Automotive Body and Glass Repairers

Automotive Body and Glass Repairers typically perform the following tasks: • File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools. • Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling. • Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools. • Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders. • Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take. • Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint. • Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components. • Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers. • Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete. • Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed. • Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder. • Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment. • Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches. • Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders. • Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas. • Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets. • Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems. • Replace damaged glass on vehicles. • Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle. • Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.