HELP how to fix a bent rear wheel fender

[gonzo511]

Hey all, this isn't a mod but a cosmetic problem. So I have a 2012 GTI that I bought used a little over a year ago. I love the car, but I never noticed this little bend till last spring when I started washing the car myself. Guess I was too in love at the dealer to pay attention to this small detail.

The right rear wheel arch/fender (not sure what It's called) is bent. From looking at the damage it looks like the previous owner or dealer backed up into something on the right corner and caused the area to bend out like in the photos.

I've looked all over the forum and used the great tool Google to find someone with similar damage and what they did to repair it, but I've had ZERO luck.

I thought about possibly using a heat gun on a low setting to warm the area and just push it back into place. Not sure if it'll work. That's why I'm asking for anyone's advice.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the lengthy post.

P.S. Hope the photos work. First time uploading photos.

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[sticksabuser]

Rubber mallet and being delicate?

 

[APRMK6GTi]

you can slowly try to massage it/bend it back to shape by pulling it. but your best bet is probably reach out to your local paintless dent repair specialist to fix it.

 

[spiker369]

Luckily for you it is on the bumper and not the actual fender. Since its plastic you could probably heat it with a heat gun/hair dryer, be careful not to burn the paint (keep heat gun moving at all times) and then using work gloves to protect your hands from the heat start bending it back into shape.

If you don't feel confident, you can always take it to a shop.

 

[gonzo511]

Rubber mallet and being delicate?

Good idea lol. I did try pushing it back and being "delicate" with my hands but it didn't work.

Luckily for you it is on the bumper and not the actual fender. Since its plastic you could probably heat it with a heat gun/hair dryer, be careful not to burn the paint (keep heat gun moving at all times) and then using work gloves to protect your hands from the heat start bending it back into shape.

If you don't feel confident, you can always take it to a shop.

That's what I was thinking. I can push it back and it'll bend back to what it was but it won't stay. I thought heating it might work.

I was hoping someone actually tried heating it up and bent it back. Guess I'll try it once the weather in Jersey gets a bit warmer.

Thanks for the help.


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