Should I remove box panels?

[Joah]

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We used a dent puller but just can't get it very straight. My question to the community is, should I remove the panels and attempt to straighten? Is it just a matter of unbolting the panels?

Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

[s_nova69]

an admin might just move this but I think you would get much better response in the paint and body section.

I dont know much about body work but removing the panel is probably not the way to go.

[scapegoat67]

It would help you for getting behind the damage area . Then you can take your time and hammer and dolly those dents smooooth .

[Joah]

Is it very difficult to remove the panel? Anything special I should know about?

Cheers,

[Joah]

Maybe no one has ever removed a panel on this vehicle before ...

[ray_mcavoy]

The bedside panels are held on by several bolts that attach them to the front panel, floor, wheel tubs, and rear cross sill. There are also a couple of small welds near the back holding the bedside panels to the floor & rear cross sill. So you'll have to cut those welds and remove several bolts ... not all that difficult unless the bolts are rusted.

Note that the bedside panels are of a double walled construction with the inner & outer panels held together with lots of spot welds. So even when removed from the truck, you won't have completely free and clear access to the backside of those dents. Being able to lay the bedside down flat should make it easier to reach up in there though.

[Joah]

Thank you so much for your reply, now I get to consider if I want to undertake this hard to make easy job.

Cheers,

[Joah]

I had a thought. Instead of removing the panels, which kinda doesn't make sense anyways if it is a one piece inner/outer panel: what about if I just cut the inner panels from the inside of the box. Then I could have access to place a dolly to pound the metal. Then when I'm done I can just reweld sheet metal to make the inner panels again.


Thoughts?