After getting 2 estimates at body shops for a pancake size dent in my
driver's door (2004 Sonata LX) one for $2,020 and one for $1552, I'm
thinking of "paintless dent repair" type shops. Has anyone had
experience with them? good or bad? Thanks.

 

Bob wrote:
> After getting 2 estimates at body shops for a pancake size dent in my
> driver's door (2004 Sonata LX) one for $2,020 and one for $1552, I'm
> thinking of "paintless dent repair" type shops. Has anyone had
> experience with them? good or bad? Thanks.

My dealer speaks very highly of the local "Dent Wizard" guy. Apparently,
he can remove some pretty nasty looking dents to near perfection. It's
certainly worth a shot for the price, but don't expect perfect results.
I guess it probably comes down to whether you can live with a ripple or
two in the surface better than with slightly mismatched paint.

BTW, the suction cup dent pullers found at auto supply stores do a
pretty amazing job. I don't mean the "Pops-a-Dent" type, but the larger
suction cups with handles. I've used them on several occasions myself
with surprisingly good results.

 

"Bob" <fweem1974@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:wdmdnbN2retEpojfRVn-og@giganews.com...
> After getting 2 estimates at body shops for a pancake size dent in my
> driver's door (2004 Sonata LX) one for $2,020 and one for $1552, I'm
> thinking of "paintless dent repair" type shops. Has anyone had
> experience with them? good or bad? Thanks.

I had it done to several small dents caused by hail. Worked great in that
application. It won't work if the paint is damaged or the metal is crinkled.

 

I took my car to the a Dent Specialist when a small plastic table landed on
the hood of my car (long story). Other body shops said that the three tiny
dents or dings if you will, which could only be seen in the right light,
could not be fixed without redoing the entire hood. The Dent Specialist took
one look and knew he could remove the dents to 90% of perfect for fraction
of the price that was given by the other body shop places. I was really
impressed with his work.


"Bob" <fweem1974@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:wdmdnbN2retEpojfRVn-og@giganews.com...
> After getting 2 estimates at body shops for a pancake size dent in my
> driver's door (2004 Sonata LX) one for $2,020 and one for $1552, I'm
> thinking of "paintless dent repair" type shops. Has anyone had experience
> with them? good or bad? Thanks.

 

It's definitely worth looking into. Depending on the size and type of dent
they may or may not be able to do a good job.

Also, if you're mechanically inclined, you could pull the door panel off
and try to push it out from the inside (with your hand-- don't use
anything hard or you could do more damage than good).

 

thanks everyone for the feedback. I think I'll try them. The body shops
want to repaint the door, the front fender and the rear fender removing
door handles, headlight, etc etc. for $1500- $2000. I really don't want
them tearing apart my car not to mention the outrageous price. I wish I
could post a photo of this minor dent, it's hardly noticeable.