INTERIOR - Stainless door panel trim dent removal

Thought I'd share here, for those that don't read the restoration threads. How I went about removing dents from the stainless door panel trim, as you can't get at it directly like exterior trim pieces.
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I don't remember any high heeled guests in the back seat, so it must have been my buddy Gordy trying to throw beer bottles out the window in '80 that put the dents in the trim.

Did some thinking and came up with this "tool" to work the dents out. Made from an aluminum tube clamp strap.

Slip it in the open end and work it down to the dent.

Tool in place for dent removal.

Rock and wiggle until you're satisfied! Goal is trying to make dent slightly proud.

Fine file on the now proud dent, then 400/800/1000 and 2000. Then Brown compound on one buffer wheel and then Green on the other. Hand wiped with MAAS polishing compound and the restored on the left compared to "as removed" on the right.

Dude......your work is INCREDIBLE! I was reading another post you had about using a drill press as "just a press" where you rounded off & shaped a bolt or something to push out a trim dent. Absolutely beautiful work! I'm taking notes every post you make about this.

Very nice man. These types of posts are extremely beneficial to anyone wanting to truly restore parts but aren't sure how or think they need many expensive tools and years of mechanical skills. Being creative is half the battle when it comes to fixing anything. Sure beats just throwing re-pop crap at it. Thank you...

PurpleBeeper said:

I was reading another post you had about using a drill press as "just a press" where you rounded off & shaped a bolt or something to push out a trim dent.

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Wasn't me... at least not that I remember! What day is this...

Thanks for the comps guys, just figured I'd share it here twice. You guys really should read the restoration pages, that's where the "gold" is!

dadsbee said:

Wasn't me... at least not that I remember! What day is this...

Thanks for the comps guys, just figured I'd share it here twice. You guys really should read the restoration pages, that's where the "gold" is!

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My mistake. Basically, the other guy was pushing dents in trim out & using a drill press (drill off) to apply slow, even pressure. I believe he backed the trim with blocks of wood. He was getting REAL creative with whatever he could find that fit into the drill press chuck.....wood dowels, custom-formed bolts, stuff laying around the house.

I thought it was you because you basically said "thought about it for a while & made a tool to fit the trim"....which seems like what he did. Now I know there are TWO of you trim geniuses out there. Thank you for sharing!

way to go. great thinking and good job!! thks for pics., too.

dadsbee said:

Thought I'd share here, for those that don't read the restoration threads. How I went about removing dents from the stainless door panel trim, as you can't get at it directly like exterior trim pieces.
........

I don't remember any high heeled guests in the back seat, so it must have been my buddy Gordy trying to throw beer bottles out the window in '80 that put the dents in the trim.

Did some thinking and came up with this "tool" to work the dents out. Made from an aluminum tube clamp strap.

Slip it in the open end and work it down to the dent.

Tool in place for dent removal.

Rock and wiggle until you're satisfied! Goal is trying to make dent slightly proud.

Fine file on the now proud dent, then 400/800/1000 and 2000. Then Brown compound on one buffer wheel and then Green on the other. Hand wiped with MAAS polishing compound and the restored on the left compared to "as removed" on the right.

View attachment 700543 View attachment 700544 View attachment 700545 View attachment 700546 View attachment 700547 View attachment 700548

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Of course I just posted a question before seeing this, lol. Incredible work. I've been trying to find these pieces for both my doors. Feeling kinda dumb,,I don't even know what to call these. Any ideas? Also, the trim that surrounds the inner panel on the 68 GTX.