Studs for pulling dents......

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Anybody ever tried to use a TIG welder to tack filler rod to dented body panels for pulling the dents?  I know they use those capacitive discharge guns for a similar process, but since I already own a decent TIG welder I figure it can't be that hard to just use filler rods.
Reply:Originally Posted by jensonjAnybody ever tried to use a TIG welder to tack filler rod to dented body panels for pulling the dents?  I know they use those capacitive discharge guns for a similar process, but since I already own a decent TIG welder I figure it can't be that hard to just use filler rods.
Reply:Thanks...That's pretty much what I thought.  I've gotta try and pull a couple small dents in a motorcycle gas tank and, like you said, it's SO thin you can dent it with only slight pressure.  If anyone else has something to add, I'd be glad for the advice.
Reply:Probably too late to help much and I have never tried it. But I did read somewhere that you can fill the tank with water and freeze it. When the water freezes and turns to ice it will expand and push the dent out.However I would do a little more research before trying this method since I personally have never tried it.Sure would be much easier that welding, grinding, repainting, Etc.
Reply:if the holes are in the top of the tank it'd make more sense to drill holes underneath, hammer the dent out with a small rod/hammer, and then fill the hole that isnt quite so visible.
Reply:One thing ya don't want to try is compressed air.  There is a fine line between "hey, the dent popped out and it looks great" and "Oh crap, that's an interesting shape!"  About 15 years ago I tried to pop a dent out of an aluminum Maico dirtbike tank with air.  I gave it a little pressure, and the dent popped out.  As soon as I released the pressure it went back in.  I did this a couple times, and the final time I had just a wee bit too much pressure.  If you're familiar with motorcycle tanks you'll know they are saddle shaped to fit over the upper frame tube.  The 2 sides on this one hinged outward and the saddle inverted.  Made a bizarre looking piece, that's for sure!   And we're talking under 15psi - amazing how much force a low pressure can exert when you are dealing with a large area!
Reply:Originally Posted by Jon Kif the holes are in the top of the tank it'd make more sense to drill holes underneath, hammer the dent out with a small rod/hammer, and then fill the hole that isnt quite so visible.
Reply:Thanks for all the good suggestions folks.  I tried the ol' compressed air thing a while back on another tank, and it distorted terribly!!  The hole from the bottom to push the dent out from underneath sounds like a winner, and I'll be trying it next AM.