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Chapter 1 All
Industry Overview and Careers
Term | Definition |
---|---|
collision repair | is the process of restoring a vehicle that has been damaged to its original condition by repairing both structural and cosmetic damage |
technicians | are skilled, knowledgeable people who know how to use specialized equipment and highly technical methods to restore collision damaged vehicles. |
shop owner | must be concerned with all phases of work performed. |
shop supervisor | is in charge of the everyday operation of the shop. This job involves communication with all personnel who contribute to the facility's success. |
parts manager | is in charge of ordering all parts (both new and salvaged), receiving all parts, and seeing that they are delivered to the ordering technician. |
bookkeeper | keeps the shop's books, prepares invoices, writes checks, pays bills, makes bank deposits, checks bank statements, and takes care of tax payments. |
office manager | duties include various aspects of the business such as handling letters, estimates, and receipts. |
helper/ apprentice | learns new jobs while assisting experienced personnel. |
professional | refers to the attitude, work quality, and image that a business and its workers project to customers. |
collision repair | is the process of restoring a vehicle that has been damaged to its original condition |
collision | is an impact that causes damage to the vehicle body and chassis. |
total loss | where repairs would be more expensive than the cost of buying another vehicle. |
vehicle construction | deals with how the factory manufactured the vehicle |
frame | is usually a high strength metal structure used to support other parts of the vehicle. |
Body | is a steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite skin forming the outside of the vehicle |
full frame | is a strong steel structure that often extends from the front to the rear of the vehicle. |
unibody | describes a vehicle that has the body structure welded together to form an integral frame |
part/component | generally refers to the smallest units on a vehicle |
assembly | is several parts that fit together to make up a more complex unit. |
panel | is a general term that refers to a large part of the body |
pan | often refers to a floor |
chassis | includes everything under the body |
estimating | involves analyzing damage and calculating how much it will cost to repair the vehicle. |
estimator | makes an appraisal of vehicle damage and determines the parts, materials, and labor needed to repair the vehicle to its original condition. |
estimate/ damage appraisal | is a written or printed form that explains what must be done to repair the vehicle. |
manual estimating | involves using an estimating sheet for writing out information about the vehicle, using crash estimating guides, and collision damage manuals to make the repair estimate. |
crash estimating books | contain vehicle identification information, the price of new parts, time needed to install the parts, refinishing or painting data, and other information. |
computer estimating | The estimator might use a laptop to input which parts must be replaced or repaired. This saves time over writing the estimate out longhand. |
air bag system | uses impact sensors, an on-board computer, an inflation module, and a nylon balloon in the steering column and dash to protect the driver during a head-on collision. |
insurance adjuster/ appraiser | reviews the estimates and determines which one best reflects how the vehicle should be repaired. |
washup | involves a thorough cleaning of the vehicle before beginning work |
minor repairs | are those that require minimum time and effort. Small dents, paint scratches, and damaged trim are typical examples. |
hand tools | generally include tools used by both auto mechanics and collision repair technicians, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers |
power tools | use air pressure or electrical energy to aid repairs |
body shop tools | are the most specialized tools designed for working with body parts |
panel straightening | involves using various hand tools and equipment to reshape the panel back into original contour. |
panel replacement | involves removing and installing a new panel or body part. |
major repairs | is a general category that typically involves replacement of large body sections and frame/unibody straightening. |
measurement systems | allow you to check for frame or unibody misalignment resulting from a collision. |
frame rack | uses a large steel framework, pulling chains, and hydraulic power to pull or push the frame back into its original position. |
corrosion protection | involves using various methods to protect body parts from rusting. |
surface preparation | involves inspection and treatment of the surface to prepare it for refinishing or painting. |
surface inspection | which involves looking closely at the body surface to determine its condition. |
stripping | can be done by applying a chemical remover to soften and lift off the paint. |
sanding | uses an abrasive coated paper or plastic backing to level and smooth a body surface being repaired. |
paint preparation | gets the vehicle ready for spraying or refinishing. |
masking | is placing special tape, paper, or plastic over areas NOT to be painted. |
masking area | in the shop is usually equipped with masking paper and tape dispensers, tire covers, and other needed materials |
paint overspray | is an unwanted paint mist that spreads away from the surface being painted. |
refinishing/painting | involves applying primer and paint over the properly prepared vehicle body. |
paint shop area | is where the vehicle is refinished. |
priming | is primarily done to help smooth the body surface and help the top coats of paint adhere or stick to the body. It is done before painting. |
paint selection | involves finding out what type of paint materials must be used on the specific vehicle. |
paint mixing | usually involves adding solvents to give the paint the right "thickness" or viscosity for spraying. |
Spraying | is the physical application of color or primer using a paint spray gun. |
paint runs | excess paint thickness that flows down or "runs" |
custom painting | involves forming various designs in the paint. |
drying | involves using different methods to cure the fresh paint |
air drying | is done by simply letting the paint dry in the atmosphere |
forced drying | uses special heat lamps or other equipment to speed the paint curing process. |
postpainting operations | include the tasks that must be done before returning the vehicle to the customer. |
orange peel | a rough textured surface like the peel on an orange |
wet sanding | involves using a water |
Compounding/buffing | is done to smooth newly painted surfaces, after wet sanding for example, or to remove a thin layer of old, dull paint. |
detailing | is a final cleanup and touch |
mechanical repairs | include tasks like replacing a damaged water pump, radiator, or engine bracket, for example |
electrical repairs | include tasks like repairing severed wiring, replacing engine sensors, and scanning for computer or wiring problems. |
independent body shop | is one owned and operated by a private individual. |
franchise facility | is tied to a main headquarters which regulates and aids the operation of the business. |
dealership body shop | is owned and managed under the guidance of a new car dealership |
progression shop | is often organized like an assembly line with specialists in each area of repair. |
specialty shop | concentrates on and only does specific types of repairs. |
complete collision services | means the facility might do wheel alignments, cooling system repairs, electrical system diagnosis and repair, suspension system work, and other repairs. |