The paintless dent removal process has been around for more than 10 years, but it has been only recently that it has enjoyed a growing popularity among auto enthusiasts and the shops that provide the service. Basically, paintless dent removal involves the use of specialized bars that are inserted in the body panels behind the dent, and the bars are used to gently massage the dent out of the panel. Since this massaging process tends to create high ridges on the outside of the body panel, soft mallets and plastic dowels are also brought into play to gently pound down these high spots.The process is definitely a work of art for the technician, as he alternates between prying the dent out and pounding down the high ridges until the panel assumes its original smooth appearance.
Here's the dent. The damage...
Here's the dent. The damage was minimal, but to our eyes it was a glaring bruise to our new Super Duty. We took our Ford to Beach Cities Paintless Dent Removal in Huntington Beach, California - dent-removal experts for more than seven years.
Recently, we inadvertently placed a dent in our '05 F-250 Super Duty while backing a 29-foot fifth-wheel trailer into a tight camping spot. Although the dent was minimal, it was the first blemish to occur on our new truck, and we wanted to regain its original pristine image. We took to the truck to the dent professionals at Beach Cities Paintless Dent Removal in Huntington Beach, California, where owner Jeff Magill stood by to apply his expertise. The entire process took a little more than an hour, and the final result put our Super Duty back to showroom fresh. Follow along, as we take you through the entire dent-removal process.
The dent-removal process started...
The dent-removal process started with removing the interior door trim.
The inside door matting was...
The inside door matting was also removed for maximum access.
The dent was located directly...
The dent was located directly in front the door's I-beam, which made the dent-removal process a bit tricky.
A hole was drilled in the...
A hole was drilled in the door to provide access for the specialized rods used to gently pry the dent into shape.
The access hole was later...
The access hole was later fitted with a rubber trim piece that looked OEM.
Here are the specialized massage...
Here are the specialized massage bars that will be used to work the dent out.
One of the bars is inserted...
One of the bars is inserted into the access hole to allow Jeff to gently work out the dent from behind the body panel.
The bar was carefully worked...
The bar was carefully worked against the dent. The process is indeed an art form.
After the bar worked the dent...
After the bar worked the dent out, soft mallets were used on the outside to gently pound down the high spots formed by the process.
A plastic dowel was also brought...
A plastic dowel was also brought into play to shape the outside of the dent.
By alternating between the...
By alternating between the bars, mallets, and dowel, the dent began to revert to its pristine OE appearance.
This was a slow and steady...
This was a slow and steady process, and also a very creative art form.
The process ended with a final...
The process ended with a final buffing to eliminate any surface scratches.
The door panels were replaced,...
The door panels were replaced, and we were ready to hit the road.
Dent be gone! We were all...
Dent be gone! We were all smiles, after our Super Duty was returned to its showroom look.