Lancia Beta Forum

I've got a couple of dents that were already there when I got the car from its first owner in 1994.

I've never done anything about them because it looked like too much hard work ;D

The first is in the front wing just behind the headlamp area – it is a double panel, so can't seem to get access to push it out. Has anyone tried one of those panel "suckers" to pull dents out?

The second is a crease in the lower front of the door – visible just above the rear of the tyre in this pic
(http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/50874/2939664770103429640S600x600Q85.jpg)

Hopefully this one can be reached if the door panel is removed. Any tips on how to remove it? Is it clipped on at the edges?

I've used one of those dent pulling kits where you use a bridge and glue the puller to the dent screwing it out to pull the dent with patience they work quite well but not perfect best with smooth shallow dents. have you asked a dent master to have a look? it is amazing what they can achieve

I was hoping to have a try myself. A specialist would be an option, of course...

Anyone know a good source for these dent puller kits?

Hi

Having had experience of one of these guys who are normally mobile and come to you, I would spend my money on them. Without the experience I would be surprised if you can get the job done as well as them and in the time they take.

I would suggest you contact a local garage and ask them who they can recommend.

Of course if you wish to learn about it, then that is a different matter of course and the best of luck to you, sadly I have no comment on what is best to use.

Peter

I would agree if it is just one put two dents the cost will not be too high and they have lots of  tools to  reach behind panels through small holes. I've used the diy version on our zt which tbh isnt worth enough to spend any proper cash on except when out conks out and I really have to

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The first dent you mention won't be easy to pull out- if it is near to the front edge of the wing. There is a lot of curvature there in different directions which makes it very difficult to remove dents. If it is further back into the wing area you stand a better chance. Post a pic so I can see- as a time served spray painter/bodywork man I can advise you.
The second dent that you have pictured- this looks like it might have been caused by strong winds catching the open door and pushing it into the trailing edge of the wing. This is extremely common on these cars because the device that hold the door from doing what I've just described is quite weak and prone to failure. You must check it before doing anything about the crease- it could just happen again. Even if it wasn't caused by that it's not an easy thing to 'pull' out, a crease. Never very successful- usually involves filling and repainting which then shows up the rest of the car when it's done, especially on a dark colour... so then you start thinking about a full respray... bodywork... it can all get out of hand really quickly!! Lol.

Andrew.

It is hard to get a pic in the dark. Flash doesn't work so well on a black car!
I've highlighted it with the arrow. It's only small but it really catches the light and disturbs out of all proportion!
(http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/49832/2856670580103429640S600x600Q85.jpg)

Yes, I'm sure that is the case. I saw that the door retainer dosen't work properly – but can't see how it should work...

Another couple of views

From above :(
(http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/49425/2602190660103429640S600x600Q85.jpg)


From below
(http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/49634/2760044340103429640S600x600Q85.jpg)


That's exactly what I feared... it is a only cosmetic issue and I can't really justify expensive remedies given the (lack of) value of the car.

the first dent I would have thought a dent master would sort quite well and a lot cheaper than repainting the crease on the door is probably too bad once there's a crease in the metal it's a bodyshop job usually.

Thanks :)

Agreed 100%.

A crease like that can be extremely difficult to fix- the metal will be sticking out at the leading edge of the door and it's very difficult to make it all line up again. Most bodyshops these days would just fit another door. A 'classic-friendly' shop would fix it for you for, at a very rough guess, around £200 to £250 providing the skin hasn't left the door frame and the rust hasn't got in there..

Andrew.