Whether you’ve been in a collision or need body repair work, knowing how to get your car back into tip-top shape is essential. But first, you must know about auto body repair, from paint to glass.
First, you must choose a shop specializing in your vehicle’s make and model. It will help ensure you get the repairs you need quickly and effectively.
Interior
While the exterior of your vehicle is what you’ll most likely think of when it comes to auto body repair Denver CO, it’s not the only area that needs attention. Your dashboard, steering wheel, carpeting, and even your door panels and knobs can get scratched, scuffed, stained, and cracked over time.
The best way to restore a car’s interior is with the right products and techniques, which will look good and last long. Fortunately, the auto industry has its fair share of companies to help you, which produces a wide range of products that can take your vehicle from drab to fab.
Paint
The paint on your car is one of the most important things to keep in tip-top shape. Whether your vehicle has been damaged in a crash or from everyday wear and tear, you want the paint to be in excellent condition.
The first step of the painting process is to prepare the area that will be painted. It includes sanding to remove any scratches or dents, cleaning to rid the surface of any dirt, and applying a primer.
There are several different types of primers, but the most popular is an enamel primer. These are very affordable and provide a good base for auto paint to adhere to. They also offer a fair to a good level of corrosion protection.
Another type of primer is moisture-cure urethane. It is excellent for paint adhesion and rust prevention on difficult repair jobs. However, curing times can vary between types, so you’ll need to read the labels carefully.
Glass
The glass in your car is a vital part that protects your safety and the lives of your passengers. If you see any chipping, cracking, or discoloration in your windshield, it’s best to repair it as soon as possible.
Your windshield is made of two pieces of transparent glass laminated with a layer of vinyl resin in the center. It makes it hard for shards of glass to break and hurt your passengers in a crash and helps your windshield retain its strength.
You’ll find a laminated windshield in most new cars. It’s an extra-strong, toughened glass that passes specific safety tests for impact and light transmission.
Repairing a cracked or chipped windshield is relatively easy and inexpensive. With polymer resin injection, a skilled technician can make the chips or cracks look nearly invisible.
Body Panels
Almost every vehicle has various body panels covering the exterior of the car. These panels protect passengers and the vehicle itself from environmental elements during collisions.
Typical body panels include the fenders, which start at the front of the doors, go over the front wheels, and wrap around the headlights. They also are referred to as front quarter panels.
Depending on the design, fenders and quarter panels can be made of metal or composite materials. For example, a fully composite body panel can be lighter than a traditional steel frame design and will not rust as easily, extending the vehicle’s lifespan.
Body panels must be tested during product development to determine their stiffness and dent resistance. It can be accomplished through various techniques, including 2D and 3D computer simulations. It will allow the product designer to predict how a specific panel will react to impact accurately. These predictions can then modify the component’s material properties and add reinforcements.
