Dent Removal

[Dlcarrales]

Has anyone tried dry ice for small dents in a gas tank? If yes did it work?

Pros & cons?

[TLRam1]

Here is a video I had handy, I have view this one and the other using dry ice, never tried.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/501379/remove_car_dent_with_airduster/

[Magnum Magna]

That is too COOL.

[dgc67]

I will try this on my parts bike tank tomorrow and let you know.  Heck might even video it.

[TLRam1]

Give it a shot DG but unless the dent is shallow I think the tanks metal could be too thick, interested in seeing how it works for you. 

[lragan]

I have used a similar method to pop out dents from hailstones.  Worked in most cases, but some did not.  Was not able to ascertain in advance which would pop and which would not -- could see no correlation to depth, shape, position on car, etc.

Also on a few dents that popped, the paint cracked at the crease line.  Again, not clear which ones would and which would not.

[Dlcarrales]

I picked up some some scraps of dry ice at HEB.  Set me back 75 cents.  Tried it but didn't work, I guess the tanks metal is too thick.  Maybe my imagination but it did seem to work some just didn't pop out the deep part.

[Charles S Otwell]

Motorcycle tanks a thicker, and the rounded shape of the tank makes it quite ridgid. The flatter the area the better chance you have but there just aren't many flat areas on tanks so there's not much you can do to remove dents from them. That only leaves, living with the dents if they are not to bad, or body work and paint . If you do find something that works please let us know.. Good luck..

[dgc67]

I tried as well.  I agree that the metal is much thicker and likely is why it did not work.  We heated up pretty hot with hair dryer and then used the air can method.  Oh well, at least we all know that is not feasible now.
So, anyone tried filling it with water and freezing it???  I am concerned that plugging the holes would be the problem  On my tank the fuel outlet line is like a 1 inch diameter and has to smaller lines for venting and the big opening for putting fuel in.

[Charles S Otwell]

I wouldn't advise doing anything that would swell the tank, these tanks are seamed and the bottom side is concaved and the bottom will either deform or the seams will be damaged. Only a large shallow dent in the flat part of the top or side would come out anyway. Small hale size dents won't budge. If you get the bottom out of shape it's a bear to get it back right.. It was possible to pop a large dent out of the old Harley tanks and others that were round on the top and bottom and didn't have fusion welded seams, by completely filling with water and adding a small amout of pressure, but still only the major dents would pop, small tight dents and creases in the metal won't be affected.

[connor]

Just watched Terry's dent removal video he mentioned earlier in this post.  When the video finished other "Easy To Do" videos were shown.

There is one entitled "Easy Bra Removal."

My goodness what a terrific motorcycle forum this is....!!!!!!

[TLRam1]

Just watched Terry's dent removal video he mentioned earlier in this post.  When the video finished other "Easy To Do" videos were shown.

There is one entitled "Easy Bra Removal."

My goodness what a terrific motorcycle forum this is....!!!!!!

Yep, I watched that also.