Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Career Description: Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Other Job Titles for Automotive Body and Related Repairers:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• File, grind, sand and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
• Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
• Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
• Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
• Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure, and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
• Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
• Inspect repaired vehicles for dimensional accuracy and test drive them to ensure proper alignment and handling.
• Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
• Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
• Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
• 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.
• Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
• Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.
• Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
• Remove small pits and dimples in body metal using pick hammers and punches.
• Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.
• Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.
• Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.
• 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.
• Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures, and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.
• Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.
• Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.
• Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.
• Replace damaged glass on vehicles.
• Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.
• Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.
• Communicate with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts, or to facilitate processing of repair parts.
• Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
• Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
• Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
• Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
• Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
• Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades and cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.
• Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
• Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
• Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions such as sticking or burned valves.
• Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections.
• Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks.

Emerging Tasks

• Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
• align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
• align vehicle frame
• apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• apply filler substances to dents in vehicle bodies
• build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
• clean rooms or work areas
• control operation of compressors
• cut metal or plastic
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine project methods and procedures
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
• examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
• fabricate sheet metal parts or items
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• file, sand, grind, or polish metal or plastic objects
• identify base metals for welding
• identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
• install or repair windshields or other glass in motor vehicles
• laminate objects
• maintain repair records
• maintain welding machines or equipment
• mask vehicle body in preparation for painting
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
• move or fit heavy objects
• obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
• operate sheet metal fabrication machines
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• prime or paint vehicle or transportation equipment surfaces
• read technical drawings
• read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• recognize characteristics of alloys
• recognize characteristics of metals
• repair commercial transportation equipment
• repair sheet metal products
• repair vehicle body parts
• stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic
• test operate vehicles before or after repair
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use airbrush techniques
• use arc welding equipment
• use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
• use combination welding procedures
• use hand or power tools
• use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use soldering equipment
• use spray paint equipment
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
• repair sheet metal products
• repair vehicle body parts
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• solder metal parts or components together
• stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• test mechanical products or equipment
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
• use aviation electronics
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use engine diagnostic equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use x-ray or magnetic inspection techniques
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$17.16
• Average annual wage (2007) - $35,690.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 11.56%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 21,124
• Employment (2006): 182,676

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