What’s Involved in the Process of Auto Restoration in Middletown, NJ After a Collision?
September 26, 2017 2:08 am Leave your thoughtsWhat will the auto body restoration process involve? This is an excellent question! Because it’s your vehicle that’s going in for a professional facelift, it would be good for you to know the important stages of auto restoration in Middletown, NJ, which ensures proper auto body repair after a collision:
- Stage 1—Estimate: A service estimate includes the work that needs to be done as well as the cost of any needed replacement parts and hardware. Let’s say you are in need of collision repair. An estimator at the shop where the work will take place thoroughly inspects your vehicle. He or she documents their inspection in written documents and photos, and then it all goes to your insurance company for coverage approval. Estimates are done through a visual inspection, but additional damage can be uncovered after the vehicle is disassembled.
- Stage 2—Disassembly: Your insurance company may want to document all damage, inside and outside, prior to restoration and repairs. If this is their request, then the shop will take it apart for an internal inspection as well. Once you and your insurance company give the go-ahead for repair services, the shop can order the new parts.
- Stage 3—Auto body repair: If the vehicle is in need of repairs to its structure, this work will take place while the vehicle is disassembled. Hopefully, the shop has ordered and received all the important replacement parts and components so they can get started on repairs. A huge benefit to leaving this type of job to the professionals is that they have the right training and equipment to put your vehicle back to factory specifications. The suspension and alignment may get repaired, too. After all the structural and mechanical work is done, auto body work can begin.
- Stage 4—Refinishing: The car’s surface is prepped so it can provide proper adhesion for the new paint. A vehicle’s exterior must be as smooth as possible for the refinishing stage to take place. First, parts are sanded and primer is applied, followed by the application of the color, base coat and a clear protective coat. Once the surface is cured, the newly painted surfaces are polished to a glossy finish.
- Stage 5—Reassembly: A restored vehicle cannot be reassembled until after all repairs and painting are complete. At this stage, the auto’s electrical wiring, airbags, hoses and other similar components are disconnected in order to reassemble the interior. Car moldings and trim are reinstalled, a test drive is done and the window and door locks are tested.
- Stage 6—Auto detailing and delivery preparation: Your repaired vehicle will go through auto detailing, which involves a wash, interior cleaning, paint polishing, buffing and more. All the lights and safety components are rechecked before the car is delivered back to you.
- Stage 7—Customer’s final inspection: The auto body shop will explain all the repair work that was done and go over final expenses with you. You should then do a final inspection of your own, taking the vehicle on a test drive and asking any questions then and there.
Need auto repairs or car restoration in Middletown, NJ after a collision? Contact Lentz Auto Body for the best auto body service in town!
Categorised in: Auto Restoration
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