From Wreck to Ready: Our Collision Repair Process

Ever wonder what happens to your car after you drop it off? It’s not just hammering out dents. At Tom Kadlec Auto Body, we follow a rigorous 10-step repair process to ensure your vehicle returns to factory specifications.

1. Can you explain the repair process in simple terms? We break it down into phases:

• Blueprint & Disassembly: We take the car apart to find hidden damage.
• Structural Repair: We use high-tech frame machines to align the body.
• Body Work: Panels are repaired or replaced.
• Paint: We prep, prime, paint, and clear-coat the vehicle.
• Reassembly & Scanning: We put it back together and scan the computer systems to ensure all safety sensors are working.

2. How long will the repairs take? Every accident is different. A minor bumper repair might take 3-5 days, while major structural damage could take 2 weeks or more. Once we “blueprint” your vehicle (disassemble it to see all damage), we can give you a confirmed target date.

3. What happens if additional damage is found? Hidden damage is common. If we find parts that are broken inside the car (that we couldn’t see during the initial estimate), we file a supplement with your insurance company.

4. Will you call me before doing extra work? Yes. We never perform repairs that haven’t been authorized by you or your insurance carrier. We will notify you immediately if the plan changes.

5. Do you repair or replace damaged parts? We prioritize safety and quality. If a part can be safely repaired to factory standards, we will do so. However, for structural integrity, many parts are better off being replaced with new ones.

6. How do you match the paint color? We don’t just guess! We use advanced spectrophotometer technology to read your vehicle’s specific paint code and current hue (accounting for sun fade). Our computerized mixing system creates a perfect match, and our technicians blend the new paint into the old for a seamless finish.