TheSamba.com :: View topic - Thinking out Loud

Sat Feb 15, 2025 12:11 am

8 November 2024 Ruby was involved in a hit and run by the then tenant of the next apartment. A lot of strange things have transpired, but I finally have an estamate from my insurance company, which differs significantly from walk in price of what I thought a reputable shop (Google reviews show work on classic vehicles yet told my instance company they don't).

The right front fender has a crease and is buckled at the top of the fender lip with about 4mm outward of the front corner where it meets the front apron. Jacob was backing out and slid along, so no damage to the chassis, therefore, no hidden damage (I been wet sanding to get to know the fender better).

Looking at the price of tools, for about half the settlement I could get set of hammer and dollies, tin filler kit, and a porta pak. Meaning, could not only get the fender repaired, get other repairs done, and money towards something else. More importantly, get to learn more how to do bodywork (did a little long ago).

Am I being smart about this or should I instead have a shop do the work? If I take the cash settlement it means I have to pay out of pocket if change my mind.

By the way, not looking for Pebble Beach concourse, just not noticeable to most folks, if not to a fellow connisour in the community. Still not decided what to do about the bare metal.

Thanks in advance! :D

Sat Feb 15, 2025 3:20 am

it's hard to picture the damage so the best thing would be to post a photo of the area in question.
at risk of throwing in more variables to ponder - would replacing the fender with a good used one be an option?

Sat Feb 15, 2025 8:59 am

finster wrote: it's hard to picture the damage so the best thing would be to post a photo of the area in question.

Thank you, I will take some this morning and post later.

finster wrote: at risk of throwing in more variables to ponder - would replacing the fender with a good used one be an option?

I definitely would consider that. However, it took almost five years to find one fender, not seen any front right fenders. Trouble is no one is willing to ship body parts even UShip (which one can get great rates for bulky and/or heavy items). My current struggle is finding a late 1964 only decklid; been over a month without displaying a plate.

Sat Feb 15, 2025 12:11 pm

Here are the pictures of the damage, if need more, please let me know.

Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:24 am

that doesn't look too bad. I would be tempted to press the dent out using a G clamp and block(s) of wood. I've crudely drawn the idea onto your photo. you will need a block of wood on the outside that straddles the dent and wind the clamp to push the dent against it, you might need a small block of wood on the inside too. work from the ends of the dent towards the center and don't try to do it in one or two goes, clamp a bit then check and repeat. hopefully this will remove the worst of it and you might need to hammer and dolly the edge back into line.

Sun Feb 16, 2025 8:34 pm

finster wrote: that doesn't look too bad. I would be tempted to press the dent out using a G clamp and block(s) of wood. I've crudely drawn the idea onto your photo. you will need a block of wood on the outside that straddles the dent and wind the clamp to push the dent against it, you might need a small block of wood on the inside too. work from the ends of the dent towards the center and don't try to do it in one or two goes, clamp a bit then check and repeat. hopefully this will remove the worst of it and you might need to hammer and dolly the edge back into line.

Actually, I think this be more of a help to where it buckled. Clamp a body spoon to one side, the clamp right on the buckle, heat the crease with a torch, and shrink. Though still try clamping the lower as why not try it. I have blocks of wood for my floor jack, just don’t have a C clamp.