Category: Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop

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!

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!

Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

It’s not every day that you’ll come across a Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop. It takes specialty tools, training, and certifications to achieve this distinction. However, you’ll know you’re trusting your Ford to the best when you bring your vehicle to our aluminum specialists at Cline Collision Center. It is not a quick and easy process to become certified either. A body shop must be able to prove their skill set. At least two technicians must take and pass certification courses. Our technicians learn proper welding techniques, address safety issues, prepare metal surfaces, and identify weld defects. This is just the start of what it takes to become certified. After becoming certified, ongoing training must occur to maintain status as a Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop. This is because every year new vehicles come out with different body styles, and technologies. Which means technicians need to stay up to date with the latest changes and be able to adapt to Ford Certified Body Shopthem. A popular saying by Ford is “a Ford Car Deserves Ford Collision Parts”, we are here to assure you that is exactly what you’ll be getting when you choose Cline Collision Center for all your Ford aluminum body needs. Don’t forget, it is up to you to choose where you’re happiest having your repairs completed. While insurance companies can make suggestions, you get the final say in which body shop your vehicle is repaired at. Why did Ford create the certification program to be come a Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop? For starters, working with an aluminum body is very different than other forms of body work. Also, Ford introduced the program in hopes to train body shop technicians on how to effectively repair their popular 2015 Ford F-150 truck. We are still just a few years into the Ford aluminum body repair era. Research shows that 52% of people find OEM certification to be the most important factor in choosing a body shop. We not only specialize in Ford Aluminum repair, but we use Ford OEM parts to do so.

Here are some of the general business requirements to becoming certified by Ford:

1. Be in business for a minimum of (5) years, or possess verifiable credit rating and service history

2. Provide proof of Garage Keepers Liability insurance with a minimum of $1M policy limit

3. Provide customers with a Limited Lifetime Warranty

4. Subscribe to an electronic p-page logic estimating system

5. Follow all Local, State and Federal government regulatory requirements

When you bring your Ford to Cline Collision Center, you know you’ll be in good hands with our Ford Aluminum Certified Body Shop.

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