Hail Damage Repair Results on a 2018 Silverado
2018 Chevy Silverado Hail Damage Repair
When it comes to repairing hail damage on vehicles, the results can vary greatly depending on the severity of the impact and the quality of the dent repair service. This recent repair at Excel Dent Removal involving a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado provides an excellent illustration of what can be achieved with professional auto hail repair services.
Extent of Damage
When assessing the damage on this Chevy Silverado, it was crucial to conduct a thorough inspection. The hail stones left many dents across the side body panels, hood, roof, and sometimes even some of the small parts. A close evaluation often reveals dents of varying sizes, with the roof typically being the most affected area due to its size and exposure.
The example photos provided below illustrate the significant extent of the damage. The aluminum hood had sustained more than 100 dents, many of which are larger than what is typically standard size for PDR repair. Additionally, the roof shows between 200 to 300 large dents, with several being classified as oversized for paintless dent repair.
The sides of the truck also sustained multiple dents to the panels, with probably less than 50 hail dents combined on all the panels.
This Hail Damage Repair Cost Totaled $9076.30
Time to Repair was up to 8 Days
Before & After Hail Repair
Professional Repair Solutions
Once the damage had been assessed, the next step was to decide on the repair process. Excel Dent Removal’s professional repair services utilize Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), which is particularly effective for hail dents. PDR allows our skilled technicians to use specialized tools that manipulate the metal back into its original shape without compromising the factory paint, and restoring the vehicle to pre-storm condition.
Following the assessment of the truck’s severe hail damage, we worked with our customer to align the repair schedule with his availability, ensuring the repairs were completed as efficiently as possible. Given that the truck may require up to 10 days for repairs, we strategically divided the work into two separate weeks. This approach allowed us to accommodate the customer’s need for the truck over the weekend.
One of the primary reasons our customer chose Excel Dent Removal for the repairs to his truck was the significant time savings offered by our Paintless Dent Removal Method vs a traditional body shop.
After initially filing a claim for hail damage with his insurance company he was referred to a preferred vendor for conventional repairs. This approach would have required replacing both the hood and roof, as well as filling in the hail dings on other panels. Unfortunately, this process would have meant his truck would be in the shop for 3-5 weeks, leading to longer repair times and an increase in the cost of repairs.
The repair of the truck was successfully completed using Paintless Dent Repair, aligning with the insurance company’s estimate. This approach saved the customer both time and additional expenses. The total repair time ranged between 6 to 8 days, with a final cost of $9,076.30.
Before and After Results
What Happens During the Auto Hail Repair Process?
When you take your vehicle in for hail damage repair at Excel Dent Removal, understanding what happens behind the scenes can help alleviate any concerns you may have about the process. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in repairing the hail damage on this Silverado.
- Initial Inspection: The first step in the repair process was an inspection of the vehicle. We assessed the extent of the hail damage, identifying the number of dents, their sizes, and their locations. This assessment is critical for providing an accurate estimate and determining the best repair approach.
- PDR Technique: The next step involves the removal of the hood for repair. (Refer to the attached photos) Placing the hood on a specialized stand facilitates easier access to all sides of the hood, allowing for more efficient repairs. The minor dents on the side panels, including the fenders, doors, and box sides, are repaired using standard PDR techniques. For dents that are difficult to access, the glue pull method and a dent puller are used to restore the affected areas.
- Roof Hail Repair: The final area to address was the roof and the extensive repairs needed to restore the panel to its original condition. To access the underside of the roof panel, removal of the interior headliner is required. This truck also required the replacement of the two roof moldings, since they are a thin metal strip and received minor hail damage. This type of damage is not always possible to repair with PDR hail dent repair methods and may not be cost-effective versus replacing the part.
Results After Repair
After the professional PDR service, the results can be remarkable. Our customers report that the repaired areas are indistinguishable from the rest of the truck. The key benefits of opting for this method include:
- Preservation of Factory Finish: The process avoids repainting, which helps maintain the original factory paint and color match.
- Cost-Effectiveness: PDR is typically less expensive than conventional body shop repairs because it requires less labor, parts, and materials.
- Quick Turnaround: Many PDR hail damage repairs can be completed in just two to five days, minimizing the time you’re without your vehicle.
Choosing a Professional Dent Repair Company for Your Auto Hail Damage
When unexpected hailstorms strike, they can leave your vehicle with unsightly dents and diminish its overall value. Choosing a professional dent repair company to address automotive hail damage is crucial to restoring your car’s appearance and protecting your investment.
With so many dent repair shop options available, it is essential to navigate this decision thoughtfully, considering factors such as expertise, reputation, and service quality. A reliable dent repair company should not only demonstrate proficiency in paintless dent repair (PDR) techniques but also possess a proven track record of successful repairs and satisfied customers. Additionally, transparency in pricing, warranty options, and customer service are critical components to ensure you receive the best care possible for your vehicle.
The experienced team of experts at Excel Dent Removal would be happy to help you through this process, starting with the hail damage insurance claim process, then our experienced technicians will provide fast, high-quality repairs on your vehicle. Then after the repairs are completed, you will receive your car back in better condition than before the hail storm.