Collision Repair

The theory and development of skills required in making auto body sheet metal repairs. Procedures in the proper use of equipment, tools and materials to straighten, shrink, and restore automobile sheet metal will be covered. Students will learn vehicle disassembly procedures. Shop safety will be stressed and applied. 

This course covers the following: The Auto Body Industry, shop operations, OSHA and EPA Regulations, hand and power tools, shop equipment, service procedures, fasteners and hardware. Students will explore various opportunities in the Auto Body Repair Industry. 

The theory and development of skills required to properly prepare an automobile for refinishing. Topics include the selection of abrasives, primers, sealers and other refinishing materials. The proper use of painting equipment such as compressed air systems, respirators, spray guns, paint booths, and drying systems will be covered. Spray gun handling and technique will be covered. Laws, regulations and safety regarding the handling of paint materials will be emphasized. 

The theory and development of skills required to properly prepare various panels and vehicle bodies for refinishing. Students will learn to identify paint codes, utilize proper masking techniques, mix and apply single and two stage finishes. Procedures in the application of chip resistant coatings and seam sealers plus final detailing of vehicle finishes will be covered. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

The development of skills and knowledge working with automobile cooling systems, HVAC and basic electrical systems will be covered. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

This course is designed to develop basic welding and cutting skills for metals used in the construction of automobiles. Students will learn the proper selection, set up and operation of Oxy-Acetylene, GMAW (MIG), TIG, Resistance Spot Welding and Plasma Cutting. Discussion about aluminum welding will be covered. 

Students will receive instruction and practice in the removal and replacement of mechanically attached panels, including but not limited to: Fenders, doors, bumpers, hoods and deck lids. Instruction on moveable glass, stationary glass, water leaks and wind noise will be covered. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

The Collision Repair Co-Op Work Experience is designed to place students into a shop environment after successful completion of all first-year courses. Students will be assigned work tasks to reinforce the skills obtained in their courses at NCC. Tasks will include but not limited to: minor dent repair, disassembly/ assembly of damaged vehicles, prepping parts, detailing, priming, refinishing small parts under the supervision of a senior technician. Students will complete a minimum of 200-hours total in the Co-op. This is a paid Co-Op Work Experience. Students may be required to bring their tool kit to the Co-Op location. Students will be responsible for completing a journal that will document the hours worked, assigned tasks, and overall work experience. This course will be designated as a Pass/Fail course. Periodic Co-Op visits will be performed by the assigned instructor to monitor student progress.

Theory and development of skills to repair and replace welded and bonded panels used in automobile construction. Students will study and practice repair to plastic panels such as bumpers and exterior trim. Practice in removing and replacing fixed glass in accordance with industry accepted procedures. The study of aluminum panel repair will be discussed. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

Students will practice anchoring, straightening and repairing structural components of full frame and unibody vehicles. Demonstrations and hand on activities repairing and replacing various components such as frame rails, radiator supports, pillars and quarter panels will be covered. Identifying methods of cold stress relief and using heat to straighten metal will be discussed. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

This course covers the skills and procedures needed to apply topcoat finishes to the automobile. The course will cover such topics as color theory, paint mixing, blending and tinting techniques, and paint defects. Application of topcoat finishes will include single stage, basecoat/clearcoat, multi-stage, waterborne, and custom paint systems. Safety and proper handling of refinish materials will be emphasized. All students will refinish body panels and complete vehicles in a controlled environment.

Students will learn to assess damages using industry accepted estimating service provider's information. The study of economics in damaged vehicles and their repairs will be discussed. Customer relations and sales skills will be practiced. Students will learn about working with the customer, the insurance company and developing a repair plan.This course includes a Capstone project.

The study of automotive steering and suspension systems, braking systems and drive trains. Students will have demonstrations and hands-on exposure to typical repairs encountered in a collision repair shop. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.

Students will learn electrical component testing and diagnosis on switches, relays, motors, connectors and wiring. Discussion and demonstrations of safety with high voltage systems on hybrid vehicles will be covered. Inspection and replacement of fuel system and exhaust system components. Students will have hands on practice replacing supplemental restraint systems and components as well as diagnose DTC's related to SRS. Shop safety will be stressed and applied.