If anyone read my response to the "Who has the most miles on their Crossfire" thread, I noted my XF got a battlescar in the first few days I had it while I was parked downtown. Someone must have been turning on the corner I was on and nicked me with their bumper. In any case, I didnt see the person and Id never be able to find them.

I am usually **** about original paint which is why I'm wondering if there is any easy way to fix this without repainting the panel, OR if it can be fixed then JUST painted up to the body line of the wheel well without touching the rest of the panel and blended in that lower portion only. I really hate repainted things with a passion, so if a body guy can get behind the panel and push these out, that would be best.

Moreover, perhaps it is not even worth repairing...

Here is an up close shot of the damage:


And here is some shots from a normal distance:






What do you think? Is it much a-do about nothing? Right now I feel like I couldn't even put my Crossfire in a car show if I wanted to, but maybe Im making a really big deal out of it.

 

I have a very hard time seeing anything there. Is it just over the rear wheel? If so, a paintless dent remover can do it with no problem.

 

Yea, it's just that spot over the rear left wheel well.

I thought about PDR also, but someone told me that the metal on my car is creased, not dented, so PDR won't work.

I would love to give PDR a shot, even if they can't make it perfect, I bet they can make alot smoother than it is.

 

As long as the paint is not cracked or chiped PDR should make an improved difference.

 

Second the suggestion for PDR.

Unless you know a really good shop I wouldn't have any paint work done. Most shops at best make the repair look ok for the first few months, but over the long term the paint never stands up as well as the factory paint.

And your damage is hardly visible now.

 

Excellent, I will give PDR a shot sometime in the next few weeks and add that to my to-do list for the car.

As far as I know the way most PDR guys work is on a per panel basis, say 100 bucks per panel rather than a per ding charge which is what I originally thought. So hopefully a good guy can do some miracles with that panel.

If not, I'll just leave it as is since the paint isnt damaged.

It's tough to get a good shot of it but here's a better angle:

 

That's a very tough location; if not impossible, for a PDR guy to get into and fix. That location is rite where the 1/4 panel and outer wheelhouse meet and are welded together on the inner lip. That means that you are dealing with multi layers of metal that are very close if not touching each other which will prevent a PDR rods entry. Also; your body line is pushed in and that is another difficult area to fix without damaging the paint or leaving stupid pick marks/high spots when attempting repair. You're not gonna wanna hear what I'd recommend...or the cost involved in going that route...so I'll spare you and even longer response. lol

 

Well the cost really isn't an issue, at least not in this case, but anything that involves paint I'd rather just leave it as is.

I pretty much figured what you thought about the PDR route, but I guess it wont hurt to bring it by anyhow.

 

In my area, the 'Dent Wizzards' do great things without painting. They do things with dry ice, suction cups, spoons, etc...

James

 

I'd give the PDR guy a chance...what do you really have to lose?

But I think he'll have a hard time on that "parting line" where the fender roll bends over to the fender line.

 

Yup, the line will be the toughest part. But I certainly will tell them Im not looking for it to be perfect, just to flatten it some so it doesnt look so wavy in the daylight reflection.

BTW... Avatar... Yea, yours kicks a$$. What is that from?

 

LOL.....I shamelessley ripped it off from a guy in another forum I belong to.

 

yep ... its a double welded area ... not easy to access ...

a hot glue tip and rivet puller (specialty paintless dent tool) may help since they would not be able to get to the backside of the panel...

 

Its a tough call. I wouldn't notice unless it was pointed out. But I know the feeling of, you knowing the problem?? Quite a Predicament.