DIY Auto Body Repair.

You won’t often read about an auto body shop offering tips on do it yourself repair after an accident, but after seven decades in the business we want you to be informed. One thing to keep in mind is ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective clothing when working on your vehicle. We do…you should definitely do that as well!

 

Here are just a few of the DIY steps in auto body repair –

1. Make sure you have a high-quality filler and mixing board.
2. Your garage needs to be brightly lit to see all of the damage.
3. Acquire a compressor and paint sprayer.
4. Always use a sanding tool instead of your hands.
5. Be sure to use a separate kit to fix windshield cracks.

And on and on it will go. Are you ready to give us a call yet? We are a Chicagoland institution in auto body repair having been around in one form or another since the late 1940’s. We are Arrow Body and Fender. Limp into our shop at 7536 W. Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park if your car is roadworthy. Or, call us for a tow at (708) 456-9424.

I’m from your Insurance Company and I’m Here to Help.

President Ronald Reagan warned us about “friends” bearing gifts when he referred to the government. Auto appraisers assess damage to vehicles after an accident to determine “reasonable” repair costs. They probably work for your insurer. Auto appraisers may come to the scene of the accident or view your damaged vehicle in your own driveway.

They may very well also make visits to body shops to inspect vehicles. Duties and responsibilities of an auto adjuster include thoroughly examining the vehicle, documenting damage, researching repair and replacement costs, and recommending how much the insurance company should pay to repair a vehicle.

Do you see any gray area here? They can offer whatever they deem. Isn’t it nice to know that when your vehicle is at Arrow Body and Fender the owner, Joe Bellocchio once worked as a physical damage insurance appraiser. This should give you greater peace of mind! Call Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park at (708) 456-9424.

Mobile vs. Body Shop Paint Repairs.

You have probably seen them painting bumpers and doors in a remote area behind dealerships. They come with their specially equipped mobile van or truck in the heat of summer. Is the quality of their work comparable with that of body shops? It’s a question that you as a vehicle owner in Chicagoland should be asking!

Mobile paint repair technicians first appeared in the late 1980s when the collision repair industry was transitioning from lacquer-based paint systems to basecoat-clearcoat systems. One of many differences is how their spray guns shoot the paint materials compared with a spraybooth gun with unlimited psi at the ready. It’s like comparing a 12-gauge shotgun with a BB gun.

Add to that fact that an auto body shop which has been part of the Chicago landscape for over 7 decades MUST adapt with the times. Today, here at Arrow Body and Fender we only use top of the line refinishing products. We simply do not substitute a product because it happens to be on sale.  We hope to continue serving you with that in mind at Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park. Call us at (708) 456-9424.