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Thread: DIY Hail Dent Removal

  1. #1

    Default DIY Hail Dent Removal

    The POSIV got pelted this week and picked up a few new dings. Since it just has Liability and uninsured Mexican coverage the bill to attempt to fix this one is mine.

    Was goggling and saw a few DIY solutions but was wondering if anyone here had any real world DIY success in fixing a few hail dings??

    I'm not taking to a PDR guy anytime soon since they are in maximize $$$ on insurance claim mode and I currently don't fit the demographic.

    TIA

  2. #2

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    I know a guy that is really reasonable (especially on cash deals), he's worked for me, Scott P, David Smart and a few other locals. He's fixing my BMW next Wednesday. He's out of Flower Mound. PM me if you want the info.
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  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    Was goggling and saw a few DIY solutions but was wondering if anyone here had any real world DIY success in fixing a few hail dings??
    I have never used any of these, but PDR seems to take a lot of practice. I would not expect DIY solutions to work too well.

  4. #4

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    I think they did a mythbusters on this one time with dry ice. I think it works a little bit on small dents but not even close to pro quality results.
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  5. #5

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    Just get the tools and do it yourself. Same as doing dental work yourself.
    M3 is always the answer.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by ken o View Post
    Just get the tools and do it yourself. Same as doing dental work yourself.
    That is what I was thinking. Have you ever tried to do it??

    I just don't want to spend any $$$ on the beautification of the POSIV that seem wrong.

    This is interesting - http://www.harborfreight.com/crossba...kit-66957.html

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    We look forward to your review.

  8. #8

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    You realize that the aluminum hood will not respond well to basic PDR techniques? An expert can achieve some success, but it isn't anything like working dents in steel.
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by OZMDD View Post
    You realize that the aluminum hood will not respond well to basic PDR techniques? An expert can achieve some success, but it isn't anything like working dents in steel.
    Back to my original post for a quick review.
    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    I'm not taking to a PDR guy anytime soon since they are in maximize $$$ on insurance claim mode and I currently don't fit the demographic.

    TIA
    My preference would be to attempt a DIY solution first.

    The POSIV isn't a "Hardpark Special" it is an 18 year old daily driver and Autocross POS.

  10. #10

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    Give it a try. If you jack it up get a pro. I would give it shot, bring it over.
    M3 is always the answer.

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by ken o View Post
    Give it a try. If you jack it up get a pro. I would give it shot, bring it over.
    Don't get your junk stuck in a door jam trying to push those dents out.
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  12. #12

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    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    Since it just has uninsured Mexican coverage...
    Couldn't you just tell the insurance you left it parked at a pinata party?
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  14. #14
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  15. #15

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    My suggestion: buy the PDR tools from HF. Buy a small, thin (20-22 ga should fit the bill), cheap (comparatively) piece of sheet metal from Tractor Supply. Add some "speed dimples" to the newly acquired panel and practice repairing that before hitting your car with a hammer.

    After that, maybe some research on the expansion rate of aluminum vs. steel and how the dry ice trick works with that material might be in order.

    EDIT: Looks like I can't click links before posting. The HF PDR kit you linked to is hammer-free. That can't hurt anything. Give it a try. Worst case, wasted $12. Best case, saved much more. I stick with my advise if you were interested in buying some nylon hammers.
    Last edited by boisking; 04-05-2012 at 11:17 PM.
    1994 R-package - gone, but not forgotten.
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  16. #16
    Shallow and Pedantic Majik's Avatar
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    From: http://manuals.harborfreight.com/man...6999/66957.pdf
    note: The Repair Kit will not repair ALL kinds
    of dents, regardless of size. The Repair Kit
    will also not work on aluminum panels or
    surfaces.

  17. #17

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    FYI - Harbor Freight has a 25% off coupon on Easter Sunday only.
    1990 White NA - SOLD
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  18. #18

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    POS, I've tried the TCB DIY. You better off save the $/time and get the PDR guy. I finally broke down and had Glenn work on it. He was even able to fix the dent on the hood! I had 5 panels done on each of my Miata at his shop at 'wholesale price' early this year when his business was slow.
    Gabriel

  19. #19
    MME Goodwill Ambassador onething's Avatar
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