<HTML>Kelsy-I like hearing about guys like you and seeing how your ambition grows once you get the bug. I was an insurance adjuster for over 20 years. After my 3rd layoff and doing stuff I didn't really like, I went into the mobile paint repair & touch up biz. As part of that biz, I, of course, have to use a buffer. I also use a Cyclo as part of a paint perfecting and restoration system that I love to use as I blow every customer away with the results.
Anyhow, customers were so impressed with my paint & buffing work, they asked me if I could do the same thing to the rest of the car. Well, after walking away from enough money because I had to say "no", I did some research, talked to some folks and started doing complete detailing along with my paint biz. They compliment each other perfectly. Plus, I've always detailed my own vehicles with retail products, so it wasn't that difficult of a leap for me. As a result of several jobs and contacts, I'll be opening my own small shop in November located inside a service facility for Benz, BMW, Audi, VW and possibly Ferrari. So, I'll have a way in to the high end market where the money is and I'll have a captive market to sell to. I'm hoping it takes off quickly so that I can build the shop up and hire 1 or 2 dependable guys (I've already got some guys in mind) so that when the weather breaks next year, I can concentrate on building the mobile side of the biz.
As for your question about the heat gun...make sure you get a commercial gun with an adjustable (lo-hi) setting. You have to be very, very careful because a heat gun will melt your bumper in less than a minute if you hold it in one place for too long. The trick is to make sure you have a tool that you can reach the back side of the bumper with so you can push the bumper back out once it gets warm. DO NOT use your hands. You'll burn them as the plastic has to be quite warm to be flexible. Start with the gun on low setting and hold it 6-10" from the bumper. Keep it moving back & forth over the damaged area. After a couple minutes, it should start to soften up to the point that you can start pushing gently from the back side. Start from the outer edges around the deepest part of the dent and work toward the center and then out toward the farthest edges. Don't keep the gun on the panel when you're pushing. Set it down because if you're pushing with one hand and heating with the other, you could slip and if the gun touches the panel, it'll melt the part it touches instantly.
Keep in mind the panel may not return to absolute perfect form, but it should be in the 80-90% range. Just use caution and work slowly. Better to be tentattive than too anxious. If you go to the high temp setting, be very careful or you could end up with a puddle of melted plastic on the ground. Also, be careful not to get the bumper too hot because if it starts to lump up and pucker, you won't be able to get that stuff out.
Good luck!!! Hope this helps. Let us know how it turns out.
Rod</HTML>