Mr. Maker's Collision Thread

As some of you may know, I work for Hendrick Automotive Group. I am the parts manager for 4 independent collision centers Mr. Hendrick has located here in southern Virginia. I've been meaning, for a long time, to create a thread to show the process in which cars are repaired. I Hope to update the thread regularly with jobs from start to finish. I can also answer any questions you all have.

Our newest location. Where my office is located.

1204131153 by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Here is an Odyssey we did a while back. Major front end damage. Both frame rail ends bent. Whole front end replacement. Bumper, absorber, reinforcement, radiator support, rails, upper rails etc. This is where I started to document the repair.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Upper rail majorly pushed back.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Frame rails.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

We are replacing the the rails back to the firewall.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Engine stuff.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Getting the upper rail and frame rails in place.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Here you see the overhead arm on the frame bench. It gives the specifications for whatever vehicle you're working on. Measures down to the mil. General rule of thumb is 3,2,1. Which means; The height must measure within 3 mil of specs, width 2 mil, and depth 1 mil to meet requirements.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

The arm sends the readings to the computer.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Then, a lot of welding.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Seam sealer just like when it left the factory.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Primer all the welds.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Front end primed.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Painted.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Motor going home.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Bottoms up!

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Fenders on and cut in. Meaning the backside gets painted first.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Turns out the the engine had a crack in the block after it was all put back in. :annoyed: Fluid begin leaking. So we had to pull it back out and get a used one.

Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr

Used motor in. Off to paint.