Can a dent in the trunk be sucked out?
3 Answers
A dent in the trunk cannot be sucked out. Once the trunk is damaged, its internal structure is compromised, making it impossible to pull out the dent using suction tools. The only solution is to reshape it by hammering from the inside, but this method will damage the car's paint, requiring sanding and repainting after the repair. A dent in the trunk can be repaired through metalworking and painting, which is a relatively convenient and quick method. The specific steps are: 1. Metalworking is required—to restore the dented area at the rear of the car to its original shape, a hammer must be used to knock it out, and welding may be necessary in some cases; 2. After metalworking repair, uneven areas need to be smoothed with specialized putty, followed by sanding with different grades of sandpaper to level the putty's surface.
Last time my car's trunk got a small dent from a bicycle impact, I specifically asked a panel beater I know. He said suction cups can pull out shallow dents, but it depends on the location. The middle area of the trunk lid is relatively soft, and using a heat gun improves success rates, but you must ensure the paint isn't cracked. Corners and reinforced areas generally can't be suctioned—pulling hard may cause the cup to detach. Dents deeper than a fingernail often develop wrinkles when pulled out. Nowadays, there are DIY repair kits with pressure gauges available online; fixing small dents yourself can save 300-500 yuan, but always check the backside for smoothness after pulling. If the dent edges have sharp creases or the paint is cracked, professional panel beating is still necessary.
I've tried the dent removal technique in my own garage a few times, and it requires skill. Using a large suction cup with a hot glue gun yields the best results—metal suction cups provide three times the pulling force compared to plastic ones. Midday in summer is ideal for this, as the heated car paint has better elasticity. When repeatedly pulling, control the force and allow a two-minute interval between attempts to let the metal rebound. I've successfully fixed a roof dent this way, but the trunk is different—its inner soundproofing foam blocks internal pushing. A lesser-known trick is to remove the foam clips and gently push from the inside with a rubber mallet. Finally, pour ice water to contract the metal molecules, which reduces 80% of the minor unevenness.
