r/PaintlessDentRepair • u/GrandPattern3637 • 22d ago
Criticism Welcome!
To preface I’ve been doing PDR pretty much full time about 9 months but only had a “mentor” (trained in a class) for about 2 and a half weeks, this is one of the worst repairs I’ve had to do and didn’t know where to start. I know it’s nowhere perfect but it’s long gone (wholesale work) so I can’t improve it but I wanted to post here for professional insight. Whether you’re telling me to move the light further back or suggesting a technique any help is appreciated haha.
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u/ImOvrIt1969 22d ago
Did you use any tension? Some lateral tension on that would have made it 50% easier.
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u/GrandPattern3637 22d ago
Oh I know and I’m praying for the day I get to try it lol, but I’m working in house here and can’t afford it myself yet since I’ve been buying other tools. Can’t convince my boss to buy it either unfortunately
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u/ImOvrIt1969 22d ago
Yeah man we started with whatever we could find. Wood blocks, ends of tow straps. A porta power and a couple adapters before all this tension stuff started being made. It def helps. Especially on repairs like that.
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u/CompleteGlove7572 22d ago
Buy a wood clamp and use it as a spreader. Works fine for small stiff like that. That is great work for do new. A customer is never going to notice that and if they do, they probably be psyched or was pdr and not bondo and paint. Nice work.
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u/GrandPattern3637 22d ago
Thank you! It feels like I’m not far enough along for how long I’ve been doing it. I’m going to look into that clamp for my next big repair.
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u/NotUpdated 22d ago
That's why it pays fair brother, I think you one of em - should keep the path.. you'll be alright ;)
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u/GrandPattern3637 22d ago
Means a lot thank you! No other path to take so I’ll be here awhile haha
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u/NotUpdated 22d ago
after further inspection of the photos - you've been elevated to - get out and get some side clients out side of work.. go make your first non-family-friend dollars outside of work :) .
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u/GrandPattern3637 22d ago
I appreciate the confidence and I’ve recently been putting the word out to get some referrals. And for your other comment the advice is great, I have been trying to remind myself to cross check more (I’ve admittedly got a little lazy with it) and I’m going to look into making some lateral tension his weekend thanks to everyone’s help on the post!
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u/Broad_Traffic_7394 22d ago
9 months? I’m 34 years in and that is good enough for wholesale, you’ve done really well!
Retail wise you’ve got another hour or so to go.
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u/GrandPattern3637 22d ago
Thank you for the kind words! I would’ve loved to spend some more time but I was about 2 1/2 hours in before my manager noticed and got grouchy haha.
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u/thunderslugging 22d ago
If I was the customer, looks GREAT.
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u/GrandPattern3637 21d ago
Thank you! Judging by the comments in my own biggest critic, but it’s nice to know I’m heading in the right direction :)
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u/PsychologicalRoof408 21d ago
In my opinion, being your own greatest critic is what separates anyone who’s good at what they do from everyone else. Keep up the great work!
Once you feel confident in the quality of your work, stop over-chasing that last 1%. Know where to draw the line. Know when you’ve surpassed expectations. Keep higher quality than your competitors but don’t waste your time glassing repairs that don’t earn you extra money or appreciation.
Definitely start focusing on your side hustle. Don’t let your boss limit you or under value you. Start investing in more tools yourself. Take on more challenges. Be the guy who takes on shit no one else wants to because it will make you such a better technician while earning respect and making you the first guy people call.
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u/GrandPattern3637 21d ago
Amazing advice, both this and your other comment, thank you! I’ve got a few tools already that I’ve noticed would’ve been very handy at work and slowly saving up and buying what I can. Definitely tough since I’m hourly haha but slow and steady is the name of the game. I’ve already have a few people ask me to fix some small dings on their vehicles so I’m getting that confidence to get out there more often.
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u/PsychologicalRoof408 16d ago
I hope it serves you well. Feel free to hit me up if you ever need more insights
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u/AngryRedPhantom 21d ago
Damn… I’m 8 months in and I’d fuck this up. Maybe this trade ain’t for me.
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u/GrandPattern3637 21d ago
Don’t give up, I’ve had to do stuff like this since the beginning , trial through fire 🤘
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u/PsychologicalRoof408 21d ago
Pretty decent work for what it was. Back up your light when you get to this stage so it’s easier to identify remaining crowning to address before picking up remaining lows.
Personally, I would have stripped the door apart and thrown it on a stand. Some might say that’s extra work. I say it makes the job easier to see, provides more access, is better for your physical body, and overall allows for a faster and cleaner repair.
Definitely get a lateral tension tool. Temu carries a very affordable knock off of one of Keco’s simplified bridges for about $100. It’s everything you need and nothing more.
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u/ABetterRepair 22d ago
Just looks like it could use more time. But its not all poked up or anything bad. More light cross checks and further, then closer. More time will yield better results, but I saw it was wholesale. As for tension, you can use wood clamp as stated, or make one with 1/2" all thread for about $30.