Panel beating – or smash repairing – refers to taking in cars after a collision and restoring them. Those working in the field are responsible for making a vehicle look as good as new, but one job is always different.
As the panel beating industry is expansive in Australia and essentially competitive, providers need to keep on their toes with the latest techniques and equipment (just like we do). Armed with the right tools and knowledge, there are plenty of ways to ensure the just is completed thoroughly. So, how exactly do professionals in the field establish the best possible process?
Mainly there are a few main steps that form a compliant method. These must also be followed carefully to ensure all completed work is done thoroughly. This includes:
Realigning
Shrinking and stretching
Smoothing – filing and sanding a car’s body parts
Replacing damaged parts
Installing any new hardware
Painting the parts.
These also come with their specifics and require attention to detail across the board. Here’s what you can expect from each of these phases from the best techniques for panel beating:
Realigning:
Realignment is an essential step in car bodywork. To start the process, our panel beaters inspect the vehicle to determine if any misalignment has occurred due to past accidents. They then use a hydraulic lift to pull the car chassis into place. We ensure that the frame and all the mechanical parts are in proper working order before beginning any exterior work.
This step is critical because fixing misalignments before starting the actual panel beating process. Not only ensures an aligned car and creates a solid foundation for any future repairs or maintenance that may be necessary. Our team prides itself on attention to detail, so you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the highest quality care possible.
Shrinking and/or stretching:
This is when the heat is applied to the damaged panel areas. This technique involves using a special hammer to reshape the damaged metal and return it to its original shape and form.
Smoothing:
This involves filing and sanding rough body parts to ensure they are smooth and close to the car’s original state.
Replacing damaged parts:
If your vehicle has damaged pieces that cannot be repaired, it’s crucial to replace them. When returning these parts, opting for original and authentic options is best. By doing so, you can ensure that your vehicle gets back its original look and performance.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that original parts should be tested and engineered to fit your vehicle’s make and model. This means that you won’t have to worry about any compatibility issues or decreases in value. Moreover, using genuine parts can also enhance your vehicle’s safety and longevity. So, always choose quality over cost when it comes to replacement parts.
Installing new car hardware:
When dealing with compromised car hardware, restoration is an absolute must. Any replaced parts must be the original ones, ensuring total consistency. This way, you can ensure your car is in top-notch condition and running smoothly. After all, compromised hardware is inconvenient and can lead to potential hazards on the road.
So, it’s always best to focus on proper restoration procedures to avoid risks. Restoring your car hardware to its original state also increases its lifespan and value. So, please make the necessary repairs as soon as possible to keep your vehicle functioning at its full potential.
Painting the car:
Panel beating, also known as auto body repair, is the process of restoring a damaged vehicle to its original condition. This involves several steps, with the final stage being the most crucial to achieving a like-new finish.
To begin, the chosen panel beater will use a chip-resistant spray paint that matches the surrounding areas. Yet, it is essential to note that an even application without visible lines is imperative during this process. This ensures a seamless finish and eliminates any visual inconsistencies.
After the paint application, the car is baked in a specialized oven. This final step seals the job and gives the vehicle a fresh and polished appearance that is as good as new.
Carrying out all panel beating steps with precision and accuracy is essential to avoid any costly mistakes or safety concerns. Thus, we recommend seeking help from our qualified team to guide you through each step of the process.
Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to panel beating. Contact us today to get professional help and learn how we can assist you in achieving the best possible result.