Automotive Body Panels Key Terms

Learn the words to go with the tools of your trade

Knowing the key terms associated with automotive body panels helps mechanics to do their job. For example, it's important to know whether a car requires the use of OEM replacement body parts after an accident. Auto body specialists may need to know about lightweight racing parts or need to find special body panels for their restoration projects. Once auto body mechanics understand these types of industry-related words, they will have a much easier time finding what they're looking for.

 

Aftermarket

Aftermarket products in the auto industry are goods that consumers may need for their cars after the initial purchase. For example, auto body mechanics may use aftermarket sheet metal in order to repair the body after an accident. Aftermarket products also include wheels, oils and accessories.
Try: The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association describes what the aftermarket is.

OEM replacement body parts

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and is the original producer of a particular car part. The car manufacturers use these same parts when they build new cars.
Try: ThePartsBin.com discusses the difference between OEM replacement parts and aftermarket replacement parts.

Restoration projects

Restoration projects involve taking an old car and restoring it to like-new condition. These could be anything from muscle cars from the '60s and '70s to even older cars from the '20s and '30s. This often involves replacing parts of the auto body that have been damaged.
Try: A-1 Auto Restoration offers sample pictures of completed restoration projects.

Fiberglass body parts

Fiberglass is a composite material that body mechanics can use to repair cars. Fiberglass body parts are lightweight and inexpensive. They can be shaped into any form using a mold, which makes it ideal for custom cars where the owner wants it to have a unique shape.
Try: Diseno-art.com talks about fiberglass body parts and how they are used.

Vehicle color code

If an auto body mechanic wants to match the factory color of a car, he or she will need to know the vehicle color code. This is a code that is specific to the brand and make of the car, which allows for a perfect match.
Try: Paint Scratch describes how to find the vehicle color code for a car.

High volume low pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers

In order to get a professional look when repairing automotive body panels, most mechanics will use a high-volume, low-pressure paint sprayer. An HVLP paint sprayer is used to paint the car and produces a finer finish than painting by hand.
Try: Tools Online talks about HVLP paint sprayers.

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