When I got my truck, the roof was partially caved in, with a few creases. I managed to get it mostly back to the right contour, but it has a serious oil-can toward the rear just right of center. I sent a PM to Robert (MPandC) for some advice, seeing as he's the guru for all things metal. He was kind enough to call me and talk me through how to fix it after I send him a few photos and videos. His advice was to try and define the extent of the oil can, mark the perimeter of it (where it doesn't move) and then push around the perimeter with a thumb to find spots that were "locked" (not able to make the oil can move). He also advised using a donut dolly to shrink the numerous lumps (showing as dark spots where the primer is sanded off) I made I pushing it back into shape, saying that I had probably stretched the metal. He also talked me thru his trick of using a magnet to locate spots on the opposite side of a panel so the dolly can be positioned correctly.
Robert, if I messed up translating what you told me, feel free to correct me.
Anyway,
HERE are some photos and videos that I pointed Robert at. I laid a strip of sheet metal across the roof, first near the front, then moving it back a bit for more photos. I also used the strip laid front to back on the right of center. That highlights the low spots in the roof. The low spot just behind center can be pushed upward with very little pressure from underneath, but the high spot right and rear of center takes some pressure to cycle the oil can.
If anyone else has suggestions, please weigh in. I plan on updating this as I work through it, hopefully getting it straight so I can move forward with paint. I'm sure there are other cabs out there that have a caved-in roof, and if my efforts can help someone else, that would be a good thing.
