DIY PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) Guide, Anyone?

Sakura, my Toyota Vios 2006 has a small dent, actually a ding or dimple on the left side front door caused probably by children playing near my car one time when I parked it on the street.

A few days ago, I noticed three new dings on my car hood that's very noticeable even wifey readily noticed it so I figured I can try my hand at DIY (do it yourself) paintless dent repair to remove the dents, dings and dimples on my car if it's easy.

I've already done research for PDR services cost about P300/dent depends on size of the dent but I'm challenged that I can do itmyself not just to save on costs but probably a future "racket" or business.

To those who've experienced paintless dent repairs (PDR) what did you noticed?

did the pop-a-dent or other PDR tools effeective?
is the heat gun blow dryer method required to heat the paint to avoid damaging it needed?
does using a spoon to massage a dent effective and not worsen the dent?
does the ice cube method of heating and freezing a dent work?

is there a tutorial for paintless dent repair? how to do paintless dent repair? methods, tips and tricks of the trade?

I probably hire a home service PDR guy to do it for me and observe first before doing it. It's such a small price to pay for a small dent but i'll learn from it. An officemates' honda civic got cheap PDR service recently for P400 at honda casa :P

entry:
paintless dent repair manila quezoncity home service philippines, makati

How to Replace Brake Lights (Toyota Vios)

I recently noticed the third brake light of Sakura, my Toyota Vios' name, is not working since the red light reflects on the car's rear window

When I asked someone to verify while I apply the brakes, the left "stop light" also is intermittent. When I opened the hood and checked the wiring (Toyota vios wiring diagram is pretty straightforward) the light went on and I simply returned the wiring harness back.

The next day, I checked the third brake light by removing the light assembly by simply pulling towards me then lifting it up to reveal the busted light bulb.

I again checked the tail light assembly and this time I discovered the second brake light is also busted-- I was driving with just one brake light on, such a dangerous one but glad I'm just on slow moving traffic.

I simply bought the two busted brake lamps at the nearby auto supply shop near Munoz, Quezon City for just P35.00 and installed them.

Now I'm back to the safe side, three brake lights working. Park lights and head lights and fog lamps, hazard and turn lights all confirmed working.

Canon 60D Price in Hidalgo, Quiapo, Manila

With my impending replacement of my aging Nikon D80, I'm also mulling a return to the Canon world again with the reccently released Canon 60D to replace the Canon 50D.

How much does the canon 60D costs in Hidalgo, Quiapo, Manila? How will Canon 60D vs Nikon D90 and Nikon D700?

Canon 60D sells somewhere in the P51k price range in Hidalgo (body only, no kit lens). I wanted the BG-E9 battery grip to come with it too plus a backup battery

A trip to downtown Manila along with my other favorite haunt, Raon for electronics, is in the offing :P

Canon Prices Hidalgo
Nikon Prices Hidalgo

Tamron Lens Price, Hidalgo, Quiapo, Manila

For people like me looking for the latest price list of tamron lenses in hidalgo, the photographers haven in Quiapo, Manila. I'm hoping to buy the tamron 17-50 2.8 at the cheapest possible price without sacrificing warranty and quiality.

Tamron Price List in Hidalgo 2011:

Tamron 70-300
AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 P8,500.00

Tamron 18-270
AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) P23,000.00

Tamron 11-18
SP AF11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) P31,000.00

Tamron 17-35
SP AF17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF) P29,000.00

Tamron 17-50 2.8
SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) P18,500.00

Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC
SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) P22,500.00

Tamron 28-75
SP AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) P18,000.00

Tamron 90 2.8 Macro
SP AF90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro P22,500.00

Tamron 70-300 4-5.6 VC
SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD P24,800.00

Note: prices quoted from Henry's camera. You can call other hidalgo
shops to haggle cheaper prices if you can at Avenue, Mayer's (if mang
ramon is in a good mood), Watson's et al

Tip: Prices of Camera, Lenses and other photography stuff in Hidalgo
is cheaper if you buy in cash. ATMs nearby include BDO (inside SM), BPI
and Citystate Savings (BancNet)

Some stores carry in-store warranty thus the lower prices

advantages and disadvantages of tamron lenses:

Advantage versus Nikon and Sigma: Cheap and sharp (tamron 17-50 vs
nikkor 18-55 vs sigma 18-50)

available in Canon-mount or nikon mount

Disadvanctage: there's no such thing as Tamron Service center
Philippines. There are many lens repair shops in Hidalgo who can repair
your lenses though.

Related Posts:
Canon Price Hidalgo
Nikon Price Hidalgo