Different Types of Services Performed by your local Auto Body Shop
While many auto body shops offer different services depending on the type of experience and training that their employees have, most offer the same basic services. Typically these services only cover the outer body of the vehicle and not the engine. While some shops will also offer light and speaker installations, this is once again, not always true as some auto body shops don't offer these services.Painting: Painting is one of the core services of any auto body shop in St Louis. Expect to find full detailed painting as well as patch painting to repair a paintjob. Many offer highly professional painting services that can be difficult to tell from a car with a new paint job. Usually an auto body shop will offer different types of paint such as matte, high gloss, or metallic, and some offer different finishes as well. Specialty auto-body shops might also offer detailed painting with images or graphics painted on as well.
Body Repair: Most auto body shops use body repair as their main service. Typically this will include repairing dents, fixing holes, and replacing broken body parts to improve the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle. Exact services do vary but replacing broken parts is usually available. Many will also offer different types of filler for fiberglass or metal. Some auto body shops specialize in restoration, meaning that they make a used or antique car look as new as possible.
Detailing:
While not always present, many auto body shops include a thorough cleaning as
one of their services. A full detailing usually includes in depth cleaning,
polish, and wax, which keeps your car looking like new for longer.
Trim: The
main purpose of an auto body shop is to make a vehicle look good, so most also
offer trim installation. Most shops will be able to order and then install the
trim in a number of types or shades. However, this service is not available at
every auto body shop.
While many of
these services are offered by most auto body shops, they might not be offered
by every shop. Some shops offer extras like refitting parts to cooler ones
(such as upgrading the trim, mirrors, and hubcaps), while others will stick
with basic body repair. Some auto body shops do not work with the interior of
the vehicle while others do. This means that some shops might actually offer
total car renovation or repair (except for the engine). Light installation,
speaker installation, and specialty item installation such as Turbo may also be
available depending on the shop.
Some auto
body mechanics specialize in certain types of cars. For example, one repairman
might specialize in classic cars, meaning that he is used to working with metal
frames and is most likely adept at welding out rust spots and repairing metal.
Others work with specific makes, such as a Mercedes Auto Body Repair Shop,
mechanics sometimes specialize in order to be able to lower prices by only
having to order from one company.