Restoring a vehicle’s bodywork to factory standard is a tremendous thrill for auto body technicians. It may look like a daunting task when a vehicle first arrives to the garage after a collision, but restoration is made much easier by remembering the basics at all times.
A lot of faith is put in professionals to carry out a comprehensive job, and simple mistakes will leave the owner feeling dissatisfied with the service offered. Auto body experts know that consideration must be given to much more than just the body work panels. Paint and electrical equipment also often require attention, so let’s take a closer look at which mistakes are important to avoid throughout a career.
1. Direct Hits on the Bodywork Can Create Additional Damage
Using the right techniques and tools make life much easier after training at auto body schools, so pick the right one for each individual task. Bodywork hammers, for example, are used to tackle damage on exterior panels. Rubber mallets, on the other hand, are suitable for use on larger damage. Subtlety is key with the use of this tool, however, because it has the potential to cause further damage if the technician is overly aggressive.
It’s also essential that mallets or hammers don’t come in direct contact with the bodywork. Keep some thick cloths or rags between the tool and the metal to prevent the creation of further dents or scratches.
2. Panel Gaps Are an Ugly Side Effect of Botched Repair Jobs
Collisions cause damage to individual panels, and restoring them to their original shape is a challenging process. Cars which leave the factory showroom are built so that each part fits snugly alongside neighbouring components. Auto body specialists use their expertise to prevent ugly panel gaps from forming throughout the repair process.
Other than those aesthetic problems, safety is also an important reason to avoid panel gaps. The doors, hood, and trunk should all close properly after a successful repair job.
3. Don’t Forget About Electrical Equipment After Training at Auto Body Schools
Lots of components and electrical equipment often have to be removed during repairs, so don’t forget which parts need to be reconnected. Check that important features such as windshield wipers, lights, and electric windows are functioning properly after completing bodywork repairs.
This equipment should also be tested under normal driving conditions, because annoying rattles may only become obvious when the vehicle is moving. Avoid running into such problems by making a comprehensive list of what electrical items were removed during a particular bodywork repair. That way, it’s much easier to remember what needs to be reinstalled!
4. Sloppy Paint Jobs Leave Owners Feeling Frustrated
There are lots of things to consider when carrying out a paint job on a repaired area. For example, you’ll want to assess whether sanding is needed to smooth off the spot which is going to be painted. Grads of reputable auto body repair courses mask off surrounding areas so that the affected area is the only spot which can be exposed to paint. Pay particular attention to wiring, plastic trim, or mechanical components, because there are few things more ugly on a vehicle than seeing these parts unnecessarily painted.
Make sure that the paint is the right colour too! Take the time to research exactly what tint is required, because inconsistencies on the bodywork may only become obvious to the naked eye when it’s dry or in sunlight. By avoiding these potential pitfalls, you’ll make sure that the work you complete is of the highest quality.
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