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| This time Jeff can reach the ding through an access plug that was already in the door. This ding didn’t require the shrinking step. | Sometimes a quarter panel ding can be reached though the trunk under the liner | Here is the reference plane tool |
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| A shorter handled pusher tool was used here | The dent was easily pushed out |
Then some genius invented the techniques used by paintless dent repair technicians everywhere and a new industry was born. Paintless dent repair is less intrusive than traditional methods of fixing dings. In paintless dent repair the dent is pushed out with special tools using a special touch. I know this is not easy because I have never been successful at duplicating the technique even though I had closely watched it many times!
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| A bad ding deep into the quarter panels behind layers of reinforcement required that Jeff drill a hole in the body. This is the last resort for a paintless dent repair person. To start the hole was made in a spot covered by the taillights. An awl was used to make sure the drill would not slip around and scratch the paint |
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| The smallest possible hole was made using a step drill bit | A close up of the hole | The long wicked looking tool needed for the job |
Paintless dent repair 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. No bondo or fillers is used. It is also available in most major cities. However, not all paintless dent repair companies are equal. Like any job requiring a lot of skill there are guys who are good, those who 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.
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| Snaking the tool through the hole | Shrinking the metal and finishing up the repair |
I have been fortunate to have been working with one of the best paintless dent repair artists in the country for a few years. Jeff Magill who is the owner of Beach Cites Paintless Dent Removal has many high end references. He removes dents for the Overhauling TV show and has appeared on the show several times. He is the official dent guy for the SEMA show and is on duty at the show for emergency repair jobs during SEMA week on the show cars. He is also the dent fix go to guy for Hollywood productions. Many magazines use his services for their project cars. Jeff has been working his magic on my cars for years, sometimes being able to pull off invisible repairs on jobs that go way beyond the scope of simple dings.
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Sometimes inside panels have to be partially removed to reach a ding | The door wedge behind your back method | It is best to work slowly and stretch the metal as little as possible sighting down the panel and checking your work frequently as you go. |
