PDR Universe

We're still in Las Vegas, and PDR Expo is officially over.In Episode 39 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan break down the weekend — the education, tools, people and, most importantly, the competitions.Zeeshan took 2nd place in Dent Trials 🏆 after facing three extremely difficult dents in only 90 minutes.We break down what worked, what didn't, where he lost time and what he would change next time.Žan also competed in the first GOAT Competition, facing a massive hood dent with two hours to complete the repair. He breaks down his approach using tension, cold glue and pushing — and the mistakes that made the repair much harder than it needed to be.We also discuss Matt Boyette's knock-up class, phenolic tips, Tesa tape, leverage, tool organization, competition nerves and why analyzing your mistakes is one of the best ways to improve as a PDR technician.And one of the best moments of the entire Expo came from a PDR Universe listener who used advice from the podcast to improve his deep door repairs — then received an honorable mention for the best door repair in Dent Trials.🎓 PDR Training:https://bestpdrtraining.com

Why would two PDR technicians travel all the way from Europe to Las Vegas for a PDR Expo?In the REAL Episode 38 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan record directly from the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas the day before PDR Expo begins.We talk about our journey to Vegas, long-haul travel, the cost of attending international PDR events and why we believe expos and competitions are worth the investment.For us, it's not just about buying tools. It's about meeting technicians from around the world, learning new techniques, testing equipment, building relationships, breaking out of the normal work routine and coming home motivated to improve.We also share our first impressions of Las Vegas and the new PDR Expo venue at the Rio before turning our attention to the competitions.Zeeshan is competing in Dent Trials for the first time, while Žan is entering the brand-new GOAT Competition — where previous top-three Dent Olympics competitors will face a completely unknown dent.We talk about competition nerves, preparation, tool selection, time management and why competing can make you a better PDR technician regardless of the result.🎓 PDR Training:https://bestpdrtraining.com

Are newer cars actually harder to repair with PDR?In Episode 37 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan compare working on older vehicles with modern cars — and despite all the additional technology found in today's vehicles, we both think modern cars are generally easier for PDR.We discuss thick old-school sheet metal vs today's thinner panels, aluminum, high-strength steel, EV systems, laminated glass, huge braces, restricted access and increasingly complicated R&I.But we also look at what has made PDR easier: thinner metal, dramatically better tools, modern glue pulling techniques and access to PDR education that technicians simply didn't have 15–20 years ago.We also get into stretched metal, shrinking, plastic panels, broken windows, drilling for access and some of the cars we really don't enjoy repairing.Old cars or new cars — which do YOU prefer?🎓 PDR Training:https://bestpdrtraining.com

PDR Expo Las Vegas 2026 is only two weeks away, so we brought in the man behind the event — Sheldon Kaye.In Episode 36 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan talk with Sheldon about what PDR technicians can expect from this year's PDR Expo at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.Sheldon explains how PDR Expo started, how it differs from Mobile Tech Expo, what goes into organizing an event like this and what's new for 2026.We talk about vendors, hands-on education, tool testing, networking and why PDR Expo can be especially valuable for technicians who are new to the industry.Then we get into the competitions: the Beginner Competition, Dent Trials and the brand-new invitation-only GOAT Competition.Žan also shares his Dent Trials strategy, Sheldon explains how the secret GOAT competition will work, and we find out what happens to the technician who wins it.Plus: Vegas, speakeasies, handmade trophies, rental cars with competition dents and why PDR technicians are so competitive.If you're coming to PDR Expo — or you're still thinking about making the trip — this episode is for you.🎟️ https://PDRExpo.com🎓 PDR Training:https://bestpdrtraining.com

Fog or lines — which is the better way to see and repair dents with PDR?In Episode 35 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan compare PDR fog lights and line boards and explain how each system helps technicians read dents, locate tool tips and control the metal during a paintless dent repair.We discuss why lines may initially be easier for beginners to understand, why we prefer fog for fine finishing and paint texture, how natural reflection can be used to check finished repairs, and why experienced technicians can achieve excellent results with either method.We also cover PDR light selection, damage inspection, hail repair, line thickness, light positioning, Stucky lights, and what beginners should consider when buying their first PDR light.If you're learning paintless dent repair and trying to decide between fog and lines, this episode gives you two experienced technicians' perspectives on the advantages and limitations of both systems.PDR training:https://bestpdrtraining.com