San Diego's Body Shop Alternative
San Diego's Body Shop Alternative
Repairing a stretched dent using paintless dent repair (PDR) techniques can be more challenging than repairing a typical soft dent, as stretched metal might have undergone additional deformation. However, it’s still possible to address stretched dents using specialized methods. Here’s an overview of the process:
Assessment: A PDR technician will assess the stretched dent to evaluate the extent of the damage and the degree of stretching. They’ll determine if the dent is suitable for PDR or if another repair method might be necessary.
Access and Preparation: Gain access to the backside of the dent, typically by removing interior panels, trim, or utilizing specialized tools designed to reach behind the dent. Clean the area thoroughly to ensure that the PDR tech can properly see the natural reflections in the damage.
PDR Tools and Techniques:
· Pushing Technique: The technician might use PDR rods or tools to gradually push and massage the stretched metal back into its original shape. This process involves carefully manipulating the metal without causing additional damage. Which is referred to as Cold Shrinking which is usually a sharp tip tool used to gather up the extra metal and as the dent is mounded up it is compressed with polished hammers and tap downs or slappers.
· Blending and Shaping: Specialized tools, including blending hammers and knockdowns, might be used to blend the stretched metal back towards its original contours while minimizing high spots or sharp creases.
· Heat Application: Controlled application of consistent heat with a heat gun on a stand should be used to soften the paint, making it more pliable and easier to manipulate. While restoring the metal’s closer to its original shape to reduce the chances of paint damage. Using a torch is extremely risking and does not provide consistent heat and can cause paint damage by overheating the paint and the extreme shock of the paint.
· Shrinking Machine. CBH200 is a type of machine used in PDR field. It is specifically designed as a “shrinker” or “shrinker stretcher” machine. This equipment aids in reshaping or manipulating stretched HSS and aluminum when it is too severe to be cold crank or blended out because of the oil can affect.
Finishing and Detailing: After the dent is reshaped, the technician may perform additional fine-tuning and detail work to ensure the surface is smooth and free of imperfections.
Repairing a stretched dent using PDR requires extreme skills, experience, and specialized tools. It’s crucial to have the work performed by a highly trained and experienced PDR technician. Not all stretched dents can be fully restored using PDR, especially if the metal has been significantly stretched or deformed or the customers budget is insufficient. In such cases, traditional auto body repair methods might be necessary to achieve a more complete restoration. Consulting with a qualified PDR specialist such as Eddie Martin owner and master tech of the Dent Devils is essential to determine the most suitable approach for repairing stretched dents.