Our Process
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at an auto body shop during the repair process? Well, there's a lot more involved than you think! Below is an overview of the basic repair process at our Preferred Auto Collision Center in Grand Haven…
Estimation
The first step in a common repair process may contain the following tasks:
- Perform a thorough damage assessment
- Examine the critical safety systems of your vehicle
- Explain/advise you on all repair details and answer any questions
- Gain your commitment for repair
- Guide you through your insurance company claims process (if applicable)
Repair Preparation
The shop will typically perform some of the following activities to get your vehicle ready for repair:
- Wash the repair area and surrounding area
- Complete any disassembly needed
- Remove emblems
- Clean the repair area
Body Repair
Preparation for refinishing generally involves completing the following:
- Removing the original layers of paint
- Straightening the frame and welding the new panels in place
- Removing dents, sanding, and filling with body-repair material
- Taking steps to protect against corrosion
Paint
Typical preparations for applying the color coat and clearcoat include:
- Vehicle is covered to protect from materials used on repair area
- A primer surfacer is applied to guarantee good adhesion of paint
- Once surfacer hardens, it is sanded and cleaned for a smooth finish
- Paint is mixed using digital or manual color tools to match the exact color of your vehicle
- Color coat is applied to your vehicle
- Finally, a clearcoat is applied to help ensure that the gloss and texture of the repaired areas are identical to the original finish
Ready For Delivery
Your vehicle is ready for the road. Hopefully you will never need us again, but if you do, remember your experience with our Preferred Body Shop in Muskegon on Henry Street.