Advice on removing dent from the tank of a vintage Schwinn Jaguar..thanks!

[bikemonkey]

I am restoring this '59 Schwinn Jaguar and am thinking that using a soft rubber hammer over a block of Styofoam will be the best way to improve the appearance..ideas? http://i.imgur.com/3wDU2FT.jpg

 

[Oilit]

I remember seeing a video somewhere, maybe Youtube, guy was hammering sheet metal supported on a sand bag. People post all kinds of how-to videos on YouTube.

 

[bikemonkey]

That's an excellent tip! Thanks so much!

 

[kwoodyh]

Harbor freight sells a small hand size leather shot filled bag that is perfect if you can get to both sides of the dent. If it's just a soft dent and not a crease in the tin, hammer and dolly work is much easier on vintage sheet metal it will usually return to it's original shape.

 

[kwoodyh]

I am restoring this '59 Schwinn Jaguar and am thinking that using a soft rubber hammer over a block of Styofoam will be the best way to improve the appearance..ideas? http://i.imgur.com/3wDU2FT.jpg

Here's how I did it on a fender. 1st picture the offending dent.

 

[kwoodyh]

Next picture is the same dent but the surface has been cleaned a bit and it is from the other direction, this dent is almost a crease.

 

[kwoodyh]

My tools.

 

[kwoodyh]

Dent from the underside. I mark the peak with a paint pen.

 

[kwoodyh]

Trusty homemade wooden mallet and the shot filled leather bag from Harbor Freight, and after a couple of well aimed smacks. A picture of the little bike the fender goes on.