Posted By: Anonymous
How do you fix warped panel? - 02/19/11 04:03 AM
Have a warped panel on my door from welding a patch in and I took my time but still ended up with a warp. The warp went in and needless to say this has pissed me off. Is there a way to unwarp the panel?
Posted By: Stanton
Re: How do you fix warped panel? - 02/19/11 04:43 AM
I've seen it done with an oxy-acetylene torch ... in the expanded areas you heat a spot the size of a pencil eraser until its cherry red then you immediatly quench it with a cold wet rag. You keep doing this a couple inches apart in the high area until the panel is back in shape.
Posted By: Neil
Re: How do you fix warped panel? - 02/19/11 05:04 AM
A small propane torch can be used to shrink car sheet metal without altering the metal properties like an acetylene unit does. All that's needed is enough heat to create a little steam when its quenched.
If it's an oil can dent you can lightly poke your finger around the dent until you find the trigger spot that makes it move. Apply heat to that spot for a few seconds and then quench it. All it takes is a few seconds even with the torch turned down. The steel will get hot enough to make the metal move long before it starts turning red or blue.
If the dent is fixed and doesn't pop in and out then maybe it can be raised up by hammering on or off dolly, assuming it can be accessed from both sides.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: How do you fix warped panel? - 02/19/11 09:49 PM
Tried the torch trick and no luck.
Posted By: Neil
Re: How do you fix warped panel? - 02/19/11 11:59 PM
How nany times did you do it? It takes more than one shot.
I removed an oil can dent from one of my brother's hoods using a propane torch. It took awhile, but I was able to bring it within 1/16" of being prefectly flat, and it didn't pop in and out when you touched it.
Can you shrink it with a pick hammer and a dolly?
There are several guys on here who do bodywork for a living so maybe one of them will read your post and help you out.