[almajors]

I have a 99' Ford Escort SE 4door.

I also have a dent in the passenger side front door (someone decided it was a good idea to back into my car in a parking lot, and drive off).

I tried using suction cups to pull the dent, but the shape of the dent prevents the cup from forming a complete seal.

I have yet to try the $2.50 puller (a.k.a. a plunger) but I've been thinking of taking the interior paneling off, and pushing the dent out from inside.

I see two screws: one by the door handle, the other inside that little pocket.

Are these the only two screws I need to remove? Is this a good way to go about it? If I went to a body shop, what would they charge me to just pull the dents out (I don't want them to paint it).

The dent has scratched some paint, (though not bad enough to warrant a new paint job), but does not affect the door when it opens and closes. It's just a medium size dent in the middle of the lower part of the door.

Thanks.

Also, for future, how do I match a paint color to the color of the car I have? Is the exact color listed somewhere? I got the car used, but it has never been repainted.

 

[pextor]

those are the only two screws, yes. if you have manual windows, you have to remove the window crank to get the door panel off. there is a clip that has to be removed to get the crank off.

your exterior paint color code can be found in the drivers door jamb on the sticker with the VIN and other information. My exterior color is SU, tropic/pacific green. yours will be two letters/numbers.

 

[lobewiper]

If I were you, I'd go to your local dealer and talk to the used car manager. Ask him who they use for paintless dent removal and paint touchup, and see if you can use the paintless approach. It should probably cost around $75--maybe less if you're lucky. The paintless dent guys are usually excellent--but ask the dealer who they use just to make sure. You could end up saving time and money this way. Let them look at it before you do anything yourself!!! (Using the suction cup or trying to hammer it out from the inside is a prescription for trouble.)

 

[madmatt2024]

You should also remove the little plastic trim behind the mirror. You remove the screw and it slides up and off.

 

[EscortLX97]

If I where you Ill go get a new door or a junk yard door that matches the best possible to the cars color.