Repair of Aluminum Panels Shows Our Shop’s Commitment to Future

Fear. Determined Resolve. Resilience. The collision repair industry isn’t known for the sort of epic terms usually associated with sporting fields and social movements. Yet the introduction of the aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 caused a panic. The industry let out a collective moan. It takes too long. New equipment is needed. Technicians aren’t trained.

Repair of Aluminum Panels Shows Our Shop’s Commitment to Future

But that’s so 2015! Those issues were real and true enough, but shops like us that responded with determined resolve and embraced the change rather than resisting it, have thrived.

The heat needed for aluminum repair is a great example of this. Heat is required to soften damaged metal, to reform the metal. We then must allow the metal to cool and hold the forming. This process turns out to be an art, but an art that is worth learning. Repairing damaged panels costs customers less money than replacing them. What’s better for the customer is better for a shop that prides itself on long-term customer satisfaction.

What About The Cost?

The cost of equipment was another real concern. It turns out, though, those aluminum welders we had to buy produced quality welds in steel welding, emerging MIG brazing, and aluminum. Aluminum dent pullers were also expensive and required new training, but they save panels. Again, saving panels instead of replacing them is a win-win for the customer and the shop.

Technicians were required to open up to new techniques or be left behind. Different aluminums required different welding wire. Technicians had often used one wire for all types of metal and now were being asked to learn new techniques and be flexible. It turns out that this flexibility became increasingly important. Honda has produced a steel that requires a different wire and technicians and shops are now more open and ready for the challenge. The future is changing, and manufacturers are asking us to learn about corrosion control with adhesives, the limitations of blind rivets, and the use of epoxy primers. Having to make a seismic shift with aluminum gives us the resilience to meet these give you the service you need.

That’s why you need a team that is up for the challenge! At Cline Collision Center, we have kept our Ford-certified status because we are all-in on the training and equipment needed to work on aluminum-bodied vehicles. We’re also Gold Class-certified which tells you that we only use quality parts and offer superior craftsmanship. Contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 today to bring your vehicle, including your aluminum-bodied car or truck, back to pre-collision condition!