Basics of Collision Frame Repair
BMW, Mercedes or Porsche auto body repair in Houston is a complicated process that requires specialized tools and training. Many factors go into repairing a collision frame, but this article will cover how it works.
What is Frame Repair?
If your frame is bent, you have a few options. You can replace the entire frame with brand new materials and have it shipped to you, or you can send in your damaged part and repair it. The latter option is more expensive than the former, but provides an actual, permanent solution to your vehicle’s issue.
Straighten the frame.
Straightening the frame is the first step in collision frame repair. The structure needs straightening to be driven safely again, so you will need a hydraulic press or a press brake. If you have access to one of these machines, this is your best option if you have time and money. If not, you may follow these steps:
- Press brakes are cheaper than hydraulic presses but require more labor (and thus cost more).
- Hydraulic presses offer better precision than press brakes. Still, they are also more expensive because they require special training and additional equipment like jigs and fixtures for assembly.
Determine which parts need replacement.
- Check for damage to the body. If there are any cracks or dents in your car's body, it may be a sign that one of its components has been damaged.
- Check for damage to the suspension system.
Check support parts and anchor points.
Review the frame for cracks. If cracks are in it, they may become more extensive if you wait to repair them. Also, check for rust on the rim, because this could cause problems with your vehicle's performance, safety, and appearance.
Next up is checking out where everything connects. This can help determine whether something has loosened over time from regular use or abuse.
Cut out damaged steel.
- Use a cutting torch to cut out the damaged steel.
- Use a grinder to smooth the edges of your cut.
- Use a hammer and chisel to knock out any remaining pieces of steel, if necessary.
Replace metal with new steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
When repairing a frame, you must replace the damaged metal with new steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Steel is the most common material used in frame repair because it is robust, durable, and rust-resistant. Aluminum is another popular material for repair, because it can be shaped into complex shapes like bends and curved sections impossible with steel. Carbon fiber is also sometimes useful in frame repair because it is lightweight yet firm.
Weld new metal into place.
Welding is joining two pieces of metal by heating them to a high temperature, melting them together, and then cooling them to form a solid bond. This can be done with specialized equipment that allows you to weld different types of metals together (e.g., steel and aluminum). Welding is for repairing damage to the frame in cars or trucks, where there may be cracks or holes in their structure caused by accidents or age-related problems.
Stage for painting and custom bodywork.
After completing the bodywork and paint, you will need to prepare for the final installation of your new parts. If you are using spray paint for your project (recommended), make sure all surfaces are clean before painting begins. Suppose there is no lead paint or other toxic chemicals present at all. In that case, we also recommend using an oil-based primer, which provides excellent coverage while protecting against future rusting problems.
In addition to priming and spraying with paint, ensure everything else around your vehicle has been cleaned up correctly, so nothing gets stuck inside when installing new parts later.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
How long does it take?
It depends on the damage, but you can get your repair done in a day or two. If you have an older car and want to do the work yourself, that might take longer—you'll need tools and materials (like a drill). For newer cars, especially ones with lots of electronics like computers or navigation systems, it may be easier to send them off to a shop where they can do everything at once.
Will anybody tell me that my car was in an accident?
The most important thing to remember when it comes to hiding the damage is that if the front end of your car has been damaged, it's going to be obvious. If you've had an accident and replaced parts like headlights and taillights, or replaced a wheel or axle assembly, then you can still make it look like you didn't get into an accident at all.
However, if your frame has been damaged in any way (perhaps even just dented), now things get trickier because there's no hiding behind a nice paint job.
Will it match the rest of my car's paintwork?
Your body shop will match the color of your car as closely as possible. If you have a unique paint job, it may not be possible to match it exactly.
Are there any other options besides a frame repair?
You may want to consider replacing the damaged frame. This will be more costly in the short term, but less expensive long term.
Trust only the professionals.
Suppose you have a BMW, Mercedes, Porsche or any European vehicle that needs a complete restoration or collision frame repair. In that case, you should look for a professional BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, and Porsche body shop in Houston to take care of your vehicle.
You can trust the professionals at Bemer Motor Cars, to help you with all your collision repair needs. We're here to help you when you need us most, so call us today!
Our Service Department is ready to help: (713) 266-2690 or
