Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

I have a very nice 31 radiator shell except for a dent up on top near the radiator fill. Unfortunately it is very visible. It is deep enough where it will have to be tapped back out. Can anyone give me the sequence of events on how to tap out the dent, finish sand (paper grades, etc.) and polish to a final surface?

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Light taps! us a body hammer, I use one with a pick, not a claw or ball-peen. a file across the top will show high and low spots. You may want to take it to a stainless repair guy if you have never done it before, or at least practice on some scrap that is similar.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

My theory on this is likely different than others but a dent is usually stretched metal. Tapping with a hammer doesn't really remove the dent, -but instead it rearranges the metal. Some will find this acceptable in applications where some type of filler is used however in this situation, you really need to shrink the dent (stretched metal) out.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

The different kinds of dents require different techniques and tools with what to remove the dents with. Analyze the dent and remove it slowly while analyzing the results of every move that you make. The polished worked area will only be as good as your metal preparation. A body hammer and dolly are your friendly tools. There is a lot more to this than first meets the eye.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

So, if I may further the question. I agree, the metal is stretched and you will likely chase the dent around and just be aggravated. Would a little heat, then quench shrink the metal? Also, with heat, isn't there a risk of "blueing" the stainless steel? Thanks for the following lessons.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

I agree 100% with those above who have said that the metal is stretched and on how they say to remove the dent. I'd add one thing: If there is a definite spot where the the impact that caused the dent has left a mark. That is where the damaged originated so that is where I'd place the first shrink. Get that right and the rest of the repair is nearly done.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Stainless is a soft metal easily worked. Practice on some scrap first. The nice thing about stainless is you can bring the finish back yourself.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

We've used a dent removal specialist to remove dents in various projects including a painted head light bucket, Model A doors and modern cars. He uses specialized bumping tools that require repeated tapping to work out the dents and one cannot find where the dent was if the paint isn't cracked. Perhaps worth checking with someone in your area.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

If you have no experience and have a very nice late 31 radiator shell except for one small dent please take it to an expert for repair. That kind of radiator shell is hard to come by. If you are determined to try a repair find an old junk shell and put a dent in it just like the one in your shell. Then you can do your thing and you will find out if you should work on yours.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Ed in Maine,send it out to a pro,the metal is probably stretched and you might make it worse if you do not have the experience.Just my opinion.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

It is simple you either beat it out and file it smooth and hope you do not cut through or you know enough metalworking to know how to properly get the dent out.

A picture may help people tell you which way you have to go.

Really stainless is not so simple to get right. There are a lot of ways to mess it up. I know I spent the time and money learning. You need the right buffing equipment plus you need to spend a lot more money then you think to get the right sanding supplies.

Contrary to what what said above, stainless is hard. It is thin so it is easy to make move, but sanding it is nothing like working regular sheetmetal. As pointed out the stainless dent is likely stretched and will require shrinking at the point. If it is deep some annealing happens too to help the moving. Being the metal is thin you need to be able to move the metal pretty close to the correct spot. No filling allowed and you need to sand down the high spots. Done wrong it gets real thin and you will NEVER get it right. Yes, I know from experience. I have a bunch of 'junk' shells I learned on before I tackled the good one. Even then I managed to mess up some.

Oh, then keep in mind you might have to buff out the whole shell so your repair does not look so much better. If you do not have a real buffer I can tell you that you will be very busy for days.

If you have a good shell with no cracks your best money hands down is to get it to a guy that has a great reputation and let him do the work. It would be worth every penny of the $300 or $400 I believe it costs.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Great answers but no one has said how to shrink the metal. Heating is not an answer unless you know how much to heat it and where and all of the rest of the steps to bringing the metal back to it's original shape. This stuff is thin and will heat very fast and maybe to much. Jack

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

I am not sure about radiator shells but I have reworked stainless car parts over the years and found it easy to work with. The hard part is the finish, Removing tool marks. It takes time and the final buffing is a pain but not difficult.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Google and lot's of practice BEFORE you try it on the shell.

Also, Fill up some old socks with sand to back up the dent when "TAPPING" out the dent.

Regards
Bill

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

I would go see a paintless dent guy first.

They push (massage) the dents out.

This method cold shrinks the metal back into place.

I had a black PT cruiser that got hit hard with hail.

65 dents all up, and he got everyone one except for just one I could just see, and i have a good eye.

The car rental people hate me,

They give me a rental damage sheet to sign off, and I go out , take a quick whip around the car and come back in and tell them about all the extra dents and damage NOT on their sheet.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Thank you all for your comments, Ed

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

This has been a very informative thread! I hv a 30 shell that is pretty good except for the bb dents next to the emblem hole. How would one get those out? Probably not me by the way.

Thanks,

Mike

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

I have read all the replies to this thread so far and I'm still looking for an answer to a question I have. How do you shrink a stretched dent out of a model A radiator shell? I have repaired a few shells with good results. I also know someone who does it professionaly. I asked him if it was possible to shrink stainless and he said no. If someone with alot of experience in this area could clue us in on this shrinking I would like to learn how it is done.

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Any material made of atoms will shrink and expand as there is the space between the atoms. compress them too much too fast and that is an atomic bomb. I have removed dents with a pick and file, the file takes off the excess "stretch"

Re: Removing dents from a 31 Radiator Shell
 

Your thread is like all the others and I'm still asking the same question. How do you shrink a stretched dent out of a model A radiator shell?