Category: Aluminum Body Panels

The New Ford F-150 Dazzles with its Aluminum Body and Advanced Technology

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Carmakers are beginning to note the advantages of aluminum over conventional steel, such as decreased weight and environmental impact, as well as increased rust resistance and durability during crashes. At Cline Collision Center, we have the technology, tools, and training to repair aluminum bodies.

This includes the Ford F-150, which just revealed the dazzling array of features available on its next-gen 2021 model.

Technology

Do you need access to the latest technology while driving a half-ton of payload down the road? The new F-150 will come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, it will be capable of receiving over-the-air software updates that are more than just infotainment improvements. The company promises that the updates will be bumper-to-bumper and support preventative maintenance, reduce trips to the repair shop, and provide improved performance, resulting in less vehicle downtime.

Advanced Driver-Assistance

The New Ford F-150 Dazzles With Its Aluminum Body and Advanced Technology

The hands-free driving feature, called Active Drive Assist, will make the F-150 one of the few vehicles, including the Mustang Mach E, in the US with hands-free driving. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play Clash of Clans while driving just yet. Active Drive Assist will only be available on divided highways mapped by Ford. Customers must purchase extra software and hardware, including a driver monitoring system with an infrared camera to scan your face to ensure you’re keeping your eye on the road.

You don’t have to go all-in on hands-free driving, though. The standard Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance system comes with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. You can also add options such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, post-collision braking, trailer backup assist, and more.

Hybridized

The hybrid version will utilize the company’s fourth-generation hybrid technology—a 47 horsepower electric motor that boosts acceleration and allows you to get around 23 miles per gallon. Ford will sell the hybrid F-150 in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, connecting electrical components to a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and recharged by the energy created when the truck engages its brakes.

As sophisticated as the vehicles of today are, especially aluminum-bodied vehicles, you need experts on your side when you are looking for autobody repair. Aluminum can’t be reshaped the way steel can, and we have the advanced factory-training and experience to do repairs right. It’s also important to note that steel dust corrodes aluminum, which is why we have a completely separate workspace and set of tools to work on your Ford F-150. For all questions about autobody repair, either aluminum or traditional steel, call Cline Collision Center at 707-591-9909 or contact us online today!

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

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

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!

Aluminum Auto Body Repair? Should I Avoid Going There?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center
Aluminum Auto Body Repair | Should I Avoid Going There

Aluminum has been around for years in the airline and space industries. That Boeing 737 that you crammed yourself into on your last trip utilizes aluminum to keep weight down while not compromising on strength. Audi has been innovating with light-weight materials vehicles since the 1990s.

To gain weight and performance advantages, Ford trucks went all-in on aluminum in 2015. Since the move, consumers have been hearing speculation about the high cost of auto body repair associated with the material. Are these rumors true? Is aluminum more complex and difficult to work with? Is it more fragile?

No, say the experts, it’s just different.

Who are these experts? Auto insurance companies are authorities on the subject. You can easily tell what they are thinking by their rates. As it turns out, they charge you no more for owning an aluminum vehicle than a traditional vehicle. Over time, they have found that the aluminum F-150 is no more expensive to insure than the previous steel-bodied models.

Other experts are folks like us who repair these vehicles. Though there was an initial investment in training and equipment, now that we have these in place, repairs can take even less time than previous steel bodies.

This is true because the truck was designed with repairs in mind from the outset. We can replace the truck’s rocker panels (metal below the doors, between the wheels) and floor pan in sections, reducing repair time. The B-pillars (vertical roof supports) can be patched up without disturbing the roof. In addition, the apron tube (front rail) can be fixed without removing the A-pillar or dashboard.

Get Significant Savings

Also, parts prices can be lower as well. Hoods, front bumpers, and other parts have decreased by double-digit percentages over previous models. Ford has pressured suppliers of sealants, chemicals and other consumables needed for repairs on the new bodies to keep costs down.

Yes, steel and aluminum are different. They require unique primers and sealants, specially-coated fasteners and completely different techniques. Traditional hammer and dolly and welding methods do not work well with aluminum. In fact, welding aluminum reduces strengthening by taking out the temper. Heat is also difficult to control and can be messy. We typically bond and rivet panels in place, as per specifications by the manufacturer. We’re also very careful to keep steel and aluminum separate—floating steel dust can corrupt an aluminum repair!

That’s why you need experts on your side when it comes to aluminum body repair and we are the right team. We are Ford-certified, which means we have the training and equipment to work on F-150s. We are also Gold Class-certified, giving you the assurance that we use only quality parts and offer superior craftsmanship. At Cline Collision Center, we will bring your aluminum-bodied vehicle back to pre-collision condition. We also offer a full slate of traditional autobody services, from dent removal to high-end painting and auto detailing. Contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 today!

Ford Aluminum Body Repair

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Did you know that aluminum is more expensive than steel, and has typically been used for high-end vehicles like the Acura NSX, BMW i8, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar XJ, Tesla Model S 60, and other luxury cars? In 2015, Ford began making the Ford F-150 with a primarily aluminum body. As the best-selling car in the United States, this signified a significant shift in automotive trends. We predict many American car brands will follow suit in the near future. How do you know you’re trusting your Ford to a great auto body shop? Are they Ford Aluminum Certified? We are! Here’s a few of the aluminum repair requirements put out by Ford to becoming certified. 

SHOPS MUST:

1. Have a work sparation system that isolates aluminum vehicles from vehicles undergoing steel repairs – separation can be a separate room or curtain system

2. Have a designated set of hand/special tools specifically for aluminum vehicles to prevent from cross contamination with steel body vehicles. The inventory must contain all required hand tools per Ford F-150 Collision Repair Program

3. Utilize a 220v Pulse MIG welder specifically for aluminum vehicles

4. Utilize a dent extraction system specifically designed for aluminum that contains an aluminum stud welder, heat gun, pyrometer, aluminum hammers and dent extraction system

5. A specialized aluminum SPR (Self Piercing Rivet) gun approved by the Ford Paint and Body Technical Center – currently only the Chief, Henrob and Pro Spot SPR riveters are approved

6. An Immersion-Type, Wet Mix dust extraction system or pneumatic (air operated) vacuum system dedicated to aluminum dust – The system can be portable or centrally installed system

7. I-CAR® FOR06 – 2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course

8. I-CAR® WCA03 – Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding Certification

9. I-CAR® FO007E01 – 2018 Expedition & Navigator Aluminum Body Repair (2 technicians must complete – web-based)

For more generalized technical repair capability, here’s what Ford lists as their requirements for certification:

SHOPS MUST:

1. Meet I-CAR® Gold Class® or equivalent with proof of ongoing technical training (assessment required)

2. Subscribe to current OEM repair procedures and have the ability to provide documented proof of compliance

3. Utilize a frame rack or dedicated/universal fixture bench, with appropriate vehicle anchoring and pulling capabilities

4. Utilize an electronic three-dimensional vehicle measuring system

5. Maintain a current data subscription for the measuring system being utilized

6. Provide proof of technical training to operate the measuring system being utilized

7. Utilize an R134a refrigerant recovery/recycling system or proof of a qualified sublet provider

8. Have the ability to conduct and verify four-wheel alignment either in-house or through a sublet provider

9. Have the ability to remove, replace and reinstall steering and suspension components, as well as engine and drive train units

10. Have the ability to perform pre- and post-repair vehicle diagnostic scans and proof of calibrations

11. Have a spray booth with forced drying capabilities

12. Utilize an OEM approved refinishing system

13. Provide proof of product training for the refinishing system being utilized

14. Have an above ground lift with a lift capability of at least 7,000 lbs

15. Utilize pressure-feed, anti-corrosion compound and application equipment

16. Have a documented Quality Assurance/Quality Control system

As you can see, there is quite a lot that goes into being a certified Ford Aluminum Repair Shop. Trust the pros at Cline Collision Center for all of your aluminum repair needs. Schedule an appointment today!

How To Fix A Dent In Aluminum

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

In the past, aluminum body panels were only found on European vehicles. Now that there’s a large scale of aluminum on the Ford F-150, other car brands will likely take onto this new style as well. Unlike steel, that remembers its original position, aluminum does not. It needs to be reformed, which can take more time, but it is well worth the wait. To repair and pull the damaged area, the panel must be heated to 400°F to allow the metal to soften. Aluminum dissipates heat very quickly but can become permanently changed if heated past a certain point, and that point is approximately 750°F. The heated panel can now be pulled and while pulling the material it is being work hardened to set the new memory of the collision repair.

How To Fix A Dent In Aluminum

Repairing aluminum dents also requires a special tool set. This is a major reason in itself to only trust your vehicle to the experts of a certified aluminum body shop like Cline Collision Center. If a body shop uses the same tools on aluminum that they use on steel, they can cause further damage to the aluminum than when the vehicle first showed up at the shop. One mistake can damage the panel beyond repair. Trust the pros at Cline Collision Center. Don’t take it from us, here’s one of our 5-star customer reviews from Alicia G on yelp.

“There are many places in the area to take your car after an accident, I’m glad I took mine to the right place. Not only did Cline Collision Center make my car look brand new again, but Joe was professional and helpful throughout the process of my auto repairs. They sent me text messages containing the progress of my vehicle, and even encouraged me to come visit my car whenever I’d like. I hope I don’t need their services again anytime soon, but if I do I know I won’t be disappointed”!

Here’s another fabulous review from Katherine G. on Yelp:

“I can’t say enough about my experience at Cline! I did my homework beforehand by getting estimates from 3 other Santa Rosa shops, and Cline was the most personable and reasonable. The shop is clean, professional and welcoming Joe spent ample time with me and answered all of my questions and concerns. I felt like I was the most important customer on the docket! I was kept informed every step of the way, and when I picked up my car, it took my breath away! I highly recommend Cline Collision Center”.

Don’t wait! Give Cline Collision Center a call today to schedule an appointment . We’ll have your vehicle looking spectacular in no time, with our professional and certified aluminum body repair technicians.

Aluminum Body Repair Cost

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

On average, aluminum body repair costs more than steel body repair. However, don’t panic! There are a few common reasons why. For starters, shops like Cline Collision Repair have loads more training, and access to professional resources to stay up to date with the latest changes and advancements in the aluminum body repair industry. As a certified shop, it is a lot easier to get what we need, and we already have the specialty tools and training necessary to get the job done. This makes the work cheaper for you. If you were to bring your vehicle into another shop that is not certified, brace yourself for sticker shock. They likely do not do the repairs as often and must search out additional training for your job specifically. This can make your costs skyrocket. Working with aluminum is not any more difficult of a task than working with steel, it is just different. Now that the Ford F-150 is aluminum bodied, other body shops should be catching up with these changes. After all, it is consistently the USA’s most popular pickup truck every year. The cost will be less for aluminum body repair when you choose a professional certified shop like Cline Collision Center. Don’t be tempted by a low estimate of a shop that is not certified. This can back fire and cost you significantly more than before.

Aluminum Body Repair Cost

Take it from one of our customers, John M., who left us this 5-star review on yelp:

“There are a lot of body shops to choose from on Piner Road, but Cline is a cut above the rest.  The shop is always immaculately clean, the service writers and the repair techs are courteous and professional and the level of attention they pay to detail here is impressive.

I had the front bumper nearly to torn off of my Chrysler, and they had me in and out in 30 minutes and on the road after clipping it back in place.  100% recommend these guys for any collision or incidental damage repairs; they are the real deal”.

Or another from our happy customer Anthony M.

“My car, a 2014 Kia Optiama, was at Cline for both front end and rear end damage (Totaling about $9,000). Dealing with Joe for the quote process was painless. No appointment, I just dropped in, it took 12 minutes’ tops. Cline dealt with the insurance company, had enterprise pick me up… It couldn’t have gone smoother. I loved that they use the CarWise.com service so I can login online and check the status of my repair and even get text/email updates. Pickup was delayed by a few days due to a wrong part, but it was over a holiday weekend and I was out of town anyway so it worked. When I picked up the car yesterday I was shocked. It looked brand new, the paint match was impeccable, the bumper/lights/panels all lined up evenly and snugly and the cheery on top was a full seemingly professional wash and detail (It was cleaner than when I drove it off the dealer’s lot brand new) 10/10. If you’re reading this after an accident thinking about taking your car here, do yourself a favor and just do it, you won’t regret it”.

Nobody wants to be involved in a collision, but if that day arises, Cline Collision Center is the body shop you’ve been looking for.

How to Repair Aluminum Body Panels

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

What makes a body shop like Cline Collision Center unique, is that not all aluminum is the same, but we know how to work with each type. Different vehicle manufacturers use different types of aluminum with different alloys, along with characteristics. There’re multiple ways to repair an aluminum panel, which is why the Ford Certified Body Shop Program exists- to help shops learn the differences and how to work with each of them. Why do aluminum panels exist anyway? They promote better fuel economy. Everyone loves to save on gas! How to Repair Aluminum Body Panels

Aluminum behaves differently than steel. Once it is reshaped it forgets its original form and will take on a new shape, unlike a steel part that will remember the form it used to be in. It is a work hardened material. When aluminum is stamped into shape it becomes stronger. After the panel is bent in a collision it becomes stronger. Flex it too much and it breaks or cracks, like a bent spoon. To repair and pull the damaged area, the panel must be heated to 400°F to allow the metal to soften. Aluminum dissipates heat very quickly but can become permanently changed if heated past a certain point, and that point is approximately 750°F. The heated panel can now be pulled and while pulling the material it is being work hardened to set the new memory of the collision repair.

A thin coating of aluminum oxide forms after being exposed to the air in as little as 15 minutes. This oxidation has a much higher melting temperature than the original aluminum material and a stud will not fuse correctly to the panel. Aluminum’s melting point is 1,200°F and aluminum oxide is 3,700°F. The oxide can be removed using a stainless-steel brush.

A few tools you will need are an abrasive grinding disc, inline removal tool and stainless-steel brushes to remove the paint and oxide coating. To shape the metal, it must be softened. Heat to the to the appropriate temperature with a digital temperature set heat gun for heat control. Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity and heat travels throughout the panel rather than in a concentrated spot. Some technicians use the aid of coworker to heat the area while the other uses the dent pulling tool. If you go above 750°F the structural rigidity of the part could be permanently annealed.

As you can see there’s a lot that goes into aluminum body repair. Trust the pros at Cline Collision Center to get the job done right the first time!