| Front End Repair and Restoration |
| A wrecked vehicle is restored. |
From "Trade School"
episode DTRS-309 |
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In this segment, apprentice James Ackerman completes the restoration of a damaged vehicle by installing new parts.
1. To get started, James makes sure the engine carriage is perfectly square. Using a tram gauge, he takes two cross measurements verifying a square alignment (figure A).2. With the engine carriage aligned, James now positions a new radiator support to the engine carriage matching up the panels with several clamps (figure B).
3. To make a series of factory-quality welds along the joint, James uses a two-sided spot welder (figure C). This professional welder fuses the panels together by heating both sides simultaneously.Safety Note: Always wear a welding shield and gloves when welding. 4. After installing a new radiator and attaching several engine components, James takes time to refill the antifreeze (figure D).
5. James moves on to install the side fenders of the vehicle (figure E). After making small adjustments for alignment, he bolts a new fender into place with a pneumatic wrench.6. Another technician helps James fit the vehicle with a new hood (figure F). At this point, James sends the vehicle to the paint technicians who mask off the vehicle, and then paint the new hood and fender (figure G).
7. After paint, James creates some serious sparks by grinding off damaged bumper brackets (figure H). He makes sure the sparks fly away from the new paint job.8. The bumper brackets ultimately determine the alignment of the new front bumper, so he temporarily tack welds new brackets to the frame with a MIG welder (figure I). After several adjustments to align the new plastic header panel and front bumper, he permanently welds the brackets to the frame.
9. After installing the header panel, James installs several more components including a new trunk latch, headlights and a shiny grill (figure J). Nearing the finish line, James bolts on the new bumper, his last installed component (figure K).
10. To complete the project, James replaces the captured AC refrigerant (figure L).
Figure L
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RESOURCES :
ABRA Auto Body and Glass
Website: www.abraauto.com
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