First-time body work project . . . advise please

[Tom C.]

I've noticed the under body on my 69E has taken a beating over the years from ill-placed floorjacks/jackstands. So the area of interest is right under the torsion bar/spring plate mounting location where the metal has colapsed about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Since this looks to be impossible to access from the other-side which means I can't just hammer it out . . . it seems that I need a dent puller/slide hammer to remove the dent. So my list of questions are . . .

Is a dent puller the right tool for the job?

If so I need a welder for the draw pins, which welder would be best for this simple job? (I've never welded before)

Can someone recommend a 'dent puller' kit for this job?

Cost of these tools is a factor . . . I just need something that is good enough to do this job and satisfy my interest in learning a little bit about body work.

Thanks for your feedback,

[evilfij]

It is probably rusty behind the dent.

[Tom C.]

Ok, but there are no signs of rust anywhere near the area and the indentation (dent) is very solid.

Help me understand why it would be rusty?

BTW, do you have any advise/suggestions regarding my questions? I could use some experience here.

Regards,

[robmog]

tom
that is a common area for rust to form,
especially if your rockers have holes.
if you've stripped the undercoat and see no rust its probably ok.
aside from cosmetics, why do you think its necessary to fix?
you can get a stud welder for about $100 on ebay, often it will include the slide hammer

[Tom C.]

Your right, pulling dents out of the undercarriage it rather dumb. But my thinking is that it would be a great opportunity to learn a little bit from doing some body work. And best of all, it's not in an area that I have to worry a bit about the finish and it's not like I can make it any worse than it already is.

So a stud welder will do the draw pins . . . and then the slide hammer to pull the dent.

I think I can do that.

Any recommendations on a stud welder?

Thanks,

[robmog]

here you go.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1609&itemType=PRODUCT

[Tom C.]

Hey Bob . . . thanks for the help.

I'll check that out.

[BReyes]

May want to post a pic. Did you know sometimes a tool that resembles a T handle with a small bend at the tip works without needing to use a dent puller. Drill 1/8 hole insert the little tip with the bend and pull the dent, weld up the tiny hole and prep.

Regards,

[kycarguy 935]

Harbor Freight makes one also for around $100.00. Not sure of the quality but the case looks like the Eastwood model except HF model is yellow.

I just looked and it's on sale right now for $94.99 on page 12 good until 7.21.08

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/tabviewer/startBrowseBook.do?bookid=212&preview=&type=RET&si mple=

[Tom C.]

I would never thought HF would have such a tool.

I'll check them out . . .

Will also post some pic's of my progress as soon as I can.

Right now I'm just getting the car back on the road again after a motor/trans/suspension rebuild. Really anxious to just drive the car again after a 3 month project.

Thanks for all the help.

[berettafan]

HF is exactly the sort of place i'd buy a stud welder.

keep in mind you'll have undercoating to replace if you do any welding under the car.