Body work is an art where a car, pickup, van or SUV is the canvas. There is modeling and sculpting as well as painting. Auto body work is a process where you have to do many different things. To repair damage to a vehicle you need a full range of tools and a place to do it. There are many different hammers that are used to straighten wrinkled fenders and hoods. Some are hand operated and others are air operated. There are trowels to apply layers of body filler and you have to use files and sanders to shape and smooth. You have to be mechanically inclined in using wrenches and screwdrivers to remove bumpers and damaged fenders from a vehicle. You have to align new parts and connect them as well.
Auto body work covers many fields. You have to fix or repair parts. Be able to adjust hinges and brackets to line up your exterior car parts. Adjust lights so they will shine where needed when you are driving. You have to be able to handle auto glass replacing windshields and other windows in vehicles. Auto work also includes the painting process. This process can make or break a body shop. A good shop will have a painter that specializes in just painting. He will have his own booth that is heated to give a baked on finish. Body work is never complete until the car is painted. This is the part that everybody sees.
Body work can be done by anyone with mechanical skills. The right tools and experience speeds up the process. You can try it yourself but be prepared to spend long hours on your project. A 1 or 2 day job at a body shop can cost you a couple of week’s time. It is best to get professional auto body workers to repair your vehicle.
