[P_L]

I think I hit a frozen snow bank and dented in the panel on the door. There are no scratches on the door and if I could just get the inside of the door off it would be dead simple to pop it back out, but it looks really daunting to get it off. Is there a simple suction method to pop something like that out. The panel is really thin.

 

[ClarksonCote]

There are places that do dent removal for things like this. If it's a single dent it should be a fairly inexpensive fix. Do a search for "paintless dent repair" or "paintless dent removal" near you.

 

[TSquare]

Getting the inside panel off is relatively simple once you find the hidden screws (under the arm rest and under the trim behind the handle). But, you still may not be able to get to the inside of the dent. There is the window raising mechanism, the framework to strengthen the door, and also a steel beam to keep cars from getting to the driver in a T-bone hit. I would go with the paintless dent removal, they will know if it can be popped out.

 

[RePo]

Last time this happened I took my GPS suction mount and affixed to the dent and it pulled right out. That was a steel body car. I bet these aluminum panels are even easier.

 

[cjaama]

You can also try heating the area up with a hair dryer, then applying dry ice or regular ice to it. The quick change in temperature can make some dents pop themselves out. Check youtube.

 

[scoops]

I had a door ding on my 2017 (Karma for something, I'm sure.) And I watched the paintless dent guy fix it. It's not as easy to fix as you guys are implying. You might be to "pop" it back out but the metal still won't be flawless as the metal has some "memory".

 

[TSquare]

Last time this happened I took my GPS suction mount and affixed to the dent and it pulled right out. That was a steel body car. I bet these aluminum panels are even easier.

The doors are steel, all of the panels are steel except the hood and the hatch.

 

[G-PA]

Why not try the drain plunger and give it a good pull? What's the worst that could happen? It's already (expletive) up.

 

[freshcut]

+1 on the plunger or suction cup idea.

 

[Steverino]

I had a pretty bad crease put into my front fender from someone whacking their door into it. Paintless dent repair guy charged me $75. You can't tell it was ever dented. Very impressive.

 

[voganni]

If you want to salvage your door, don't try to do it yourself. I've watched the paintless guys too, and they're pros. They set up a mirror in front of the door, and very carefully work around the dent from outside to inside. They fixed a dent on my brother's Mercedes and you cannot tell it was there. The big advantage to paintless repair is, obviously, it doesn't need to be painted. If you put a wrinkle in the metal or chip the paint with a DIY attempt, then you're screwed. New door skin and paint. But they do have to be able to get to the back of the dent.

 

[Sly Bob]

If you want to salvage your door, don't try to do it yourself. I've watched the paintless guys too, and they're pros. They set up a mirror in front of the door, and very carefully work around the dent from outside to inside. They fixed a dent on my brother's Mercedes and you cannot tell it was there. The big advantage to paintless repair is, obviously, it doesn't need to be painted. If you put a wrinkle in the metal or chip the paint with a DIY attempt, then you're screwed. New door skin and paint. But they do have to be able to get to the back of the dent.

Yeah I agree. Take it to a pro before you make it worse. I had a similar issue with another car and the guy that I brought it to that did the work told me he has worked on countless cars where people have tried to fix it themselves first. He only has to work harder to get it perfect and it's only going to cost you more when that happens.

 

[Steverino]

I have done body work in the past, including fixing dent's, painting, etc. Hire the paintless dent repair guy. If you go DIY, you could make it worse and end up paying even more to have it repaired. I hated paying $75 to have mine fixed, but it was done in a few hours and it was perfect.

 

[P_L]

Thanks everyone. Seems consensus is to go with paintless dent repair pro. Hopefully one in the area. Not really near an urban centre.

 

[wizard_of-ahs]

I think I hit a frozen snow bank and dented in the panel on the door. There are no scratches on the door and if I could just get the inside of the door off it would be dead simple to pop it back out, but it looks really daunting to get it off. Is there a simple suction method to pop something like that out. The panel is really thin.

One of these : http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-diameter-suction-cup-40993.html : should do it for you