Auto Body Technician

1) File, grind, sand and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.



2) Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.

3) Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.



4) Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.



5) Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas in order to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure, and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.


6) Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.



7) Inspect repaired vehicles for dimensional accuracy and test drive them to ensure proper alignment and handling.



8) Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.


9) Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.



10) Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.



11) Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.


12) Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.



13) Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.



14) Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.

15) Remove small pits and dimples in body metal using pick hammers and punches.



16) Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim in order to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.



17) Clean work areas, using air hoses, in order to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.



18) Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.



19) Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.



20) Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures, and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.



21) Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.



22) Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.



23) Read specifications or confer with customers in order to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.



24) Replace damaged glass on vehicles.



25) Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.