"The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long after the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten"

 

Dent Estimating, "How much to fix my dent?"

Here is a guideline on how dent damage is estimated.
PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL COST GUIDELINES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
(December 2015)

 DAMAGE ESTIMATION GUIDELINES

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

This page is designed as a guideline to educate technicians, adjusters, body shops, and the general public on which procedures could be required to perform proper PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) repairs on a vehicle. These pages do not state that all procedures listed must be required at all times, but instead give insight to the procedures that may need be required. These procedures should always be considered when requested by the dent expert repairing the vehicle.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

VEHICLE CONDITION:
Estimate should be completed on a cleaned vehicle, indoors, and using professional PDR lighting equipment.
SPECIAL CAUTIONS:
Details of this guide are subject to the specifics of each situation. It is understood that no two dents, storms, or technicians are alike and should be evaluated on an individual basis. This includes but is not limited to variance in repair location, damage specific to each storm, previous damage to the location of current repair, and more. All claims should be assessed individually.
ESTIMATING EXPLANATION:
The necessities of the following procedures should be left to the discretion of the servicing PDR technician/EXPERT. The noted procedures may be needed to gain access to any damaged areas for the dent removal process to begin. Proper R&I techniques shall be used according to manufacturer’s specs and federal motor vehicle safety standards. (http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standards/) It is understood that the listed items below do not include: Dent removal, cleaning or preparing the panel, or circling/highlighting the damage for estimating purposes. The finish of the vehicle is of vital importance in consideration of PDR as a viable method of repair. To obtain the desired end result of a quality PDR repair, paint must be in good condition. Factors that may prohibit complete auto-body factory condition restoration include (but are not limited to);
MATTE FINISH
MATTE FINISH
MATTE FINISH
MATTE FINISH
WRAPPED VEHICLE
WRAPPED VEHICLE

Stripes, Decals, Transfers or Overlays

DECALS
DECALS
STRIPES
STRIPES
CLEAR BRA
CLEAR BRA

 AFTER FACTORY ADDITIONS OR DAMAGE

CUSTOM PAINT
CUSTOM PAINT
POOR PAINT
POOR PAINT
PAINT DAMAGE
PAINT DAMAGE

Previous Damage Unrelated to Storm Event.

In high winds, some damage may be caused by storm debris such as broken branches from nearby trees, solid objects being carried by high winds, etc

DAMAGE ESTIMATION GUIDELINES

DETERMINING DENT SIZE:

When using the sizing coin/magnet, the edges of the dent must be inclusive of the size of the measured circles to be considered that specific size. If the edges of the dent damage exceed the size of the circle on the magnet, then the dent is counted as being the next size up and will not be estimated at the size down or smaller than the actual damage. The affected area is to be determined by the PDR Technician and may include surface area greater than that of the measured indentation.

DENTS/PANELS THAT SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO STANDARD PRICING:

The following items can be added to an estimate and may incur additional repair costs. Additional items should not be limited to one per panel since each item independently adds to the time and difficulty of the repair. The vehicle and vehicle damage will be inspected to determine access and repair technique/difficulty. Items that may result in a longer, and/or more difficult repair and may incur additional repair costs include but are not limited to:

Tall Vehicles

Vehicle panels that require a technician to use the assistance of a bench/ladder in order to gain access to perform the repair.

 

step up work

Panels with Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is especially susceptible to damage. Special caution must be taken in order to properly perform a repair on panels containing laminated glass.

 
laminated-glass

Extended Roof

Extra time and advanced techniques/tools can be required to properly repair an extended roof.

extended roof
Roof/ 30-50% Larger, Plus extra bracing.

Glue Pulling

Glue pulling a dent or dents takes significantly longer to repair than the standard repair method. Some panels require the glue pulling method in order to be repaired properly.

mini lifterMini Lifter for glue pull kit

Double Panels/Heavily Braced Panels

This should not be limited to roof rails, doors, and deck lids. This includes areas that are not typically involved in the discussion of double paneled areas. Front of hoods, tops of doors, door area underneath belt molding, quarter panels at front, and deck lids are often heavily braced. A panel is considered a heavily braced / and or a double panel when there is little to no direct access to the damaged area.

2015 Aluminum Caravan Hood, All double paneled.
2015 Aluminum Caravan Hood, All double paneled. (1)

High Strength Steel (HSS) and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS)

HSS/UHSS have a higher Tensile Strength (MPa), resulting in a more challenging and time consuming repair. More Info

hss steel

Aluminum

Aluminum has less metal memory, resulting in a more challenging and time consuming repair.

Aluminum Hood *many other makes and models
Aluminum Hood *many other makes and models

Extra Thin Metal

Extra thin metal results in a more challenging and time consuming repair.

Panels with Sound Deadening

Sound deadening creates a barrier between the technician’s tool and the damage, resulting in a more challenging and time consuming repair.

Sound Deadening
Sound Deadening

Poor Access

Extra/tight bracing and lack of factory access holes can create poor access.

Extra Large Panel

Unusually large panels can create leverage problems, access difficulty and require extra time and advanced techniques.

extended roof
Rear Quarter

Ribbed Roof

A ribbed roof results in having to repair dents on concave and convex surfaces. Dents that are not on flat surfaces result in a more challenging and time consuming repair.

Ribbed Roof With Hail Damage
Ribbed Roof With Hail Damage

Deep Dents

Dent depth can be assessed visually by qualified technicians, or measured in mm using a depth gauge.

Over-Sized Dents

See section titled “DETERMINING DENT SIZE”. With minute increases in size of the damage the difficulty of repair increases exponentially. Half dollar, Egg, Tennis ball, Baseball, Softball, and Grapefruit; should all be evaluated as their own respective categories

Sharp Dents

The ratio between dent size and dent depth (determined by the technician), as well as metal type, may result in a sharp dents which require special technique and result in a more challenging and time consuming repair.

Multiple connected dents or one or more dents that fall in the affected area of another dent

Stretched dents

Corner or edge dents

Dents on tight radius, extra stiff curves

Creases

Materials

Shop supplies, tool tips, glue supplies, solvents, tape, compounds, etc.

Corrosion Protection

Refinishing/sealing undersides of painted panels where soft tipping is not an option

REMOVAL AND INSTALL GUIDELINES

REMOVAL AND INSTALL (R&I) LABOR TIMES

R&I labor times should be used to estimate time needed to remove and replace portions of the vehicle that cause obstruction to access points needed to repair damage. These items will vary depending on size/depth/location of the dents, vehicle age and condition, technician’s experience, equipment, vehicle make/model, etc. Labor rates default by regional location. Mitchell1 is a industry standard, but should not be held  to, tech and adjuster should be able to adapt.  http://mitchell1.com/

GENERAL/MISC REMOVAL AND INSTALL (R&I) PROCEDURES:

R&I of any obstruction to enable visibility of repair area, on any vehicle, deemed necessary by the repairing technician/Expert, in order to gain access and/or leverage on the backside of the damaged area.

Lifting of the vehicle when needed to see, gain access, or perform the repair.

Vehicle on lift, part of R&I for access. (wheel removal, liner removal, door seal access)
Vehicle on lift, part of R&I for access. (wheel removal, liner removal, door seal access, sto-n-Go PDR repair)

Preparation of vehicle including but not limited to: removal of dirt/snow/ice, etc.

Snow, Ice, Dirt, Cleaning Charge
Snow, Ice, Dirt, Cleaning Charge

Light buffing if needed to see the damage and repair it correctly.

Buffing may be required to remove object transfer
Buffing may be required to remove object transfer

R&I or R&R of aftermarket items.

Aftermarket parts that may need removed and replaced, or removed and installed
(Visors) Aftermarket parts that may need removed and replaced, or removed and installed.

Areas of vehicle paneling with ribbon sealer.

PCM/BCM reset, ABS, taillights, window memory and power liftgate, etc.

R&R pinstripe, vinyl decals, stripes, clear bra.

Striping
Striping

Paint sealer, wax application/removal.

Sound deadening, panel stiffening.

Sound Deadening
Sound Deadening

Panel to bracing glue.

Weatherstrip clips.

GLASS R&I PROCEDURES:

Back glass on trucks should be considered for removal if any of the following criteria is met:

  1. Glass is a single pane.
  2. Sliding glass window does not provide adequate access for a complete and proper repair.
  3. Vehicle has a ribbed roof.

High risk and not proper access. Should be removed.
High risk and not proper access. Should be removed.

Quarter glass on SUVs and coupes should be considered for removal if technician deems it necessary for a complete and proper repair.

glass

HOOD R&I PROCEDURES:

Hood insulator pad

Removing and securing the panel in a workable position

Replacing the panel to original position on vehicle upon completion of repair

Hood scoops.

(Hood Scoop) Removal may be necessary.
(Hood Scoop) Removal may be necessary.

Air deflector, bug guard

Clear bra

Grill

grill
Grill Removal for access

Hood moldings,trim pieces, clips

Washer nozzles

Weatherstrip

FRONT FENDER R&I PROCEDURES:

Fender liners

Headlamps – Some vehicles require the front bumper to be removed to gain access to the headlamp anchor points for a full removal

Grill

Clear bra

Plow frame

Bumper guard

Side marker light

Air intake housing

Windshield cowl

Hood hinges

Deflectors / trim pieces located in engine bay, inner fender

Wheel flare

Appearance grill

Electronics

Sound deadener

DOOR R&I PROCEDURES:

Door panel

Interior door panel removed
Interior door panel removed

Belt Moldings

Belt molding
Belt molding

Vapor barrier

Sound deadener

Speaker

Aftermarket window visor.

Aftermarket parts that may need removed and replaced, or removed and installed
Aftermarket parts that may need removed and replaced, or removed and installed

Mirror

Removal of mirror
Removal of mirror

Exterior handle

Striker catch

Regulator assembly

Weatherstrip

Wire harness

Door removal as needed

Door Removal maybe necessary for PDR
Door Removal maybe necessary for PDR

Laminated glass window

2016 Ford F-150 Drivers Door Laminated Glass
2016 Ford F-150 Drivers Door Laminated Glass

Side view mirror

QUARTER PANEL R&I PROCEDURES:

Tail lights – Some vehicles require the rear bumper to be removed to gain access to the tail light anchor points for a full removal

Removal and Intsall for access
Removal and Intsall for access

Interior trim

Interior door panel removed
Interior door panel removed

Moldings

Belt molding
Belt molding

Quarter glass

Fuel door

Computer modules

Sound equipment

Antenna motor

Bumper

Remove bumper to gain access
Remove bumper to gain access/grill

Wheel

Wheel opening trim / wheel flare

Wheel Flare
Wheel Flare

Fuel door repair

BEDSIDE R&I PROCEDURES:

Tail lamp

Bed rail caps

Example of bed cap. Most need replaced, due to clips breaking during the removal.
Example of bed cap. Most need replaced, due to clips breaking during the removal.

Camper shell, tonneau cover

tonneau cover, https://dentexpertlist.com
Tonneau cover, https://dentexpertlist.com

Rear wheel

Wheel opening trim, flares

Headache rack

Toolbox

Bumper

RAIL R&I PROCEDURES:

Drip molding Supplies

Glue materials

ROOF R&I PROCEDURES:

Headliner R&I

Headliner removal
Headliner removal

Overhead console

Overhead Console
Overhead Console

Rear view mirror

Roof mounted A/V equipment

Liftgate/Hatch on SUV/Van/Crossover

Lift Gate/Rear Gate
Lift Gate/Rear Gate

Airbags

Roof racks

Roof mounted antenna

Roof Antenna 2015 Renegade Latitude
Roof Antenna 2015 Renegade Latitude

Roof mounted 3rd brake lamp

Additional lamps

Back glass on coupes, trucks

Quarter panel glass

glass
Glass

Sunroof including tray when applicable

Sun roof removal
Sun roof removal

Liftgate / rear hatch

Windshield and or rear glass

rear glass removal

Restraint systems

Exterior adhesive trim

Drip moldings

Sound deadener materials

Sound deadener material
Sound deadener material

DECK LID R&I PROCEDURES:

Interior liner

Removing and securing the panel in a workable position

Replacing the panel to original position on vehicle upon completion of repair

3rd brake lamp

Deck lid interior handle

Additional panel mounted lamps

Spoiler

Wiring harness

License plate trim piece

Backup camera

Rear Camera 2015 Renegade Latitude
Rear Camera 2015 Renegade Latitude

SUV HATCH / LIFTGATE R&I PROCEDURES:

Interior Trim 2015 Renegade Latitude
Interior Trim 2015 Renegade Latitude

Interior trim

Removing and securing the panel in a workable position

Replacing the panel to original position on vehicle upon completion of repair

Liftgate mounted tire

Spoiler

Glass

Moldings

Panel mounted lamps

License plate trim piece

Wiring harness

3rd brake lamp

Washer nozzles

Washer hoses

Wiper arm

Weatherstrip

Backup camera

Rear Camera 2015 Renegade Latitude
Rear Camera 2015 Renegade Latitude

TAILGATE R&I PROCEDURES:

Trim panel

Removing and securing the panel in a workable position

Replacing the panel to original position on vehicle upon completion of repair

Handle assembly

Tailgate Handle
Tailgate Handle Assembly

Latch assembly

Tailgate Components
Tailgate Components And Latch Assembly

Rail cap

Ladder assembly/grab bar

3rd brake lamp

Backup camera

The Value of PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) is better for the customer than a body shop" *if preformed correctly

12-21-2015 Revised

good-fast-cheap (1)