Start with four questions about the damage.
1. Is the paint intact?
PDR is designed to preserve the existing finish. Cracks, large chips, or previous paintwork can change what is safe and what the final result can look like.
2. How sharp or stretched is the dent?
A shallow dent often moves differently from a sharp impact with a tight center. Diameter alone does not show how far the metal has stretched.
3. Where is it on the panel?
Edges, seams, braces, double metal, and strong body lines can limit access or change the leverage needed to move the panel.
4. Can Sean reach it safely?
Some repairs use access behind the panel. Others may use controlled glue pulling from the outside. Trim, liners, wiring, airbags, and panel construction all matter.
How to photograph a dent for an estimate
- Take one photo far enough back to show the full panel
- Add close views from the left, right, above, and below
- Use reflected daylight or a straight light source so the distortion is visible
- Include the year, make, model, and any known previous paintwork
PDR fit questions
Is a large dent automatically impossible for PDR?
No. Size matters, but depth, sharpness, stretched metal, paint condition, location, and access can matter more than diameter alone.
Can a dent on a body line be repaired?
Sometimes. Body-line dents can be more demanding because the panel is shaped and reinforced there. Sean needs to inspect the exact damage.
Can aluminum panels be repaired with PDR?
Some aluminum damage can be repaired with PDR, but the metal behaves differently and access still matters. The vehicle and panel need to be identified first.
