Autobody Repair Technician

An Auto Body Repair Technician straightens bent bodies, removes dents, and replaces crumpled parts that cannot be fixed. Automotive body repairers use special equipment to restore damaged metal frames and body sections. They chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components. "Unibody" vehicles, designs built without frames, must be restored to precise factory specifications for the vehicle to operate correctly. Body repair work has variety and challenges-each damaged vehicle presents a different problem. Using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques, repairers must develop appropriate methods for each job. They usually work alone, with only general directions from supervisors. In some shops, helpers or apprentices assist experienced technicians.