Removing Dent in Aluminum

[geeco1]

What is the best way to remove a dent in the bottom of my aluminum hull. The dent doesn't appear to be creased, but is more of a depression. It is probably about the size of a basketball. My main concern is that the dent is on the bottom, right at the stern. Where the stern meets the bottom, it is normally a squared angle, but where the dent is, it has actually bent the bottom of the stern in a little. This is right where the aerator pump mounts through the hull, so the flange on the aerator pump does not have a flat surface to mount on.

I was thinking about just taking a rubber mallet and trying to pound it out???? But wanted to check with you folks to see if there is a better way.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Removing Dent in Aluminum

Geeco you can get a brass hammer even Harbor freight sells them . Take it and carefully work the dent you may not be able to work it out completely and you do want to be carefull working the aluminum especially around the stern as it is most likely riveted there and could cause more issues than you already have .


Rick

 

[geeco1]

Re: Removing Dent in Aluminum

Ok, so the hammer idea didn't work. Since this is located in the bilge, I am under the engine well and don't have enough room to swing the hammer. If I were to use an air hammer with a wide, flat bit, would that work or would it be apt to cause more damage than good. Otherwise, it looks like this might have to wait until I replace the floor later this winter.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Removing Dent in Aluminum

I dont know that I would get in there with an air hammer granted the transom is thicker than other parts of the boat but I would be worried about punching through it with an air hammer.

Rick

 

[zorak]

Re: Removing Dent in Aluminum

You could try using a small floor jack ,providing it has something to push against,maybe a carefully placed 2" x 4" board or whatever.Just dont try using heat as aluminum doesn't get soft when hot ,it just suddenly melts and then you have real problems.