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
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
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
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.
Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr
Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr
Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr
Brand new again!
Odysseus build by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr
0522141557a by The Mr. Maker, on Flickr
I hope guys enjoy the effort. A lot of car enthusiast don't get to see what happens behind the lines.
Our newest location. Where my office is located.

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.


Upper rail majorly pushed back.

Frame rails.


We are replacing the the rails back to the firewall.



Engine stuff.


Getting the upper rail and frame rails in place.



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.

The arm sends the readings to the computer.

Then, a lot of welding.

Seam sealer just like when it left the factory.

Primer all the welds.


Front end primed.

Painted.


Motor going home.



Bottoms up!

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

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.

Used motor in. Off to paint.



Brand new again!


I hope guys enjoy the effort. A lot of car enthusiast don't get to see what happens behind the lines.