Most effective way to make this accept fender flare? Body work...

I'm wondering what the best method can be with making this crumple look a little better, and to accept the fender flare. As you can see the tailgate doesn't close all the way. I know the rule, "bend it back the way it came". In this case, this was back in 2010 when the owner lost control in snow and ran into a guard rail in the rear quarters. Any ideas, tips, or anything is appreciated!!
Thanks

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[MONMIX]

let me see a back view.
Facing the hatch and tail light.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Couldn't get a very good one because the Explorer is backed up to the fence, and it has no tranny right now...cannot move it...-_-
Here is a better overview...hope it helps a little...

FYI, the bumper has been replaced since the wreck, it was bent in a little. I've also hammered a bit on the inside of the hatch pin.

Ideas?
Thanks

 

[1992fordgreen]

MONMIX? Tips?

 

[MONMIX]

Ugh.
Thats a ugly hit.

First and foremost ( and perhaps only ) lets get the lift gate opening and closing.

Open the lift gate and remove the tail light. Get a BFH and a short 2X4. Place the 2X4 flat on the part of the quarter panel just below the tail light. (its the part you can see the lift gate hitting.
Give it a good healthy whack. It might take a few tries. Keep hitting it until the gate opens and closes and your gap is acceptable.

 

[MONMIX]

let me know when you get that and then we will try to figure out if we can get that side where it belongs so we could get a flare on there.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Ugh.
Thats a ugly hit.

First and foremost ( and perhaps only ) lets get the lift gate opening and closing.

Open the lift gate and remove the tail light. Get a BFH and a short 2X4. Place the 2X4 flat on the part of the quarter panel just below the tail light. (its the part you can see the lift gate hitting.
Give it a good healthy whack. It might take a few tries. Keep hitting it until the gate opens and closes and your gap is acceptable.

Appreciate the tip. See picture # 3. The tailgate isn't closing correctly because of the receiver. The tail gate isn't touching that bent part, though, it does need to come in anywho. Will let you know when I get this done and we'll go from there.
Thanks...will get back to you

 

[1992fordgreen]

HEY MONMIX!!!
I fixed it. I started out doing what you said, then bent the metal edging back to 90 degrees with opliers. LMK wht you think!

 

[MONMIX]

not the prettiest thing I have even seen for its effective.
Good work.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Thanks.
I will be using some touchup paint to cover some of the crap areas. If it were a 2006 ex, I might have had it done proffesionaly. But lets be honest, this Ex has 197k, and is worth about 2500 tops. (IMO)