Repairs always mean intervention in the body shell structure and thus also intervention in the vehicle's passive security system. The use of complete replacement or sectional replacement as the best solution must always be weighed up before starting a repair.
In a complete replacement, the original connections are largely reused.
A complete replacement is advantageous if the damaged body part can be detached from its original connections and a completely new part can be fitted without creating additional joints (e.g. liftgate).
A complete replacement is necessary if there is no sectional replacement solution.
Sectional replacement
Sectional replacement (sectional repair) means the replacement of a section of the body shell structure.
NOTE:Basic and advanced training is offered for the following contents. For an overview of all training courses offered, please refer to the Ford Service Organisation's training course brochure.
Sectional repairs fulfill their purpose above all if the replacement of a complete part is too time-consuming and thus not economical.
Approved sectional repairs are clearly defined in the model-specific body literature. These requirements must be complied with.
Advantages of sectional repair
Sectional repair offers many advantages for correct repair of accidental damage.
- Repairs can be made both in the outer panel area (e.g. side frame) and in the inner areas (e.g. structural member, trunk floor).
- The repair can be limited to the actual damaged area.
- Reduction of repair costs, as aggregates and other components can usually remain in the vehicle.
For the sectional repairs approved by the factory and described in the model-specific body workshop literature/technician's information, some spare parts (service parts) specially prepared for sectional repairs are offered via the spare parts sales department.
Decision-making criteria
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, the advantages of carrying out sectional replacement in the area concerned must be weighed up against complete replacement.
The following are always crucial for the decision:
- How economical the repair is.
- Retention of the original join.
In addition, Ford must have given its approval for a sectional replacement solution in the damaged area.
Depending on the damaged areas, further facts are to be taken into account when deciding for or against sectional repair:
- Severance cuts should be as short as possible.
- The effort for follow-on work on the connections must not be too great.
- It must be possible to reproduce the optical path of visible edges on door openings.
- Inner reinforcement panels must not restrict the straightening repair.
- Inner reinforcement profiles in the pillar areas must allow for separation.
- The Ford regulations on sectional repairs on supporting frame sections must be taken into account.
- The large surface welding seams at the connections must be restored.
