Bumper and dash repair: Highlander. 4 pictures.

[AppliedColors]

Originally Posted by lp2137

Great job, a couple quick questions, Do you own Applied Colors or just chose that as a screenname? And where are you located?

I own Applied Colors and a reconditioning shop in Oregon.

There are reconditioners in all major cities. They perform:

1. Paintless dent repair
2. Vinyl/leather/dash repair
3. Carpet dyeing
4. Bumper and panel repair
5. Scratch and rock chip repair
6. Windshield repair
7. Interior plastic panel repair

Reconditioners typically make double what detailers make; some PDR techs make $150k+ a year. Develop a scarce skill and the free market will compensate you.

[Legacy99]

Ok, but I saw a dark mark near the hitch in the after picture so I thought it was 375 more to fix that.

[AppliedColors]

Originally Posted by Holden_C04

It looks like good work but why only one finished picture of each? You probably put in about 4-5 hours of work into these repairs and I don't think a single picture really justifies it. It makes a good before/after but not much else.

I want usable photos of every job we do for our portfolio. One good before and after is enough. Finishing on time, on budget, and making the customer happy is the first priority; pictures come second. Occasionally an exotic comes to the shop, and we get a little photo happy.

[SilvaBimma]

Where do you get training to do all these repairs? Besides the kit on your site of course. Bodyshop experience helps I assume.

[AppliedColors]

Originally Posted by SilvaBimma

Where do you get training to do all these repairs? Besides the kit on your site of course. Bodyshop experience helps I assume.

Our touchup kit wouldn't help with any of the repairs I've posted here.

You can get training at:
rightlook.com
paintbull.com
vinylpro.com
dingking.com
community colleges (body repair basics)

Ideally, it's best to learn from a professional in another city. Shadow him for two weeks and pay him well.

I've learned a lot from hiring veteran body techs.

The auto body repair business is in a slump right now. There's many skilled techs available.

[RickRack]

Great work at a great price!!

Looks much better!

[Tim L]

I think the reason why the dash was quoted over $1K at the dealer was because of the airbag cover.

Anyways, what a nice job!

Too bad you're not in Vancouver

[99blackSE]

Wow that is quite the difference, wish I knew how to do that for my last car lol.

[jesselyons2002]

Wow all your work is amazing.

[rlguy28]

wow can you do mine? Tow hitch went right through my bumper while it was parked.

[VroomVroom]

Those are truly some impressive results. Wow!

I get the impression there's some subjectivity in how you repair the panels - is it difficult to draw the line between what you're able to accomplish and simply referring the customer to a body shop for replacement?

This is a great thread - I too wish you were in my neck of the woods. My nickel-earned for each referral would make me rich.

[Mighty HD]

Wow, simply amazing. You are highly skilled!