41 00... Straightening Aluminum Parts On Outer Skin

1.0 Recommended tools 

• Use only those tools specially intended for aluminum repairs.
• Do not use any tools that have already been used for steel repairs (contact corrosion).
• Do not use any sharp-edged tools (notch effect).

2.0 Straightening outer shell 

• "Cold" straightening: Press dents out from their center and smooth in an outwards direction with gentle taps.

  In the case of small, soft dents (hail and parking damage), this is also possible without damaging the paintwork. This work requires a special tool.

• "Hot" straightening: Heat dents in their central point only with a gas flame or hot air blower. Then quench the material with a wet cloth. Heating can only be detected by warpage of the material. The color of the paint does not change.
• In the case of damaged areas which are only accessible from one side, stud welding can be used. The aluminum stud welded on in the center of the damaged area is beaten out with a hammer until the dent is eliminated. The stud is then ground off.
• Avoid notching and cracking.
• Avoid hardening and overstretching.
• Avoid heating and overheating the outer shell over large areas.