Repair or Replace?

[rjinga]

What's the collective wisdom: A deer hit my driver's side rear door; can these dents be hammered/pulled out, or do I need to replace the door? My long-term plan is to bedline the sides of the Land Cruiser, so I'm not that concerned about the condition of the paint or small imperfections in the metal. The door does open and close; I haven't tried the power window yet.

Also, any recommendations for a good, inexpensive, body shop in the Atlanta/Athens area?

 

[PeterSafariTec]

If U are going to "hammer" it into a trail-rig eventually & cant be bothered with the imperfection today, then I`d leave it be.
I recon a "fair" dent is better than a questionable filler job with unmatching paint to go.
If U want it straight, either replace the door or the door skin.
That being said, good bodyshops can straighten the most incredible wrinkles

 

[Tysano]

I would replace it. In the end you will be money, and more importantly time ahead.

 

[rustybucket]

Depends on how much you value your time. Try applying crunched up dry ice to the spot "it was stretched by the head of the deer" in a large sock. Then consider having it hammered strait. Other option is replace and repaint.

 

[gregnash]

Could always try the football trick, deflate football and insert inside door (minus the internals) and then inflate the ball slowly. Theory is that it will inflate and pop the areas out that are dented in, if you have a football/basketball to inflate could be worth a shot.

 

[jgoptions]

Good idea on the football. Worth a try on bigger dent areas. Quite a bit of work needed i'm guessing on the first door since it touches the door supports..