What is the best method of auto body repair, and what should I know?
What is Auto Body Work?
The “auto bodywork” process is the technique used for dent repair (from small to large dents), to repair damage from an auto accident, to installing replacement parts on a vehicle. Auto bodywork contains several steps for each repair. The technician has to have access to the damage. It is sometimes necessary to remove interior or other panels to access the dent and then use hammer and dolly techniques for dent removal. Other times we may use a welding hammer/kit. The welding hammer is used from the outside. On metal skin, when paint is sanded to bare metal and small metal studs are welded to the skin of a car. Then those studs are pulled with slide hammer. With this technique auto body master remove dent to the original shape. Bondo or fillers shouldn't be used to fix damage. Patty or flexible filler should be used only to smooth area, but not fill damaged metal!! After main dent repair, technician used sanding techniques to further perfect the repair. Then is paint preparation, which start with primer. Primer is paint used between metal or plastic and actual paint. There could be chemical reaction between primer and paint which will affect quality of the paint in the end or many months later. For those reasons it is very important to do correct preparation. Next step is painting. Clear coating and final polishing and buffing. In the end your car has to look like new. Like a first day you bought it.Quality auto body work is not difficult. However it is necessary to follow certain rules, using quality material and pay attention to work. We would be happy to demonstrate to you how that is done at our shop.
Can I have Paintless Dent Removal instead of Body Work?
Paintless dent repair is an excellent repair technique and may be an option as long as the vehicles metal is not overstretched and the paint is not damaged. We will always suggest PDR where possible to save you time and money. In some cases when the criteria noted above is broken and bodywork should be performed, we can still apply quality PDR with improved results, but not to like-new. If this is the situation, the technician will explain expected results, and let you decide on the best option.
In cases where there is metal damage or an area is inaccessible, the technician will recommend bodywork.
How long is auto bodywork repair guaranteed for?
We stand behind our work and guarantee your repair. Auto bodywork repair that takes place in our shop is guaranteed for life.
You are the most important part of our business, and we want to make sure you are satisfied. If there is any misunderstanding in regard to your repair, we will take action to correct it to ensure your complete satisfaction. At SOS DENT, we want to build a relationship with our clients and service their vehicles for years to come.
How long does auto bodywork repair take?
Time estimates for repair are dependent on the type of damage, if replacement parts are readily available, if there is an associated insurance claim, and the amount of work we need to do. However our goal is to repair your car in timely matter without affecting quality.
Typically, bodywork will take a minimum of 4-5 days, and getting approval from an insurance company before beginning work can take an additional few days. Parts that are not stocked from the dealership can typically cause an additional 2-5 days delay. Finally, if using a number of our services during your repair, ie. wheel restoration, headlight resurfacing and bodywork, we may need additional time to complete the work. In any event, a customer service representative will be able to give you an accurate estimate.
Will the new repair color match the existing finish?
Yes, your auto bodywork will restore your vehicle to like-new or pre-accident condition. We use the factory color paint codes that are included with every vehicle, and color match according to this code. Color matching works in the following manner.
First, our technician takes the paint code from your vehicle and enters it into the computer. Specialized paint software gives us a formula for matching our paint to the factory specification. Sometimes however, a factory color code may yield a color that could be a few shades lighter or darker than the original. This is where the “art of color matching” begins.
Our paint experts will use sample paint cards to ensure the best color matching possible. Using very specific tinting methods, we match new paint to old on the paint cards, and they are compared in the shade, sun, and from multiple angles.
Remember, we only use the best paints available, and back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How much cost to fix my car with body work?
The estimate for your care repair and auto body work depends on few things:
- damage, how much is your car damaged (how many hours will be necessary to fix damaged parts of a car)
- parts, if parts need to be replaced (today you have a option to buy new dealership parts, used original parts or new after market parts)
- insurance pay or you? If insurance is involved you may pay your deductible or if you are claimant the insurance cove all cost. It is important to know that with insurance our shop representative negotiate and establish terms with insurance. Our goal is to make sure that insurance provide you with all parts necessary for repair and will cover accident damage. Our shop always favor you as a client, but we also have to accept insurance rules. Damage which insurance pay for has to be accident related. insurance will not pay to repair your car if accident damage is not related to your accident (for example if someone hit you in rear bumper and right rear quarter panel and from previous time you have damage on front bumper insurance will pay only for damage cost by accident)
- when you pay out of your pocket we always ask you what is your goal. And if is to save money and put you back on road cost effectively we will suggest you how to save money even with body work.
Can I wash my car after the repair?
Yes. Before your vehicle leaves the shop, the repair area is polished, buffed out, and waxed for protection. Once the repair is complete you can wash, wax, or detail your vehicle right away.
