Primary Collision Repair Techniques and Skills
The collision repair techniques which are taught in collision repair schools are actually quite varied. Just as there are many types of damage which can occur in a car accident, there are also a wide range of different repair techniques which are applied when restoring a vehicle to its original condition. Each of these requires specific attention and education in order to make sure that they can be applied to their fullest in a job scenario.
One of the basic techniques that is taught at collision repair schools is painting. Painting might seem like one of the easiest aspects of auto body repair, but in fact it can be amongst the most time consuming. This is due to the level of preparation that must be undertaken before a vehicle is ready to be painted. Surfaces must be sanded down so that they are ready to bond with the paint's primer, which itself must be layered on evenly. All of the vehicle's trim must also be removed or taped off prior to painting in order to avoid overspray. Finally, paint must be sprayed on in a series of coats, each which may have a varying thickness depending upon the color and the type of paint being used. Students will need to learn how to safely operate not only a paint gun but also a paint booth and all of the related safety equipment that protects them from the hazardous vapors given off by the paint.
Another collision repair technique that is of prime importance is the ability to work with metal. Most accidents are minor fender benders, which means that dents, gouges, and scrapes are what need to be taken care of in order to make a vehicle look pristine again. There are many different methods of bending and massaging metal, from simple dent pulling to intensive lathe work. It is also important to be taught how to evaluate when a panel can be fixed, and when it must simply be replaced. Being able to position and mount a new panel that fits in properly with the other stock panels is another skill that is taught at collision repair schools. Not all replacement panels are perfect matches for factory-installed originals, and as such mounting them so that they are flush can be quite a challenge.
Finally, welding and frame repair are some of the more in-depth collision repair techniques that are used at auto body shops. Occasionally, metal will need to be cut and re-welded in order to ensure a solid connection, such as when replacing a large section of body work that doesn't detach neatly in panel form. Welding is also typically used when repairing floors and trunk pans due to rust issues. Frame repair, also called straightening, requires the use of special equipment which can analyze the trueness of a vehicle's frame and then use high pressure to return it to stock specifications. Frame damage can be amongst the most difficult types of repairs to make, and education in this area can go a long way towards receiving the desired results in the field.
