The Autobody Repair Process

There are usually 7 basic stages in the repair process, ranging in duration based on the degree of damage.

After an accident you can contact us to:

  • Arrange for a tow
  • Schedule an appointment for an estimate
  • Contact the insurance company to help coordinate the inspection process
  • Set up a rental car
  • Or…just ask us questions. We are here to help you. Full list of services.

And remember you, the vehicle owner, have the legal right to choose where you get your car repaired – no insurance company can determine this for you.

Blueprint

When you authorize us to work on your vehicle, we do a complete disassembly of the damaged area(s). In this phase we identify the full extent and cost of the damages.

We then write a complete ‘Damage Analysis’. This usually takes between 24 to 72 hours depending upon the extent of damages and the insurance company involved. Once authorization is obtained from the responsible party for payment of repairs, we start the actual repair process. Parts are ordered, and your ‘Date of Promise’ is set.

Mechanical Repairs

Typically, mechanical damage will be repaired first in order to get your vehicle mobile for bodywork repairs. Suspension alignments, SRS and any other on board vehicle computer system diagnostics and repairs are generally done at the end of the repair process.

Structural Repairs

If necessary, your vehicle is mounted to a frame/unibody measuring device to inspect for any structural damage. If needed, the body or frame is then repaired (pulled) back to factory specifications. Inner structural components are either repaired or replaced.

Non-Structural Repairs

All remaining non-structural autobody repairs are completed. This entails repairs or replacement to any exterior panels.

Pre-Paint

The vehicle is prepared, masked, and primed as needed. Final sanding of all repaired parts is completed. All repair work is closely inspected at this point prior to the application of final color.

Paint

Methodical steps are taken to assure color match is achieved to the original factory finish. Once color match is achieved, the vehicle is painted in a downdraft paint booth that is both heated and cooled to control the drying process.

Re-Assembly/Quality Control

Final reassembly of all panels is completed. Moldings and trim are reinstalled. A rigorous inspection of all repairs is completed by our Quality Control Team for accuracy & quality.

Clean-Up/Final Inspection

Your vehicle is then hand washed inside and out. All wheels & tires are pressure washed. Interiors are vacuumed & wiped down by hand to remove dust & dirt. Only after your car is ‘cleaner than you brought it in’ are you notified that your car is ready for pick-up.

For more information on the repairs process follow our blog. 

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