Pulled the interior panels off. Used sheet metal shears to cut slots to pass the belt through.

One shop estimated $1,100 and one was $1,200. Filed insurance co paperwork, turns out Allstate is not big on writing checks over $1,000 and rarely write any over $1,2000. They prefer to pay the shop directly.

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I guess I'd get three body shop estimates and tell Allstate I want the the check issued to me for the smallest estimate. You are the one who suffered the loss, not the body shops. Whether or not you get it repaired should be your decision.

They want to pay the body shop because they feel like it's their responsibility to see that you actually get it fixed. Tell them that if they won't issue the check to you that you'll just sue the lady in small claims court.

Insurance companies (expecially Allstate & Geico) really **** me off!

I'm meeting with an adjuster after class at 2:30 on wednesday. I will be getting a check, just a matter of how big of vice grips I'll need to pull it out of allstate's bank account.

Got my check today. $1,129.50

Try removing the dent using the method in the video. Since it runs through a crease, it probably won't pop out easily. You might want to put gloves on and help it along by pushing from inside as someone sprays the compressed air.

I think it's too big to shrink the metal. Even the shop doing the dragster body says it will be hell to pop out. They suggested cutting off a piece of 2x4 as big as I can get through the inner panel openings, attach another 2x4 to it to make a T, and beat it out that way, so there's a broad flat surface against the metal. It won't look perfect, but it won't be as deep as it is now.

The method above works best for large dents, not small. The problem is that your dent encompasses a body crease. The 2x4 is not a bad idea, i'd use it along with heat/cold. Nothing to lose.

I should have done it overnight then. It was 20 degrees out. I could have hooked up the garden hose and alternated the heat and super-cold quenching.

LOL. Yesterday I had to take a heat gun to the outside faucets so I could get the water flowing and leave them dripping overnight. It was like 11F last night and I'm in Atlanta.

it was 20 here. Looks like it'll be 20 again on monday night. I may grab a can or two of the spray and throw on 500 layers and see if I can contract the metal enough to pop it out. Think going from 160 to 30 will do it after about 6 cycles? :P