What are the Chances of Dent Removal ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BAd124 · #1 01-15-2003, 05:40 PM

I have been around asking everyone what they thought about this dent on my hood. My dad dropped a pool pump on it last spring and it is driving me nuts but I really am trying to avoid new paint...thanks for any comments

brookspw · #2 01-15-2003, 10:18 PM

Well, that is not going to come all the way out. Do I see a sharp crease at the bottom? They can, however, get out the biggest part of the cavity and make it a lot better than it is.

BAd124 · #3 01-15-2003, 10:55 PM

Good eyes. There is a bit of a crease there. They thought that the paint might crack when they did it. I wonder if applying some very low heat might make it more pliable?? Just a theory I was working on ...

tkd_M119 · #4 01-16-2003, 02:47 AM

Just curious, but why doesn't your dad pay for, or at least chip in for repair?

brookspw · #5 01-16-2003, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAd124
Good eyes. There is a bit of a crease there. They thought that the paint might crack when they did it. I wonder if applying some very low heat might make it more pliable?? Just a theory I was working on ...

That is exactly what they'd do -- use low heat -- I'd do that. Find a top notch paintless dent guy. Probably cost $100. Definitely worth a shot, as painting would cost much more.

Dad should pay.

What is your comprehensive deductible? It would be covered by that portion of your insurance.

BAd124 · #6 01-16-2003, 10:40 AM

Actually if I could find a shop that would try he probably would pay if the insurance wouldnt cover it....has anyone ever had a vertical crease taken out of thier door? I have one there that was there from the previous owner but havent had any luck with that either..I will put up a picture but it might be very hard to tell from it. Concentrate on the reflection of the red truck in it and the strip on the door to find it ..

jjrodger · #7 01-16-2003, 12:41 PM

I've just had three dents taken out of my father's black metallic Porsche 996 with excellent results. Two of the dents were slightly less severe than BAd124's dent. The other was a bad 9 inch tall vertical crease in the door where someone had obviously deliberately opened their door onto the Porsche. I was very satisfied with the results, although the door crease remains very slightly visible (but not to anyone else). I would recommend this: it is a lot cheaper than new panels and paint.

BAd124 · #8 01-16-2003, 02:25 PM

Thanks jjrodger..
I was hoping to hear that someone had success removing a vertical crease from a door. I dont know what caused it but it looks like either a very hard swung door from another car or this door was opened into a pole of some sort. Well I am feeling better about this now I know it has been done......the search continues

BAd124 · #9 01-21-2003, 02:27 PM

Anyone else have any ideas or advice??

ymsin · #10 01-26-2003, 05:31 AM

The one on the hood looks pretty bad for a dent removal. Moreover, the tough cover would not produce the desired result other than the conventional putty + spray over that I am familiar with.

The vertical crease ought to be much easier provided its not located at the corner where its almost impossible to work the tools through. It would not be perfect, but at the very least - not an eye-catcher.

Lee Scheeler · #11 01-29-2003, 03:06 AM

In either of those cases I doubt PDR would get the dent 100% back to good. A trained eye or the right lighting/refelection will bring it out. That said, they might be able to reduce it somewhat. Anytime you have a dent on a natural crease or a dent that results in a crease it most likely will not come out. However, if a gifted PDR professional can reduce it most of the way the panel is saved which does vastly contribute to resale value if the car is 100% original panels and paintwork to begin with.

Hope this helps....Lee

New2Mercedes · #12 02-01-2003, 06:57 PM

Paintless dent removal (PDR) is the deal but a word of caution...If I am correct I think your cars are approaching 10+ years old. Paints if not taken care of or are outside cars can dry out and become brittal. Some PDR companies might not guarantee "acceptable results" or it may look worse since the paint is not as pliable as a car say 5 years or newer. I would read their "contract" to understand their liability.

Also, depending on where the dropping of the pump took place you might want to consider/investigate filing under someone's homeowners policy and save your insurance rates on the car. They are looking for ANYTHING to raise premiums for auto's these days...jus some suggestions.

BAd124 · #13 02-02-2003, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the advice guys...

sdanville · #14 01-09-2005, 08:36 PM

Did you get the Dent out ?

BAd124 · #15 01-09-2005, 09:16 PM

Hi,
Actually I did get it out. I caught a guy doing his rounds at a dealership and he did it on the spot. Did a great job and you really have to look now to find it. He I was right there while he was doing it and he really was having trouble getting it to move. He attached an "S" hook as a pivot point to the top of the hood and it actually bent, which was the first time he had ever seen that. A testimate to the quality of the sheet metal.