repairing signficant dent in fender

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by M123, May 13, 2026 at 3:54 PM.

  1. M123

    M123 Junior Member

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    My 2013 Prius was in a fender bender, see attached photos for the damage. I've tried the technique of pouring boiling water over the outside while pushing from the inside, to no success. What would you try next? This seems a bit complex for a suction cup, although perhaps that would help? Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. PriusV17

    PriusV17 Active Member

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    I've been using magnets a lot lately to pull minor dents.

    Home Depot sells these magnets. But try them at your own risk since they are pretty powerful and can cause scratches or damages if not handled right. They have 45lb, 65lb and 90lb rated strength. Best to pull on warm or hot weather. Covering them in a strong pouch can help to prevent scratches and easier to pull back out.

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-45-lb-3-4-in-Carabiner-Hook-07587HD/202639935#overlay


    Master Magnet 45 lb. 3_4 in. Carabiner Hook 07587HD - The Home Depot.png

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-65-lb-Heavy-Duty-Round-Pull-Magnets-96354/203613136
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-95-lb-Heavy-Duty-Round-Pull-Magnets-96364/203613147
    Master Magnet 95 lb. Heavy Duty Round Pull Magnets 96364 - The Home Depot.png
     
  3. PriusV17

    PriusV17 Active Member

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    This is my little set. Even this set is pretty powerful.

    magnets.png
     
  4. PriusV17

    PriusV17 Active Member

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    Suction is probably a safer and simple route.
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I've done lots of these... I use a heat gun on the inside if possible or very carefully use a heat gun on the outside if there's not enough time to pull bumper cover. With the cover off a soft sole shoe you're wearing pushes it out pretty good, but if bumper cover is on a crow bar, pry bar or long screwdriver can push it out but the ends of the tools can damage the plastic super easily so softening them with plastic or duct tape is wise.
     
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Are those magnets? Any ideas on where to get a good price on a tool like that or the name they sell by?
     
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Go out and heat it up gently with the heat gun keep it moving don't melt the paint it'll probably plop out on its own or push from behind the fenders farther back this is a polymer
     
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    It's safer to not heat too high so it takes a little muscle to pop it out... When I've gotten them too hot they lose memory of their original shape.