Project: Hailboy

[TomcoPDR]

Project completed, this car currently for sale for charity cause (Feb 16 - March 18, 2013)

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/366443/fsthd-2012-honda-civic-ex-sedan-2000-km-15500/




Finally had some tiny itsy bitsy teenie time in between shit to force myself starting this project. Really hoping it wouldn't turn into a Redlyne_mr2 ten year build scenario. Though with this car, I know I came to the party 10 years too late, so hey maybe 10 years into the future it'll be retro cool again. :dunno:

This summer, got a decent deal on a brand new, BUT smashed to fuck hail damaged 2012 Honda Civic EX

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/DSCF1006.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2520.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2518.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2517.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2516.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2514.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2512.jpg

Purely dredded working on this. But.... I do it for all you's light read pleasures.

As the PDR industry evolves (lol, which relates to this project), so will my blogs needing to keep up with the times. By now, Calgary specifically has been through two significant size and volume hail storms. (July 13, 2010 and August 12, 2012... let alone other storms through out in between, but not really "big enough" for general public to care or take notice)

Aside from door dings and minor dents, PDR is actually more utilized internally (within automotive) than one would imagine... 6-8 years ago, I didn't blog about the exact extent of the HAIL (with PDR) industry because for one the Canadian market (Canadian insurance) wasn't at that stage, for two... with Calgary (Beyond being a Calgary car forum, probably have members working at all local dealerhips and bodyshops anyways), so the cat's outta the bag how big PDR hail really is; not just insider, but local car forum public talking about their hail damages.

The money/time/resources involved in these hail claims is just tremendous (no, not me getting it all, just the cost to insurance to organize all man power involved; PDR techs/or bodyshop work is just ONE equation)

Despite the overflood of what regular joe blow public thinks are dent shops setup in this city by now, based from these major 2010 & 2012 storms. (techs from other parts of country decided to stay and moved here, some are purely mass training school apprentices based on these storms)

At this point, I still have to stand true and follow through with my Beyond car enthusiaust saga, which is to provide info about this industry, the true art within PDR; more than "my company" in itself.

This is my hood panel with hail damage.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Hoodbefore.jpg

Then I divided the hood into 3 sections (labeled PDR# 1, 2, 3)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR123before.jpg

These are the depth and sizes on most of the hail on profject Hailboy :( Notice the orange peel (the texture ripple within the paint), noticing this will become useful later on...
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Hooddent2.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Hooddent3.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Hooddent.jpg

Here's section PDR#2 (middle) finished with PDR#1 & 3 still work in progress
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done13inprogress.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done1inprogress.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done3inprogress.jpg

Continues...

[derek_k]

looks good so far man, you got a lot of dents to pop though, good luck with it

[7thgenvic]

subscribed :)

[TomcoPDR]

Here's the "finished" hood (notice the quotation). But IS IT really????? I only write about this on car specific forums, since this really isn't shit internally the industry likes to talk about. So hope Beyonders can appreicate me being on Beyond (blogging about what I write) actually alienated me to certain people within the industry through out the years, but like life, we all have to make decisions where we stand and what type of people we wanna stand by.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR123overheadshot.jpg

In regular production PDR situation, (INCLUDING myself, customers at my own shop or if I'm a contractor at another shop), of course your hail repaired vehicle will be parked outside in the parking lot under bright sunlight or dark at night when you pickup, where you're purely trusting the professionlism from the business itself that the work was done "right" (guess this will be open interpretation on customer part). When I bring my 1 year old full warranty work truck to the dealership I trust, I pay my invoice, then drive off; technicially if the tech actually didn't do the oil change, tie rod, tire rotate, etc... I probably wouldn't even notice, all in the mental comfort of the name/shop.

It's simple to regrister a "corporation", rent a bay, put a sign up... but yet it's very hard to "staff it" because the WORK in itself is not a "business" and shouldn't be.

So this over head shot of the "finished" hood here, pretend each of the 3 sections were done by different PDR shops/techs, so most would just assume all 3 sections were done "professionally"... but let's really take a look.

Here's purposely zooming into section PDR# 1 on their "finished" product
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR1inprogress.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR1done2.jpg



Here's PDR# 2
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done3.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR2done2.jpg


Here's PDR# 3
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR3done.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR3done2.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HoodPDR3done3.jpg


I took this full disclosure stance on Beyond, cause I'm just hoping, without saying or pointing out "the obvious", that the majority might see there is a difference in results coming from the same damage in the 3 sections.

Now, if majority see all 3 sections are all in the same, typical "any dent shops will do"... Honestly, no problem to me neither (make lemonade outta lemons), I'll just turn my corporation into a no name numbered company, remove custom license plate, lease a small gas saving compact car, be an employee/contractor for a shop that's actually able to retain work from the majority who can't tell the difference. Makes way more money sense; THAT, I actually learn from Beyond, off Beyond experiences.

There you have it, all 3 sections of the same damage is actually done by the same tech, no need to talk or compare to competitors. In the real world, all PDR techs out there, would usually stick to only one of those results that they're used to, really hard to change habits, or why change when you know your customers are happy with the 1/3 section style of work you do.

Not sure when I'll get the whole car done, planning to need to 3M clear film the whole thing after. But like I said, I'm hoping it won't take a decade.

[derek_k]

Did you use different techniques on the three separate sections? i dont know what im looking for in section 2 but it looks flawless to me. I have always in interested in learning PDR

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by derek_k
Did you use different techniques on the three separate sections? i dont know what im looking for in section 2 but it looks flawless to me. I have always in interested in learning PDR

:werd: Well, the first step to learning; is understanding. You get this.

A phrase taken from the bodyshop industry: "Our best work, you'll never see"

The 3 sections were done obviously to draw awareness, "techniques" didn't have to be different, just the "laziness" and when I (the only tech on this) was doing it I had to mentally demotivate myself while doing certain section over another. This, IMHO is NOT a good, better, best in the industry... Should be "STANDARD > Hardly passable > Completely unaccepable."

Here are some videos of the hood, it captures the extent of damage way more than the photos. And some may ask wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just REPLACE certain panels like hood and truck and front fenders??? Yes, yes it is... (normally in an insurance paid claim that'd be done). But, I do it again for all your amusement purpose.

Here's hood damage (before)
HL4M2HDvtWk

Hood, with the 3 sections (after)
EK4vVj7cPnI

Section PDR# 1 (before)
40MmttbxoOI

PDR# 1 (after)
plqA0d06oJk


PDR# 2 done (comparing to PDR# 1 & 3 in progress)
a5i-IeCwg-4

PDR# 2 (before)
364p3qUwv9Q

PDR# 2 (after)
dcSHXAgSQPQ

PDR# 3 (before)
lhra3xC_iUA

PDR# 3 (after)
TmNP4B6FaX4

[FraserB]

Looks good so far.

If you get tired of pushing the dents I can come over and we'll slap a gallon of bondo on it and rattle can it.:dunno:

[BerserkerCatSplat]

That's very interesting, I presume it has something to do with the surface preparation? How long would it take to fix the extensive hail dings on that hood, provided you did the Method #2 that produced the best results?

[derek_k]

Edit: repost iPhone was trippin

[Disoblige]

1 is so unacceptable, 3's the minimum I would accept unless it was a relatively new car.

[black13]

Whoa Tom, nicely done.

Great write up. Really shows the skill level one must have for these to be done right. It's one of those things that looks simple but in reality doing it properly requires real skill.

If you get time I still got that dent for you to work on.

[Kijho]

Awesome! :eek:

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by derek_k
Did you use different techniques on the three separate sections? i dont know what im looking for in section 2 but it looks flawless to me. I have always in interested in learning PDR



Originally posted by derek_k
Did you use different techniques on the three separate sections? i dont know what im looking for in section 2 but it looks flawless to me. I have always in interested in learning PDR

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/answer.jpg

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
That's very interesting, I presume it has something to do with the surface preparation? How long would it take to fix the extensive hail dings on that hood, provided you did the Method #2 that produced the best results?

Not really surface prep... but just prep, striping down the vehicle as much as possible (this is why it cost so much labour hours, not just pushing dents out) when you see insurance's estimate for hail repair. Striping down all these parts follow the same as autobody industry's "book time hours" since it still carries the same risk of the tech breaking something and being responsible.

It's piece work in hail PDR, some techs are just amazing natural talents... takes half as long as "myself" (getting same "good" result") some techs might take 10 times longer... End of the day there are business people out there who don't agree they have to arrive at a good result, since it's an opininated industry (I guess no different than basement renovations: all wacky levels of pricing, wacky quality through out entire industry)... All 3 sections illustrated are the range of work coming out of "professional dent shops" Hey in this case, all done by the same guy. :devil:

This hood alone (but with doing cameras, tutorial, etc..) took me a FULL DAY.... of course on other panels, it'd be less photos

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I'm kind of curious now, I had my hail repair done under insurance after this summer's storm. I only had about $1700 of damage on my car according to the adjuster because I was literally laying on the car with thick quilts and a ski helmet to try and protect it. Some of my dents looked freaking huge to me, one was on a roof molding which they couldn't PDR so they replaced which was no biggie for me since its a small strip. But one on the hood when I cam to pick the vehicle up they walked around it with me and pointed out where all the bad dents had been and said they were surprised some of them were able to be repaired without replacing panels, but they showed me one on my hood where there was still a small small dent and gave me the option to either leave it as is (I chose that because I didn't want to have just my hood replaced and repainted because I had doubts it would match the original paint) or to replace and repaint the hood. I took before and after photos as best I could and too me other than the one on the hood, the work looked very good, but I wonder how the quality of the work really was...

[TomcoPDR]

Finally got the trunk done now.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Trunk_zpsb86ad350.jpg

Sometimes the trunks are more of a pain to PDR than other parts of the vehicle. It may seem like such a small surface, but there are more braces and tigher corners to reach behind the dents.

Trunk (before)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Trunkbefore.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Trunkbefore2_zps7b10d75f.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Trunkbefore3_zpsbd5f3919.jpg

Section PDR #2 completed, #1 & 3 in progress
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR2done1amp3progress_zpsc4c5a9d0.jpg


Overhead shot of trunk "finished"... It may seem good from a far, but certain sections are definitely far from good.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR123overhead_zpsd569bb5b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR123overhead2_zps5c2b3a2c.jpg


Highlights of each section, up close and personal.

PDR #1 (before)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR1before_zpsc61b4dce.jpg

PDR #1 (after)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR1after_zps74f1b09d.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR1after2_zps3ab1dc79.jpg


PDR #2 (before)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR2before_zps66c7b227.jpg

PDR #2 (after)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR2after_zps2a00f96d.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR2after3_zps6020ee24.jpg


PDR #3 (before)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR3before_zpsea81f980.jpg

PDR #3 (after)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR3after_zps59e87fe6.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/TrunkPDR3after2_zps9a1e5652.jpg

[TomcoPDR]

Installed some $200 eBay bought fog lights :D all the cool kids in school had fogs, I'm finally catching up to trends.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/Ebay_zps351c747b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/DSCF1242_zps487d516b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/buttonpowerup_zpsa45613bd.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/fogson_zps7bfb945c.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/DSCF1436.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/DSCF1431.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/White%20EX%20fog/DSCF1429.jpg

[Modelexis]

Looks great, good for you.

[Disoblige]

Oh man, I love it when everything is so neat and clean behind the bumper of a brand new car. Makes working on it so easy and fun.

Nice Tomco :thumbsup:

You should change that dinky civic horn into something more manly! I found out that I use my horn more than I think in Calgary.

[AndyL]

:thumbsup:

You need a gooder garage door for showing off lights...

Oh... Wait... My bad... I swear that quotes around here somewheres :banghead:

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by Disoblige

You should change that dinky civic horn into something more manly! .

I have definitely thought about this, however, not sure how long I wanna be driving Civics, so sick of 'em. (more details to follow as build progresses)

[TomcoPDR]

Fixing the sides, not much to docuement. With this particular storm (August, 2012. Calgary NW Royal Oak area), mostly the top panels were severly damaged (which wouldn't be PDR fixable to showroom quality, IMO; hence how I got this Civic for cheap, otherwise I'd just be another PDR tech avaliable to be on site for the dealership to PDR hail back to factory looking condition)

So ideally if this vehicle was an insurance claim of a private vehicle (i.e. your vehicle)... PDR could usually only fix the fender (front), doors and quarter panel, the top panels (hood, trunk, roof) would be replaced or repaired and repainted using bodyshop methods.

Quarter panel (rear) on these Civic's, with taillamp removed, gaining access to the backside (best way to push PDR dents out) was a breeze.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Taillamp.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Taillamp2.jpg


The rails (pillars), however, are a different story. In today's world PDR, specifically when you're a tech fixing insurance hail claims, it is a definite rule that you can NOT drill access holes in vehicles. (this is a misconception either by oldie techs or based on lack of skills and lack of tools pushing for the public to think it's acceptable in PDR "we" have to drill holes)

IMHO, it's based on actual damage, the actual tech knowing their limits (which is governed accordingly within the industry marketplace where if you claim to be a professional and you keep saying you can't fix a dent without drilling, but yet the insurance adjustors or bodyshop owners/dealerships calls other hail techs in and they're able to PERFECT it with NO drilling, then you're not gonna keep ur creditability for long) In the used car, bulk auction, wholesale vehicle world or just a shop that caters to uneducated consumers (they'd just drill without telling ya, lol); yea, I guess for the high volume/low cost repair, that's part of the game in that world.

And most techs would not want to drill into a structural component such as rail/pillar. So we utilitize our professional version of a "glue pulling system" (NOT suction nor plunger), higher grade/quality/design than that of your TV infommercial "ding remover tool" (that's like thinking a legit mechanic loves to use Canadian Tire's low end brand "Job Mate" or dollar store socket sets)

This would be an example, IMHO, where TO ME, my skills; I wouldn't be able to use PDR to remove these sever hail dents from the rail to a showroom, factory-like condition. I'm showcasing this so people (obviously reading this, who are interested in cars, car repair methods) don't get their hopes up buying hail damage, and considering "dent shops" will fix 'em for cheap or fix 'em properly.

Left rail, before

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Past%20repairs/Random/IMG_2514.jpg

Left rail, before (video)

bhI6J_fgl5k


Left rail, after (PDR method, IMO, I was not able to remove these hail dents to factory like condition) And I dumbed it down a little not completely finishing to the best of my abilities, knowing that there're already crack paint spot caused by hail, plus I'll be doing other finishing methods after dent pushing.

pFqp75Rujcw


Left rail, after (Note: Not a result representing PDR method has completely removed the hail dents; I am only putting in my best efforts; this project will have more refinishing methods as it progresses)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Railafter-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Railafter2-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Railafter3.jpg

On the right side rail, a dent was so deep, during glue pulling process, the paint actually chipped off. (normal with PDR fixable dents, glue pulling is fine on FACTORY paint; with aftermarket painted cars/cars that's been to bodyshops, it'll potentially run a risk of paint being pulled off during glue pull process)... In this case, dent was deep, I kept pulling, so the centre of it gave.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Railafterpaintpulled.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Gluetab-1.jpg

[TomcoPDR]

Last panel, the roof.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Roofbefore2-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Roofbefore-1.jpg

Headliner needs to be stripped down, sunroof came down too to improve access space. There are going to be some spots that'll be really hard/impossible to reach. :(

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Headlinerdown-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Sunroofdown.jpg

Dents from the underside

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Roofunderside-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Roofundersidedentcircled-1.jpg


Sectioned off PDR# 1,2,3

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofPDR123before-1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofPDR123before2-1.jpg

[TomcoPDR]

Finally, dents pushed out on roof. Didn't really take as much photos as hood + trunk, as it is as repeatitive of you reading, trust me, it is much more repeatitive in this trade pushing hail dents day in day out.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofafterPDR2done13inprogress.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofafterPDR123overhead.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofafterPDR123overhead2.jpg

There was a crack paint spot where hail impacted so hard, it nailed just the right area around the sunroof corner; I just use touch up paint. :whipped:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofafterPDR1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/RoofafterPDR1sunroofpaintcrack.jpg



Video of roof

NNkpkv4YGOQ



Still on going project............

[KRyn]

Hey Tomco! How many hours will you have to invest in this car to get it back to mint or as close to mint condition as possible?

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by KRyn
Hey Tomco! How many hours will you have to invest in this car to get it back to mint or as close to mint condition as possible?

This is why our industry is a roller coaster PITA for insurance apprasiers, some techs are way faster than me (getting same results), and some are way slower. That's why it goes by PIECE-WORK (you get paid per job), but hence why I demostrated the "3" different PDR work on each panel, cause there are fuckers out there who just wants to crank out the work grabbing da $$$ and in order for them to reach completing that panel/car, they don't care what the end results. :(

Since you're asking ME, I'd say I'll need at least 90-110 hours. (and given minus the paint crack spots by hail hitting edges, and a few spots that's just phyiscally impossible to use PDR)

With this particular hail damage payout the dealership took (and then "hail saled" the inventory), it seem like their insurance actually registered or must had reported to Carproof... had a friend at another dealer with carproof account pull the VIN, and it's got $11,000 damages. But if this were to get fixed SHOWROOM quality, IMO, between PDR, replacing panels, bodyfiller; it'd still be more than $11k worth of work.

[TomcoPDR]

Chilling with the neighbour

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DSCF1532.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DSCF1530.jpg

[ZZT23]

Nice twin you guys got there.:burnout:

[Ukyo8]

UPDATE!

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by Ukyo8
UPDATE!



Why would u post that instead of waiting for me to update it here. :banghead: :thumbsdow

[Ukyo8]

Sorry buddy didn't realize it was a big deal, I removed the link

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by Ukyo8
Sorry buddy didn't realize it was a big deal, I removed the link

I'll post full pictures this weekend. Instead of having to click on a link.

[TomcoPDR]

Got no choice but to post update, I fucked up by taking a chance posting this project on varies appropriate forums that they won't get cross-contaminated. Would had like to spend more time/passion on the Beyond updates as hail (from 2010, 2012 major storms) effected a lot of Calgarians, so just wanted to be thorough.

When I bought this project, we all knew the discounted price reflected on the fact that this damage exceeds the physics of PDR, and the economics of replacing and repainting required panels (bodyshop method)

Demonstrating each panel using work "#1, #2, #3" quality levels, is in hopes that Calgary consumers could equip themselves the difference and industry changes that's going on, when major hail happens in decent size cities like this, all these 3 levels of quality is what's being applied on YOUR insurance paid PDR repairs; just in case there's a major 2013 hail storm.

Knowing I'd barely 1/3 of the panels alright, while the other 2/3 would be hacked and semi-hacked; can't really leave that as a complete project.

So originally I planned on doing a full clear film wrap on the vehicle. Jared @ Shadow Tinting was nice enough to offer to sell me the material at industry pricing and to show me some tricks once I was ready.

Didn't end up bothering him, contacted Xpel (a clear film manufacturer) and grabbed a sample of their Stealth film (this will make the paint look flat and hazy/frosted glass)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DSCF1516_zpsbb542717.jpg

Time to test this product over some of those deep dimples that couldn't be completely removed with PDR, and the 2/3 of the PDR hacked out areas.

A97UIrM2mpY

oHWPt96E4XA


However, due to the cost and difficulty to apply clear film as a DIY, I was convinced to try another method.

Seems this project would be best suited to give Plasti-Dipping a try.

I got all my research and education from www.dipyourcar.com you have to use the Canadian (Quebec)'s distributor as it seems it's hard to transport hazardous materials between US -> Canada.

I bought the Plasti-Dip kit that comes with a sprayer kit maybe on the site have tried, tested, and 2 gallons of their prethinned dip. I wanted that flat paint look, so I went with a matte/clear Plasti-Dip

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DYC2gallonkit_zps11f54914.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/PrethinnedDYCClear_zps4ffaad1e.jpg

Remember to always wear proper protective equipment in anything you do.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/IronMask_zps5ff354ec.jpg


Prep work for dipping, based on my research, is different than bodyshop repaint. (i.e. certain areas can be completely masked off, some areas like glass you can spray over, then just peel off once the dip dries)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DipPrep2_zps37906234.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DipPrep5_zpse28d733d.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DipPrep4_zpsd4660be0.jpg



Here's how matte/clear Plasti-dip looks like on a white car

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Dippedfront_zps2b62b836.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Dippedhood3_zpsde877c84.jpg

Over PDR hacked up area on the hood
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedHood2_zpsca7c3a2e.jpg

Roof
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Dippedroof2_zps52d2a524.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Dippedroof_zps53f58169.jpg


Dip over cracked paint spot caused by hail, then just touched up around sunroof edge
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedSunroofcornerwithhailcrackedpaint_zps81dfc94e.jpg

[TomcoPDR]

Right side

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedRight_zpse134039b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedRight2_zps15fec889.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedRight3_zpscbfc563f.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedRight4_zps1bd7a1dc.jpg

Right rail/pillar was the "less damage" side (PDR was able to smooth it would within reasons) so by the time it was dipped over, it looks reasonably good.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedRHrail_zps79087d5e.jpg


Left side

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLeft2_zpscb618c09.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLeft_zps53ca0495.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLeft3_zpse0281690.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLeft4_zpsaef11af9.jpg

The left rail/pillar however, were damaged a lot more, some of the dimples remaining, the dip just could not cover. (this would had been my experiment experience for next time, to get the dent up flatter)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLHrailsmallhaildentremains2_zps05a5d25f.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/DippedLHrailsmallhaildentremains_zps31661149.jpg

[JustinMCS]

how fun for a cheap dd.

great job!

[finboy]

Looks awesome Tom, this has been really interesting to see what can and can't be fixed.

[TomcoPDR]

Well, since every project car needs a theme, but I was never much of a "modder", so it was quite hard for me to come up with a theme/style or to be in a car club for Project Hailboy.

Since everything in life is somehow interconnected, I'm sure everything would make sense to everyone when things reveal.

So, aside from this White EX "The Hailboy Civic" project, ummmmmm, I was also working on other projects.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20Si/DSCF1172_zps0d87d55b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20Si/DSCF1168_zpsbba6bd44.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/All%20Civics/DSCF1465.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/All%20Civics/DSCF1456.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/All%20Civics/DSCF1439.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/All%20Civics/DSCF1470.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/All%20Civics/DSCF1472.jpg



So in the very very end, I just fell in love with one of the Si's instead... But anyways, getting back to this White EX, the one, the only, original "Hailboy" project, still needed a theme.

Sooooooo, I contemplated for a while, while I had the trunk off in the living room on Hailboy... The vision couldn't be more clear once I officially decided to keep the Si instead. (of the EX model) Money wise, as a professional purchasing this severely hail damaged car, it was "OK" putting in sweat equity in my off time... But, as a venture, the numbers just don't work (well, lowering selling cost, but that just kills my ego/not proper business)... so for the "THEME", staring at that Honda symbol, I just felt it was form fitting, and just purely donate my labour 100%, and then sell Project Hailboy at cost for a charity cause.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/366443/fsthd-2012-honda-civic-ex-sedan-2000-km-15500/



http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/Ribbon_zps6f92acfa.jpg

Once I sharpie'd the Honda square pink, and superglued a true real pink ribbon, I was strolling through the local dollar store. Thought some pink glitter would make that skid plate all pretty.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/glitter_zps4cf184fd.jpg

Used up the remaining of the xPel Stealth sample, just to protect the square and ribbon area.

Then sprayed the entire plate again, now with pretty pink glitter

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/glitterpaint_zpsf3a513f4.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/glitterpaint3_zps17a8a086.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HB11_zps82905074.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/ribbon3_zps4758d782.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r95/Tomcompany/Hail%20Civics/Hailboy%20White%20EX/HB_zps8e07eaff.jpg

[K3RMiTdot]

damn tom, the matte looks great!
props to you.