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My 2001 RX300 has a small dent above the front wheel. It's located like the middle of
inserted picture.
I was quoted $350 to fix it but it appears if I can access the metal from inside, I can just knock it to go back to the original area easily. The problem is plastic cover that blocks me from touching the metal. Is it easy to open (maybe just a few screws in that area) it if I take the wheel out.
I've never takes the wheel well cover off but it seems worth a try. Feel in behind it first and see what wires are back there and if you think you can get a hammer on the spot. Another possibility are the Pops-a-dent type tools, not too expensive, that use a suction cup to pull the dent up from the outside.
Just call the local dent wizard - they can remove small dents for $50. If you try to do it yourself, you'll probably make it worse! Unfortunately, can't see anything in the picture.
Take the wheel off and remove the liner (fairly easy to do).
If the dent is a large pushed in area gentle push from inside will pop it out. If is a small dent, then investigate "PDR' paintless dent removal. Plenty of information on the net and every city has many venues to have it done. If you want, you can call your Lexus dealer and they will tell you where to take your vehicle ... you may have to talk to the body repair (2step process).
PDR requires that the paint be not marred as they use lights to figure out what to do.
My personal advice would be dont do it yourself, live with it and then PDR. [the cost of each PDR repair gets less ex: 1 fix may be $75, two 75+50 and so on.
Those that are recommending a "dent fixer" are correct. These guys are amazing. They will also tell you what to expect. I had some dents fixed over the years and they were always honest about what they can do and not do. The only one they couldn't fix perfectly was in the tailgate of a pickup truck near a crease. The metal was too thick and the area they had to reach was very tight and hard to get to....still way better than it was. Door dings, no problems. Each dent is unique and they will give you an estimate before they start....I don't know if the estimate is still free, but it's worth a try.
Would heating the inside with a heat gun before hammering improve the result?
Heating makes the metal soft, while over heat can damage the paint.
The issue with hammer is that you are trying to form a dent from inside and are hoping that it is exactly the same as the external. Most of such repairs I have seen by novice end up leaving a hammer face edge dent and at times the metal is stretched which then is very hard to smoothen out.
That is the reason I suggested that leave it alone or go to PDR place to get it fixed. But it is your car and you are the best judge.
07-14-17, 06:23 AM
Fix a small dent by the wheel
