just sounds to me like a recipe for further damage.  mcneely

---- Bret Berger <bretberger@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> In the all-to-common right side swipe, the right rear corner of my
> Vanagon, about 2/3 the way up on the hatch, was pushed inwards about 1
> inch.  I am thinking of fabricating two wooden braces, fitted to the
> shape of the opening on each side and using a bottle jack to spread the
> opening.  The brace on the left (undamaged) side would be larger (2
> feet?) to distribute the force so to prevent that side from distorting.
>   The brace on the damaged side would be smaller (6 inches?) and would
> hopefully push out the corner.
>
> Any thoughts on this or alternate suggestions?  I notice Habor Freight
> has a selection of hydraulic tools for body repair.  Should I be using
> those?
>
> -bret
>
> Saint George, Utah
> 1982 Diesel Westfalia

--
David McNeely