Outer Body Panel Repairs and Adjustments

Direct Damage

Damage directly caused by impact

Indirect Damage

Damage resulting from the primary impact

Body Panel Substrate

Material (steel, aluminum, etc.) composing the body panel

Hood Latch

Mechanism securing the hood in place

Deck Lid

Covering for the vehicle's trunk compartment

Tailgate

Rear door of a vehicle that opens downward

Liftgate

Rear door of a vehicle that opens upward

Bumpers

Protective panels at the front and rear of a vehicle

Front Fenders

Panels covering the front wheels of a vehicle

Exterior Lighting

Lights on the exterior of a vehicle for visibility

Corrosion Protection

Coatings applied to prevent rust and deterioration

Seam Sealers

Substances used to seal gaps between panels

Sound Deadeners

Materials reducing noise and vibrations

Water Leaks

Unwanted entry of water into the vehicle

Wind Noise

Noise caused by air passing over the vehicle

Pinstripes

Decorative lines on the exterior of a vehicle

Emblems

Symbols representing the vehicle's brand

Decals

Stickers or labels applied to the vehicle

Vapor Barriers

Materials preventing moisture from passing through

Protective Film

Coating protecting the vehicle's paint

Unibody Vehicle

Vehicle construction where panels are welded together

Spot Weld Flanges

Small welded areas joining vehicle panels

Galvanized Panels

Panels coated with zinc for corrosion resistance

Door Intrusion Beam

Component made of Ultra-High Strength Steel in a door

Hem Flange

Edge of a panel folded over for securing

Structural Adhesive

Adhesive used for structural panel bonding

Adhesive-Bonded Door Skins

Door skins bonded with adhesive require removal and replacement using specific tools and techniques to ensure proper fit and adhesion.

Disc Grinder

Tool used to grind off the edge of old door skins during replacement.

Seam Sealer

Material used to seal the hem flange after attaching a new door skin.

Full Contact Shims

Shims placed between a panel and hinge for adjustment.

Lateral Fit

Adjusting the panel horizontally to align with adjacent panels.

Hood Stops

Adjustable components that determine the height and alignment of the hood.

Safety Catch

Mechanism that secures the hood in place when closed.

Striker Plate

Component on the body panel that engages with the hood latch to secure it in place.

Cowl

The front part of the vehicle's body that covers the engine compartment.

Unibody Vehicles

Vehicle construction where the body and frame are a single unit, requiring precise panel alignment.

Window Motor

Component that controls the movement of power windows.

Frame Door

Door design where part of the structure surrounds the window.

Hardtop Door

Door design where the glass seats into a rubber gasket without a surrounding structure.

Bolted-On Hinges

Hinges attached to the door or body with bolts, allowing for adjustment by loosening and tightening.

Welded-On Hinges

Hinges attached to the door or body through welding, requiring bending techniques for adjustment.

Scissor Jacks

Tools used to support and adjust doors during the alignment process.

Striker Bolt

Bolt on the body panel that the door latch engages with to secure the door.

Adjusting Door Alignment

Follow instructions to align door properly by adjusting hinges and striker bolt.

Bolted-on Door Hinges

Hinges that allow adjustment for proper door fit.

Weld-on Hinges

Hinges requiring bending techniques for door adjustment.

Adjusting Door Position

Loosen hinges to adjust door in or out from weatherstripping.

Adjusting Striker Plate

Reposition plate for better door fit.

Adjusting Lift Gates

Similar adjustments as bolted-on hinges for lift gates.

Door Handle Assemblies

Consist of outside handle, linkage, inside handle, locking rod, and mechanism.

Exterior Door Handles

Types include pushbutton and lift handle for lock mechanism operation.

Inner Door Handle Lock Cylinder Rods

Attached to handle with clips and guides for support.

Lock Cylinders

Held with a retainer, gasket seals out weather.

Power Locks

Use solenoid motor for locking/unlocking doors.

Keyless Entry Systems

Allow remote unlocking, some with keypad or key fob.

Deck Lid Locks

Operated by key, mechanical release, or power type.

Convertible Top Servicing

Requires factory manual for complex mechanisms and software.

Bumpers Evolution

Modern bumpers absorb impacts with reinforcement and energy absorbers.

Bumper Components

Comprise bumper fascia, reinforcement, and energy absorbers.

Electro-deposition Primer

Applied by dipping vehicle body to prevent corrosion.

E-coating

Factory electrocoating for corrosion protection.

Epoxy primers

Applied to interior panels to prevent corrosion.

Seam sealers

Keep moisture out of welded or bonded seams.

Anti-corrosion compounds

Wax- or petroleum-based materials for body cavities.

Weld-through primers

Applied only to bare metal in the weld area.

Rust converters

Chemicals that convert rust to harmless ferric oxide.

Metal conditioner

Etches and deep cleans metal for surface preparation.

Conversion coating

Creates a zinc phosphate coating to prevent corrosion.

Primers

Base for topcoats, not stand-alone products.

Chip-resistant coating

Sprayed on exposed exterior surfaces prone to damage.

Undercoating

Sprayed on the entire underbody except specific areas.

Clear coat

Protects paint surface from environmental damage.

Enclosed interior surfaces

Areas like body rails and rocker panels.

Zinc chromate primer

Used on load-bearing members for corrosion protection.

Seam sealers types

Thin-bodied, heavy-bodied, brushable, and solid sealers.

Bumper energy absorber

Critical for protecting the vehicle from impacts.

Bumper fascia repair

Can be done using two-component repair materials.

OEM seam sealers

Must be replaced if damaged during repair.