation. It is extremely finicky about timing, latex prep and mold removal liquids to get right.
If you do not have great patience, don't even start. And you would need a spare door.

If you can actually reach behind the panel after gutting the door judicious use of a small, lightweight body hammer and dolly does work. Body hammers should be used with a light touch and many small blows to slowly work the dent out.

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: Fullbasement on March 28, 2018, 11:58:10 AM

I made some improvement using a dolly inside the door while using another "off dolly " on the outside. Using a fairly heavy dolly inside I could pop upwards just using my wrist. You can still see where the dent was, but I think if you didn't know where to look you'd probably gloss right over it. No doubt having a paintless dent remover guy work it would be the bet scenario.

My best passenger door only has one inside dent and it's where I'll have a lot of room to work it. And I think my second best door will be good enough to delegate to my coupe project. The poor coupe get's all the cast offs.

Title: Re: How to reduce or remove small dents on the textured interior side of doors
Post by: kb65 on May 07, 2018, 09:08:45 PM

I had several fairly significant dents the paint less dent guy did a great job. not cheap but he came to my shop
$300 for all of the dents in both doors.

ken