Headlight door dent - is it a do-it-yourself fix?

[Mugwump]

I've got a nice little dent in my '69 Ranger headlight door:



I'm wondering if this is something I can tap out myself, with some patience... or should I take it to a pro? Or should I just replace it with a new one for some 90 bucks? If I do that, I'll need to get both sides since the other one's faded a bit.

Any advice is appreciated!

[1971ford]

i have a few of those size dents in my 69's buckets. im just going to replace with used and paint the black again if needed.
MY 71's buckets were faded alot, so i rattle canned them and the look new now.

I have this same question though for the actually grille, i have a dent that size and wondering what to do about it.

[fordman]

you might be able to get some of that out. but probably not all of it. i have tried with what i have. and i havent had any luck.

[basketcase0302]

a new one for some 90 bucks?

Does DC have these?

Thanks,

Basketcase

[MadMaxetc]

That is fixable, but you will need to polish it, and to do that you will have to remove the anodizing (spelling?)

Then when you finish polishing that one, the grille and the other one will look like crap so you will have to do them too!

[fordman]

yes dc has them. and they are high dollar

[bugser]

Anyone with the time, patience, and proper tools can fix that.


Which is why mine look like crap.

[Mugwump]

Does DC have these?

Yeah, I found them on P.39 for $75 ea.

That is fixable, but you will need to polish it, and to do that you will have to remove the anodizing (spelling?)

Then when you finish polishing that one, the grille and the other one will look like crap so you will have to do them too!

Well, that's been the plan anyway, so that doesn't scare me too much. The grille definitely needs a polish and fresh clearcoat.

I'm figuring that I might as well take a crack at it - nothing to lose really...

[fordman]

use wood tools on it. metal tools will mash it faster.

[Mugwump]

I'm busy tryin to find a tiny body hammer and dollies.... anybody have a source for those?

fordman - by wood tools, do you mean made out of wood, or intended for woodworking?

[fordman]

a piece of wood. like a home made deal the shape of the form of the bezel.

[James72]

A chopped off broom handle works amazingly well, they are usually a good hard wood

[foghorn]

Go to your local auto paint source and get some wood paint sticks they will work just fine for hammering the dent back out. Just make sure to check your work very often as you can go to far with it. I would start the sanding process with 220-240 on blocks. I myself like using wood blocks sand paper wrapped around the paint paddle works super or a 1x2.
You can use a stapler to fasten several layers on the 1x2 and rip them off as they dull. From the 220-240 then go to 400 then 600 then 800 then finish up with 1000 or 1500 then polish it will come out mirror smooth. If you have a bench grinder it works better but you can use buffing wheels on a drill also. i am posting pics of what im using on my camper sides.






Foggy

[foghorn]

Guess i could show you how its comming out huh.








Foggy

[Mugwump]

WOW! That's looking sweet, Foggy! How long has that taken you so far? Last time I saw it there were icicles hangin off it!