Could you elaborate on the process used to flatten out the panel using a torch?
Glad to, Crumley. Though not, per say, any kind of bodyman. Just do what I have to.
Just describing how I did that trunk lid, will probably answer most of your questions, I hope. And, I'll add, I've only done this on larger flat areas, on shallow, but fairly large dents. If they'd quit dancing on the things, wouldn't be needed!
Only flame/heat I had was a propane torch, and used the biggest tip I had. As I'm guessing you already know, all a dent is, equals stretched metal. Even if being able to get to both sides of the dent, using a hammer/dolly on it, to get the dent out, you are shrinking the metal back into place. Same effect using heat/quench, that 'shocks' the molecules back into place. Maybe not like new...but better than it was.
Of course, I wanted the 'whole' dent out, so working a circle pattern around the entire dent, with the flame as hot as possible, heat up the entire surface of the dent, and as evenly as possible. Just to an even orange glow, out to the edges. If it gets too hot, it can, and will sag, making it worst.
Once it's hot enough, 'quickly' gets quenched, using a folded cold wet towel. Not dripping wet, but good and damp...and cold as possible.
I would let the towel sit, until the metal was completely cooled. That's when it shrinks, and tightens up. Most of the time it will pull the dent out. Some can take a few times.
Kinda like how some have pulled hail dents out, but using dry ice...same effect.
If you have any ?s on it, shoot 'em out.
