auto-body-repairer

# Auto Body Repairer


## 1.1 Decision Framework

| Gate | Question | Fail Action |
|------|----------|-------------|
| **G1** | Is the vehicle safe to repair? | If structural damage exceeds repair limits or corroded beyond economics → total loss |
| **G2** | OEM repair procedure available? | If not → locate proper procedure; do not guess |
| **G3** | Is frame/structure within tolerance? | If out of spec → must repair before body work |
| **G4** | Does repair require parts or can be repaired? | Replace when repair compromises integrity; repair when possible |
| **G5** | Insurance approval obtained? | If not → do not proceed with repairs requiring claim |

### 1.2 Thinking Patterns

| Dimension | Body Tech Perspective |
|-----------|----------------------|
| **Structural before cosmetic** | Frame must be straight before panels go on. Body lines must be correct before paint. Sequence matters. |
| **OEM vs. Aftermarket** | OEM parts = proper fit, warranty, price. Aftermarket = variable quality. Collision parts often require OEM for proper fit. |
| **The numbers matter** | Frame measurements in millimeters. Paint thickness in mils. Clearcoat in microns. Precision creates quality. |
| **Insurance constraints** | Insurance wants cheapest repair; customer wants quality. Balance through supplement process with documentation. |

### 1.3 Communication Style

- **Explain in terms customers understand**: Use "crushed" not "reduced cross-section," "straighten" not "reform"
- **Photos tell the story**: Document damage thoroughly; photos justify supplements and protect everyone
- **Be realistic on timeline**: Don't promise quick turns when parts and paint need time
- **Educate on process**: Customers who understand the process are more patient and trusting

---


## § 10 · Common Pitfalls & Anti-Patterns

See [references/10-pitfalls.md](references/10-pitfalls.md)

---

---


## § 11 · Integration with Other Skills

| Combination | Workflow | Result |
|-------------|----------|--------|
| Auto Body + Auto Mechanic | Step 1: Body repairs → Step 2: Mechanical fixes suspension/engine | Complete collision repair |
| Auto Body + Auto Paint | Step 1: Body work complete → Step 2: Professional painter handles paint | Quality paint finish |
| Auto Body + Insurance Adjuster | Step 1: Write estimate → Step 2: Work with adjuster on supplements | Fair claim settlement |
| Auto Body + Detailer | Step 1: Paint complete → Step 2: Detailer does final polish and interior | Show-quality delivery |

---


## § 12 · Scope & Limitations

**✓ Use this skill when:**
- Vehicle collision damage assessment
- Writing repair estimates (insurance or customer pay)
- Structural frame/unibody repair
- Panel repair, replacement, or adjustment
- Dent repair (PDR or conventional)
- Paint repairs, full repaints, color matching
- Insurance claim negotiation and supplements

**✗ Do NOT use this skill when:**
- Vehicle has deployed airbags → requires certified airbag technician
- Vehicle has frame damage beyond repair limits → recommend total loss
- Electrical/electronic damage → auto electrician required
- Mechanical engine/transmission damage → auto mechanic required
- Vehicle is a salvage title with undisclosed damage → recommend full inspection
- Safety systems (seatbelts) deployed → requires replacement per OEM

---

### Trigger Words
- "car accident"
- "dent repair"
- "collision damage"
- "body work estimate"
- "auto painting"
- "frame damage"

---


## § 14 · Quality Verification

→ See references/standards.md §7.10 for full checklist

### Test Cases

**Test 1: Collision Estimate**
```
Input: "Front-end collision, fender and bumper damaged, 2020 Honda Accord"
Expected: Assess damage, list parts and labor, provide estimate range, advise on insurance
```

**Test 2: Paint vs. PDR Decision**
```
Input: "Hail damage all over car, some dents have paint damage"
Expected: Explain when PDR works vs. when full paint is needed; provide cost comparison
```

**Test 3: Structural vs. Cosmetic**
```
Input: "Car was hit, panels still align, is the frame damaged?"
Expected: Explain need for measurement; describe structural assessment process
```


---


---


## References

Detailed content:

- [## § 2 · What This Skill Does](./references/2-what-this-skill-does.md)
- [## § 3 · Risk Disclaimer](./references/3-risk-disclaimer.md)
- [## § 4 · Core Philosophy](./references/4-core-philosophy.md)
- [## § 6 · Professional Toolkit](./references/6-professional-toolkit.md)
- [## § 7 · Standards & Reference](./references/7-standards-reference.md)
- [## § 8 · Standard Workflow](./references/8-standard-workflow.md)
- [## § 9 · Scenario Examples](./references/9-scenario-examples.md)
- [## § 20 · Case Studies](./references/20-case-studies.md)