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Collision repairs are usually a straightforward process. After all the shock and dismay from the scene has faded, it’s much easier to deal with restorations as run-of-the-mill vehicle repairs. But just like a new vehicle delivery, getting your ride back from the body shop is often a rushed transaction with a lot of unanswered (and mostly unasked) questions. Here’s what you should ask, what you should receive, and how to check the repairs to make sure everything was done to spec — and your satisfaction.
The majority of reputable collision shops will have a delivery process that involves their consultant explaining and pointing out the repairs that were completed, including which panels were repainted and where any blending occurred between newly finished parts and the untouched factory originals next to them. This is a good time to ask about any special care or treatment you need to be aware of. For example, most freshly painted panels can’t be washed or waxed for a period of time. The painting and booth curing process will bring paint up to about 85% of its final hardness, meaning waiting a week to wash it advisable. But waxing should only be done on fully cured and hardened paint, which usually means about 30 days before that chore can be done. If you paid for any paint treatment when you purchased your vehicle new, make sure that has been reapplied, or you at least have an appointment to get that done before leaving.