Estimating
What is the difference between a unitized frame and a uni-body? - ANSWER:There is no difference. In a
uni-body or unitized vehicle, the frame and body are incorporated into a single welded structure.
Should exhaust damaged systems be welded and repaired, or replaced all together? - ANSWER:Replaced.
Exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon monoxide and leaks could create dangerous conditions for
passengers.
The "Inside Out" sequence refers to... - ANSWER:Calculating Labor times
SAI refers to... - ANSWER:An angle in the suspension system - the steering axis inclination. This can be
measured using wheel alignment equipment. Incorrect SAI contributes to poor handling.
Using a tram gauge an appraiser can easily detect a ________ condition. - ANSWER:"Sway". With a tram
gauge, it is easy to take linear measurements, such as point-to-point measurements across the front cage
of a car.
Appraiser A says all brake fluid should be drained and replaced when replacing a caliper on the left front
of a six-month old car. Appraiser B saya all that is required is refilling the brake fluid and bleeding the
system. Who is right? A, B, Both A & B, Neither A or B? - ANSWER:Appraiser B only. Although brake fluid
does become contaminated with moisture over time, this is not likely on a 6 month old car.
Clean up time in reference to salvage parts means to.... - ANSWER:Remove the oil and grease from the
parts. The painting is a separate billable expense.
Appraiser A says storage charges are calculated per day at the prevailing market rate. Appraiser B says
they are calculated at the shop's posted rate. Who is right? A, B, A & B, neither A or B? -
ANSWER:Appraiser B only. The shop in possession of the vehicle can charge whatever they want,
although most insurance companies will only pay for charges that correspond to reasonable market
prices.
Appraiser A Says the factory E-coat corrosion protection must be replaced anytime it is damaged in a
collision. Appraiser B says the E-coat must be restored to a level equivalent to that created at the factory.
Who is right? A, B, A & B, neither A or B? - ANSWER:Both A & B. The factory E-coat must always be
replaced when damaged and it must be done to a level equivalent with the factory work.
"Set up and measure" refers to what? - ANSWER:The dollar allowance for the time a technician needs to
mount a vehicle on a repair system to measure length, width from center-line and height from the
datum plane.
What are air conditioning components generally classified as? - ANSWER:Mechanical items. Mechanical
operations are generally those bolted items inward of the radiator.
, Would an alternator be classified as a "betterment" item? - ANSWER:No. Betterment applies to normal
wear & tear items that a vehicle owner should expect to replace in the life of a vehicle. Example: Battery,
shocks, brake linings, tires, etc.
Would aftermarket paint sealant cause a problem with a vehicle warranty? - ANSWER:No. Example of
things that could cause a problem with a vehicle warranty are: repaired wiring harness, wire splicing, etc.
A hybrid vehicles electric traction motors operate on... - ANSWER:650 volts. While some components
may run on 12 volts, some Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries contain as much as 650 volts
TTY (torque to yield) refers to... - ANSWER:The strength of a fastener, its allowable reuse and the fact
that a fastener deforms upon application of torque. It is a one time use fastener that is used on critical
applications. When it is torqued, the threads deform. locking it in to place.
UPCR stands for... - ANSWER:Uniform Procedures for Collision Repair (by I-CAR).
To be considered "damaged", its _____ and _________ must be unequal with that before the accident in
terms of the way something looks and operates. - ANSWER:form and function.
Another term often used to describe "damage" is____________. - ANSWER:Nonconformity.
When checking beneath a vehicle, you divide the under-body into three parts. What are those parts? -
ANSWER:Front, middle/center and rear.
The centerline of a vehicle is.... - ANSWER:an imaginary plane that divides the vehicle in half from front
to rear.
When inspection a vehicle, the surface you are inspection it on should be ______, ____, and free of
________. - ANSWER:Level, dry and free of debris. (level will help determine structural damage, dry for
leaks, etc).
Generally, these two types of vehicles are NOT great candidates for repairable vehicles: - ANSWER:Flood
vehicles and vehicles that have had fires. Also, vehicles that have had major driveline damage (engine or
transmission crushed).
Bent seat attaching hardware, broken motor mounts, cracked transmission cases or damaged electronic
components are all examples of _________ damage. - ANSWER:Indirect. You must trace the energy into
the vehicle structure and looks closely for kinks, buckles and other signs of distortion.
PUD stands for... - ANSWER:Prior unrelated damage (PUD). It is the role of the appraiser to attempt to
identify pre-existing damage on the vehicle.
The most obvious way to determine pre-existing damage (PUD), is to __________ the _________. -
ANSWER:Interview the customer.
Some telltale signs of detecting prior collision work are.... - ANSWER:Over-spray, paint tape edges, tool
marks on fasteners, misaligned panels and missing Federal Anti-Theft Standard labels (FATS).
Another sign of prior repairs is inconsistent _____ ______ thickness. - ANSWER:" paint film" . This can be
measured with paint film thickness or mil gauges. OEM paint will measure in the range of 3.5 to 5.5 mils
(refinished panels can double that and a blended panel can be as much as 50% greater in thickness.)