Trunk Lid

[GTObert]

Has anyone else noticed how easy it is to dent your trunk lid? The metal appears to be incredibly thin. It's so thin that yesterday I put a small dimple in it just from closing the trunk. I noticed that I have two small dents already, both apparently from closing the lid. I think I will try to make some aluminum shims at the right thickness to insert between the skin and the steel webbing inside the panel after I get the dents removed. Hopefully this will reinforce the skin so to avoid any further damage.

[CrashTestDummy]

I developed the habit of sticking my finger in the trunk lock recess and closing it that way. Keeps the finger prints off the deck lid, and for thin sheet metal or aluminum parts, helps prevent denting things.

[storm9c1]

I developed the habit of sticking my finger in the trunk lock recess and closing it that way. Keeps the finger prints off the deck lid, and for thin sheet metal or aluminum parts, helps prevent denting things.

+1. I use that technique on all of my cars, when closing the hood and/or trunk. I get so mad when I see a friend or mechanic close them on my cars by pushing hard from the outer skin and I see it flex! No need to push so hard folks, let gravity do the work on the hood. Let momentum do the work on the trunk lid.

[CrashTestDummy]

Heh, we used to have a 88 RX7 TII. They have an aluminum hood. I always hand shut the hood on it. One day, when getting an inspection, the inspector lowered the hood, which didn't latch. He was about to push on the hood with both hands, about half-way between the leading edge and the hood scoop. I yelled at him so loud to Don't!, he almost fell over. I was afraid he was going to tell me to get lost. I explained to him that the hood was aluminum, and no longer available. I think that helped some. He was still angry.

I usually try to adjust the hood latch and bumpers so you just have to gently press the hood shut without a lot of pressure. 94-96 B-body hoods are particularly sensitive to getting dents from people pressing too hard.

But yep, I use the one-finger trick on trunk lids and doors where there is a key lock. My wife thinks it's kind of funny, but she also realizes it's something 'those Impala SS nuts' do.