Using a dent removal suction cup

JTsyo

Lifer
Nov 18, 2007
11,964
1,095
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So what's the best way to use this? The instructions aren't so great, it says to clean the area and use some water to help with suction. Do you place it on the center of the panel or next to the dent? I'm assuming it's not right on top since that would be hard to seal.
 

Subyman

Moderator <br> VC&G Forum
Mar 18, 2005
7,876
32
86
The dent has to be 1 in a hundred for those to work lol. Any crease or if it is small it won't work, unfortunately. Most dealerships offer dent removal for like $50.
 

Midwayman

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
5,723
325
126
Best way is just to call a paintless dent removal guy. Unless its a real beater or something.
 

Corn

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 1999
6,389
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91
Yep, PDR is the only way to go. Call several dealerships and ask who they use. Then go to the guy who gets the most mentions. Do not go to a guy who uses adhesive, only proper way is from behind the dent, not pulling from the surface.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
38
91
Yep, PDR is the only way to go. Call several dealerships and ask who they use. Then go to the guy who gets the most mentions. Do not go to a guy who uses adhesive, only proper way is from behind the dent, not pulling from the surface.

the "proper way" may include pulling with glue... the best way is whatever it takes without damaging the paint or drilling holes for access.

seen a fair amount of PDR work done. many 'think' they do a decent job.

if I would give advise I would say call a higher end body shop and use who they use. dealerships are all about good enough to move the car for the lowest price. In general, the last place I would advise someone to go for any body/paint/panel repair.

if you talk to a PDR person on the phone ask them about the last time they had to drill a hole to access a dent.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
The problem with PDR is you have pretty much take the door apart to get behind the dent. The guys that do it hopefully know your model well and use care when getting in there to do the work....those plastic parts holding the door together can break when disconnecting everything....especially if the job is rushed.

The tools involved are often just rods of varying widths and lengths bent to get to the dent...but there are a lot of other tools that can be used.

I'm interested in this myself because I have about 4-5 door dings on the driver's side of my car. It's mainly from jerks out there and the thin sheet metal they put on cars these days. I'm going to hold off, but may try to get them touched up one of these days or spend a day and try to do it myself.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
38
91
The problem with PDR is you have pretty much take the door apart to get behind the dent. The guys that do it hopefully know your model well and use care when getting in there to do the work....those plastic parts holding the door together can break when disconnecting everything....especially if the job is rushed.

The tools involved are often just rods of varying widths and lengths bent to get to the dent...but there are a lot of other tools that can be used.

I'm interested in this myself because I have about 4-5 door dings on the driver's side of my car. It's mainly from jerks out there and the thin sheet metal they put on cars these days. I'm going to hold off, but may try to get them touched up one of these days or spend a day and try to do it myself.

if the dent is in the door, RARELY have I seen the door card have to be removed.