Since the very minute that Ford Motor Company announced that they would be releasing the 2015 F-150 pickup, which would be made from aluminum, it was at this moment that collision repair experts have not only panicked but have also had to take stock and figure out what is needed for the repairs on such a vehicle and does anyone have the skill set to do those repairs?
Aluminum is so different from steel and will require some study. For instance, aluminum has no memory like steel does, its best working temperature is 400-570 degrees Fahrenheit, and it requires its own set of tools totally dedicated to just the aluminum. This helps to avoid cross contamination with steel. As a PDR technician, you will want to have a duplicate set of tools and because we are still not at the release of the truck, you still have time to get one or two at a time.
One of the many features of aluminum is that when welding you need to maintain a constant temperature to create the best possible weld. For this you will need to be sure that you have the correct welder to do the job.
This new technology will force trainers in the collision repair industry, such as Paintless Dent Repair School, to increase its already existing aluminum training and include decision-making exercises to equip technicians to properly repair this game-changing vehicle. All of the PDR industry will be applying all of the concepts and technology and be delving into such things as the tools needed, how to quote an aluminum job, and how to know what process is going to work for the F-150. Learning the ins and outs of the F-150 and all of its ease of access features will be paramount for a PDR Technician. Studying from the outside in will be a daily project and should not be forgotten. Outside of the actual training, staying up to date on the industry changes and especially comments from others in the industry will really go a long way in your practical education.
