The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new research project in response to recent questions raised by the National Alliance of Paintless Dent Repair Technicians (NAPDRT) regarding repair processes on aluminum body panels.
This new initiative by the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee will document the repair process necessary to restore aluminum panels with varying degrees of hail damage.
“This study will be similar to our recent releases of the ASA Documented Collision Repair Operations and Reference Chart of Not-Included Operations When Installing New Replacement Parts guides,” said Scott Benavidez, AAM, ASA’s collision division director. “Our goal is to provide an impartial review of the aluminum repair process as it relates to hail damage to dispel any misconceptions that may still exist.”
Once completed, the study will be released to the industry for reference when writing damage assessments in this area.
“We commend Scott and the Collision Division Operations Committee team for taking on this challenge to address and document the differences between steel and aluminum repair,” said Tony Molla, ASA vice president. “ASA has a role to play in being the voice of the collision repair industry and helping to keep our members and the industry at large abreast of the latest changes in technology and materials that impact the collision repair process. This study will add to the body of knowledge ASA makes available free to the industry to advance our common knowledge for all stakeholders.”
As in past studies, this project will compile research information from existing industry sources to clearly define all necessary procedures to repair aluminum panels and provide a quick reference for use in writing a complete estimate. It will involve input from collision repair professionals, industry organizations, manufacturers and training providers to establish an impartial baseline and address any questions or misconceptions that may exist regarding aluminum repair.
