Aftermarket Parts
Automotive
replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment
manufacturer. Also known as Quality Replacement Parts, Generic Parts,
C.A.P.A. Certified Parts
Basecoat ( BC ) / Clear
A
paint system in which the colour effect is given by a highly pigmented
basecoat. Gloss and durability are given by a subsequent clearcoat
Bench
A
heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to
factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the
vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle
into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches.
Aternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine
Betterment
Term
used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some
wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are
several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the
Insurance company will pro-rate the item's cost and in this case will
pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or
claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance
Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident
condition
Clear or Clear coat
The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.
Detailing
Final
cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes,
removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as
polishing
DRP
Acronym for
Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual
agreement between an Autobody Repair Center and an Insurance Company.
For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and
standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and
record keeping.
Hazardous Waste
Any
unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process
that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These
products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require
special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and
Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.
LKQ
Acronym
for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another
vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop
upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate
Metallic
A term used for finishes incorporating fine metallic particles, usually aluminium, in the paint
R&I
Acronym
for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's
damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been
completed.
R&R
Acronym
for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's
damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with
a new part.
Repair Authorization
The
point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and
in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement
process).
Supplement
Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate.
Tint and Blend
The
process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then
blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid
color match problems
Unibody
The structural support found in most late model vehicles
VIN
Acronym
for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that
identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify
your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the
equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the
factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct
parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will
have this number on it.