TRAINING
• Class Schedules
• Live
• Online Training
• Welding Qualification Series
• Pricing
• Registration
• Training FAQs
• Training Paths
• Earn College Credit
• CEUs
• OEM Training
• ASE Test Preparation
• Value Of Training
• Transcripts and Certificates
• Downloads
GOLD CLASS PROFESSIONALS
• Consumer Information
• Gold Class Business Directory
• Benefits of Earning the Gold Class Professionals Designation
• Earn the Gold Class Professionals Designation
• 5&2, 10&2 Requirements
• Market Your Business
• Earn Points Through the Alliance
• Gold Class and Platinum Recognition Council
• Downloads
PLATINUM INDIVIDUAL
• Platinum Program Requirements
• Platinum Individual Merchandise
• Platinum Individual Recognition
• 5&2, 10&2 Requirements
• Training Paths
• Earn Points through the Alliance
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
• Advantage Online
• Top Technical Inquiries
• Vehicle Makers Technical Information
• Airbag Parts Replacement Charts
• Partial Replacement Recommendations
• UPCR
myI-CAR
HELP LIBRARY

About I-CAR

Current Events/News

Current Events/News: Advantage Online: 2007 Archives

A previous Toyota Collision Repair Information Bulletin (CRIB) #60, dated August 1994, cautioned against performing paintless dent repairs (PDR) on Toyota vehicles, citing three specific reasons, including damage to:

1. the finish, due to microscopic cracking that may not be visible to the unaided eye (see Figure 1).
2. the anti-corrosion coatings on the metal from sharp tools prying on inner panels (see Figure 2).
3. exterior trim and body panels to gain access to the damage. This includes damage caused by wedges and drilling holes in inner panels to gain access to the backside of the damage.

In the closing statement of the 1994 CRIB, it was stated that Toyota would evaluate the use of PDR as new tools and technologies come to market.

A newly released CRIB, #146, lists the guidelines for performing PDR on Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles. Panels with many dents, such as hail damage, may be considered for PDR as long as the original panel strength is maintained. Dents of up to a softball size in diameter may be considered as long as the damage is at least 50 mm (2") from the edge of the panel or a body feature line. Creases that are up to 100 mm (4") long may also be repairable.

A general overview of the recommendations in the bulletin include:

1. inspecting the finish with a 30X magnifying glass to make sure the finish hasn’t been damaged (see Figure 3). If the finish is damaged, refinishing will be required.
2. taking steps to ensure that the protective coatings in the repair area are not damaged, and that the coatings on the back of the panel are restored, if damaged, following repairs.
3. inspecting the panel after the repair with a 30X magnifying glass (see Figure 4) to make sure the flexing of the panel did not exceed the elastic limit of the finish, resulting in micro-cracking and possible delamination. If the finish is damaged during the PDR process, refinishing is required.

Toyota strictly prohibits drilling or cutting panel reinforcements or braces, as well as the use of wedges used to gain access to the backside of the damage. These items may void the manufacturer’s corrosion warranty.

The Toyota CRIB outlines specific repair processes and considerations for performing PDR on Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles. To view a copy of CRIB #146, visit the Toyota Technical Repair Information web site at techinfo.toyota.com or a local Toyota, Scion, or Lexus Dealership.



For comments or suggestions on the Advantage Online, please contact I-CAR Senior Instructional Designer Bob Jansen at bob.jansen@i-car.com.

Page Last Revised: Monday, April 16, 2007
webmaster@i-car.com