Dent Repair - Opinion Needed

[bjereb]

Was hoping for some advice.

I have a 997.1 that has a small dent in the drivers side rear fender, just above the rear wheel. I have had 2 different paintless dent removal guys look at the dent. There is no direct access to the dent. One recommendation is to drill a 3/8 inch hole in the wheel well to provide access and then plug the hole after the process is complete. The second recommedation is to access the dent by taking the interior rear side panel off (and any other trim in order to access area). My question is which is the best option? I don't drive the car in thwinter - but would still be concerned about rust if a hole were drilled in the wheel well. Alternatively, is taking the interior panel/trim far more involved and what is the likelyhood of rattles once the interior is put back in place?

Interested in any opinions?

thanks,

bob

[PAULSPEED]

I would pull the interior wheel trim off. You can

still drive the car without the trim. I would not drive it on

a rainey day. Then take it for a dent estimate.

Paul

[bjereb]

Thanks Paul. I am leaning towards the interior route - so I'm glad to hear you're think the same way. How involved is it to pull the ineterior trim? Is there a diagram/manual available?

Thanks,

bob

[PAULSPEED]

Here is a picture.

Part 7 is the rear.

Not a very big piece. Take the wheel off to get to it.

Send us a picture of the dent location.

Paul

[bjereb]

Thanks Paul!

Here's a pic of the dent. It's the driver's side rear wheel fender. So you would recommend drilling a hole through the wheel well instead of taking off the inetreior trim. Any concerns

about rust - even though they would plug the 3/8 access hole?

Thanks again,

bob

[PAULSPEED]

I can see what you mean. The plastic cover is lower

and does not help. I can also feel two pieces of

steel (exterior and wheel liner).

The only choice is to drill and pull. This will reduce

the amount of bondo needed.

Paul

[bjereb]

Thanks Paul.

The body shop at the dealership recommended taking off the liner and drilling an access hole for the dent wizard process. Then fill the hole with a plug and replace the liner. The liner would cover the plug - but as I mentioned - just conerned with rust developing.

[PAULSPEED]

I do not know where you live so I would get

the details on the plug liner. You could get the plug

welded and then add the sealer to cover up the weld.

Chances are that you will get rust somewhere else

then the plug. You can be safe and tar coat the plug

after the work is done.

Paul

[bjereb]

Still debating options. Do you think if I pulled the rear speaker out - I could gain access to the location of the dent? Live in Northern Ohio. Car is garaged in the winter - but still don't like the idea of a plug!

thanks!

[1schoir]

Still debating options. Do you think if I pulled the rear speaker out - I could gain access to the location of the dent? Live in Northern Ohio. Car is garaged in the winter - but still don't like the idea of a plug!

thanks!

You can drill a hole in the inner wheel well without worrying about rust developing later on. Once the hole is drilled, clean the area around the hole, paying special attention to the edges of the hole and then paint the hole with a few small dabs of POR-15. Guaranteed not to rust. If the dent guy is going to stick one of his tools in the hole, be sure to recoat the edges of the hole after he is all done, prior to putting the plug on there permanently.

Regards, Maurice.

[goldenwarrior1]

You can also spot weld a small metal rod to the center of the dent then use a body hammer to slowly work the dent up to the surface. When satisfied, grind the rod flush and then finish as you would any normal body repair. No holes in anything!

[bjereb]

Thanks for the info guys! Feel alot better about the wheel well / drill hole option. Just out of curiosity, is there access through the interior if the rear speaker is pulled out?

Regards,

bjereb

[PAULSPEED]

No Access.

Removing the rear bose speaker will only get you to

the main computer.

Removing the rear side door speaker will not

help either.

Paul

[bjereb]

Thanks Paul - get's that settles my debate!