Hayk

iTrader: (1)

The previous owner explained to me that somebody backed in his car in a parking lot. Well the dent was a real eye sore, and even though the car was in a good shape mechanically, the exterior is what most people judge the most.

I bought the Wel-Bilt 1600W Heatgun from NorthernTool.com for $30, but you can get it on Amazon for $22 with free shipping. I'm definitely satisfied with its performance.



I removed the bumper in order to get better access to the rear of the dent. I then heated the area for about 5 minutes and pushed the dent out with a wet sponge - very simple. The hardest part was putting the bumper back on the car, but I was working alone. I also decided to sand down the rusty parts of the dented metal and covered them up with some touch-up paint. I didn't have the right one (last minute decision), so I just bought the closest match from my local auto parts store. My paint code is 051, and this was Toyota 045, if I recall correctly. You really have to stare at it in order to see the difference, so I'm happy.


This is obviously not a permanent fix, but with school and work, it'll have to do for now. Well enough talk, here are the pictures.

Bumper Removed


Before


After


Before


After


Before (before I bought it)


After (no more pinstripes)


p.s.: The corner taillights were replaced by the previous owner. They are from the 2000-2001 model year, but I actually like the overall look.

lexuslivin

Nice job! Is there a reason you chose this route to getting one of those paintless dent repair guys?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Yeah it was cost. My first priority was fixing up all the mechanicals, then doing all the maintenance, then cleaning out the interior, and finally dealing with the exterior. I still have have the rear sway bar to deal with, then I gotta change my transmission fluid, and I need to replace my radio lights.

I'll let a professional fix up the dent and paint it in the future. I just wanted to stop the corrosion and make it look halfway decent.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

nice work. Is there no access to the top corner from the trunk? I don't recall it...

When my car was boinked by someone in a parking lot i took at 2x4 from the inside the trunk and straightened it out! [the crease]

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

There is, I just don't want to completely butcher it.

download

Good job!
If I were you, will try to hammer with something soft (like wood) from inside.
And use some thinner to wipe out the scratches.