Can anyone advise if the rear quarter panel on a MINI (cabrio) is single or double-wall construction? Our 05 cabrio sustained a dent in the area just above and forward of the center of the rear wheel arch on the passenger side. Its a "clean" ding, apparently from the rear door of a SUV that has a cutout for a rear wheel arch.

There is a plastic fender liner in the rear wheel well, so I cannot determine if there is single or double wall to the fender.

Can anyone who has had the rear wheel fender liner off tell me if the dent specialist can spoon out the dent by pushing against the inside of the fender; or will they have to drill and afterwards plug a hole in the "inner wall" to be able to "spoon" out the dent.

Thanks for your assistance

Charlie

 

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There is no need for "plugs"

Plugs are usually used by either lazy or poorly trained PDR technicians (Painteless Dent Removal).

There are very few exceptions were plugs must be used, but a good PDR tech will always seek ways to avoid drilling holes in your car.

There are 2 access points for the rear quarter panels in the MINI:

1) You can remove the rear right tail light assembly (Very easy procedure). The PDR guy can then insert the rod tools through that opening.

2) CAREFULLY, your PDR tech can insert the rod tools by yanking aside the plastic wheel arch. Underneath the wheel arch plastic lip, there is an opening that allows you to get right behind the panel and bypass the double walled areas. This can be done in the hardtop model, not so sure if you will have the same access in the convertible due to the different construction and the fact that you have the fabric roof mechanish tucked in there. But I am sure it can be done.

If a PDR tech says that the only way he can get to the dent is by drilling a hole, walk (better run away) from these people and find yourself a reputable PDR tech that has had some work done to MINIs under his belt.

Hope this helps.

 

No need to mess around with the plastic wheel liners. Like I said, carefully you can set aside the wheel arch plastic lip (Right on the wheel well opening) and there is an opening wide enough for the PDR tool rods to gain access to the back of the panel.

Its not a big deal for a PDR guy that has some MINI work experience on his resume.