ALUMINUM REPAIR The impact of aluminum By Josh Smith, Assistant Editor When aluminum-bodied vehicles are damaged, care must be taken to avoid contamination T HE WEIGHT SAVINGS PROVIDED by aluminum, along with related fuel effi ciency improvements and other benefi ts, has made the lightweight metal an appealing material for vehicle manufacturers to work with. However, there are characteristics of aluminum that diff er from traditional steel that body shops need to be aware of. Most notably, body shops must avoid contamination through a process known as galvanic corrosion. Th e Ford Motor Company’s introduction of the aluminum-paneled 2015 F-150 pickup truck has made aluminum repair a more prevalent conversation in 4 | Collision Repair | AUGUST 2016 body shops across the country. According to Ford offi cials, the F-150 has been the best-selling line of trucks in the United States for nearly four decades. Seeking to improve towing, payload and fuel effi ciency, Ford found highstrength aluminum was the best material to achieve the company’s goals. In addition to increasing dent-resistance, the aluminum paneling saves up of 700 Since the introduction of Ford’s aluminumbodied 2015 F-150, aluminum body work has become more prevalent in the U.S. As a result, body shops need to become familiar with best practices for working with the lightweight material and invest in the proper tools and equipment to perform proper repairs. Photo courtesy of Ford lbs of weight, say company offi cials. “Th is weight savings helps our customers tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, all with better gas mileage,” they note. Ford Motor Company (www.Ford. com) is a global automotive and mobility company that designs, manufacturers, markets, fi nances and services a full line of various vehicles. Aluminum is no more demanding than working with steel. It’s just diff erent. Continued Page 6
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