HELP-jacking up and side sill damage

[Viablo]

To make a long story short, while jacking up the front section of the Viper the jack must have been slightly misplaced because the sill is no longer flat and is sort of caved in. No cracks or scratches, although a cracking noise was heard.
The exhaust is fine and seems that whatever is on the inside of the sill (heat shield) might have bent. Also the little piece in the notch is no longer moving.
Can the sill be brought back to its original shape with a heat gun? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
The Viper is a 1997 GTS.

Thanks

Also is there a special tool to take the plastic covers out to get to the top sill screws without scratching the cover?

 

[Mopar Steve]

As I am sure you are aware there are specific jacking points under the car, and anywhere else can cause damage. Cracking noise is not good. No, a heat gun will not straighten this...The exhaust would distort it, if this was posible. Depending on the amount of damage, just time for the body shop. I have had my side sills off and had them taken to the body shop for touch-ups(easier than leaving the car there). I used a small blade screw driver to remove the screw caps.

Good luck.

Steve

 

[2charmed]

I have taken my side sills off of two differant cars.
I used a thin narrow blade screw driver and was very careful (no damage at all) The side sills are very thin and will bend easily.
Depending on the damage, you could put it on a flat smooth surface and apply presure from a small sledge hammer using a cloth. As for the heat shield, that is like a thick foil and can
be easily bent back into shape by hand. If the damage on the sills is too much then take it to a body shop.

Good luck,

Steve

 

[Viablo]

Thanks Guys,

The damage is not so bad, and i now have enough info to tackle the job.

 

[Jack B]

1. Sills are aluminum - heat gun will not work.

2. The heat shield is not located on the bottom side where the damage will be.

3. A bodyman's hammer (flat surface) and a anvil type surface will fix your problem.