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zaz9



Member Since: 21 Sep 2017
Location: KL
Posts: 31

Malaysia 1997 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Fuji White
Fixing dented wheel arch
Hi guys, does anyone know if it's possible to fix a dented wheel arch (genuine lr ones) ? I assume it would be tricky since it's not a piece of steel that you can knock back into place. Many thanks! 1997 Defender 90 300Tdi SW
2002 Defender 110 300tdi HCPU (Dad's)
Post #670207 11th Dec 2017 3:00am
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Matthias



Member Since: 03 Mar 2015
Location: Ruddervoorde
Posts: 34

Belgium 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey
Good afternoon,

It's possible to fix that. I had a dent in the front right wing and a local bodyshop repaired it.


Click image to enlarge




Click image to enlarge



Don't know how they did it but you can't notice a thing of it.

Regards,
Matthias
Post #670273 11th Dec 2017 1:06pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17314

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
It depends on how bad the dent is. Vehicle bodies were hand crafted from aluminium alloy long before steel and any shape can be formed or reformed.

In the case of a Defender wing the biggest problem is the flatness of the original panel - flats are much harder to reform than curves and are very unforgiving.
Post #670274 11th Dec 2017 1:12pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20275

United Kingdom 
Unless it's very deep say over 3/4" I would leave the metal bodywork alone, otherwise it'll likely be distorted more than you started and definitely a panel beaters job. (Highly skilled.)
Also all the points BW made above apply.

Typically just cheaper and a better finish to replace.

But if it is more minor, sand right back to bare aluminium, then panel wipe, and etch prime.
Then I would panel wipe again, bearing in mind you want humidity below 60% and temp really 21 - 25.C.

I'd then use Isopon P38 as a filler, 400 up to 600 grit dry sand with a large sanding block until work is perfect. A straight edge is ideal for straight panels a home made forming tool useful for curves.
Once that is perfect, panel wipe and tack cloth.
Epoxy prime, then guide coat and either wet sand with 600 or dry, wet I probably would.
Then you can panel wipe, check for imperfections, tack cloth.
And then you are on to your base colour coat and clear coats.

I would recommend spraying the complete panel, or getting it sprayed. Doing a specific area will get a pretty good result but paint blending is easier said than done and the best method would be repaint the complete panel.

Thumbs Up

Definitely recommend Upol. Thumbs Up
Post #670341 11th Dec 2017 6:02pm
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ickle



Member Since: 22 Jul 2010
Location: South Vendee
Posts: 1776

France 2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Alpine White
Alloy wing or plastic eyebrow??
Post #670352 11th Dec 2017 6:39pm
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zaz9



Member Since: 21 Sep 2017
Location: KL
Posts: 31

Malaysia 1997 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Fuji White
Thank you for the replies Matthias, blackwolf, and especially custom90steve for the in depth reply. It's a minor dent on the right fender, but I'm OCD and can't leave it like that Laughing

ickle, I know how to tackle the allow wing dent, but do you have any ideas to fix the plastic eyebrow? I really don't have the budget to fork out for a pair of genuine lr eyebrows and I've heard aftermarket ones are a nightmare to fit. The rubber eyebrows have curved inside (apologies for the horrible description English isn't my first language) 1997 Defender 90 300Tdi SW
2002 Defender 110 300tdi HCPU (Dad's)
Post #670436 12th Dec 2017 1:46am
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