This is a new one on me.

If it were mine, I would not use a heat gun - it's too easy to over/underheat and end up worse than it is. I would suggest sticking in your oven at about 190defF, Leave it for 15 mins and then try working it. If still too stiff, raise the temp 5deg and try again. BUT I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IF THIS MESSES UP!

Calling @chickenwire for an expert opinion...

 

I too have not seen this

Not sure what is the best approach. My experience with ovens is that when you take the part out of the oven, the entire part is now soft and you have the challenge of holding it in position while reshaping it without causing further unintended deformation.

Personally i would go at it first with the heat gun. its easier to control the area to be heated and you can handle the rest of the part without causing potential deformation. have a suitable straight, flat tool you can use to press the heated area back onto alighment.

But like TS, you are on your own on this one.

One thing you might consider is picking up a used one to practice the approach you chose and get some experience before working on the part you want to retain

RTE

 

A practice piece may be a good idea, or use it to get the correct shape on this one. I really don’t understand how this happened.

 

I also have not seen this issue before, if it were me I would just get a good used one to put in the car, then try and reform the original damaged one.
But I think it will be tricky to make it look good again, there seem to be a couple on Ebay at the moment, of possible Hoosier or DTWBert may have one available.

 

You are really unlikely to get the shape right, and getting it soft enough to form will probably alter the surface texture.

Replacement is your best option.

 

I do not see re-shaping the existing cover going well. By heating you are going to expand the area that is already bulged then you're going to "hope" that when it shrinks as it cools it holds the shape you're attempting to form it into.

Plus 1,000 for replacing it. You're probably going to do so anyway.

 

Personally, I am sympathetic with his desire to conquer this issue himself.

I have been mulling it over and if one were to mount the item with the bulge pointing upward on the edge of the work bench, then using a well controlled application of heat .. and a strait flat mandrel it should be possible. But not trying ... I mean is that even a posibility?

LOL

RTE

 

My plan is to buy a used one when I find one in excellent condition and plan on replacing it. Before I do though, I am going to see what can be done to the original trim piece. I at least have to try, I am still curious why it did this. Maybe off at one point it was off and damaged then, who knows with a 17 year old car.

 

Never hurts to try! Let us know how it works.

 

Ever know one of us to turn down a challenge like this?

RTE

 

I think taking the challenge of fixing it is great. What I really objected to is the suggestion to find a used one to practice on first, since that is likely to result in two bad parts and the need to purchase a third.

 

You are correct, I want to purchase a trim piece that is good condition to use and then see what I can do with this trim piece once it is off.

 

I have been on this forum longer than i care to admit and have never seen this issue pop up before… and i agree with everything being said and also with the “need” to attempt a fix.
just setting expectations to zero on the end result being satisfying.
That way if it does work out you can be a hero!
Also @Hoosier GXP for used Kappa parts. A well regarded and trusted source of used parts on the forum.
PS> i am proud of the forums restraint so far on not taking the easy path on making bulging A pillar jokes.

 

Thanks, I will give him a shout.

 

I would be inclined to try a heat gun in place before removing the piece. if it were the driver's side.I would say get a gauge pillar and replace that and put some gages in.They're not too hard to remove if you end up having to replace it

 

That we know of.

RTE

 

You could remove the damaged piece, tape off the ends, fill it with plaster of paris. When cured removed it and then shave the bulged area to original shape. Take your piece and use the modified cast as a mould when apply heat via either the oven or heat gun.

 

if you do the heat gun do it form the BACKSIDE>.. so many people try form the frint and blister the finish.. even when "recoloroing the plastic. get a heat gun with intchangable noxxles and get a nozzle size that fits the damaged area! proceed slowly

 

if you do the heat gun do it form the BACKSIDE

This^ YES!