PDR self learners

Well, I've been watching a ton of paintless dent removal videos on youtube and I'm really interested in learning how to do it. Not looking for a professional course, more like a hobby/learning experience. Just ordered a flat bar and a 10 piece tool set off Amazon. My gf's dad's truck recently got into a minor fender bender and his driver's fender is dented so I figured I'd give it a go and see how it turns out. Any of you tried pdr yourself and any tips or pointers for someone new trying it out?

 

Not to hijack - I too have been wanting to make PDR a new hobby, as I am always spotting new dents on everyone else's vehicles and constantly searching my vehicles for any door dings.

I bought an assorted set from Amazon and tried on a few junk cars, I have body work experience so I thought it would come naturally, but I tell you there is certainly an art to PDR and quite the learning curve. I realized I am going to need more specialized/stronger rods then the standard ones that came in the set. Finding a way to get leverage and planning out how you are going to access that dent from inside the panel is a big part of the battle. If anyone has a couple go-to rods I would love to see them.

 

If your kit did not come with a pdr light, pick up a cheap LED one on Amazon for $50

 

Do you have a specific light you recommend?

 

Show us some before and after pics. I would love to learn how to do it.

 

i don't know if they offer PDR specifically, but if you're in the area of any Eastwood shops, it's worth asking about as they offer a number of vehicle body focused repair introductory courses. covid messed it all up, but they're supposed to be starting back up soon. it's all very old school, nothing online, it's all printouts or call the store locations for course dates. they're pretty cheap(under $100), and are usually 4-ish hour saturday introductions to the techniques and tools.

https://www.eastwood.com/

 

PDR does sound like an interesting skill to learn.

Limiting the ability to perform PDR, is why I don't like too many sharp lines or creases on the sheet metal. There might be some techniques that can be applied to perform PDR on those lines and creases. Those sharp body lines that protrude from the door skin, seem to be prime real estate for door dings.

 

I too had been wanting to learn, due to my recent wheeling trip. Found a small tree in my bedside.


After calling my buddy with a body shop, he advised me to just leave it alone. Stopped by yesterday and had his PDR guy work his craft. And holy smokes, that’s a damn art. Here’s the afters.



PDR guy said if he had another hour with it, it would be 98%. I had to have him stop due to a time constraint. I’m 100% satisfied with his work.

 

How much time did he have with that gal?

 

About an hour, he had the bulk of it done in 20 min.