Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Computerised measurement methods – Use of measuring and alignment systems

Measuring and alignment systems are to be used to ensure accurate repair of a deformed body structure.

These systems make is possible to not only check the frame floor groups for dimensional accuracy, but also to align body components directly and, if necessary, secure and weld in place new body parts at the right size.

Opel/Vauxhall recommends use of measuring and alignment systems from the following manufacturers:

- Blackhawk   www.blackhawk.de - Carbench   www.carbench.it - Celette   www.celette.com - Car-O-Liner   www.car-o-liner.se

The measurement and control points for the frame body group and body structure are found in the vehicle-specific measurement data sheet from the measuring and alignment system manufacturer. Follow the operating instructions and regulations of the system manufacturer.

Use of measuring system

Opel/Vauxhall favors the use of a computerised measuring system for documented damage assessment before and after bodywork repair.

In the case of damage calculation, a time allowance for determining the extent of damage with computerised measuring systems is obtained from the labour time guidelines.

The advantages are obvious:

• Transparency, certification and quality of vehicle repair for the customer and insurance are ensured.
• New vehicle variants are available quickly through rapid data transmission.
• During alignment, a computerised measuring system makes it possible to continually compare desired and actual values and defines and records the changes made.

Vehicle retainers/bracket kits

Basically, the separation of measurement and alignment is the qualitatively correct approach. Due to the increased use of computerised measuring systems of measuring and alignment system manufacturers in conjunction with the universal vehicle retainers and holding tools for new components, Opel/Vauxhall no longer requires a special bracket kit for each vehicle variant.

The reasons for this are as follows:

• Special bracket kits that fulfil both a measuring and a holding function inevitably cause mechanical wear.
• This purely mechanical repair process cannot be documented and thus does not comply with the Opel/Vauxhall Quality Strategy for bodywork repair.
• The undertaking, especially making bracket kits available for each vehicle type and, if necessary for any model year modifications, is very expensive, cost intensive and out-of-date.
• Universal bracket kits make it possible to reshape the vehicle areas regardless of the fixing function of the holding tools for new components.

Note:   Opel/Vauxhall shall support any system manufacturer who wishes to offer these special bracket kits for individual vehicle variants. The decision regarding the development and production of these special bracket kits, however, rests with the individual system manufacturer. Opel/Vauxhall shall place its focus on the development of computerised measuring systems bombined with universal vehicle retrainers and holding tools for new components.

Notes on vehicle floor/frame assembly

All work on members, frames, struts and wheel housings is to be carried out in alignment systems.

• Visually inspect the vehicle floor/frame assembly for dents, creases, buckling and deformation
• If frame damage cannot be definitively ruled out, vehicle damage assessment must be carried out
• Assess the vehicle for damage using the computerised measuring systems and the datasheets
• Generate a test record for the assessor and insurance
• Should body measurements exceed the specified tolerances, take the necessary measures to remedy the problem.
• Upon completion of repair work, reassess the vehicle in order to document changes