Best way to fix a twisted or bent car body

[Dinky]

What is the best way to fix a twisted or bent car body?

I got a car body that has been stuck in the box, probably for years. So its bit twisted and to wide on the bottom side, now the question is how can I get this back into the correct shape.

Tried multiple things:
- Heating with hairdryer, doesnt work. Think this is not hot enough the heat the plastic

- Put it in hotwater, bend it back and let it cool but goes back to wrong position

Tried the kitchen gas cooker plate to heat but I'm scared to use it too long because this is probably to much heat in the wrong places?

All suggestions are welcome, maybe small hand gas torch??

[fitforbattle]

I've done some small part corrections with a bic lighter. Bending it too much and letting it go back a bit by its own memory.

[64SS350]

I used the hair dryer on high, takes a bit to get up to temp, keep heat moving even to surrounding areas. I taped and shimmed where needed to manipulate body. You must over correct the area to be straightened as the plastic will want use its "memory" and return to its previous shape, you are trying to change that "memory". It may take a couple tries to get it where you want it, better than melting it right away. Some say to cool it once you've heated it, but I just left it taped up till it cooled completely.

Hope this helps!

[Jantrix]

The two times I've tried to correct a twist in body or chassis, the twist came back later on, after the car was finished. I advise the replacement of the part entirely. It's just not worth the headache. If it's a recently released kit, you might be able to get a replacement from the manufacturer.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Jantrix

[Guest]

I've straightened several bodies,chassis' and hoods by simply twisting and bending them by hand. I rarely need to use any type of heat. When I do, I use a hair dryer on high. Like Karl mentioned, you want to twist the body more than necessary. Also, when you twist it, hold it in that position for 15-20 seconds. You may have to do it a few times to get it to hold it's shape. But, it will get to a point that it will stay in position.

[Dinky]

Thanks all, im going to give it a new try the weekend with hairdryer again, just to be sure I will use some tape to keep it in shape until its completely cooled down.

Gracias

[Dinky]

Thanks guys, I was able to solve the issue with the hairdryer and the tape!