Shrinkage. (no pool content), actually...panel shrinkage--gap issues Options

[TargaToy]

Rick's recent posts where he expertly repaired a previously filled dent in his green car's fender prompted me to post this question. I'm working on the same part of my car but didn't want to hijack his post.


Speaking of beating down the hight spots, this is what was under the filler:



I cut out the whole bad section and reworked the same section I had in a salvaged fender.





As you can see, I cut out the old section right along the top edge of the quarter panel. The cut line was only about 3/16" from the channel for the trunk weather-stripping.





In retrospect, I may have made a booboo here. I thought I took my sweet time welding in this panel but now that everything's said and done (and cooled off), the shrinkage in the panel has pulled the trunk lid gap a bit.







Rick, you once told me that if the gaps were within 3mm (3 dimes) not to stress as the bodies were hand built. However, I'm not thrilled with the trunk gap now and and my finish grinding is not even done yet which means there'll be more heat introduced.

Can this be corrected?

Also, my vertical weld where the two panels join also shrank a bit. Can I use some dolly work and bumping to bring the area out once I do my finish grinding and minimize the amount of filler that'll be needed?

[TargaToy]

Thanks, Rick.

So when I'm working the dolly up in the back side in a punching motion, am I tapping from the front too? Do I just need a block or something against the outside face while hammering or tapping from the back?

I reread your original post and saw it took you 3 solid hours on that quarter you were working...so I see this can be a painstaking process where progress is very slow.

[rick 918-S]

Thanks, Rick.

So when I'm working the dolly up in the back side in a punching motion, am I tapping from the front too? Do I just need a block or something against the outside face while hammering or tapping from the back?

I reread your original post and saw it took you 3 solid hours on that quarter you were working...so I see this can be a painstaking process where progress is very slow.

No block needed on the outside to rough it in. (when you are driving the deep dent out) Just bang it out. Then do the fine work as you hold a block from the back side and bump the panel back in from the outside.