Can we talk about mobile bumper repair, mobile paint repair, wheel refinishing, PDR and etc.?

Can the mobile guys repair and refinish a bumper or panel to a factory-level finish and can I learn the trade without going back to tech school?

Was watching a Wheeler Dealer re-run and saw a car get some dings and small rust areas refinished by a mobile paint repair guy. The car needed bumper and panel touch-up but didn't really demand a full re-spray. The results looked good, at least on tv. I thought: "I want to do that!"

I've wanted for years to learn body repair and refinishing. The realist in me knows a new career doing heavy repairs is not in the cards. For one, I am a manager in insurance claims (not auto) working 6 days, 55-60 hours a week and it is impossible to go to trade school, even at night, for a couple semesters.

It looks like there are many, many local shops across the country providing lighter mobile services such as bumper repair and refinishing, PDR, wheel refinishing and scratch repair. A couple of national outfits franchise or offer business-in-a-box opportunities and provide some weeks (3-6) of hands-on training.

I would really like to get into the field. My biggest concern is I'm super conscientious and would want my repairs to be of the highest standard - a good color match and excellent finish. Has anyone used any of these services, and did you like the result?

I know of two people who make a living in such trades. One does upholstery and plastic panel repairs (Fibernew) and the other is a PDR guy.

Both got in to the business as a franchise purchase that came with training. While they were somewhat mechanically inclined, neither really had any experience and learned a lot as they went along. Both are now about 20 years in. Both work their butts off because the clients are demanding (money is in the dealership and furniture store contacts).

Since dent removal is largely self taught after the initial training course, why not go invest in a kit of tools and do a bit of reading about the why's and wherefores of the trade? Go practice on a few friends cars.

Beware approaching any of the guys who franchise, cause they get a good finders fee for any new guys they bring into the fold.

If you are coming at this from the insurance world, maybe you should look into getting qualified to do appraisals for the collector car hobby. That is a sweet gig once you get your name out there.

I'm not sure where you live or what your competition would be like, but I know plenty of folks who make a living in the mobile reconditioning business. I would say some of the trades will take a while to learn. You may be able to learn some of the basics quickly, but it takes time to hone any skill and build a name for yourself. I know of guys who can do bodywork and paint a panel or bumper in a parking lot and it looks really good. Other not so much. It seems like the PDR guys and interior repair guys are in the most demand in my area. There are a lot of options for mobile work to choose from. PDR, glass repair/replacement, headlight repair, interior repair, wheel repair, body work and spraying, scratch and chip repair. I even know of a guy who installs accessories like chrome trim, factory vinyl, side steps, ect. and someone else who only repairs and installs stereos and electronics. I have seen good and bad results in all of the trades. I think it comes down to getting experience and your work ethic. Like all businesses, if you give someone quality work at a fair price and show up when you say you will, you shouldn't have a problem.