How To Fix Side Skirt Dent?

Discovering a dent in your car’s side skirt can be frustrating. It’s a common issue, but the good news is that many dents can be fixed at home. This simple DIY repair guide will show you how to fix side skirt dent without needing expensive tools or a trip to the body shop.

Side skirts, or rocker panels, run along the bottom of your doors. They protect the car from road debris and add to its style. Because of their location, they are prone to dents from parking blocks, loose stones, and minor impacts.

Before you start, it’s crucial to assess the damage. Not every dent is a DIY candidate. This guide will help you figure out if you can proceed and walk you through the steps to get your car looking smooth again.

Fixing a side skirt dent involves a few key methods. The best one for you depends on the dent’s size, depth, and the material of your side skirt. Most modern side skirts are made from plastic, but some are metal.

We’ll cover the two main approaches: the heat and cold method for plastic dents, and the more traditional pushing and pulling methods for metal. Always start by cleaning the area thoroughly. Any dirt can scratch the paint during repair.

What You’ll Need for This DIY Project

Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smoother. You likely have many of these items at home already.

Hair dryer or heat gun
Can of compressed air (held upside down)
Boiling water
Plunger (a simple cup plunger)
Glue sticks and a glue gun (for glue pulling)
Dent pulling tabs or a slide hammer kit
Rubber mallet or a hammer with a block of wood
Body filler and spreader (for severe dents)
Sandpaper (various grits: 120, 400, 1000)
Rubbing alcohol and clean microfiber cloths
Primer, paint, and clear coat that matches your car

Assessing the Damage: Can You Fix It Yourself?

First, take a close look at the dent. Run your fingers over it gently. Your goal is to answer these questions.

Material: Is the side skirt plastic or metal? Tap it. Plastic sounds hollow, metal sounds solid.
Paint Condition: Is the paint cracked, scratched, or is it still intact? Intact paint means a simpler repair.
Dent Type: Is it a shallow crease or a deep puncture? Are there sharp edges?

If the paint is severely cracked or the metal is sharply creased, a professional might be needed. But for shallow dents with paint still okay, DIY is very possible. Plastic dents are often easier for beginners to handle.

Method 1: Fixing a Plastic Side Skirt Dent with Heat

This method works wonders for plastic dents caused by minor impacts. The idea is to heat the plastic to make it flexible, then pop the dent back into shape. Sometimes cold air can help it contract back.

Clean the Area: Wash the dent and surrounding area with soap and water. Dry it completely.
Apply Heat: Using a hair dryer or heat gun on a medium setting, evenly heat the dented area. Keep the tool moving to avoid burning the paint. Heat it for 2-3 minutes until the plastic is warm to the touch.
Pop it Out: From behind the skirt, if you have access, push the dent out with your hand (wear a glove). If not, you can try from the outside. Sometimes the dent will pop out on its own as the plastic expands.
Use Cold Air (Optional): If the dent is stubborn, spray compressed air upside down directly onto the heated dent. The sudden cold can cause the plastic to contract and snap back to its original form.

Another trick for plastic bumpers is to pour boiling water over the dent to soften it, then reach behind and push it out. This is very effective for fresh, minor dents.

Method 2: The Plunger Technique

For larger, shallower dents on both plastic and metal, a simple plunger can be your best friend. It creates suction to pull the dent out.

Wet both the plunger’s rubber cup and the dent on the car. This creates a better seal.
Center the plunger directly over the deepest part of the dent.
Push firmly to ensure a tight seal, then pull back with steady, strong pressure. You may need to try a few times.
If the dent doesn’t come out fully, rock the plunger from side to side while pulling to try and release the suction gently.

This method works best on flat or gently curved surfaces. It’s a low-risk, first attempt that can save you alot of time.

Method 3: Glue Pulling for Dents Without Access

Often, you can’t get behind a side skirt dent. Glue pulling is a professional trick you can do at home. It involves glueing a tab to the dent and pulling it out.

Clean the dent area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. The surface must be grease-free for the glue to stick.
Heat a glue gun stick and apply a generous amount to a dent pull tab. Quickly press the tab onto the center of the dent.
Allow the glue to cool and harden completely. This usually takes a few minutes.
Attach a slide hammer or a T-handle puller to the tab. Use gentle, steady tension to pull the dent outward. Don’t yank it.
Once the dent is out, twist the tab to break the glue seal. Clean any residual glue off the paint with alcohol.

Method 4: Pushing Out the Dent from Behind

If you have access behind the side skirt—often by removing an interior trim panel or lifting the car safely—this can be the most direct method.

Locate the dent from behind. You may need to feel for it with your hand.
Place a block of wood against the backside of the dent. This distributes the force.
Using a rubber mallet or hammer, tap the wood block firmly but carefully. Work from the edges of the dent toward the center.
Check your progress frequently from the outside. Be patient, as multiple light taps are better than one heavy hit.

Finishing Touches: Sanding and Painting

If the repair left scratches or you had to use body filler, you’ll need to repaint the area. This is the part that requires the most patience for a seamless finish.

Sanding the Area

Feather the edges of any scratched paint with 400-grit sandpaper. The goal is to create a smooth transition.
If you used body filler, sand it smooth starting with 120-grit, then moving to 400-grit.
Clean the area with alcohol again to remove all dust.

Applying Primer and Paint

Apply a thin coat of automotive primer over the bare material. Let it dry as per the can’s instructions.
Lightly sand the primer with 1000-grit wet sandpaper for a smooth base.
Shake your color-matched spray paint can well. Apply 3-4 light, even coats from about 10 inches away. Let each coat dry for a few minutes between applications.
Finish with 2-3 light coats of clear coat to protect the paint and add shine.
Allow the paint to cure for at least 24-48 hours before washing or waxing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good guide, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Using Too Much Heat: Melting the plastic or blistering the paint is a real risk. Always keep the heat gun moving.
Over-Pulling with Glue: Pulling too hard can stretch the metal or plastic, creating a bulge. Use gradual pressure.
Skipping Surface Prep: Painting over dirt or wax will lead to peeling. Cleaning with alcohol is non-negotiable.
Rushing the Paint: Applying thick, heavy coats of paint causes runs and sags. Multiple light coats are always better.

When to Call a Professional

DIY has its limits. You should consider calling a professional auto body technician in these situations.

The dent is on a sharp body line or crease.
There is significant paint damage or rust.
The dent is very large or the metal is kinked.
The side skirt is cracked or broken, not just dented.
You’ve tried DIY methods and aren’t happy with the results.

A pro has tools like paintless dent repair (PDR) kits that can fix dents perfectly sometimes. Getting a quote is often free, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

FAQ Section

Can you pop out a side skirt dent?

Yes, you often can. Using methods like heat for plastic or a plunger for shallow dents, many side skirt dents can be popped back into place from the outside.

How much does it cost to fix a dent on a side skirt?

DIY repair costs between $20-$100 for materials. Professional repair typically ranges from $150 to $600, depending on the dent’s severity and the need for painting.

Can a dent in a plastic rocker panel be fixed?

Absolutely. Plastic is often more forgiving than metal. The heat and cold method or using boiling water are highly effective for plastic rocker panel and side skirt dents.

Is it worth fixing a small dent on a car?

Yes, especially if you plan to sell the car later. A small dent can lower your car’s resale value, and fixing it yourself is inexpensive. It also improves your car’s appearance.

Will a side skirt dent rust?

If the side skirt is metal and the paint is broken, rust can start to form if moisture reaches the bare metal. Plastic side skirts, common on many modern cars, will not rust.

Final Tips for Success

Take your time and be patient. Rushing leads to mistakes. Always work in a well-lit, dry area. If a method isn’t working after a few sensible tries, stop and consider another approach or a professional opinion.

Remember, the goal is improvement, not necessarily perfection. A small flaw that only you notice is still a big win compared to the original dent. With the right approach, you can restore your car’s look and protect it’s value from the comfort of your own garage.