My plan was to fix this dent tonight by removing the headlamp ring and the lamp and whatever else is in the pontoon then tap with a rubber mallet from the inside. First, please tell me if this is a bad idea. Second, Wayne's book says that once you remove the bottom set screw the ring should easily slide off. Well, I removed the screw but the ring is holding firm. I have tried to loosen it up by gently pounding with the heel of my palm to no avail. I really don't want to force it. Especially if there is something else securing it. Is there a trick or is it possibly a little tweaked from the PO's parking lot ding? Thank you!

 

There is a bucket right behind the light so removal is futile. You will need to get to it from underneath. remove the wheel, oil cooler, horn. It's gonna be tight up in there. Good luck.

First picture in this post is the bucket behind the headlight.
https://rennlist.com/forums/8214543-post52.html

 

Thank you Doug. Perhaps this is not the best "first project" after all. Is that bucket brazed in or just held by those tabs? Back in my Spitfire days I would have just drilled the dent, pulled and bondoed but as this would require a respray, I think I will leave it for now and do the way you suggest this winter.

 

You may want to consider one of the paintless dent removal places.

 

I'd also recommend you pay a paintless dent guy to do it.

 

You might pull the whole fender for that one.

To remove the trim ring, flatten your palms, and press them against the trim ring, and turn it slightly left and right. It'll break free, then swings upward from a top hinge.

 

Paintless dent removal.

 

Just read all about it. PDR it is! Thank you.