Auto body restoration is an important part of the automotive industry, employing technicians who repair and restore vehicles damaged in accidents or due to years of use or neglect. In most cases a car can be returned to its original state, given enough time and the proper tools. Auto body restoration tools are often highly specialized and fall into two major categories: body shop tools and paint shop tools.
Frame Machine
A frame machine is a series of hydraulic and mechanical components that an auto body technician uses to restore a car's frame to its original shape. Both vehicles built on frames and unibody frameless designs can become misaligned in an accident or due to long-term stress. Frame machines also incorporate precision measuring tools to determine how much a frame needs to be adjusted to meet its original specifications. Modern frame machines use computer guidance for even greater precision.
Body Tools
Auto body restoration also relies on several tools used to remove and replace damaged body panels. These include plasma cutters and welding torches. Once a body panel has been removed, it can be hammered into shape or a new panel can be formed from existing metal and welded into place. Pneumatic jacks and pry bars are useful for reshaping dented panels without removing them from the vehicle. Solder can fill in cracks between panels or reduce the appearance of small holes in a body panel.
Painting Tools
Once major body work is complete, auto body restoration moves on to the paint shop phase. Painters use computer programs to match a specific color or create a custom blend. After applying special tape and plastic sheeting to the areas of the car that won't be painted, such as the glass, the painter uses a spray gun to apply even coats of primer, paint and top coat one by one. The process requires patience and precision since the painter must achieve a look originally provided by robotic painters in the factory. Some auto body paint booths also contain heaters that reduce the humidity and provide the perfect temperature for the paint to dry.
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