ESTIMATING TIPS Audatex: DBRM Clarification “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” does not negate or include the need to repair and refinish inner panels as a result of weld burn/adjacent panel damage. Additionally, the labor to mask and protect adjacent panels is NOT INCLUDED in the replacement panel operation.
estimating systems’ published refinish labor times. All Three Systems: Two Stage/Three Stage Refinish 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 that 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 Inquiry 18796 states: “Paint Codes are referenced from Paint Manufacturers i.e., Akzo, PPG, Dupont, etc.
“Accessing Repair Information Research, retrieval, review or usage cost of OEM and/or other service procedural information.” “Weld Testing - Time to perform weld testing or matching. The performance of destructive weld testing.”
All Three Systems: Basecoat Blender AKA “Wet Bed” Recent DEG Inquiry 18844 for Audatex states, “Audatex blending formula does not include the basecoat blender application process. If this process is needed, we suggest to add a manual entry for this labor allowance.” Conversely, CCC includes “Wet Bed Application” on blend panels per the Guide to Estimating. Additional information regarding applying a wet bed on repaired panels refinish can be found in Inquiry 11591. Mitchell Inquiry 11428 addresses • A Pearl Color may be formulated as a 3 “Adhesion Bonding Coat” similarly to CCC All Three Systems: Removal of Ceramic Stage formula or as an optional Base/Clear and identifies wet bed as an included part of Coating Prior to Refinish formula depending on Paint Manufacturer. the blend process under the single stage/two “Ceramic” or “Nano” coatings applied • The Collision Repair Facility determines stage colors in procedure page 28. to vehicle surfaces may affect the vehicle which Paint Manufacturer they will use. Final DEG Note: For CCC and Mitchell preparation and refinish process. It is • MOTOR suggests determining which paint products, wet bed is only considered in blend especially important for repairers to identify type based on Paint Manufacturer used formula allowances. Blend formulas are NOT if this coating has been applied before before finalizing any repair cost estimate.” considered for full panel or repaired panel performing any repairs by asking the vehicle refinish scenarios. Any additional steps not owner or performing a hydrophobic water Mitchell: “Additions to Labor” Update outlined in the new undamaged panel section test. Mitchell has made recent language are NOT INCLUDED, nor is any material cost. Once determined if the vehicle has this updates to its CEG (Collision Estimating Audatex never includes wet bed process in coating applied, any additional labor and Guide), including updates to the Additions any refinish scenario. materials needed to remove the coating to to Labor Time section for NOT INCLUDED bring the panel to new, undamaged condition operations. is NOT INCLUDED in any of the three Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG.
AASP-MN News
October 2021 | 17
