Dent Repair [Paintless dent repair (PDR), also known as "paintless dent removal", is a collection of techniques for removing minor dents and dings from the body of a motor vehicle. A wide range of damage can be repaired using PDR; however, usually if there is paint damage, PDR may be unsuitable. The most common practical use for PDR is the repair of hail damage, door dings, minor body creases, and minor bumper indentations. The techniques can also be applied to help prepare the damaged panel for paint. Such applications are referred to as "push to paint", or "push for paint".] Wikipedia Limiting factors for a successful repair using PDR include the flexibility of the paint, and the amount the metal has been stretched by the damage incurred. Hence, often extremely sharp dents and creases may not be repairable - at least not without painting afterwards.PDR is much cheaper than traditional repair methods and is superior most of the time for many reasons. It keeps the factory paint intact and for the most part, the car does not have to be disassembled in a major way that can also cause damage. It is also available in most major cities. However, not all paint less dent repair companies are equal. Like any job requiring a lot of skill there are some who are good, some that are bad and those who excel at this sort of work. I would suggest working with someone recommended by a detail company as detail companies are used to having picky customers who require this sort of service who don't tolerate bad work. The object of removing a dent is by pushing the metal from inside the panel. What you need to watch for is stretching; this occurs when they push too hard. Also make sure they do not drill into any panel, as it will cause future rust. No Bondo or other fillers should be used. If a paintless repair is carried out on a hood they must pay special attention to its reinforcement. Paintless dent repair does have limitations, insofar as it cannot perform miracles. It cannot take out huge dents or straighten bent frames. Some dents behind door intrusion beams or heavy unibody reinforcement areas where the reinforcement is bonded or welded to the outside skin are not possible to with this method. It must be possible to reach the backside of the dent. Long handled and curved tools help, sometimes small holes need to be drilled but not every dent is accessible. I'd say 95% of dents can be reached without drilling though. Sometimes a repainted car with too thick or poorly prepped paint can have the paint crack while a repair is being made. Select an operative with experience as in most things you get what you pay for so check pst repairs and ask for references for past clients An extract from “Paint Surface Problems and Corrections”, one of a series of 117 unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read any of these; although these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn. TOGWT ™ Ltd (Established 1980) © Copyright 2002-2010, all rights reserved
The PDR guy that comes in my shop drills into panels all the time. He seals them with a self etching primer. Therefore if they drill a hole its not going to rust in the future. This is like saying if you get chicken at a restaurant you will get salmonella.
Yes, but that is not what you said. You said do not let them drill. It should say if they require drilling be sure they properly repair the area.
Thanks for the heads-up, perhaps you'd like to write an article on the subject as opposed to telling me how to express my opinion in the way I write mine
drilling is sometimes required depending on the area of the dent, sometimes it's unavoidable, but most of the car can be done without drilling.
Here is a quick example. I had a car in with a golf ball sized dent last weekend. It was about 2 inches up from the bumper and 2 inches from the headlight on the front fender. The only way the Jeff( the PDR specialist that we use) could access the area was to remove the front turn signal. This then revealed a flat piece of metal where the fender folded in. He drilled a hole just big enough to fit whatever tools he needed to repair the area. When he removed the dent he applied self etching primer, allowed it to dry and capped with a flat rubber piece. Then replaced the front turn signal. To me this is completely acceptable, and I would him to do this on my own car. Another time on a Mercedes E-Class there was a dent in the rear quarter. Jeff removed the tail light to access the area. With the area wide open there was no where fro him to leverage against to remove the dent. He had to drill a small hole in the flat area where the quarter is spot welded together, the area where the tail light seal presses against. He was then able to place a small hook in that hole and use it for leverage to remove the dent. This was followed with the usual process of self etching primer and a rubber cap. The tail light was then replaced. From talking to Jeff I know that he will try anything before he drills into a panel on a car. When it needs to be done though he does it with great care. I am not a PDR specialist but from speaking with him while he works I understand why drilling is a requirement.
Drilling holes into the inner structure isn't allowed in any manufacture's and/or I-CAR guidelines. It's a safety issue and isn't a good idea. Many of these inner panels have crush points that are intentionally designed to deflect energy in a certian direction (usually away from the occupants) and even the most minute hole can affect this from happening. And it can also affect the corrosion part of the OEM warranty. I've heard of a few rust protection application centers getting sued for drilling holes access holes to apply rust protection.
Well I have never seen him drill into an inner support before. The piece that I mentioned on the fender was a bracket to attach the fender. I am thinking that by inner structure they would mean the unibody structure of the vehicle?
