dent from auto accident

[rancher00]

I need info on how to remove a pretty large dent from the lower side of my 1963 Starcraft 18 holiday when I bought my boat a couple years ago the PO was in an accident where someone ran a stop sign and ran into the boat/trailer the trailer frame was repaired with new steel but I am now wondering how to remove the dent. I am going to remove and replace the floor and was wanting to remove the dent while I'm there. The dent is about the size of a basket ball and 2 inches deep. It does not affect the way the boat rides just the looks any help would ba appreciated..I have slowly been restoring and upgrading 2800$ last spring for a new power head on the 115 Johnson. now want to work on the hull.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: dent from auto accident

If it's an aluminum boat (you don't specifically say) then a good sheet metal, boat or body shop should be able to take it out for you, especially if they have access to the back side.

Aluminum likes to work harden and crack, so you'll need to anneal it, which can be tricky. You need to know the specific alloy you have so you can determine the right temp and timing. Too little temp or short a time and you get no results, too long of either and the metal can be ruined/made worse.

The easiest way to try to fix this is using a hammer and dolly set, slowly working the dent back out to the right shape. That may cause cracks and holes, or you might get lucky.

Either way if you haven't done this sort of thing before I'd recommend a pro shop do it.. it shouldn't cost too much, and they won't make mistakes most likely...

Erik

 

[Bondo]

Re: dent from auto accident

The dent is about the size of a basket ball and 2 inches deep.

Ayuh,... Is it Creased anywhere,..?? That's where it'll be hardened...
Anealing isn't to bad,+ can be done with a propane torch,...
Wipe 1 side with a lightly oiled rag,... Heat from the opposite side til it evaporates,... Let it cool,.. It's annealed...
If it takes very many Wacks to straighten, you may have to do it again...

 

[basspirate]

Re: dent from auto accident

i've done this with cars but i dont know if it would work on a boat. if the aluminum is not creased take a bathroom plunger coat the rim with vasoline push it carefully into the dent then give it a good pull. if the dent is not that bad it should pull right out. you might want to try this before spending money on a pro

 

[rancher00]

Re: dent from auto accident

The boat is alluminum and the dent is below the splash shield near the bottom where the metal is the thickest and there is no creases in it just pushed in I was thinking that maybe a hydraulic jack supported on the inside somehow might push it out thanks for all the input I have recvieved. I really dont think a bathroom plunger will work on this thick of metal these old STARCRAFTS ARE THOUGH