Repairing Kharman Ghia Nose

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Kent,

Hello, I was sent your web address by a Karmann Ghia Guru, Richard Troy. The nose on my 1968 Karmann Ghia met up with the rear of a Pontiac and the Pontiac won. The Ghia had never been hit in the nose before, so it's virgin metal, and other than this time, has not been stretched out. I have never attempted body work before, but in order to escape the financial demands of local body "pullers", I'm looking into doing the work myself. A few questions; which tools would be best for the job? What things should I try, not try the first time? What would be the best way to tackle this job? Any comments or info would be appreciated.

The Tinman Respondeth:

Strip chemically.
Get photos or patterns of what you are going back to, both horiz. and vertical.
Bump what you can with dollies, and push the heavies with a screw jack.
Match the contours of tool to the anticipated finished surface. Think before acting, work schmaht not so hard.
Do not add damage.
Look for the wrinkle that locks the movement- don't get a bigger hammer too quickly.
Reverse the wrecking energy, or- take the damage out in the reverse order that it occurred.
Never use rough-faced bludgeons sold as "shrinking-------"
If you need shrinking info- get the Shrinking Magic DVD.
If you need detailed info on working out the contours-get Edge Those Panels DVD
Work safely, think eye protection, hand protection, and ear protection.