How effective can PDR be?

I

imported_truzoom

New member
Looking for some opinions from PDR pros or anyone with relevant knowledge...



Long story short, I've got a dent on my passenger side fender. The dent is unfortunately on a body-line crease that accents the wheelwell.



I talked to the local PDR guy--apparently there's only one that goes around to each dealership-- and he was unable to do anything and directed me to a body shop.



I got a few estimates that all range from $450 to $700 since they say they need to repaint the fender (BS, imo)



Should I keep on searching for another PDR guy or accept my fate and pay up for a bodyshop to redo it?
 
I crease is the strongest part of the panel

no PDR guy will be able to remove that



live with it or find a good body shop
 
I'd post a picture so we can see what's doin'. I've heard some dent doctors say "impossible". Then the next guy comes thru the door and fixes it. Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion.
 
I agree... please post a picture and perhaps we can give better opinions. My PDR guy is awesome but a lot of his work is great because he can actually "GET" to the problem with his tools.



For what it's worth, depending on the manufacturer, OEM paint is a very precious commodity. It can be matched, but you'll end up paying a pretty penny.



I would continue the search...



-Mike
 
I agree... please post a picture and perhaps we can give better opinions. My PDR guy is awesome but a lot of his work is great because he can actually "GET" to the problem with his tools.



For what it's worth, depending on the manufacturer, OEM paint is a very precious commodity. It can be matched, but you'll end up paying a pretty penny.



I would continue the search...



-Mike
 
mixxmstrmike said:
I agree... please post a picture and perhaps we can give better opinions. My PDR guy is awesome but a lot of his work is great because he can actually "GET" to the problem with his tools.



For what it's worth, depending on the manufacturer, OEM paint is a very precious commodity. It can be matched, but you'll end up paying a pretty penny.



I would continue the search...



-Mike
Click to expand...
thats what "blending" is for.
 
they will get the dent out but the crease will remain less noticably but still there. as far as the bodyshop any time you get a panel touched you always want the whole panel done so that it matches.
 
PDR can remove a crease. You will need a highly skilled PDR guy. Body lines are not a problem for a skilled PDR tech.



To fix a crease with PDR, the method is to get the tool at the deepest point of the crease and do light pushes. Work the tool up and down from top of the crease to the bottom and it will fade. 99% of these PDR companies dont make you pay if you are not satisfied. Look for another guy and give it a shot before you paint, its free.....
 
One concern is the "sharpness" of the crease. The primer may crack (paint and clear are very flexible) and crack through the paint. You'll need a body shop for sure then, but who cares. The PDR guy wont charge you for the job anyway.
 
jsatek said:
One concern is the "sharpness" of the crease. The primer may crack (paint and clear are very flexible) and crack through the paint. You'll need a body shop for sure then, but who cares. The PDR guy wont charge you for the job anyway.
Click to expand...



The dent guys I know and use will charge even if the dent doesn't come out. They might say up front that the paint could pop, but they still get paid for their time if they start it. *this doesn't happen alot, but it is possible*

Kinda like scrubbing a spot out of carpet. You really can't guarantee it will come out, but if it doesn't we still get paid for the job.
 
Here is a picture of the dent.



Went to some more body shops and I'm hearing the same thing. I'm reluctant to have it repainted because I think the dent can be smoothed out without having to strip, but I'm not an auto body professional.



Any opinions?
 

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[quote name='truzoom']I got a few estimates that all range from $450 to $700 since they say they need to repaint the fender (BS, imo)



Better pics would be more helpful. I figured it to be about $450 to repair and repaint the entire fender. That's an F-150 right? There's no need to blend the hood or the door. I can't see how it would cost much more than that. $700 sounds way too high.:hm From the picture, the dent doesn't look that bad? I'd get more PDR quotes. They can easily remove the fender liner and have good access to work the dent from behind.
Click to expand...
 
A good PDR guy can get it nearly perfect, even if it on a body line. You just have to find the right guy. Might try calling you insurance agent, he can probably recommend someone good.



My wifes Pilot received a nice softball size ding directly over a bodyline. I wasn't too sure about the PDR, but gave it a shot. Just looking at the panel, you would never know it was there. The only way you can tell is by looking down the bodyline in the sun. There is a little distortion along the line. Overall, much better than I would have ever expected.
 
I managed to call around and find an auto customization place that has a guy who is a "wizard" at PDR. I'll be checking him out next week so let's hope for the best...
 
What I wanna know about PDR is, will the PDR tech scratch the inside of the body panel when using his dent repairing tools to fix the damage causing more damage to the inside of the panel?. i see them rubbing with tools that look like metal and SHARP!. do they cause damage to the inside where you can't see it when they're rubbing the dent out?. i hope someone knows. cause if they leave you scratches and gauges and stuff, that can rust and cause hard damage overtime. any thoughts or opinions?
 
At least for my situation, I'm not too worried about moisture getting into that part of the panel. When I consider the savings of PDR over a body shop and not having to repaint, I'll gladly take a few scratches on the inside of the panel.
 
So i guess when the PDR tech DOES use his tools to rub out dents, he actually scratches the inside panel?. if yes, than is it REALLY bad?
 
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