ACT - Automotive Collision Technology

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Introduces the student to safety techniques and operation as it relates to shop safety and industry standards. The student is exposed to regulations and collision shop operations. In addition, the student becomes involved with SkillsUSA, developing writing and speaking skills.

Covers sheet metal oxygen-acetylene welding and MIG welding techniques including safety, materials, equipment and setups. Personal and vehicle protective measures prior to welding procedures are presented.

Covers the basic characteristics of preparation for automotive repair. Students familiarize themselves with damage analysis, extent of damage and the sequence of repair. Focuses on removal of vehicle components and protection of panels along with storage and labeling of parts. Safety procedures and equipment use are included.

Covers straightening techniques including tension pulls/stress relief, metal finishing, metal shrinking and use of fillers. Emphasizes the identification, handling and replacement of parts such as adjustment and alignment of bolt-on parts, fixed parts and accessories. Training covers the use of adhesives, sound deadeners and welding methods performed during repairs.

Develops skills in metal finishing, metal shrinking, and the use of cosmetic fillers. Emphasis is placed on the use of proper tools required to perform these tasks, including use, selection and safety procedures for tools and equipment selected. Paintless Dent Repair Tools will also be introduced in this course along with beginning level repair techniques.

Covers the replacement of welded-on exterior panels such as quarters, roofs, cab panels, side panels, etc. Emphasis is placed on the use of proper tools required to perform these tasks, including use, selection, and safety procedures for tools and equipment selected.

Focuses on methods of frame measurement using dimension charts and service manuals. Includes the use of self-centering gauges and mechanical and electronic measuring. Appropriate terms and definitions of vehicle structures and vehicle diagnosis are covered including identification and analysis of damage. Includes the techniques for basic hook ups and safety procedures used in making corrective pulls.

Continues the study and application of frame measurement and repair. The student applies methods found in dimension charts and service manuals for vehicle diagnosis and straightening. Training includes the replacement of a structural panel with the identification of damaged suspension components replaced according to manufacturer's recommendations.

Covers correct use of safety procedures used in refinishing.

Proper fit and use of various types of protective equipment is emphasized. The identification of tools and equipment, with use and maintenance is covered including national guidelines for proper disposal and handling of hazardous materials.

Perform surface preparation for refinishing including cleaning, sanding, feather edging, chemical treatment of bare materials and priming. The application of primers includes rationale and use of colored primers and sealers. In addition, the course will cover spot-priming for repaired areas.

Covers the inspection, cleaning and determination of the condition of spray guns and related equipment. Students learn skills for adjusting spray guns by setting up and testing spray gun operations.

Provides the knowledge needed for application and use of automotive paint systems. Course includes locating color codes, mixing formulas, matching and selections of materials. Proper paint gun uses and adjustments is taught for the product being applied. In addition, the student practices correct masking and detailing techniques.

Designed to teach the state-of-the-art repair for both rigid and flexible plastic components and choosing adhesives using the latest manufacturer's repair techniques.

Designed to prepare the student to perform basic tasks for a specialized area in a controlled instructional lab.

Course is a continuation of Lab experience. Designed to prepare the individual to perform basic tasks for a specialized area in a controlled instructional lab.

Course is a continuation of Lab experience. Designed to prepare the individual to perform basic tasks for a specialized area in a controlled instructional lab.

Designed to meet the needs of the student in selected specialized area in a work-based environment. Individualized instruction at the job site is coordinated based on student's interest and instructor approval.

Course is a continuation of Level I Internship. Student uses the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the ACT program in a job site placement.

Initiates written estimates on damaged vehicles. Students learn shop management including work orders, ordering supplies, operating costs, timecards, shop liabilities, employee's safety and insurance management issues.

Practice customer relation skills needed to successfully sell service and repairs. During this course students will learn to explain repair processes and how to deal with customers who have a loss and appropriately direct them through the proper procedures of repair.

Covers MIG welding procedures of seam weld, stitch welds and destructive testing. Resistance spot welding, which includes two-sided spot weld, plasma cutting, safety, materials, and equipment and operating procedures, with emphasis on shop safety are also presented.

Covers major automotive body repair in vehicles with major damage on conventional structures and unibody structures. Student learns the operation of equipment and techniques used to straighten and align damaged frames. Identification and analysis of frames, hot and cold stress relieving, servicing and sectioning of structural frames is also included. Liability issues and the importance of making these corrections according to the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards are emphasized.

Covers the removal and replacement of automotive glass using manufacturer's specifications, proper tools, and recommended materials. The course emphasizes the application of skills for the removal and replacement of modular and fixed glass using manufacturer's specifications and procedures.

Covers paint defects. Emphasizes the causes of paint defects with methods to cure problems during and after refinishing procedures. Students learn to identify the proper surface preparations to apply prior to refinishing. Training includes using paint equipment and determining paint film thickness with proper temperatures for refinishing.

Emphasizes surface preparation for refinishing including cleaning, sanding, feather edging, chemical treatment of bare metals and priming. The application of primers, including why and where to use them is covered.

In this advanced course students learn the necessary skills used to tint and blend panels working with the latest finishes and paints. Special coatings and procedures are covered in this course.

Focuses on the detailing procedures in paint refinishing of vehicles. Methods and techniques are specialized to enhance painting skills. Transfers and tapes methods with decals etc. are demonstrated.

Discusses the surface preparation and application for primers, waterborne paints, and clear coats. Paint defect identification and problem-solving during priming, color application and clear coat steps are presented. Color selection and accuracy are also discussed.

Individualized instruction at job site continues in this final internship. The student is encouraged to develop skills needed to enter employment in the automotive collision repair field.