If your car is involved in a collision, an auto body shop will repair the structural and cosmetic damage. Juanito’s Auto Body does not inspect electrical systems, replace damaged engine components, or perform mechanical work.
To succeed, auto body technicians must have attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and manual dexterity. They must also follow automotive manufacturers’ suggested repair procedures.
Auto body frame machines are large mechanical devices that straighten out your car’s inner frame and structure after an accident. They are used to repair damage caused by the force of the crash, and they are an essential piece of equipment for any shop specializing in vehicle repairs. There is a common misconception that structural damage to a vehicle’s frame cannot be repaired. However, this is simply untrue.
A skilled technician uses precision measuring tools to assess a frame’s damage and identify areas that require straightening. Then, hydraulics and powerful pulling systems are used to gradually bend the frame back into alignment with the manufacturer’s specifications.
The type of frame machine you use depends on the vehicle you repair and the amount of damage. Some frames are so damaged that a complete replacement is needed, while others only need a few repairs to bring them back into spec.
Regardless of the severity of the damage, it would be best to look for a frame machine that offers a wide range of versatility. The best bench models offer laser measuring that updates as the pull is performed and smart targets that display the updates without the technician looking at the screen. It’s also important to choose a bench with universal jigs and manufacturers’ data for a zero-tolerance repair on unibody and full-frame vehicles.
In the past, shops diagnosed frame damage with self-centering tram gauges. These gauges were hung underneath the vehicle, and the technicians could see whether or not the frame was bent or twisted by looking at the center pins, which should be aligned with one another when the frame is straight. These methods are time-consuming and can only be used on framed vehicles; however, they need to be more accurate to repair unibody cars rapidly.
Many modern shop owners are choosing to invest in a portable frame machine, designed to be easily moved from location to location and more versatile than a traditional framer. When selecting a portable frame machine, you should look for a company with a long history in the industry and an excellent track record of customer service. Ensure that the company you’re considering has a good warranty and training program, as well.
The first step in the auto body repair process involves removing the dent. This is usually done using paintless dent repair (PDR). PDR techniques involve accessing the damaged panel’s backside to massage it with metal rods or special tabs. A specialized light board helps technicians enter the dent by highlighting the affected area and showing them where to place tools.
When performed properly by an experienced technician, this technique saves money and time over traditional repairs that use fillers and primers. It also preserves your car’s value and resale price.
Aside from the obvious benefits of not destroying your vehicle’s original paint, this eco-friendly method uses non-toxic materials. However, it has its limitations. For example, deep damage and creases are unsuited for this repair type and require traditional methods.
It’s no secret that getting a ding or dent in your car is inevitable. Whether from runaway shopping carts, wrongly thrown footballs, or out-of-nowhere light posts, there’s no accounting for these real-life accidents that can leave you with unexpected damage.
Luckily, there are many DIY methods that you can try to fix these dents without a professional. One popular method uses a plunger to create suction that can pop out small dents in plastic parts of your vehicle. Start by pouring boiling water over the damaged area. This will soften the material and make it more malleable. Afterward, the plunger was applied to the dent with force.
For larger dents, you can try a different approach by applying pressure from the front of the car while pushing from behind. If this doesn’t work, try dumping boiling water over the damaged area again to heat the material and help it pop out of place.
If you decide to take on this task yourself, many affordable kits can get the job done. The Manelord PDR kit, for example, includes a bridge dent puller, black and blue glue puller tabs, and two glue shovels. Before you start, test the glue on an inconspicuous area of your car to see if it is safe.
Paints used in auto body repair can vary, depending on the quality and durability expected. Typically, the higher the quality of the paint, the more expensive it will be. However, the paint cost can also be affected by vehicle make and model, color choice, and special effects.
Body repair technicians use a variety of spray paints to fill and smooth surfaces before painting. The technician determines the type of spray paint used based on the desired outcome. Polyester primer, for example, has an excellent build and is ideal for filling small blemishes and providing a good paint-bonding surface. However, it is brittle than urethane and may crack or chip more easily.
Acrylic lacquer, popular with vintage luxury cars, produces a glossy showroom finish but is very sensitive to UV light and can easily fade. It is a great choice for small touch-up jobs but less durable than other types of spray paint.
After spray painting, the auto body technician will buff, wax, and polish the newly painted area to create a high-quality finish. They will inspect the work for defects and ensure the new paint matches the rest of the vehicle’s finish.
Mechanics generally only perform this aspect of the job if they have the training, tools, and space to handle this part of a collision repair job. However, auto body shops specialize in this task and have the equipment and skilled painters to run it efficiently.
After your car gets painted, protecting it for the first few weeks is important, especially from ice and snow. If you need to scrape ice from the car, don’t use a hard metal scraper on the fresh paint, or you will scratch it. Additionally, if you need to use automotive solutions or chemicals on your car right after body work is completed, be sure they are not splashed onto freshly painted areas. Ideally, these should be done in the garage or a well-ventilated parking lot. Doing so will protect the new paint and help it last longer.
A good auto body shop will prep the area before beginning the repair process. This means cleaning it and removing any dirt, wax, or residue that could keep the putty from sticking. It also includes sanding the area and removing any bumps or unevenness that can be smoothed with some filler.
The body shop will also clean around the repaired area and apply a surface cleaner to prepare it for painting. This is to make sure that the repair work will look professional. Once this is done, the paint technician will begin working on the vehicle. They will use color-matching techniques to match the original paint on your car. They will also use spray-painting techniques to give the vehicle a smooth, even finish.
While auto body shops specialize in repairing the exterior shell of your vehicle, they can often help with internal damage as well. The body shop will be able to assess whether the engine, suspension or other mechanical components are damaged and need attention.
Getting into the auto body repair industry requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a certificate or degree in auto collision repair. This can be earned through a vocational or technical school program or a community college. Depending on the type of program, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year of study.
In addition to the technical knowledge and skills required, an auto body repairer needs to be familiar with all the equipment, tools, and materials used in the industry. This can include everything from welding, sanding, and cutting to paint application. The repairer must know how to use these tools properly to complete a quality repair job.
Auto body repairers are responsible for restoring, refinishing, and repairing automobiles after accidents or other events. They use various techniques, tools, and equipment to return cars to their pre-accident condition. This can involve repairing the frame, removing dents, and applying paint. It can also include restoring the electrical system and replacing damaged parts. They must be able to follow safety guidelines and work quickly and efficiently.