Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: Central, IN
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
There are special auto body tools that can get behind a dent and "lift" it up. It takes time as you must go VERY slowly. I didn't have the special tools, I used a hammer handle. But as I mentioned, I've been doing this for years. Give it a try, you're gonna have to have it repaired anyway. Start at the point that was damaged last. In other words, if the impact was from front to back, start at the back. Very gently pry, lift, the dent out from back to front. DO NOT get in a hurry. It might take an hour to do the job. Just go slowly. You've got nothing to lose, go for it. Just remember, go slow. If you raise it too much,well, you've got another problem. Good luck.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 175
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From:
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
I'll give it a shot and see where it goes from there. The dent runs across the top of the fender directly underneath the light bar.
I wonder what a paintless dent repair joint would charge?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
Without removing the fender is is very difficult to get to the locking tabs that are on the front fender bolts. Some people have done it by unlocking the tab from the opposite side with a long screwdriver. It is much easier to take the wheel off.
Regards,
Bill
Regards,
Bill
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
I did mine without pulling the wheel, I pulled the calipers you'll need a 12 point 10 mm socket for this, and then I got a 9/16 socket on an extention, went in from the other side, and beat the extention with a hammer to get the locking tabs to flatten out. you'll need to roll the bike forward to get all 4 bolts out
As for the dentless removal... forget it. I had the same problem with my bike ( btw go to thicker fork oil)
these fenders are made of real metal, and any massaging is going to crack the paint.
you can hammer, dolly pick and file the majority of the dent out. if you have the time, and the tools, and the patience.
I picked and filed 99% of my dent out, then skim coated it with the newer everglaze putty. prime and painted after that.
As for the dentless removal... forget it. I had the same problem with my bike ( btw go to thicker fork oil)
these fenders are made of real metal, and any massaging is going to crack the paint.
you can hammer, dolly pick and file the majority of the dent out. if you have the time, and the tools, and the patience.
I picked and filed 99% of my dent out, then skim coated it with the newer everglaze putty. prime and painted after that.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 716
Likes: 5
From: Harley Home
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
I have heard that you can remove non-creased dents with dry ice. Apply dry ice to dent location and then apply heat. I am guessing a heat gun on low setting very carefully. The rapid temperature change causes the metal to expand and the dent pops right out. Never tryed it but sounds like it may work. I have some wholesale cars here the I could use as a test if you want.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Front Fender Removal Shortcut?
ORIGINAL: spartns
You may be getting ahead of yourself. You can remove a fairly large dent without removing the fender. As long as it's not creased, you, or someone, should be able to do it. Example, I was unloading some lumber from my truck. The bike was parked behind the truck. Yup, I pulled a couple of 2X4s out and hit the fender. About a 3" dent. I'm an old auto body instructor, I took my time and picked it out. There is no evidence that there was ever a dent. Check your body shops or the Yellow Pages for Paintless Dent Repair.
You may be getting ahead of yourself. You can remove a fairly large dent without removing the fender. As long as it's not creased, you, or someone, should be able to do it. Example, I was unloading some lumber from my truck. The bike was parked behind the truck. Yup, I pulled a couple of 2X4s out and hit the fender. About a 3" dent. I'm an old auto body instructor, I took my time and picked it out. There is no evidence that there was ever a dent. Check your body shops or the Yellow Pages for Paintless Dent Repair.
Should cost no more than $75.00 for a single dent. They are listed in the yellow pages. Once you find a good guy, stick with 'em.
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