The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop roof on panel truck bent down

The roof on my 62 panel truck was bent down by a tree limb years ago before I bought it. One guy told me to jack it back up in place and then take a torch and heat it up out at the end of dent, and it should stay there. Any suggestions on this I am a upholsterer not a auto body man. Thanks Tom

Tom....If you can post some pics,some of the 'metal bumping' gurus may be able to offer some of their wisdom.

Unfortunately when metal dents,it also stretches so adding heat may add to the problem.

Sit tight someone will chime in soon!

Jock.

You will need to post some pictures. If the metal is stretched,it can be shrunk with heat, but if you have never done it before your roof is the worst place possible to start learning. "Jacking it out" can cause more damage than you already have too if done incorrectly. You have to reverse the damage and if you are not sure how to do it better have someone look at it for you.

Hi Tom,

A book called The Key to Metal Bumping by Frank T. Sargent was a big help to me. He talks about first formulating a repair plan and determining the difference between direct and indirect damage. An experienced metal worker can gently reverse the direct damage and in so doing the indirect damage will flex back to normal shape. Way easier said than done though.

If you have never done body work, as was mentioned earlier, the roof is probably the most difficult place to learn. If the vehicle is worth it, I would recommend taking it to a professional to have it done, and practice dent removal procedures on fenders.

Thanks for the replies. I am not touching it myself. I guess I need to call the pros. Tom

If you can post a couple pictures I may be able to give you an idea what you are up against as far as repairing it. I have been in the auto body & insurance business all my life & probably can give you a good idea from a few good pictures.