How to pull a dent?

[joeyb2]

Hi guys. Thursday I rolled my Ranger, I lived and it lived, but it has a little more character now. I had it checked out by a mechanic and he says it's safe to continue driving it. To day I got it running (in -30 c) so the only problem left is a few dents....namely the sides and roof. The sides don't bother me, but I need to pop the roof out. The tow truck driver said that when he rolled his he just stood up inside it. Is there a better way? Thanks!
Ps. I would like to have it on the road for Tuesday afternoon.

 

[joeyb2]

On another note, what year of cab would fit? Just 90-94?

 

[Mark_88]

If the truck is still upside down then standing on the roof would work...however, since you are driving it, you could try just putting your feet against it and pushing...as long as there are no cross dents it should just pop right out...but there is a cross member near the light (I think) that would be a better place than just anywhere to put your feet against...maybe remove the head liner so you can see it better...

If there are cross dents (meaning it isn't just pushed in but munched a bit) you may end up with a permanent dent that can be filled with body fill or try a small hammer in that area...

Most Ranger cabs will actually fit...up to 97 for sure, but I've heard that the newer ones do also...but you will or may want to match the body lines...and try to get one with the exact same options so you can just plunk it down wiring, steering column and everything...otherwise you'd have a bit of work matching things up...

You could also cut the top off and redo it...if you want a project or have the money to do so...

If you were in Ontario I would offer my 96 cab...that has perfect front fenders, hood, and doors...the floors are shot...but the roof of the cab looks excellent...except a few minor rust spots on the cowl area...

 

[joeyb2]

Thanks for answering. It is now in the garage and most of the roof has popped out. My dad and I ended up putting his engine crane through the window. Then put a 2x4 between the crane and the roof and lifting... I can now sit up in the cab again. There is just one dent over the driver's door in the roof left. The driver's door also needs some work, but dad thinks we can get that. We are also drilling holes in the bottom layer of the roof and prying the outside up with a screwdriver. we know that's not the right tool for the job, but it's what we have. I think it will be 'safe' to drive to work on Tuesday. I will probablly replace the cab when i replace the engine and lift it, and maybe make it an ext cab with a deck (hmmm build thread?) If anyone has any more tips they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
And maybe an exo-cage...lol. Thanks again!

 

[Mark_88]

Ah, regular cab...I've seen them done into extended cabs, and was thinking of doing it myself at one point...when I had a regular cab...it can be done...but...anyway, I'm sure you will figure that all out when the time comes...

Keeping the short wheel base is probably best if you plan on doing any off-road stuff...

 

[joeyb2]

The wheelbase won't change...unless it gets shorter....I was just going to drop and ext cab from a ranger with a blown engine/tranny (basicly cheap).and modify the cab to fit. The planed body lift should make it easier. Thanks for the help! And if you ever come to Alberta we'll have to go wheeling somewhere.

 

[exbass94]

93+ cabs are different. You want a cab from 89-92. The 88 and older cabs may be the same too, I'm not sure.

 

[joeyb2]

Ok, thanks for the info! I'll have to look into that before i do the cab this summer. The truck is now on the road and has no apparent problems. Thanks!