Peugeot 308: Repair : Dent removal without painting

1. General

The technique for dent removal without repainting is learnt as follows :

• Follow a training course for at least three days
• Allow a trained operator to practise on his own  (it is recommended to practice on unused parts, preferably bonnets)

1.1. Operator instructions

It is essential to use the reflection of the light from the neon lamps on the paintwork to assess the nature of the impact.

Work on clean surfaces.

The area to be repaired must be cleaned as well as buffed beforehand.

1.2. Description of reflections from neon lamps

Depending on the nature of the distortion the reflections from the neon lamps have a different appearance.

1.3. Normal light from the neon lamps when there is no deformation

The two lines of light " "a"" and ""b"" reflected from the neon lamps on the paint are straight and parallel.

1.4. Light from the neon lamps on a localised hollowing of the panel

The two light reflections are no longer straight, they reflect around the impact (Deviation of the light reflections towards the outside of the impact ).

1.5. Reflection from the neon lamps on a localised bulge in the panel

The two light reflections are no longer straight, they reflect in the impact (Deviation of the light reflections towards the inside of the impact ) .

1.6. Installation of the work station

Use of the reflections from the neon lamps :

• Demarcate the impact
• Check the change in the impact during straightening

CAUTION : The operator must install his lighting so that the two reflections from the neon lamps are situated on each side of the impact, in relation to his working position.

2. Working method

2.1. Marking the position of the straightening tool

Under the effect of force with the tip of the tool, the reflections from the neon lamps change shape.

The light is directed towards the highest point.

Draw a dotted circle around the impact to be straightened.

Adjust the lighting to position the two reflections from the neon lamps on each side of the impact.

If the two reflections from the neon lamps are perfectly parallel, there is no impact.

If the reflections are situated on the same side of the impact, the lighting in incorrectly adjusted.

If the two reflections encircle the impact, the lighting if adjusted correctly in relation to the operator’s field of vision.

The two reflections join up at " c".

If the point " c" is the highest point :

• There is either a deformation in the panel
• Or the point " c" is where the force of the tool is being exerted

If the operator pushes outside the distorted area, the reflections move towards the outside of the impact in one of the configurations above.

Adjust the position of the tool.

2.2. "clock" method

"c" Impact .

"d" Lighting position.

"e" Reflection from the neon lamps.

"f" Operator position.

Imagine the surround of a clock around the impact :

• 12 o’clock represents the point furthest from the operator
• 6 o’clock represents the point closest to the operator

Exert successive presses using the appropriate tool to reduce the impact.

Observe the following order :

• 12 hr
• 11 hr
• 1 hr
• 2 hr
• 10 hr
• 9 hr
• 3 hr

Continue the process always remaining in the upper periphery of the impact between the 9, 12 and 3 o’clock positions.

Always proceed alternating between the 3 and 9 o’clock positions while gradually approaching the centre of the impact.