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Thank you so much for all the reassuring responses. Dent guy here next Monday!
Be sure to post some AFTER photos!!
I have also used DPR on a 997 that had several golf ball strikes in some challenging spots...so I thought. Couldn't see the repairs even thought I knew where they were!
Thanks for that recommendation. I did have a fairly experienced PDR guy come round this morning and he did not think he could do a satisfactory restoration because. (i) the 992 bodywork is now aluminum not steel which is harder to work (less shape memory in the metal), (ii) the bodyline/edge is hard to redefine, and (iii) the inside area under the wheel arch liner is an interior piece of metal that stands off a bit from the outer shell making it harder to gain access from behind. He did not know enough about the car structure and how to get access, So after that, I contacted Andrew today and he said from the photos he thinks he could get to a 90% restoration and aluminum is his specialty.
To hedge my bets, I also took the car to a body shop I trust, and they said they could make it like new with traditional bodywork, filler, and repainting in that area. My big fear was that the entire body panel would have to be replaced (which is like half the car!) but that does not appear necessary. The cost of this approach appears to be a bit over my deductible but not much so I would not need to involve insurance.
So the best strategy appears to be to give the PDR guy a chance and if it is still not quite right, go the traditional route given that much of the reshaping will have been done by the PDR guy anyway.
There are PDR guys and there are PDR GUYS. I have succesfully had similar dents removed from my aluminum 911's very similar to yours, but it takes a guy at the higher level. In my area, the pros are Dentmasters on Tyco Road in Vienna VA. You'll have to find the guy in your area. If they are mobile, chances are they don't have the skill set. Anyone trying one of those glue gun gizmos - just send them on their way. Any one that says "Not sure, but I'll try"....send them on their way. You want the guy that says "I can fix that, but its a $ 400 job". That's your man.
DO NOT go traditional body shop. They will never match the metal flake on that fender and you will always see the different reflection in the sunlight. The only way to get a good metal flake match is to shoot the entire car.
Here you can see the dent I had in my 911 in Agate Grey, above the arch. The tech had to remove the tail light assembly and go in from there. It was perfect afterwards.
There are PDR guys and there are PDR GUYS. I have succesfully had similar dents removed from my aluminum 911's very similar to yours, but it takes a guy at the higher level. In my area, the pros are Dentmasters on Tyco Road in Vienna VA. You'll have to find the guy in your area. If they are mobile, chances are they don't have the skill set. Anyone trying one of those glue gun gizmos - just send them on their way. Any one that says "Not sure, but I'll try"....send them on their way. You want the guy that says "I can fix that, but its a $ 400 job". That's your man.
DO NOT go traditional body shop. They will never match the metal flake on that fender and you will always see the different reflection in the sunlight. The only way to get a good metal flake match is to shoot the entire car.
Here you can see the dent I had in my 911 in Agate Grey, above the arch. The tech had to remove the tail light assembly and go in from there. It was perfect after ward.
Thanks - that's very helpful and encouraging. It is becoming apparent that I need someone who knows how to get in behind that metal surface. I am guessing that might be possible if the rear bumper is removed (as it is regularly for servicing) or maybe through the tail light as you mention. I don't see how it is possible to fix it just by pulling with those glue pads everyone seems to use. Thats part of it I guess, but getting in behind seems essential to redefine the metal shape.
The guys I have found in AZ seem mobile but if anyone has a recommendation (even Southern California) where they can get the car on a lift and disassemble what needs to be done to do it properly, I am trying to find that PDR GUY.
I see you are in Northern Arizona - may not be anyone there who is really good. Try calling the Bentley dealer in Scottsdale, they will know the guy……or the one in Las Vegas? maybe too far for you to drive? The high end car dealers all use the same guy.
I see you are in Northern Arizona - may not be anyone there who is really good. Try calling the Bentley dealer in Scottsdale, they will know the guy……or the one in Las Vegas? maybe too far for you to drive? The high end car dealers all use the same guy.
Thanks! Las Vegas or SoCal (let alone Scottsdale) is not too far to drive at all if a high-end PDY guy is there.
UPDATE: I found a good local PDR guy who did a reasonable job. I would say 95% there as it was a major dent. The bodyline is not quite as sharp as originally, but it is visible and defined and still the original paintwork. Anyway, it's better than filler, and repainting, let alone a new body panel.
UPDATE: I found a good local PDR guy who did a reasonable job. I would say 95% there as it was a major dent. The bodyline is not quite as sharp as originally, but it is visible and defined and still the original paintwork. Anyway, it's better than filler, and repainting, let alone a new body panel.
05-30-2024, 05:46 PM
