You have determined that replacing damaged parts with a salvage (recyclable) section is the best choice. This sectioning repair has approved procedures from the vehicle manufacturer. It's the least intrusive alternative and makes the most economic sense. Your job now: Consider the tasks needed for a safe and proper repair, then work with your estimating system so your compensation is fair.
Estimating systems use a set of basic guidelines when developing suggested labor for salvage assembly replacement operations. There are general guidelines, part-specific rules and vehicle-specific information. General guidelines are the "not included" lists, tasks that are never considered in pre-stored labor amounts for any operation. The underlying premise is that these tasks are not done with a high degree of consistency on every repair in every market. When estimating a salvage sectioning repair, consider these general "not included" operations:
- Audatex – "Disassembly of recycled parts and assemblies; repair, fitting, trimming or modification of recycled parts; transfer of attached items from original parts to recycled parts."
- MOTORS (CCC) – "Clean or recondition parts or assemblies; fabricate reinforcing inserts sleeves or flanges; removal of outer panel from salvaged replace- ment assembly; salvaged replacement assembly, preparation, trim, fit and modify."
- Mitchell – "Fabrication of reinforcements or inserts from raw stock; trimming of welded assemblies to be installed; transfer time to remove a damaged part from salvage assembly, remove undamaged part from damaged assembly and reinstall that part on the salvage assembly (R&R&R). Example: Lights, trim, mirror."
These are all items to be negotiated for each individual repair situation. These guidelines are your support for compensation of these "not included" operations. Labor charges for disassembly, trimming and fabrication all depend on the existing damage, complexity of design and the salvage assembly to be recycled.
The next guideline, at the part level, is listed by assembly. For a rocker panel/ center pillar assembly, notice that these "included" operations also are general:
- Audatex – "Detach and weld at hinge pillar, lock pillar, quarter panel, floor pan, and roof (includes attaching inner sheet metal)."
- MOTORS (CCC) – "Assembly is serviced with outer and inner rocker panels and center pillars. Time is to detach and weld at the center post just below roof and rocker panel at the base of the front door post and dog leg. Includes the use of inserts (but not fabrication)." Include "Cutting and welding as necessary".
- Mitchell – "Remove and replace inner and outer rocker panel and center pillar. Cut center pillar below roof and rocker panel at base of door post and dog leg."
All are general statements and leave little opening for negotiating additional labor. There is no mention of inner reinforcements, which are becoming more common on new vehicle designs. Access for proper attachment of this third layer is challenging, requiring removal of outer panels or cutting "windows." Each of these alternatives requires additional repairs.
The final level of guidelines involves part selection with the vehicle. Information may be available to help with estimating or the actual repair, including changes to the general guidelines, additional parts needed or metal composition.
Sectioning can still be a valid and cost effective repair procedure. However, new materials and designs are adding complexity, requiring additional work beyond general estimating guidelines. Negotiate for additional compensation.
Bruce Burrow, AAM, started writing estimates over 30 years ago, has worked for most of the information providers, and, as an independent instructor for the last 10 years, has trained estimators all across North America. He is ASE Master certified and an instructor for the Automotive Management Institute. Send questions, ideas, and comments that you would like to see addressed here to [email protected] and stay tuned.
