Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[traction39]

Simple question. Do they work?

I have a couple of slight dents on my son's VW Fox's bonnet from hand prints when pushing it out of the snow! Cannot get access from behind as the "reinforcement" is in the way. Most comments suggest that they are useless unless on a completely flat surface...or maybe they were very cheap pullers?!

Comments or suggestions for removal would be well received.
Alistair

[ukdave2002]

Hi Alistair

They do work, but the cheap DIY ones don't have much suction, if the metal hasn't stretched you may have some success .

Tricks like heating the dent up with a hair dryer may help in conjunction with a suction puller, it's difficult to assess without seeing the dents.

You can often get a thin pry behind reinforcements, to encourage the dent out, these can be easily fabricated from odd bits of flat steel, round any corners and put a shallow curve in the business end. Remember modern car body work is made from very thin steel, traditional tools can be too heavy, rubber hammers and dollies are the order of the day.

Dave

[traction39]

Dave,
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking along the lines you mentioned -body spoon type dolly. They are the type of dents that have no creases and would probably push out if there was access from behind...panels are very cheap!!
Alistair

[Inglewood]

The latest method of dent pulling is by using glued pads, have a look at You Tube for 'PDR Glue pulling'.

Products are available on ebay.

There is a skill involved but the results are a retail quality and you do not need to refinish the panel.