At Dent Detail PDR, we’re often asked whether paintless dent repair (PDR) can tackle damage beyond the typical “car park ding” or minor collision.
Our recent repair on a Ford door proves that even serious collision damage can frequently be restored without replacing the panel, using filler, or repainting, much to the delight of our customer.
This latest paintless dent repair challenges the common perception that PDR is only suitable for minor dents.
The damage on this vehicle would usually require a full insurance repair, with the door replaced entirely. However, this repair demonstrates how expert PDR from Dent Detail PDR can save panels, protect the original paintwork, and save our customers both time and money.
Before & After
The Damage
The vehicle’s door had taken a heavy hit along the curved bodyline.
Several key issues made this a complex repair:
- Main large dent: Running through the curved bodyline, requiring careful attention to maintain panel shape.
- Two minor creases: Smaller but positioned in tricky areas that could stretch if not handled correctly.
- Longer, wider crease: Approximately 1.5 feet along the lower bodyline.
- Tennis-ball sized dent: At the bottom of the door panel.
- Black paint transfer marks: Along the panel, adding cosmetic damage on top of structural denting.
As the before-and-after photos show, this wasn’t a simple ding.
Restoring the panel required advanced techniques and precise tool work to ensure the original paint remained completely intact.
Why PDR Was the Best Solution
Typically, a door with this level of damage would be replaced under an insurance repair. But in this case, and after thorough inspection by our IMI-accredited technicians, replacement was unnecessary.
We identified that the panel itself was structurally sound, and the paintwork remained largely intact, aside from removable transfer marks.
Using PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) meant the customer could avoid filling, sanding, and repainting, preserving the factory finish and the car’s resale value.
The Repair Process
Step 1: Lateral Tension Pulling
For the main dent, lateral tension was essential. Pulling the dent outward prevented panel stretching, which can ruin the finish. We used the Kecodentrepair K-Power system for this stage, and it worked beautifully, stabilising the largest dent so the rest of the repair could proceed safely.
Step 2: Traditional PDR Tools
Once the main dent was secure, we removed the pulling system and tackled the remaining damage using a combination of traditional PDR tools from the inside of the panel for precise metal reshaping. We also utilised glue pulling from the outside to handle creases and minor dents without causing paint damage.
The full repair took approximately 4 hours, all carried out in a single day.
Step 3: Paintwork Restoration
The black paint transfer marks were carefully polished out, leaving the panel completely pristine, with no need for fillers or repainting.
The Outcome
The result? A perfectly restored door, fully aligned with the original bodylines.
The customer was thrilled as we managed to save the panel from replacement which can be extremely costly, and unnecessary filling and repainting wasn’t required either.
This repair proves that not everything needs replacing, and that PDR can often achieve results that traditional methods cannot, particularly for vehicles with factory paint and curved bodylines.
Key Benefits of PDR & Takeaways
- PDR is more than small dings: Skilled technicians can tackle complex bodyline damage.
- Insurance replacement isn’t always necessary: Before making that call, a professional PDR assessment can save time and money.
- Combination techniques work best: Lateral tension pulling, internal panel tools, and glue pulling together can tackle difficult dents.
- Preserve value: Avoiding filler and repainting keeps your vehicle closer to factory condition.
Contact Dent Detail PDR
Looking for professional paintless dent removal from a trusted company with over 1,400 five-star reviews?
We offer both workshop and mobile dent repair services, covering Leyland, Preston, Chorley, Fulwood, and surrounding areas.
Request your free, no-obligation quote today by calling 07824 426591 or using our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Recent Comments