| If you've been in an accident, the auto body repair | | | | 3. A great parts-ordering system: Even if you are |
| technicians you choose will be your most valuable | | | | given a loaner car to use, you want to get your own |
| allies in helping you get back on the road as soon as | | | | vehicle back as quickly as possible. Choose a |
| possible. As with any mechanics, there are good ones | | | | restoration service that has a reliable parts-ordering |
| and there are not so good ones. Here's what to look | | | | system in place so you don't have to wait any longer |
| for in quality auto body restoration services. | | | | than you absolutely need to. |
| 1. A thorough analysis: No work of any kind should be | | | | 4. The frame of your car should always undergo a |
| performed on a vehicle before it has gone through a | | | | thorough examination and assessment, even if the |
| rigorous analytical process to determine where | | | | damage to the chassis seems negligible. You want to |
| damage has been done, including damage at the site | | | | be absolutely sure that the "skeleton" of your car is |
| of impact as well as any secondary damage that | | | | back in alignment with all factory specifications. |
| may have occurred. You should see that analysis in | | | | 5. Professional painting: A good car restoration service |
| writing and provide written approval before work | | | | will paint each part separately before reassembly for |
| begins. | | | | a more natural, straight-from-the-car-factory look. |
| 2. Complete disassembly of the affected area: It is | | | | Beware those shops that only paint after the car is |
| simply not enough to repair the "outsides" of a car | | | | reassembled: it just doesn't give you that finished |
| that has been in an accident. Chances are good that | | | | look you expect and deserve. |
| some underlying damage has occurred as well, and if | | | | Your car is an important part of your life: save |
| it is not detected and repaired properly, you car (and | | | | yourself additional trauma after an accident by |
| you) may suffer even more damage should you ever | | | | carefully selecting the very best auto body |
| be in another accident. | | | | restoration professionals you can find. |