File in Section:

Service Bulletin

08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.:

99-08-51-001C

Date:

February, 2013

INFORMATION
Subject:

Paint-less Dent Repair Process

Models:

2014 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
with Steel Outer Body Panels
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013 and 2014 model years. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 99-08-51-001B (Section 08 – Body and Accessories).

The process of removing dents from vehicles without
painting has been around for many years. General
Motors has evaluated many versions of this process. A
process using special tools that allow shallow dents to
be removed without drilling holes in the body, by
removing components like hood insulators, tail lamps,
and headlamps is recommended. This process is
appropriate for the majority of panels with reasonable
access to the back side of the damaged area. The
special tools and procedures used with paint-less dent
repair that have been developed will remove the dents
while eliminating the need to fill, paint, or replace the
panel.
New developments in this technology have also made
dent removal possible in areas where there is minimal
or zero access to the back side of the panel by use of
“glue stick” dent removal. From the outside of the
panel, adhesive material is placed over the dent,
allowed to cool and the dent can be pulled back to its
original contour without paint damage. Common areas
for “Glue Stick” dent removal are roof rails, pickup box
bed rails, roof skin near stationary glass, etc. This
process requires no drilling of holes or removal of
vehicle components for access. These type of repairs
will eliminate concerns about paint and factory
corrosion durability and significantly reduce repair and
disclosure amounts. This type of procedure has been
thoroughly evaluated and the repaired parts were
tested for negative impact. No negative impact was
found.
Important: The removal of structural components or
drilling of holes in any panel is not recommended and
may void the General Motors Corrosion Warranty.
Evaluating Damage
Note: Paint-less dent repair should be used for both
warranty “out dent” repair and transportation damage
where damage type code “14- dented no paint damage”

is used on the delivery receipt. Dents which exceed
severity code 3-Damage over 3 inches (8 cm) up to and
including 6 inches (15 cm) in length/diameter may still
require conventional paint repairs.
Appropriate uses for paint-less dent repair include the
following conditions:
• Repair of minor transportation damage dents.
• Dents with no broken paint on the surface. Be sure
to inspect the paint for cracks, a magnifying glass
may be helpful; GM suggests using a 4x
magnifying glass.
• Large or small dents, soft dents in body lines and
contoured areas that allow reasonable access to
the back side of the damaged area.
• Dents that do not require structural part removal,
and where “glue stick” dent removal is successful.
Inappropriate uses for paint-less dent repair include the
following situations:
• Dents that include cracked paint.
• Dents that require holes to be drilled.
• Dents that require structural parts to be removed.
• Sharp dents in contoured areas, dents on the
edge of panels, or dents in zero-clearance areas
where glue stick dent removal has been
unsuccessful.
Tools
Use tools that are high-quality, tempered steel with
smooth polished, rounded tips. These will not damage
the back side of the dented area. Typically, these tools
are shaped and bent in order to allow access to most
areas of the vehicle without drilling holes in the body as
well as provide a clear view of the work area. Specialty
lights are also used to highlight damaged areas.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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