Vehicle Body Repair Bench Techniques

Features of Repair Benches

• Stiffness: Ability to withstand efforts.
• Versatility: Capacity for adaptation.
• Durability: Capacity to last.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different tools or accessories.
• Simplicity: Simplicity of the bed.

Types of Repair Benches

• Mini-benches
• Folding benches
• Fixed benches with ground elevator
• Benches for trucks
• Benches for truck cabs

Diagnosing Vehicle Damage

After receiving the vehicle, a visual inspection will be performed to determine if the repair can be made on the repair bench. Check the symmetries of the front and back over the roof and sides, and the back and front. Monitor the underside of the vehicle chassis for damage. Check for play and mismatches between the doors, front and rear fenders, front doors and the hood, the outline of the doors, the rear fenders and tailgate, and the doors to the roof. These measurements are provided by the manufacturer.

After completing the inspection, a wrinkle and structural damage inspection will determine deformations. Look for areas with programmed deformation besides the rigid points and assemblies of parts. To find damage, look for breaks, chips, or cracks in the paint and use your hand to check for damage.

Then, an inspection for breakage of mechanical parts will help to see the severity of the damage and finalize the repair process.

Measuring Structural Points

This allows us to identify any deformation, determine its extent, and plan the repair process. To do this, you can use two methods:

• Measuring Compass: For small steps and measures.
• Beam: For large or small measures. This consists of a rod that slides longitudinally on another shaped slide, so it can take different lengths. At its ends, it has two pointers used to place on the points to be measured.

Systems for Deformation Analysis

• Level Gauges: This is a comparison system based on using hung studs at new structural points specified by the manufacturer. It consists of rules and rods that hang from the points being diagnosed. The rods are adjustable in height and have a hook for fixing at their end. With this system, we can check the alignment of the points and identify deformation, torsion, bending, and general misalignment.
• Electronic Measuring Arm: This system consists of a guide, a measuring arm, and a bridge. The arm moves above the guide and bridge, which are calibrated beforehand. Its movements are detected by three sensors integrated into the arm's angles. These sensors determine the arm's position at all times, and a computer analyzes this data against information stored in its memory, diagnosing any displacement.