Hey all,

I accidentally bumped and scraped the driver's side of my 2001 CL against a large pole in a parking garage which created a dent/some scratches. The color of the car is Satin Silver Metallic.

I went and got some estimates at a couple body shops, and they all quoted me prices around $1k-2k, which is a decent amount of money, so I plan to hold off on that option for now.

So a couple of questions:

1. Some of the paint from the pole got scraped onto the car. Is there any way to remove the pole paint without damaging the car paint? I tried using simple water, but to no avail. Are there any kinds of solvents or anything that could solve this problem?

2. How well do the dent removal products work? I've used the Ding King before on a different car, but didn't really work for me. Has anyone tried the pullers/plunger type products?

Any other suggestions?







Thanks!

 

Nspec_ya4 would be the one to talk to with this.

 

A paintless dent guy should be able to take the dent out. But the paint is tore up. A repaint & blending of that area will be needed.

 

There is a new product out "Dr. Color Chip" that may work on the areas needing a repaint.

Google the site and see if it would work for you...

 

Hmm..sounds interesting. But in regards to the white paint that came off of the pole onto the car, is there any way to remove that?

 

Wet Claybar & rubbing should work for that. You can pickup claybar in any auto stores detailing section. Follow it up with some kind of wax/polish.

 

as far as the dent goes, it'll be pointless messing with it yourself because you cant really make it look any better unless you take it to a professional. definitely not something an average PDR guy would wanna mess with at all. On CLs, the only way to get to that dent is through the wheel well. None of that DIY dent repair will work on this.

for the paint transfer, only use some paint thinner to get everything off that doesnt belong there. no need to do clay/buffing/wet sanding because the paint is already damaged badly. touch up might make it look better.

The only thing you need to do now take off the paint transfer, put some touch up on it. and wait till you take it in for proper work.

Also 1k - 2k sounds quite a bit for small job like this. 600 - 700 max, retail price. they only have to paint the door and 1/4 panel below the body line.


where are you located?

 

I got two chips/dents from some idiot that drove off with his wheels spining that small rocks hit the car and damage paint. I got two dents like that and few chips



How much would cost to pull it back and touch up ?

 

Where is that dent and scratch and do u have a picture of it from a distance? Like about 4-5 feet

 

What exactly is the reason why you would advise against a paintless dent removal?

Also, I went ahead a bought a dent puller at a local auto shop. I used it and it "popped" out part of the dent, so it looks better. I also used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and that got off a good amount of the rubbed off paint from the pole. I will post up more pictures later.

I'm located in San Jose

 

because the chances of you finding a PDR guy that is willing to work on a dent like this is very rare. Most PDR guys will be able to bring this up about 80% but it will still look like shit (in my eyes) will have a lot of push spots in it and what not. Basically advising against it so that you dont waste a lot of time running around.


the dent puller might have pulled it out a little, but guaranteed there is still a huge wave left there.
Keep in mind that my "make it look better" is way different than an average person's.
You could have just used some paint thinner and with literally one wipe have everything taken off instead of trying to sit there scrubbing with the other stuff. Again, the reason was to save you time.

By the way, a PDR guy will be able fix the dent on the door though, but it will be useless in your case because to get the entire job done right, the car is gonna end up at a bodyshop, so might as well skip the rest and take it straight to a bodyshop.

 

Got it. Is there a specific type of paint thinner I should look for? And should I worry about the paint thinner taking off the car's paint?

 

just any paint thinner will work. put it on a paper towel, rub it on the scratched area, then right away use a dry paper towel to wipe it off. that simple. u'll be amazed by how quick this process is.

 

I see no one has posted on this thread but ive seen a trick where you take a heat gun, aluminum foil, and a can of air duster. Apply the foil over the dent and heat the area with the heat gun. The aluminum foil is to protect the paint. When you have the area fairly hot quickly take the compressed air and turn it upside down and spray the entire area. The rapid heating and contracting of the metal will pop the dent out.

 

^ Doesnt work.

 

yea i forgot to mention its a 50/50 shot. but hey try it, if it works, you saveyourself a good chunk of labor cost. If not, well a can of compressed air only cost two bucks anyway

 

i heard you use a brazing torch and water hose ? lol

 

Just throwing it out there... anyone know anything good for stupid water spots?

 

Take a look in the wash and wax section. You probably need to clay bar and polish your car.