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Making damaged autos ‘good as new’ By Terry Davis
For many Americans, our “set of wheels” is more than just basic transportation. Our vehicles say a lot about us. When we plunk down $30,000 or more for that new sport utility vehicle, we want it to “look like a million bucks.” That means damage ranging from a little parking lot nick to a major sheet-metal-crunching collision requires repair. And not just because we are vain about the look of our car. Today’s safer cars require all components — from the crash-absorbing way their bodies are designed to the air bags that protect the occupants inside — to be in good working order to best protect us. But that means body shops face a big task staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, materials and regulations, often while finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified technicians. Today’s cars have less metal and more plastics and other materials as part of their body. What metal components they have often are thinner and lighter than components were three or four decades ago. “There are a lot of plastics being used now and a lot of aluminum subframes to make vehicles lighter,” said Scott Powell, owner of Hutch Auto Body, 28 First Ave. N.E. “So we have to change the way we work on them.”
Cosmetics count Agreeing with Powell is Kevin Vik, who oversees the body shop at Hutchinson Auto Center, the local Chrysler, Jeep and Ford dealer on State Highway 7 West. Matching paints can be difficult, they said, because there can be several shades of a color with the same color code. Different shades of the same vehicle could come from different plants. “Now you have to paint the whole panel when fixing even a little dent,” Vik said. But there are some advantages to the new paint products and techniques. Powell makes use of his shop’s bake booth to paint up to six cars a day. “We’ve got clear coats now that I can paint, bake it for 15 minutes and you are ready to drive it home,” he said. The insurance industry also has encouraged increased use of corrosion protection on metal body parts, whether they are new or used. All that leads to increase prep time. “The insurance companies are forcing us to put a lifetime guarantee on the stuff we repair so the finish preparation work is a big part of the repair,” Powell said. Auto insurance companies also are beginning to treat car repairs much as health care insurance companies do. Some reimburse shops a set amount for a certain type of repair, according to Powell. Insurance companies also call forr used parts to keep costs down, Vik added.
More than fixing dents “We’ve got to be able to diagnose computerized suspension systems, install air bag systems, and work with electrical systems, motors and sensors. I can do anything here except major engine work,” Powell said. “It is a big liability issue. If we don’t repair a car back to original condition, it is my butt that is hanging out there.” “You have to do the diagnosis to assure all related systems are working,” Vik said. Costs are escalating right along with the increased technologies deployed in automobiles. Adding tothat is the increased popularity of large, expensive SUVs and pickups. Today’s bumpers, with plastic shells over energy-absorbing structures, can cost $800 or more, while just the rear hatch of a Dodge Caravan costs $900 without labor or painting, Vik said. “If both (air)bags go, there is a good chance (insurance companies) are going to total the car because you need to replace the dash, computer modules, bags and sensors,” Powell said. “It doesn’t take as hard a hit to total a car anymore,” Vik said.
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