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Autobody guys or dent removal specialists, how do I fix this?

thegreatjustino

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Red Head Grease Monkey
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Jan 23, 2002
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Stockton, CA
I have this stock air cleaner with a dent. I've tried popping the dent out from underneath with a long crowbar, but can't get the leverage I need to pop it out.

Any suggestions for removing the dent without slicing it in half, removing the dent, and then having to weld it back together?
 

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tasker

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can you stuff a small inflatable ball in there?
 

spap

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I was thinking heat also, the metal will have some memory
 
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thegreatjustino

thegreatjustino

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can you stuff a small inflatable ball in there?
I considered the deflated ball then pumping it up, but the space between the two halves is so narrow, the only ball I could get in there would be a kids play ball that I don't think would be meaty enough to hold the air pressure needed to pop the dent.

I hadn't considered heating it up though. If the ball doesn't melt, it with the combination of heat might work.
 

MarsChariot

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That sort of thing has never worked for me. If it were me, given that it is within striking distance of the carb opening, I would make up a wooden "tool" with a 1/2 sheet of wood, with a smooth radius of maybe 6 -12 " and "work "it out. That cleaner is a solid piece of gold what with the attachments and vents and even the vacuum valve. Worth every hour of effort to get it straight.
Your other problem is cleaning that washer off before the other person sees it.
 

m_m70

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Pacifica, CA
I considered the deflated ball then pumping it up, but the space between the two halves is so narrow, the only ball I could get in there would be a kids play ball that I don't think would be meaty enough to hold the air pressure needed to pop the dent.
I've used an old school blood pressure arm strap that pumps up for narrow spaces. Worth a shot if you happen to have one.
 

1970 Palmer

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Mar 2, 2020
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455
That sort of thing has never worked for me. If it were me, given that it is within striking distance of the carb opening, I would make up a wooden "tool" with a 1/2 sheet of wood, with a smooth radius of maybe 6 -12 " and "work "it out. That cleaner is a solid piece of gold what with the attachments and vents and even the vacuum valve. Worth every hour of effort to get it straight.
Your other problem is cleaning that washer off before the other person sees it.

I like this idea. Turn the air cleaner upside down and support it on your work bench with two 2 by 4's along the flat crimped edges. You only want to force the dent out and doing it this way will not force the underside out.

John
 
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thegreatjustino

thegreatjustino

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The problem with everything I've tried thus far is the ribbing on the top makes it much stronger than the bottom. Trying to press the dent out from inside tends to push the flat bottom part out since it's weaker than the ribbed part.

I did manage to get it looking better. Using heat and believe it or not the pick axe from my tool shed for leverage. It looks better, but is never going to be perfect.
 

Apogee

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Could you fix it like a dented 2-stroke exhaust pipe? Cap the holes/openings, pressurize it with a fitting in one of the caps and regulated compressed air and then heat the dent so that it pops back out?
 

Broncobowsher

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34,833
I have an air wedge I would be trying in there. They come in handy for other things as well. Just used one to lift a gate into place. Remember the force goes both ways, I would be rigging something to keep the straight side straight and not start bulging it out.

You can get a 3-pack of air wedges off Amazon for something like $15
 

phred

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Earth
I like the pumping it full of air as a first try. After that I’d lean towards. Leather or heavy canvas shot bag and various body hammers.
 

Rustytruck

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Try a football and wrap a strap around the outside to keep from blowing our the bottom.
 

BronCowie

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Can you weld on a stud or a few studs and use a slide hammer?
^^^Yeah, I used to have a stud welder that was made specifically for this purpose. I used it to pull dents out of my tailgate.

 

1970 Palmer

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I think we are over thinking this repair.

First the dent is accessible very close to the large air horn opening.

You can make a simple tool out of a old leaf spring. You need to fashion a flat spoon shape on the end of the spring leaf. Figure out how far back from the opening you require, heat up the spring with a torch and bend a 90 degree bend into the leaf.

You can use this new tool two different ways during the metal working process. Mount the spring in a vise and use it as a dolly inside the air cleaner. Or build a 2 by 4 and plywood fixture to hold the air cleaner upside down and use the new spoon dolly to work the dent through the air horn opening.

If you go the "welded stud" route, you will end up with a bunch of small raised dents. The new spoon dolly will help you work down these small dents.

The idea is to straighten the dent as simple as possible, without causing more work.

Just another thought,
John
 

bronkenn

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Southeast Ohio
Have a Paintless dent removal guy get that out. Ask your local car dealer for a reference. He will make it look good and won't cost too much.
 

Pa PITT

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Jul 15, 2005
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Stephenville TEXAS
MY Thought also ... Go to one of the Hail Dent repair guys & get then to take it our .All the tools those guys have..& They can do almost anything .
.......2nd thought is jus ask if some member had a nicer one than your. SOME Member may give you one . Next member may say my Bronco is Ruff Turd But my air cleaner in great ... Send me yours & I'll send you mine .O3rd member may say I've got one for $25.00
 

Pa PITT

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Jul 15, 2005
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11,252
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Stephenville TEXAS
Is that a 6 CYL ONE. OR is it a V8.
LOOKED 6 CYL TO ME.
i DID HAVE ONE That I wanted to make a wall clock out of. But I don't remember seeing it lately .
Back when I sold the 'EL DIABLO ROJO !... I may have given it with all those parts.
 
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