After Jerry explained the basics of removing a major dent such as the one in our '86 Dodge's bedside, he transferred our Mopar project truck into the capable hands of Mike Gaucher to perform the actual work. As he was beginning to start on our Dodge, Mike reiterated what Jerry explained to us: "The first step is to identify the point of impact on the dent, then determine where to begin the reversal process."
Next, Mike pointed out that the first mistake amateurs usually make is to start with a dent puller such as the slide-hammer or Spitzenagel instead of attempting to access the dent from behind and cautiously (as in gently) push the dent out. Mike removed the taillight, and luckily it gave him full access to push the dent out in stages with a Porta-Power on the inside while gently tapping on the crown of the dents on the outside. With the dents almost completely removed, there were still creases in the bedside's sheetmetal. This is where the Spitzenagel came into play. Mike spot-welded the copper nails directly into the creases at 1 inch intervals across the entire length of each dent. Then, based on experience, he determined from which end to "walk" the tension out of the dent to release the sheetmetal panel's memory, allowing it to resume its original shape.
In next month's Custom Classic Trucks, based on what we were taught by the crew at Paint 'N' Place, we will reveal to our valued readers how anyone with half an idea of what they are doing can use a Spitzenagel to successfully pop out parking lot dents-don't miss it!
 With the Porta-Power still...  With the Porta-Power still applying pressure to the bedside, Mike tapped lightly on the dent's crown with a body hammer. |
 Next, he used a shrinking...  Next, he used a shrinking hammer (pick) to knock the high spots down in the dent's origin to relieve pressure and begin to restore the metal's memory. |
 From there, Mike returned...  From there, Mike returned with the pneumatic body grinder and ground away from the origin,... |