Repair planners should not rely solely on estimating system information when determining if a vehicle is a two-stage or three-stage refinish process. There are instances where the repair facility paint system being used may have a different color formula or application process than what decoded in the estimating system. The repair planner must verify and apply the correct refinish stage based solely on the paint system used at the repair facility for that specific repair. Material costs are NEVER included in published labor times. Recent DEG example Inquiry 18796 states: “Paint Codes are referenced from Paint Manufacturers i.e., Akzo, PPG, Dupont, etc. · A Pearl Color may be formulated as a 3 Stage formula or as an optional Base/Clear formula depending on Paint Manufacturer. · The Collison Repair Facility determines which Paint Manufacturer they will use. · MOTOR suggests determining which paint type based on Paint Manufacturer used before finalizing any…
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Estimating Tip: CCC, Mitchell and Audatex- Removal of CERAMIC COATING prior to refinish
Recent DEG Inquiry 18614 clarifies Audatex DBRM page 153 section 4-4 “Interior/ Exterior Metal” “Ceramic” or “Nano” coatings to vehicle surfaces may affect the vehicle preparation and refinish process. It is especially important for repairers to identify if this coating has been applied before performing any repairs by asking the vehicle owner or performing a hydrophobic water test. Once determined if the vehicle has this coating applied, any additional labor and materials needed to remove the coating to bring the panel to NEW UNDAMAGED CONDITION is NOT INCLUDED in all three estimating systems published refinish labor times.
Audatex: DBRM Clarification page 153 “Interior/Exterior Metal”
Audatex: DBRM Clarification page 153 “Interior/Exterior Metal” Recent DEG Inquiry 18614 clarifies Audatex DBRM page 153 section 4-4 “Interior/ Exterior Metal” “Additional RFR Feedback regarding DBRM page 153 Section “Interior/ Exterior metal” We have reviewed the DBRM section INTERIOR/EXTERIOR METAL. This section is in reference to the application of masking to protect interior/exterior surfaces. The language in this section does not indicate instructions regarding refinishing components, nor does it indicate which components do or do not require refinishing.” Final DEG Note: Section 4-4 “Interior/ Exterior Metal” is not to be considered for NOT repairing and refinishing adjacent panels inwards as a result of weld burn/ adjacent panel damage. Additional labor to mask and protect the adjacent panels are NOT INCLUDED in the replacement panel operation.