Removing dent without backside access

[HiCotton]

So I have this dent in the roof of this cab. No access behind it due to the inner “ceiling” panel. What do you guys recommend for trying to get this back out. It does not have to be perfect as I am still bodyworking. So I will use filler to smooth out if need be. Just wondering what my best approach is.

 

[Grit dog]

I’m no pro by any means but if it’s not just oil canning (those dents that will just pop in or out easily) then presuming you don’t have a stud gun or the adhesive version, tack weld a few studs to it. Small all thread or #9 wire etc. something you can makeshift a slide hammer on and attempt to pop it back out.

 

[Doppleganger]

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/oil-canning-in-driver-door-at-handle.40738/page-2#post-859857

 

[Ricko1966]

IMHO the only thing that looks it's holding that dent is the crease at the very back above the window try welding some rod along that back edge and pulling up gradually with vise grips from either side of center one side the other working towards center. You can make a simple bridge with some scraps of wood to pry up with diagnose cutters if needed. Then I think the rest will massage up working the perimeter with pressure from the inside work in a horse shoe shape starting at the front working the outside edges first. Do not smack the center. You still may end up oil canning in which case you will have to shrink the metal. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

 

[HiCotton]

I’m no pro by any means but if it’s not just oil canning (those dents that will just pop in or out easily) then presuming you don’t have a stud gun or the adhesive version, tack weld a few studs to it. Small all thread or #9 wire etc. something you can makeshift a slide hammer on and attempt to pop it back out.

Was my exact plan, just wanted to make sure there wasn’t something easier I was missing.

 

[vr1967]

May not work in your case, due to access (may could come in thru the interior light hole) but would tools like this work? The Blue and black handled rods in lower part.

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[HiCotton]

Gave it hell and it just wouldn’t pop up all together. So I have some lows to work with after blast/epoxy, but no big deal. Made a makeshift slide hammer. Thanks for everyone’s tips.

 

[hogdaddy]

A little heat may help if the metal is stretched and needs to be shrunk back.

 

[BadBowtie]

No rear cargo light ??

 

[Radiohead]

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I have nonsense like this on both sides

 

[Ricko1966]

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I have nonsense like this on both sides

Remember to look at your dents hard. The last place that bent is where you start working. Where the damage started is where you end. And DO NOT START IN THE MIDDLE of a dent.

 

[HiCotton]

No rear cargo light ??

No sir. Zero access with this cab.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I have a similar issue on the roof of my truck. I may see if one of those places that does paintless dent removal can get it out

 

[sidschev]

i bought a whole truck once just to cut out the straight metal and weld those into the dents i cut out. lots of spot welding but i
all the dents were on bad corners