Dented hoods are notoriously hard to fix--even for professional body shops-- because they don't always return to original condition. If you're to achieve success, however, you'll need to take a few small precautions to not do more damage than you began with. The good news is that you may already have all the necessary tools to do this job yourself.
Attempt to use your hand to pop out the dent (hoods are usually pretty flimsy). Don't just bang on it--work from the outside in (so that you don't create new problems). If the dent doesn't budge after considerable pressure, you can take other measures.
Lay the blanket down where you plan to place the hood. The blanket will keep the hood and the floor from being getting scratched,
Remove the hood using the wrench. There are most probably four bolts attaching it to the frame.
Place the hood upside down on the blanket, then locate the best spot from where to strike to the dent.
Grip the rubber mallet, and gently pound against the periphery of the dent. Work your way from the outside toward the center, looking to find the sweet spot that will knock the aluminum sheet back into place.
