Series 3 Best way of fixing damage to panels?

So, a previous owner of my S3 88" 1977 left his mark. What is the best way of fixing this? Obviously, it does not need to be showroom finish, but I want the job done properly. However, even the most skilled bodyshop mechanic might need some ideas on how to sort Birmabright damaged this way.

since its knocked a great chip of filler out , chip off the rest straighten panel as much as feaseable with a hammer and dolly then go over with new filler,unless you like the beaten look

Riggwelter said:

So, a previous owner of my S3 88" 1977 left his mark. What is the best way of fixing this? Obviously, it does not need to be showroom finish, but I want the job done properly. However, even the most skilled bodyshop mechanic might need some ideas on how to sort Birmabright damaged this way.

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That look like it has had filler in it and that has cracked with the 'new' damage ...

May have to take the filler out first ...

well its too cold for me to go look outside at mine. see if you can push the dent out from the other side - pouring boling water on it can help - most of the old filler might drop out

flap disc on a grinder should get you to bare metal quickly then just refill and sand then paint

When I first saw the car, I did think of a beautifully botched filler job... thanks guys, you confirm my suspicions! Am I to understand that the panel (this is the rear left side, obviously) isn't "double", i.e. when I look into the loading bay, and see the side of the car from the "inside", it is actually this panel I am watching, but from the other side? In other words, there is no such thing as an inner (loading bay) and outer panel (car side) here, is it?

no its not double skinned

Thanks, one less thing to worry about!

Some old body bashers in Birmingham used to gently heat the panal before beating it straight.

Col

Heat it until soap chars, but I would give it a few good thumps form inside in the hope that more of the filler comes off and you can get a better view of what's going on.