Removing dents and dings from aluminum
Hi NSX owners! I don't own an NSX (I wish I did!), so I hope you don't mind me dropping in with a question that I hope fellow owners can answer.
I own a first generation Insight made of aluminum. Came from the same factory as the NSX and with same aluminum-development technology too! Well, I have some annoying door dents and dings that I'm seriously thinking about getting removed. The dents are really small with some being very subtle and are only noticeable if you happen to see them at a certain angle. Still, they ruin the sleek look of my little Insight. I also want to get rid of some paint blemishes such as scratches and rock chips on the hood and side skirts (plastic). I've never had PDR done before or paint touch-up. Questions!
1. Is it more difficult to do PDR on aluminum cars? More expensive? This is important because I don't want to be hosed.
2. How much do places usually charge for each dent?
3. Do they have to remove inner door panels to "rub" out the dents from the inside? This makes me nervous because I'm afraid something will get screwed up or scratched up during removal or reinstalling panels. I have a small dent on a rear quarter panel. How do they access that?
4. The hood has a number of tiny rock chips that can't really be seen since my car is silver, but under certain lighting condition you can see the "freckles." I was wondering if these chips can be fixed without repainting the whole hood. Can a shop really fix paint scratches and chips without repainting entire car?
5. Craigslist has a bunch of mobile auto dent/scratch remover ads. Some have websites with customer reviews. Should I try one of these mobile service or stick with an established brick and mortar place?
I'm in San Gabriel Valley area. Anyone have recommendations? Prefer a place that has worked on aluminum cars. Many years ago I had a car repainted at a body shop in Covina, CA. They did a terrible job and I got hosed. I'm very hestiant about any body shops now. That's why I'm seeking advice and answers!
I own a first generation Insight made of aluminum. Came from the same factory as the NSX and with same aluminum-development technology too! Well, I have some annoying door dents and dings that I'm seriously thinking about getting removed. The dents are really small with some being very subtle and are only noticeable if you happen to see them at a certain angle. Still, they ruin the sleek look of my little Insight. I also want to get rid of some paint blemishes such as scratches and rock chips on the hood and side skirts (plastic). I've never had PDR done before or paint touch-up. Questions!
1. Is it more difficult to do PDR on aluminum cars? More expensive? This is important because I don't want to be hosed.
2. How much do places usually charge for each dent?
3. Do they have to remove inner door panels to "rub" out the dents from the inside? This makes me nervous because I'm afraid something will get screwed up or scratched up during removal or reinstalling panels. I have a small dent on a rear quarter panel. How do they access that?
4. The hood has a number of tiny rock chips that can't really be seen since my car is silver, but under certain lighting condition you can see the "freckles." I was wondering if these chips can be fixed without repainting the whole hood. Can a shop really fix paint scratches and chips without repainting entire car?
5. Craigslist has a bunch of mobile auto dent/scratch remover ads. Some have websites with customer reviews. Should I try one of these mobile service or stick with an established brick and mortar place?
I'm in San Gabriel Valley area. Anyone have recommendations? Prefer a place that has worked on aluminum cars. Many years ago I had a car repainted at a body shop in Covina, CA. They did a terrible job and I got hosed. I'm very hestiant about any body shops now. That's why I'm seeking advice and answers!
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GsR HtCh
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
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Dec 23, 2002 11:27 AM




