Fundamentals of Design Based Auto Body Repair

The design of modern cars and trucks has changed, and with it, so has auto body repair. Now, more than ever, vehicle repairs should be modeled after OEM specifications in order to maintain the integrity of the vehicle’s design. By repairing to OEM specs, collision forces will be properly absorbed and directed around the passenger compartment to keep drivers safe when they’re back on the road.

But in order to efficiently return a vehicle to OEM specs, you must have a comprehensive understanding of how it was designed and built. This knowledge, along with the processes used to repair the vehicle, is essential to design based repair. In this post, we’ll focus on two fundamentals of design based repair, and why estimators and technicians should be implementing them with each auto body repair job.

Measuring: Gone are the days of the quick visual inspection

Since collision forces are transmitted across the entire vehicle, damage is likely to be “hidden” well beyond the point of impact. The only way to find and document this damage is to measure the vehicle using a multipoint, Live Mapping^™ system. Multipoint systems measure the whole vehicle at once, so the estimator can see if there is diamond or twist damage and plan the repair accordingly. Here’s what to look for:

Anchoring: Setting the foundation for a solid repair

No vehicle can be returned to OEM specs unless it’s properly secured during the entire repair. For this, you’ll need a frame rack and anchoring system. These tools prevent undamaged parts from shifting out of place during sectioning and also help to precisely distribute pressure when pulling is needed.

The four corners of the vehicle’s center section are usually ideal places for anchoring; however, additional holding points may be needed depending on the vehicle’s design or the damage it sustained. Use the bases, tubes, turnbuckles, mounting plates, bolts and wing nuts included in your anchoring system to build a secure connection from the frame rack up to each holding point. Chief’s structural holding page includes a series of videos that show how to build a variety of anchors using our Structural Holding Package. 

By applying design based repair principles, you will not only be able to return a vehicle to OEM specs: Your estimates will be more accurate, your repairs will be more efficient and your shop will be more productive.