Auto Body Repair Process | Collision Repair Process

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Auto Body and Collision Repair Process

The Collision Repair Process

We use unique, custom-built tools to give us the edge

The auto body repair process requires a significant amount of both parts and labor. Because of that, it can be costly. Modern automobile designs reflect both style and exceptional improvements in passenger safety. When damage occurs, it’s done so by design. This means that when you have a collision, the extensive buckling and crumpling that happens is slowing the momentum of impact and protecting you from harm.

Elmer’s Auto Body works to restore your vehicle to factory standards of safety with repairs that last.

The Estimate

The repair process begins by coordinating with your insurance company. We use a highly accurate computerized estimating system that allows us to generate an estimate quickly. We will review the report with you and carefully explain how your vehicle will be repaired and how long it will take.

Schedule

Next, your vehicle is scheduled for repairs at a time that is convenient for you. Our Customer Service Representatives can assist with car rentals, ordering parts and answering any questions you might have.

Vehicle Drop-Off

You can drop off the car the morning of the repair or use our night drop procedure.

Disassembly

If additional damage is found during disassembly, a supplemental estimate is created. These changes are quickly communicated through our processes and computer systems. Any additional parts are ordered immediately – we work very hard to make sure nothing causes a delay to your delivery date.

Frame & Structural Work

After disassembly, our technicians begin to properly repair the frame and structural components of the vehicle. Whether working on a frame vehicle or unibody design, our technicians ensure that the structural components are brought back to their proper dimensions and shape.

Body & Plastic Work

This is where art and discipline in auto repair come together. Should the damages to the vehicle not be extensive enough for a full replacement, our technicians repair the parts instead. They will also sand and feather the plastic components, which are vital to smoothness and the final finish.

Paint Preparation or “Prep” Work

Prep work involves preparing the surfaces for refinishing and it is absolutely critical for final appearance of the vehicle. “Clean and smooth, smooth and clean” is a paint department’s mantra. This requires several iterations of sanding, which get the surface to the desired smoothness. Once the prep work is complete, the vehicle or parts to be sprayed are brought into one of our paint booths for the next phase of repair: the application of primer, paint and clear coat.

Painting

We use a computerized paint mixing system, training and experience to get exact color matches. We have a database of color formulations to do just that. Along with color, other agents such as hardeners or flex additives are added. After applying a final layer of clear coat, our painter sets the booth for the proper time and temperature then “bakes” the finish onto the car, speeding the curing process.

Assembly

The damages have been repaired, the necessary parts replaced, and painting completed. Now, it's time to re-assemble the vehicle. Headlights, taillights, nozzles, windshield wipers, ornaments, handles...nothing is forgotten! However, this can be a substantial step, depending on the damage dealt.

Pre and Post Scans

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, it’s imperative to identify which parts or systems need to be repaired or replaced. Doing a pre-scan prior to repairs informs the technician about which components need to be repaired or replaced. The post-scan ensures that all damaged parts have been addressed. Doing these two scans not only benefits the vehicle owner, but also the insurance company during the claim process.

Quality Checks

We believe that a properly repaired vehicle has everything to do with quality during the entire process. Because of this, we have quality check points at various phase of the repair.

Cleaning & Final Preparation

Every car we repair is cleaned and washed before customer pick up.

Our state of the art collision center offers full-stack auto body repairs covering all the key aspects of your vehicle. We understand that you have a choice when it comes to collision auto repair shops, and have made it our mission to provide the absolute best auto body repair in NJ.