An estimated 5,250,837 car accidents occurred in 2020. In 2021, more than 6 million non-fatal motor vehicle accidents occurred. Unfortunately, the recovery process can be challenging, confusing and time-consuming. Fortunately, reputable auto body shops can guide you through the process. This is what you should expect after you accept a repair estimate.
Table Of Contents
Vehicle Disassembly
Before the shop can start working on your vehicle, such as buffing out scratches with abrasives, removing dents or fixing bent or broken panels, they need to disassemble your car. After they document the damage the vehicle received during the accident, they will begin to catalog the parts that need replacements.
As the technicians tear apart your vehicle, they may find additional parts and supplies, such as abrasives, that they have to order or make. Finally, these professionals should measure and inspect your car’s frame to ensure it didn’t sustain any damage, which can impact its structural soundness.
If your vehicle is a classic, such as a 1957 Chevy, the technician may search local scrap yards for replacement parts or talented techs may create the parts themselves.
Damage Repair
After the body shop receives the parts, the technician has to repair the vehicle. Sometimes, this requires remolding metal or applying new metal panels to your car. Then, the tech should apply car sealant to any seams or areas where two pieces meet. Some parts may receive welding to secure them in place, while others may require fasteners.
The damaged areas of the vehicle receive a thorough sanding using various abrasives. Lower-grit papers, cartridges o
r discs remove large bumps, weld drips or imperfections. Experienced technicians will work from coarser abrasives to finer ones, slowly making the vehicle’s shell smooth. Reputable body shops return your vehicle’s panels to their manufactured condition as if they just rolled off the assembly line.
Cleaning and Painting
After the tech finishes with the abrasives, the vehicle receives a thorough cleaning using solvents to remove all the dirt, debris, grease and other impurities from the shell. This cleaning prepares the body for priming and painting. The shop may also use high-pressure air to remove dust and impurities.
The tech should tape off your vehicle’s windows, tires and other exposed parts if your entire vehicle needs priming and painting, or individual parts of your vehicle may receive primer and paint, especially if only one panel received damage.
Reassembly and Inspection
After the paint and clear coat dry, the auto body technician should reassemble your vehicle. These professionals look for imperfections in the repair as they put your car back together. The tech also installs moldings.
In the end, the car should look like it did before your accident, so a quality control inspection typically follows reassembly. Your vehicle should receive a wash, and someone will test drive it to ensure it runs properly. Something as small as missing or damaged car fuses from the disassembly or repair can impact how your vehicle operates.It’s always great to receive your vehicle in like-new condition and professional-grade parts and supplies that make your vehicle look great and keep it running. ROGO Fastener supplies many body shops with many of the tools and supplies, including anti-seize compounds and abrasives. Visit the ROGO Fastener store to check out their available products.