Berkeley’s looking better and better, but the better it looks the closer I look, and the closer I look the more bits I find to improve - yeah, I know, smacks of OCD .
Anyway, the paint work is coming up really nice these days, but in certain lights, at certain angles I can see some small creases and ripples in the door skins. It really brought them to my attention when up on ramps for MOT of late, after which they are just bugging me a bit, and I was wondering if they could be improved or removed.
They are very very very slight and obviously minor car park dents from previous ownership. No paintwork damage, infact I think they are a bit more noticeable since I’ve got really good shine on the paintwork.
I know that PDR can work great of dents, but would it be feasible on such minor imperfections. Also, I’m going to having the door cards off soon, so are there any benefits to accessing the rear of the door skins that way?
Any experiences or advice appreciated. Also, I live in East Lancashire so any recommendations for PDR specialists. Ray
Yes they can do them no probs but the key to it is getting a good guy and taking his advice. Ask at some local car dealerships, doesn’t have to be Mazda, they all have dinged sales cars and use these guys. Around here I could recommend a good one but not in your area I’m afraid. He will visit, do 2 or 3 dents for £50, and extra ones for not much more. With 2 student kids I’ve used his services quite a bit including a dent the size of your fist on one car and a long depresion on a door on another. I wouldn’t worry about the door cards as they wedge the door at the top and go down between skin and glass levering off the glass with a sheet between. It’s unlikely taking the door cards off will help. Sometimes they need to drill an access hole but that’s not usually a problem. As to the level of imperfection we had one done on a new door and even looking hard and knowing where it was it was almost impossible to tell, the orange peel on the paint was greater than the marks he left. Best not to rub at them for that reason btw, get them done then polish the whole panel to keep the paint looking similar.
Berkeley guy, as you are in East lancashire, give Bruce a call at Premier Autobodies, Read. He has a PDR guy who is excellent and will sort out your problems. The number is 01282 779104. He has done some great work on my car and there’s a discount for MX5 OC members.
Nice one Merlot Guy! I’ve just had a quick look at their web site - one or two MX5s popped up - is this the paint shop that CBS use?
That’s just what I was looking for actually, someone that has the experience and does it ‘in house’ so that I can call round and have chat about what can be done for how much, to decide what’s worth doing before committing. Thanks for that, Ray
Do you do any runs out with NW group? - we’ve done a few but can’t say I’ve seen a merlot on our travels
Yes, Premier finish the cars after Carl at CBS has done the panel repairs, etc. Bruce has done two jobs on mine including the sills and I have been very happy with the quality and the price. Run the car in and he will be pleased to advise you. His dent man calls in and does the PDR jobs that crop up. I have seen his work and it looks excellent.
I don’t tend to do runs as such but have been to one or two events such as the technical day at CB. With the cost of fuel as it is, I prefer to go where I like and when I want to rather than take part in organised runs. I’ll keep an eye out for you when I am out and about.
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