Panel Beating
Panel beating is the process of repairing damaged car panels or other vehicle body elements. It involves restoring the shape and structure of a panel using a variety of tools, techniques, materials, specialized equipment and often includes cutting and welding, filling and sanding.
Depending on the nature and extent of a damage, the combination of required repair operations, make and model of a car and its design features, the following types of repairs are distinguished:
Cosmetic
It is carried out without dismantling car body elements and includes the repairs of chips, areas of surface corrosion, scratches, roughness and other cosmetic defects.
Usually involves pulling out dents or minor panel straightening, paint touch ups, cut and polish.
If the paintwork is not damaged, paintless straightening is often performed using devices such as straightening hammers, counter supports, pulling hammers, etc.
Light Structural Repair
A specific element is being repaired or changed (bumper, door, etc.);
Heavy Structural Repair (Collision Repair)
This is a complex and lengthy process carried out after serious road accidents. It involves a thorough car body structure measurement using sophisticated 3D Measuring System and analysis of the compliance of the geometric parameters of the car body after an accident with the standard established by the manufacturer.
The process can include straightening bent frames, chassis and restoring the vehicle's structural integrity, repairing or replacing damaged panels using metal cutting and welding technologies.
Rust Repairs
Over time, vehicles can develop rust damage, particularly in areas that are exposed to moisture. Panel beating can be used to remove the rust and restore the affected panels.
See more information on Rust Repair.
The Process
Panel Beating involves a series of steps:
Visual Inspection
Estimator inspects a vehicle to locate all the damage.
Assessment
Estimator may request to disassemble parts of the vehicle to gain access to the damaged area to determines the extent of the damage(s).
Disassembly
Panel beater may need to disassemble parts of the vehicle to allow the estimator to gain access to the damaged area.
Quotation
Based on the outcome of the examination of the estimator selects the appropriate repair methods and provides a Job Card to a panel beater with the steps to follow.
Parts
Estimator may need to order parts or body components required for repairs.
Repair
Panel beater uses the Job Card and a variety of tools and techniques to repair damaged panel(s). This may include cutting, welding, remove /refit of body elements, sanding and filling to restore the shape and structure of the panel.
Priming
After the panel has been repaired, it is primed to prepare it for painting.
Painting
Once the primer has dried, the panel is painted to match the colour to the rest of the vehicle.
Reassembly
After the painting is complete, the panel beater reassembles any parts that were removed during the repair process.
Refinish
Panels may need to be polished with special fine-grained compaunds using a polishing machine to achieve a smooth finish.
Quality Check
Once the repair is complete the vehicle is final checked for any imperfections