[husker boxster]

Agree with CGNeil, I would do #3 also.

There are a couple of issues with using a screw with a slide hammer. The big issue is what do you do with all the holes when you're done? If you just cover them with bondo, you run the possibility of moisture getting in there and rotting it out. Based on its location, there will be a lot of water hitting the area and rocks could chip bondo and expose a hole. You might be able to abate this by re-applying the rubber gravel guard after you complete the repair.

Issue #2 is using a screw tends to create an 'outtie' dimple around the screw hole and you have to deal with the dimple - either tapping it down and taking a chance that it caves the area back in or grind it down and increase the size of the hole or build the outside area around the dimple up with bondo. In a perfect world, you'd want the screw hole to be the low spot so the bondo has a better chance of adhering to it. If the hole is the high spot, you won't be able to fill the area as well. It will always be the high spot since it will be impossible to flatten it out.

Some options:
1. If you have a body shop that would do this for you, I would grind the area down to bare metal and have the body shop weld pins onto it. They shouldn't charge a lot to do that and then you could do the rest of the repair. Then you grind the pins off and don't have holes to deal with. They should know how many and where to place them to give you the best chance of pulling the dent. If you need more, grind the old ones off and return for a 2nd batch.

2. If you go the screw route, have the body shop weld the holes shut. Then you'll have a sealed area, which is important considering the location of the repair.

I try to think about taking the best approach for this repair, but then I remember it's almost a 20 yr old car and the repair doesn't have to look excellent for the next 20 yrs. Hope I've sparked some ideas.