Step-By-Step Details of the Repair Process
Administrative:
After the estimate has been written, insurance-company and owner approvals are obtained.
Parts/Disassembly:
In most cases, parts are ordered before the vehicle goes into production. The estimate is given to the technician that has been assigned to repair your vehicle. Damaged parts are removed, and a list is prepared for the estimator, detailing all hidden damage found at this time.
Revised Estimate:
The estimator makes changes to the estimate based on additional damage that is found, and forwards this information to the insurance company. The vehicle owner is updated with a phone call. Many times, additional parts will need to be ordered once the estimate is revised.
Structural Repairs:
If any damage is found on the inner structure, it is repaired on one of our Wedge Clamp pulling system racks.
Cosmetic Repairs:
After removing the vehicle from the Wedge Clamp rack, sheet metal repair and replacement operations are performed.
Refinishing/Polishing:
All panels that need to be refinished go through a thorough preparation process. The outside finish is applied in our downdraft/heated spray booths. The exterior of the vehicle is then polished as needed to match the original factory finish and texture.
Reassembly:
The vehicle returns to the body shop to have its trim, such as door handles and moldings, re-installed.
Mechanical Repairs:
Any mechanical operations that require a specialist, such as air bag replacement, are performed at this time.
Detailing:
The vehicle is thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
Quality Control:
Every repaired area is checked closely to ensure that all work has been properly completed. In addition, repaired vehicles are road-tested. If anything is found not operating correctly, it will be repaired. If the malfunctioning part is not related to the loss, the customer is notified.
Customer Called:
The customer is called during the repair process to keep them informed as to the status of the repairs and when they will be completed.
