Auto body repair & detailing: dents, oxy acetylene torch, hail damage

Question
hi..i was in a hailstorm a few months back going home from work. there are dents, so i looked at u tube and found compressed air and a heat tool work. well, that did not work for some reason. the dents are not exactly sinkholes; they are noticeable tho. so, since the air and heat gun did not work, what else can you recommend that will work? there are so many products out i just want to get what will work so no money is wasted on this. thank you!

Answer
Hi James!....Hail damage is repaired by 3 techniques. The first method of repair, is to sand the panel using an inline airboard or a D/A sander to find the low spots, and then apply a filler, prime, then paint. The second method, is to use controlled heat using an oxy/acetylene torch to heat the hail dent from the top side to bring the metal up, then file it level using a vixen file, followed by priming then painting. The third method, is called PDR (Paintless Dent Removal). This is the only method that does not require painting, hence the term PDR. This method is attacked 2 ways. From the backside of a panel using various push rods, or from the topside, using glue and pull tabs. Or both, depending on access. The glue and pull tab method is what I would recommend for you to use. Most Autobody supply shops, and even some Auto parts stores, carry such a kit, which comes with everything you need, including an instruction manual. Hopefully there is one of these outlets in your area. If not, I am sure you will be able to find a kit online. Hope I have helped you out....If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop me another line....Thanks....Dave