Smash Repair Tips
Do you have a difficult time repairing your accident vehicle? Smash repairs can be an expensive and daunting task. Read this excerpt for some expert tips on how to conduct smash repairs.
Professional Versus DIY Repairs
DIY repairs should only be considered by people who have sufficient experience in car repairs. You will require a well-stocked home garage with specialised equipment such as car lifts, trolley jacks, transmission jacks, engine lifts and air compressors. Besides, you will need a small paint booth. You might spend more at a professional shop. However, your car will be repaired within a short time. If you are a hands-on person, most mechanics will not mind a little help at the shop.
Inspect The Vehicle
A vehicle inspection will help you determine the scope of the damage. Body damages are relatively easy to spot. However, the impact may have affected internal components. If the vehicle had a front collision, the air condenser and radiator might have suffered a significant impact. The alternator, serpentine belts, fuse boxes and other parts at the front of the engine may be damaged.
In more severe accidents, the engine and transmission system may be ruined. Additionally, structural components such as the cross members may be bent. At this point, you will have to decide whether to make repairs or declare the vehicle salvage.
Smash Repairs
Minor damage on the body panels or bumpers can be repaired within a few hours. Straighten the body panel using a hammer. Do not use a lot of force; otherwise, you could ruin the whole panel and cause dents in other areas. Use body filler to smoothen the dented panel. Use as little filler as you can. Otherwise, the vehicle's paint could chip or crack. Quality primer will make the body adherent to paint.
For more severe impacts, you will need to remove all damaged components. This includes body panels, interior fittings and engine parts. More often than not, you will require angle grinders or torching kits to cut through the metal. Once you strip the vehicle, weld back the frame and install the new interior and exterior parts. Car engines are designed to withstand massive impacts. As such, do not write off the engine without the advice of a professional. Sometimes, all the engine needs is a new block.
The above guide makes it easy for you to conduct smash repairs. Preferably, consider professional repairs. Reputable mechanics will give guarantees on the complete work. Besides, a professional paint job will improve the value of your vehicle.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers smash repair services.