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What does an Auto Body Mechanic do?

Erika Peterson
Erika Peterson

An auto body mechanic can have many different job descriptions and duties, but almost every skilled mechanic will have the knowledge to remove dents, restore a car’s body, and add a new paint job. Not all have the expertise to complete all of these tasks, however. The typical auto body shop employs certain professionals for each of these tasks that take place in an auto body job.

One job duty that an auto body mechanic can have is restoration. Restoration professionals spend time sanding the body and removing deficiencies. They know how to work with every type of auto body material, from fiberglass to metal. In addition, these professionals can work on all levels of a project, from a car that needs a lot of work to one that only needs a few hours to achieve auto body perfection.

A body work professional works on removing dents and fixing a car’s body after an accident. Work may be as simple as replacing a part of the vehicle’s body or as extensive as replacing multiple body pieces.

Auto body mechanics may specialize in painting.
Auto body mechanics may specialize in painting.

A painting expert has extensive knowledge about every type of vehicle and the types of materials that they are constructed out of. This knowledge allows the painter to apply the correct type of paint for any automobile. A great auto body mechanic who has the knowledge and materials to paint a car can offer custom designs, decals and custom color shades.

An auto body mechanic may be tasked with restoring the look of a classic automobile to factory standards.
An auto body mechanic may be tasked with restoring the look of a classic automobile to factory standards.

Regardless of a mechanic’s special skills, each performs the same basic functions. Mechanics restore vehicles, fix body damage, and add new paint jobs. Some custom auto body shops may also offer other services, like detail work and interior work that is unique and fun. Mechanics not only restore the exterior of a car, but the interior as well. They may also install upgraded electronics, sound systems, and better engines. It can cost a lot of money to have a car completely restored in this manner, but the end result is usually of very high quality.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

My friend has an auto body repair shop where he specializes in working on classic cars. There is nothing like hanging out with him and helping him bring the classics back to like-new condition.

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    • Auto body mechanics may specialize in painting.
      By: loraks
      Auto body mechanics may specialize in painting.
    • An auto body mechanic may be tasked with restoring the look of a classic automobile to factory standards.
      By: AdrianEugen
      An auto body mechanic may be tasked with restoring the look of a classic automobile to factory standards.
    • An auto body mechanic focuses on a vehicle's body.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      An auto body mechanic focuses on a vehicle's body.
    • Auto body mechanics may be asked to explain necessary repairs or services to customers.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Auto body mechanics may be asked to explain necessary repairs or services to customers.
    • Some auto body shops also do work on vehicle interiors.
      By: Oleg Fedorov
      Some auto body shops also do work on vehicle interiors.