How to best fix dent in passenger side of fleetside 66 bed?

[msg]

First time tackling a dent like this, is there a way to remove the passenger side bed panel to try and fix this dent?




So I began by sanding the area




Then I tried using the welding dent puller gun that I bought at HF and the pins kept popping out when I tried using the body slide hammer tool and it left holes.



I guess the dent is so extreme that the dent weld puller wont help much.
I had better results when I placed a 2x4 inside the panel and used the bed frame for leverage and popped it out better






I think if I can get the panel off I can hammer/dolly it and maybe salvage the panel vs a new one.

I ordered a cd iof the 1966 assembly manual but it will take a few days to get here.
I see some bolts that face the cab that will I think begin to loosen the panel but the rest I cant seem to figure out.

[69chevytrucker]

should come off bolts in front and around wheel well maybe a spot weld or 2 by the bottom by the tailgate

[LVPhotos]

With a dent like that we start with Port-o-power to push out off frame. Some rental shops carry this seen parts store have one or Harbor Freight. Then use stud gun.

[LostMy65]

I did read somewhere in these forums that you're not supposed to start pulling from the center of a dent. - The rule of thumb is; " first in, last out".

[Captainfab]

Even if you do remove the bedside from the box, the inner panel will still be attached. I would remove the trim at the top of the dent, and start working the dent from there. But then again, I'm no pro body man.

[fleetsidelarry]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I did read somewhere in these forums that you're not supposed to start pulling from the center of a dent. - The rule of thumb is; " first in, last out".

X2

also, the metal is now stretched (more surface area), so it won't just pop back out to its original shape. in addition to pushing, pulling, hammering, and cussing, you're going to have to shrink its overall area back down some. there are techniques for that. I can't say I've mastered the process but have done it

[flynn]

you might want to post this in the paint and body section. lots of talent there

[ol_skool_chevy]

tack weld washers and pull with a slide hammer....I have fixed a lot worse...that's not bad

[msg]

I would remove the trim at the top of the dent, and start working the dent from there.

Did just as you said Captain, thanks!

the metal is now stretched (more surface area), so it won't just pop back out to its original shape. in addition to pushing, pulling, hammering, and cussing, you're going to have to shrink its overall area back down some. there are techniques for that.

Thanks Fleetsidelarry, I looked into the shrinking and tried using a heating torch and its been helping.

you might want to post this in the paint and body section. lots of talent there

I think youre right Flynn, I was thinking originally about removing the panel and thougth the 1060-66 crowd would be beter to ask.
Now that its more body q's I did start a new thread here
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6750988

Thanks for the help everybody!