The Repair of Vehicle Bodies

The revised and updated seventh edition of this best-selling reference manual on vehicle body repair brings the book up to date for the current body repair trade. It serves as a comprehensive guide covering the vocationally related qualification (VRQ) required by the modern student and apprentice, as well as providing the CPD essential for all working professionals. The entire book is overhauled to reflect current industry trends with regards to materials, processes and procedures. New additions include: An entirely new section on the work of the MET technician (mechanical, electrical and trim) New developments in body repair methodology such as repair pods and the greater use of alignment equipment Greater emphasis on the environment with new sections on hybrid vehicles and the hazards of starting current vehicles with high levels of technology Details on both the historic and the current joining methods for the vintage and modern markets Full coverage on the legalities surrounding insurance work for bodyshop staff Updated tables and illustrations This book not only provides the knowledge and skills for body repair, it helps to develop a real understanding of the how and why behind this information. It will be essential for anyone studying Levels 1-3 Vehicle Body Repair, Vehicle Refinishing and MET courses, including the new apprenticeships and technical certificates from the IMI, Pearson-BTEC and C&G. HNC and degree Automotive Engineering students will find the text valuable to develop skills and knowledge for practical project work. Industry professionals, vehicle restorers and car DIY enthusiasts will continue to find it an essential and comprehensive source of information.

Preface. Car body construction. Health and safety and the environment. Hand and power tools. Materials used in vehicle bodies. Metal forming processes. Marking out and measuring. Methods of joining. Soft and hard soldering methods. Gas welding, cutting and plasma arc. Electric resistive welding. Manual metal arc welding (MMA). Gas shielded arc welding (MIG, MAG and TIG). Craft techniques and minor accident damage. Major accident damage repair. Bodyshop planning. Reinforced composite materials. Automotive finishing and re-finishing. Case study. Mechanical, electrical and trim – MET. Glossary. Index.

Andrew Livesey served a full apprenticeship in the motor industry before going to the University of Manchester as a mature student: he is a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He also runs an independent Engineering Consultancy in Kent and teaches part time. He is former Head of Motorsport at Oxford Brookes University, has worked for McLaren and has run a company building race and rally cars. The late Alan Robinson was formerly Section Leader for Vehicle Bodywork and Vehicle Body Repair, as well as Course Coordinator for CGLI 398 Vehicle Body Competencies and CGLI 385 Vehicle Bodywork at Gateshead College.