submitted by Lorraine Brownell
A group of Hoosick Falls students in Mr. Nielsen’s Automotive Technology course took a tour of the facilities at Performance Auto & Body Repair, a body shop located in Eagle Bridge. Students learned first hand the challenges employees in the collision repair industry face.
Owner Monty Wolfrum provided a detailed explanation of his business beginning with the computerized damage appraisal and ending with the financial constraints that must be adhered to in repairing a vehicle.
The students toured the area where vehicle body measurements are made that help workers determine the extent of damage, where a vehicle’s frame is straightened (if required) and where body panels are repaired and replaced.
Of particular interest to the students was how pieces of body panels are cut and sectioned back together using manufacturer-approved methods and
materials to ensure the structural integrity of the finished vehicle.
The final leg of the tour involved seeing where the vehicle cleaning and masking are done in preparation for painting. Wolfrum gave a spray booth demonstration of the heating and air flow operation so students could get a feel for what it would be like to be in the booth while painting a vehicle.
The students also learned about the challenges of resetting air bag systems after a collision, the proper way to mix automotive finishes and how to use the equipment necessary to process solvents for reuse. Wolfrum also explained the entry level job skills required for this field of work and the importance of post-secondary training.
“The experiences gained on this trip will supplement the information students are researching in government reports from the Department of Labor and industry trade journals about projected job growth, wages, working conditions and required skills in a variety of automotive related careers,” said Nielsen.
“Assignments such as these support the new Common Core State Standards across all disciplines and strive to increase English literacy for students,” he added.
