A few dents wont hurt. I have some on the leading edge, but just took a small amount of clear packing tape and just taped over them. As for the safety button, I wouldn't think it would be a wiring problem, but it should be the first thing you check. Resolder the connections, and if that doesn't work, then go get a new button. Radio Shack should have them. Now, if you try everything and nothing works, then you could probably just toss a switch on there (I know some of you may not agree with me on this one). Then you flip it on to turn the motor on and off to turn the motor off. Simple!
If I were you, I'd try to get that plane running before tossing a lot of money into a new plane. You then won't feel as bad if you wreck the old plane. Totaling a new plane is enough to bring you to tears.
