PDR Universe

Zan Vidic

PDR Universe is where PDR gets real. Hosted by Žan and Zeeshan, the podcast dives into the unfiltered side of Paintless Dent Repair — the wins, the mistakes, the grind, and the mindset behind top technicians and successful PDR businesses.

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25 episodes
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Avg 58 min
English

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September 25 · 54 min
Why We Travel Across the World for PDR | PDR Expo Las Vegas
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
#37
September 18 · 59 min
Are New Cars Easier to Repair With PDR Than Old Cars?
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
#36
September 11 · 57 min
PDR Expo Las Vegas 2026: Everything You Need to Know | Sheldon Kaye
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
#35
September 4 · 59 min
PDR Fog vs Lines: Which Is Better for Paintless Dent Repair?
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
#34
August 28 · 59 min
Can Your Body Survive 30 Years of PDR? | PDR Technician Health & Ergonomics
Can your body survive 30 years of Paintless Dent Repair? In Episode 34 of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan talk about something every long-term PDR technician eventually has to think about: health, injuries, ergonomics and career longevity. PDR can be extremely demanding on the body. Long hours pushing dents, working over roofs, reaching into panels, glue pulling and working in awkward positions can lead to problems with the back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and more. Žan shares his experience with shoulder pain, a torn labrum diagnosis, tennis elbow and physiotherapy, while Zeeshan discusses his own back, neck, knee and wrist issues from years of PDR. We also discuss practical ways technicians can protect themselves: warming up, strengthening the back, improving muscular balance, listening to pain and using more ergonomic PDR tools and equipment. Plus, we talk about tool carts, LED lights, mini lifters, cold glue, slide hammers and other developments that could help PDR technicians work healthier for longer. If you want PDR to be a 20- or 30-year career, your body is your most important tool. 🎓 PDR Training: https://bestpdrtraining.com/ 🎧 PDR Universe — new episodes covering Paintless Dent Repair, hail damage, PDR tools, techniques, business and the PDR industry. This podcast discusses personal experiences and is not medical advice.
#33
August 21 · 59 min
PDR Knocking Up Technique Explained | A Better Way to Repair Dents?
What is the PDR knocking up technique, and when should you use it instead of pushing a dent? In Episode 33 of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan take a deep dive into knocking up — a Paintless Dent Repair technique where controlled hammer strikes from behind the panel are used to move a dent instead of relying only on continuous pressure from a PDR rod. We discuss the difference between knocking up and traditional PDR pushing, why this technique is strongly associated with Brazilian PDR technicians, and why knocking up can sometimes produce a cleaner repair with fewer waves and shoulders around the dent. Žan also explains how he uses knocking up on deep and sharp hail dents when he is concerned about stretching the metal, which tips he prefers, when he switches back to conventional pushing, and how the technique fits alongside backside blending and hammer-and-dolly methods. We also get into stretched dents, oil-canning, tip selection, sanding and polishing, and ways to potentially reduce the amount of shrinking required on difficult PDR repairs. Whether you're learning Paintless Dent Repair, repairing hail damage, or you're an experienced PDR technician looking to expand your techniques, this episode gives you a practical look at another way of moving metal. 🎓 Learn PDR & Hail Damage Repair: https://bestpdrtraining.com 🎥 PDR Universe on YouTube Topics: Paintless Dent Repair, PDR knocking up, PDR pushing, hail damage repair, stretched dents, PDR tools, deep dent repair, advanced PDR techniques, dent repair training.
#32
August 14 · 59 min
Learn PDR Faster: Why Glue Pulling Should Come First
Should beginners learn PDR by pushing first — or should they start with glue pulling? In this episode of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan are joined by veteran PDR technician, trainer and All Access Podcast host Gene Fetty for a deep conversation about learning Paintless Dent Repair and becoming a better dent technician. Gene explains why he believes glue pulling may actually be the best way for beginners to start learning PDR. Instead of immediately adding the difficulty of controlling a tool underneath the panel, students can first learn how to read the reflection, identify lows and highs, understand metal movement and develop accurate knockdown skills. We get into: • Why Gene teaches glue pulling before pushing • Why DIY Amazon dent pulling kits aren't as simple as they look • Glue pulling vs. traditional PDR pushing • "Look, Place, Tap, Check" knockdown technique • Knock-ups and how striking metal differs from pushing • Mini lifter vs. slide hammer for beginners • When students should start learning to push • "Strongest to weakest, deepest to shallowest" repair theory • Gene's difficult Ford Explorer dent repair • Cold glue for hail damage and roof rails • Choosing the right dents for cold glue • Cold glue vs. hot glue • Whether cold glue can replace an induction hot box • The responsibility professional technicians have to the PDR industry Whether you're just learning Paintless Dent Repair or you're an experienced technician looking to improve your glue pulling, cold glue, knockdown and metal-finishing skills, there's a lot to take away from this conversation. 🎓 PDR Training: https://bestpdrtraining.com 🎙️ PDR Universe with Žan Vidic & Zeeshan New episodes covering Paintless Dent Repair, hail damage, PDR tools, techniques, training, pricing, business and the PDR industry.
#31
August 7 · 58 min
How To Repair BIG Dents With PDR – Full Repair Breakdown
How do you approach a severe PDR repair when the damage crosses a body line, bends the panel edge and locks metal in several different directions? In Episode 31 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan break down one of Žan’s recent extreme tailgate repairs step by step. Several technicians had already declined the job. Once the vehicle arrived and the damage was viewed under proper PDR lighting, the repair turned out to be even more complex than the photos suggested. Žan explains how he read the damage, why he used multiple lateral tensions, how he combined lifting, knockdown work and pushing, why aggressive pulling would have been a mistake, and why the tailgate eventually had to be removed and flipped to finish the hardest section. Topics include: • Big dent PDR repair • Damage mapping • Lateral tension • Metal flow • Body line repair • Bent edge repair • Heat and paint protection • Metal-on-metal pushing • Tool selection • Tailgate removal • Double-panel damage • Seam sealer • Whale-tail access • Repair planning • Knowing when to walk away and reset Watch the original repair video: https://youtu.be/5n7LUzRe8OE?si=VO6Dvq_JLTXcjcF4 Learn PDR: https://bestpdrtraining.com
#30
July 31 · 59 min
How To Estimate PDR Repairs & Get Paid Properly
Estimating is one of the most important skills a PDR technician can learn — and one of the easiest places to lose money. In Episode 30 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan discuss how to estimate Paintless Dent Repair for parking dents, larger damage and hail-damaged vehicles. They cover dent size, aluminum, body lines, glue pulling, access, R&I, oversized hail dents, insurance estimating and how to communicate pricing when a repair carries additional risk. Žan also explains the retail PDR estimating system used at ASIS to create more consistent pricing based on dent size, repair hours and difficulty factors. Topics include: • PDR estimating • Paintless Dent Repair pricing • Hail damage estimates • Parking dent pricing • Aluminum repair pricing • Oversized hail dents • R&I charges • Insurance estimates • Dealer vs retail pricing • Avoiding undercharging • Pricing difficult repairs Learn PDR: https://bestpdrtraining.com #PDR #PaintlessDentRepair #PDREstimating #PDRTraining #DentRepair
#29
July 24 · 59 min
Hail vs Retail PDR – Which Should Beginners Learn First?
Should you learn PDR through hail damage or start with retail dents? In Episode 29 of PDR Universe, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan compare two very different paths into Paintless Dent Repair. Hail damage gives technicians massive amounts of repetition and teaches efficiency, while retail PDR puts much more pressure on the finish quality of every individual dent. We discuss which approach is harder for beginners, why hail and retail technicians develop different strengths, quality vs speed, beginner pricing mistakes, and what it takes to become a true hybrid technician capable of doing both. Topics include: • Hail vs retail PDR • Learning Paintless Dent Repair • Repetition vs repair quality • Speed for beginner technicians • Door dings and parking dents • Hail damage repair • PDR pricing for beginners • Becoming a hybrid PDR technician Learn PDR: https://bestpdrtraining.com #PDR #PaintlessDentRepair #PDRTraining #HailDamage #DentRepair
#28
July 18 · 59 min
How To Repair Body Line Dents (PDR Tips & Techniques)
Can body line dents actually be repaired? In this episode, 12-time PDR champion Žan Vidic and Zeeshan discuss one of the biggest myths in Paintless Dent Repair. They explain why body line dents are more difficult, when glue pulling works, when tool access is essential, how lateral tension has changed modern PDR, and the techniques professional technicians use to repair dents many people believe are impossible. Topics include: • Body line dent repair • Glue pulling • Lateral tension • Crown management • Metal flow • Aluminum repairs • Quarter panels • Rail dents • PDR finishing techniques Learn more: https://bestpdrtraining.com #PDR #BodyLineDent #PaintlessDentRepair #DentRepair #GluePulling
#27
July 10 · 59 min
How Much Does It Cost To Start PDR? (Complete Beginner Guide)
How much does it actually cost to become a Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) technician? In this episode, 12-time PDR champion Žan Vidic and Zeeshan discuss the real costs of starting a PDR career, including beginner tool sets, online vs in-person training, cheap vs professional tools, and the mistakes that slow new technicians down. If you're considering a career in Paintless Dent Repair, this episode gives you realistic expectations before investing your money. Topics include: • Beginner PDR tool recommendations • Online vs in-person training • How much PDR training costs • Cheap Amazon tools vs professional equipment • How to avoid wasting money • Learning PDR faster • Starting a profitable PDR career Learn more: https://bestpdrtraining.com
#26
July 3 · 58 min
How To Shrink Stretched Dents Like A Pro (PDR Shrinking Explained)
Stretched dents and oil cans are some of the biggest challenges in Paintless Dent Repair. In this episode, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan break down everything you need to know about shrinking metal, repairing stretched dents, avoiding common mistakes, and using shrinking boxes effectively. They discuss why dents stretch, how shrinking actually works, when to shrink during a repair, shrinking aluminum, push-to-paint vs retail repairs, and the lessons they've learned from years of repairing hail damage and oversized dents. Whether you're an experienced PDR technician or working toward advanced repairs, this episode is full of practical advice that can immediately improve your repairs. Learn more: https://bestpdrtraining.com Listen every Friday for new episodes of the PDR Universe Podcast. #PDR #PaintlessDentRepair #DentRepair #HailDamage #GluePullRepair #MetalShrinking #ShrinkingDents #PDRTraining #PDRTools #BodyShop
June 26 · 56 min
PDR Explained: What Paintless Dent Repair Can & Can't Fix
What is PDR? Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is one of the fastest-growing automotive repair methods in the world, yet many vehicle owners still don't fully understand what it is, how it works, or what types of dents can actually be repaired. In this episode of the PDR Universe Podcast, Zan Vidic and Zeeshan break down the fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair, explain the difference between PDR and traditional body shop repairs, and discuss which dents should and shouldn't be repaired using PDR techniques. They also dive into the progression from beginner to advanced technician, common mistakes that slow down learning, the importance of proper tools and training, and how modern glue pulling and tension systems have changed what is possible in dent repair. Whether you're a vehicle owner curious about dent repair, a body shop technician looking to learn more about PDR, or someone considering a career in Paintless Dent Repair, this episode provides valuable insight into the craft. Topics discussed: • What Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) actually is • Paintless Dent Repair vs traditional body repair • Which dents can be repaired with PDR • Which dents should not be repaired with PDR • Beginner, intermediate and advanced PDR repairs • Glue pulling and tension systems • Large dent repair techniques • Hail damage repair • Learning PDR and developing repair skills • Common mistakes technicians make 🎓 Learn PDR Online: https://www.bestpdrtraining.com 🎙️ PDR Universe Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aE66hu01Ku6zOUB8FBDvF?si=gfPAMv_oQi-Hgw9dS5VzWQ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pdr-universe/id1867287330 If you enjoy the show, follow the podcast and leave a review to help more technicians discover PDR Universe.
#24
June 19 · 58 min
Glue Pull or Push First? The PDR Decision Every Tech Must Learn
Should you glue pull first or push first? In this episode of the PDR Universe Podcast, Zan Vidic and Zeeshan break down one of the most important decisions every Paintless Dent Repair technician faces. The discussion covers cold glue, hot glue, pushing techniques, hail damage repair, parking dents, body lines, roof damage, rail repairs, stretched metal and real-world examples from years of professional PDR experience. Whether you're a beginner learning PDR or an experienced technician looking to improve efficiency, this episode will help you understand when each repair method makes the most sense. 🎓 Learn PDR: https://www.bestpdrtraining.com
#23
June 17 · 59 min
What Happens At A European PDR Tech Meetup?
This week on the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and permanent co-host Zeeshan look back at the recent European PDR Tech Meetup held in Slovenia. From technicians traveling over 1,500 km to attend, to networking, technical discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and a tour of the new ASIS facility, this episode highlights the passion that drives the paintless dent repair community. They also share plenty of funny moments—including airport stories, Balkan food, local culture, and one unforgettable lesson: maybe don't drink with Balkans if you're not prepared. 😂 Topics include: • Europe's growing PDR community • Networking and business relationships • The value of in-person meetups • Competition mindset and motivation • Behind the scenes of the new ASIS shop • Funny travel stories and cultural experiences 🎓 Learn more at: https://www.bestpdrtraining.com
#22
June 5 · 59 min
The PDR Technicians Who Changed Our Careers (And Why It Matters)
Who helped shape your PDR career? In this episode of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan discuss the technicians, mentors, competitors, podcast hosts and industry legends who influenced their journeys in Paintless Dent Repair. From early hail repair days and learning the basics, to discovering PDR College, Bryce Kelly, Sal Contreras, Giedrius, competitions, seminars and online education, this episode explores how knowledge is passed from one generation of technicians to the next. Topics include: Learning PDR from mentors Early career struggles The impact of competitions PDR education and training Bryce Kelly's influence on modern PDR Why every technician should keep learning 🌐 Learn more: https://bestpdrtraining.com 🎙️ PDR Universe Podcast Episode 22.
#21
May 29 · 58 min
Extreme PDR Competition: Big Dent Repair At The Highest Level
In this episode of the PDR Universe Podcast, Zeeshan shares his full experience competing at the CamAuto GPR Competition in Canada — one of the most advanced paintless dent repair competitions in the world. We discuss: High-level PDR & GPR techniques Large damage repairs Lateral tension & glue pulling Competition pressure Lessons from world-class technicians The future of big dent repair Featuring discussions about technicians from around the world, CamAuto tools, advanced repair methods, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level in PDR. If you’re serious about improving your dent repair skills, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🌐 Learn more: https://bestpdrtraining.com
#20
May 22 · 59 min
How PDR Techs Find Hail FAST In Europe 🌩️ (Hail Signals Europe)
How do PDR technicians find hail storms fast in Europe? In this episode of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan sit down with Bartosz Zawadzki to talk about Hail Signals Europe — a platform designed to help paintless dent repair technicians find hail damage opportunities across Europe faster and more efficiently. We discuss: • Hail chasing in Europe • Real-time hail alerts for PDR techs • Why speed matters in hail repair • Fake AI hail reports online • Networking in the PDR industry • How Hail Signals Europe works • The future of hail chasing in Europe If you are a PDR technician, hail chaser, dent repair tech, or someone interested in paintless dent repair and hail damage repair, this episode is full of valuable insights and real-world experience. 🌩️ Check out Hail Signals Europe: https://hailsignalseurope.com/ Use code: UNIVERSE 🎓 Learn PDR Online: https://bestpdrtraining.com 📲 Follow Žan Vidic: https://www.instagram.com/zan.vidic ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:11 Podcast starts 00:41 Bart returns to PDR Universe 01:54 Europe hail season discussion 06:22 Hail Signals Europe explained 10:42 Žan reviews the system after testing 18:43 Why technicians should care about fast reports 29:07 Live demo of the Telegram alerts 31:20 HSE pricing & discount code 42:33 Why speed matters in hail chasing 49:44 Why networking matters more than cold calling 58:32 Final thoughts from Bart 59:15 Outro
#19
May 15 · 53 min
Top 5 PDR Mistakes Even Advanced Technicians Make
How to improve your PDR skills and avoid the biggest paintless dent repair mistakes. In this PDR Universe Podcast episode, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan break down the top mistakes even advanced PDR technicians still make during hail damage repair, glue pulling, lateral tension, cold glue work, and large dent repairs. This episode covers: Why rushing repairs hurts your quality How lateral tension changes dent repair Common glue pulling mistakes Why cold glue is becoming essential in modern PDR Heat management tips for paintless dent repair How top technicians analyze dents differently Whether you are learning PDR or already repairing dents professionally, these advanced PDR tips can help you become faster, cleaner, and more consistent. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:11 Intro 00:30 Advanced PDR mistakes explained 01:19 Pancake story & repair mindset 😂 03:25 Zeeshan’s Volkswagen mistake 08:36 Mistake #1 – Not using lateral tension 12:19 Why lateral tension matters in big dent repair 15:49 Mistake #2 – Rushing repairs 17:03 Bryce Kelly’s approach to dent analysis 20:58 Mistake #3 – Not seeing the full picture 23:45 Hidden damage behind panels 27:17 Hail damage perspective mistakes 30:13 Mistake #4 – Not using cold glue 32:01 How cold glue evolved in PDR 35:15 Heating panels for cold glue pulling 39:11 Why many techs ignore cold glue 42:25 USA vs Europe PDR tool mentality 45:15 Mistake #5 – Not using heat correctly 47:03 Hot glue heating trick explained 50:46 Final thoughts 52:14 Martin Sadler surprise appearance 😂 52:51 Outro 🎓 ONLINE TRAINING:https://bestpdrtraining.com/#PDR #DentRepair #PaintlessDentRepair #HailDamageRepair

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