Have you been involved in a road accident? Perhaps your car has been damaged, and you need it assessed for repairs? If so, you`ll need a good body shop, and there are a few excellent choices in Phoenix. Or maybe you have a classic or cherished car that needs restoring? If so, the body shop may be the place to go. Let`s say your car has been in a collision and needs repairs to the bodywork. What is the process that it goes through? That`s what this article will be about, but we want to begin by talking about the option of replacing auto body parts or repairing those that are damaged.
Replace or Repair?
If you want an example of a respected Phoenix body and repair shop – and one that also offers full restorations for classic cars and bikes – click on this link -- https://stilswangncollision.com/ -- and you`ll see some great examples and find useful information.
So, to replace or repair? What is the choice? If your car is a current or relatively new model, the chances are the insurance company will insist that the parts are replaced with new ones. This is the preferred option for most collision repairs. If it is an older model – or perhaps a rare, cherished classic – body parts and panels will not be manufactured anymore, so the body shop will have to work with the existing or find old stock that may be available.
So, what happens throughout the repair procedure? Let`s start at the beginning.
Getting an Estimate
The first step to take is to present your damaged car to the body shop of your choice. The experts will assess the damage and give you an estimate for repair. You will need to send this to the insurance company – if there is one involved – who will decide whether your car is worth repairing. Once all is agreed and the go-ahead is given, the body shop can begin their work in earnest. Should it be a classic car you wish to have restored, then the quote will be direct to you, the owner.
Strip the Damaged Parts
The next step is the careful removal of the damaged parts and panels and full inspection of the parts that lie underneath. This is a procedure that will take little time as the panels will simply be discarded if they are to be replaced. In the case of a classic restoration, there will be a need to keep the removed parts and see if they can possibly be restored for use. Next, the engineers need to look at structural repairs.
Structural Repairs
If the structure of the vehicle – the chassis or frame – has been damaged in the collision, the body shop will use electric and accurate measuring equipment to ensure that it is realigned to the factory requirements. This must be done as if not, new parts will simply not fit the vehicle correctly. All structural repairs must be carried out by and checked by a qualified auto engineer who can sign off the work ready for the next step – painting preparation.
Prepare for Paint
When dealing with paintwork, it is vital that all parts and panels are prepped for painting. This involves stages such as applying a primer so that the panels may be ready for further coats. In some cases, replacement panels may be painted before they are attached to the vehicle. Matching the color will be performed by experts who get exactly the results you need.
In the case of a custom paint job, there will be a liaison between the owner and the paint technicians who will advise as to the possibility of the required finish and look being achieved. Painting automobiles is a skilled job that should only be carried out by an expert. Once the paint undercoat has been applied, it is time to fit the new parts into the realigned frame of the vehicle.
Fit New Parts
If you are indulging in classic car restoration, there will be an interim stage during which the original parts are restored or rebuilt. This happens when there are no replacement new or new-old-stock parts available. Many classic car clubs that are dedicated to one make or model may have stocks of parts bought from dealerships that have closed, making access to new parts available.
Fitting the new parts involves replacing items and panels as they would be from the factory. An insurer will insist this is done to a high standard. A body shop such as the reputable one we linked to will always provide a service that is second to none and that will satisfy both the insurer and the owner of the vehicle.
Quality Checks
Once the parts have been replaced and any necessary painting completed, the body shop will undertake a quality inspection. In the case of an insurance company being involved, they may send an independent engineer to inspect the work and pass it as acceptable before they make the payment. If it is your own classic vehicle that is being repaired, you will be invited to examine the work and pass it as satisfactory to yourself.
Body shops of this kind are passionate about cars – especially older and cherished vehicles – and you will be guaranteed work carried out by experts who genuinely care about your car and its future. This level of care will be applied whether your vehicle is a cherished and loved rare model or your daily commuter or family vehicle.
Your Car is Now as Good as New!
That`s job done! Your car has been successfully repaired with all new or fully renovated parts by dedicated experts who will be happy to hand it over to you as a successful job. You will find that your car looks, feels, and drives as if it were new – even in the case of a restored older classic. If you need a body shop, talk to the one we mentioned and a couple of others, and get quotes of the required work before making your choice.