Any risk with PDR? (paintless dent removal)
#1
Any risk with PDR? (paintless dent removal)
Is there anyone who has quite a bit of experience with PDR (as a customer). I got an estimate to have a whole car done, I got maybe like 10 dings and no dents. It's not cheap and I am not even worried about the price so much just scared of them messing something up.
I didn't got to talk to the actual guy doing the work but the place has 5 star yelp none the less. They told me probably be taking off the chrome trim that is outside the window and insert the prying/dolly whatever tool there. Interior door panels stays. probably take off the trunk door plastic. The car is old and had a rough parking lot life but has very little rattle so I kind of want this to be least intrusive.
Also got a couple of dings in the rear panel and trunk facing the back I just don't know how it is easily for them to gain access. I think they don't drill holes and I want to be make sure of that.
Just wanted to know if it is worth while as I still have paint scratch in a couple of the dings and the car just won't look perfect. Got scratches and paint chip from swing into others, couple of keyed marks so it's needs some TLC. Just saying, dings is just where it begins, I was thinking of getting all the dings taken care of when I need paint in a few years, but I asked their opinion and they said most shop just bondo the dings. It's better to do the PDR then paint.. ideally, so eventually I will need to do the PDR.
I didn't got to talk to the actual guy doing the work but the place has 5 star yelp none the less. They told me probably be taking off the chrome trim that is outside the window and insert the prying/dolly whatever tool there. Interior door panels stays. probably take off the trunk door plastic. The car is old and had a rough parking lot life but has very little rattle so I kind of want this to be least intrusive.
Also got a couple of dings in the rear panel and trunk facing the back I just don't know how it is easily for them to gain access. I think they don't drill holes and I want to be make sure of that.
Just wanted to know if it is worth while as I still have paint scratch in a couple of the dings and the car just won't look perfect. Got scratches and paint chip from swing into others, couple of keyed marks so it's needs some TLC. Just saying, dings is just where it begins, I was thinking of getting all the dings taken care of when I need paint in a few years, but I asked their opinion and they said most shop just bondo the dings. It's better to do the PDR then paint.. ideally, so eventually I will need to do the PDR.
Last edited by SC3coupe; 08-28-15 at 11:12 AM.
#2
Instructor
I have had two experiences with PDR and both turned out great. The first time I took the car to the dealer for a ding repair (I didn't know any better at the time). The ding was pretty big (to me, anyway) and was right on the crease of the car. They actually drilled into the door jamb to access the dent and then popped in a black plug once completed. But, the repair looked great.
The second time was a different car and again on a crease (bad luck, I guess). This time I researched PDR places and realized that drilling was bad. I found a shop with great reviews and went with them. They allowed me to be back there while they worked on the car. The did not drill and used a heat gun and something else to pop it out. It was interesting to see. Anyway, it turned out great as well.
I'd let the shop see the car and discuss what you should expect. I would definitely go the PDR route even if you have to used touch up paint (Dr. Colorchip?) until you repaint.
Good luck!
The second time was a different car and again on a crease (bad luck, I guess). This time I researched PDR places and realized that drilling was bad. I found a shop with great reviews and went with them. They allowed me to be back there while they worked on the car. The did not drill and used a heat gun and something else to pop it out. It was interesting to see. Anyway, it turned out great as well.
I'd let the shop see the car and discuss what you should expect. I would definitely go the PDR route even if you have to used touch up paint (Dr. Colorchip?) until you repaint.
Good luck!
#3
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
I agree with Doodlebug. Keeping your original paint intact is always preferable. They can plug and seal drilled holes so they look factory original. I also found that if you're willing to meet them at a car lot that's on their route, they'll often give you a price discount, just ask. I wait in the dealer's lounge.
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Just FYI, its not the kind of thing I would find the cheapest person to do it. They CAN damage the paint and the car, crack the paint, scratch up windows and such getting access to do the PDR, etc. You want to find somebody who does great work, and you will likely pay a little more for that.
The following users liked this post:
Beachtyme (04-14-19)
#6
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
Excellent point. PDR is an art. Without references, I'd go with one who services high end dealer's cars. The service dept. can give you their name.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Just google "botched PDR"
Trending Topics
#8
Just FYI, its not the kind of thing I would find the cheapest person to do it. They CAN damage the paint and the car, crack the paint, scratch up windows and such getting access to do the PDR, etc. You want to find somebody who does great work, and you will likely pay a little more for that.
The shop I went to charges per panel like $250 each and added up to alot, those $50 dollar adds up.
Both have 5 star and the guy I use only does mobile, but both definitely are not hacks..
it is my 10 year old lexus not a porsche 911 so am not that nervous. Only want a non blotched results.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
harrington
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
11
10-03-07 07:25 AM