I would do the same at what Rick has recommended, the area in question is far to big for a hammer form, and would run the risk of major distortion of the rest of the guard. (Fender, Wing)
I have done a similar job on nothing to fancy and no where near the size of your, on a boot motif lock assembly, using a hammer form and it pulled the top curved section of the boot lid out of shape, and then I had to spend a S^%t load of work trying to rectify it.
Good luck with it and be sure to post your progress. A we will be all keen to see how you tackle it.
Cheers John
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John
EK Holden V8
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