[CREWZIN]

The rear tire rack is made to have a tire inside so it don't rattle around (as you found out). I'm not sure I understand your last part but why not stick the spare tire (flat or not) back into the carrier?

As far as the dent. The towel and bat procedure isn't the greatest thing you could have tried but you do need some specialized tools to do it right. There are things you can buy at auto stores to try and pull it out, but they never seem to work the same way they do on T.V. There should be a dent repair shop somewhere in your area and they are a lot cheaper than a body shop. Candyman (on this forum) talked quite a bit about them and I've used them personally.