D.E.G. ESTIMATING TIPS

CCC: Refinishing Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator

Flares – Repairers refinishing late model Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator fender/bedside flares will need to mask the textured, unpainted areas. The labor to mask the textured areas is INCLUDED per CCC/ MOTOR Refinishing Time Premise >> Bumper covers and other flexible components, “Masking the grained, textured, or non-body color portions in preparation for body color application is an included operation.”

Recent DEG Inquiry 19008 & Inquiry 19016 have led to labor updates on the refinishing time, increasing it from 1.2 to 1.8 hours on the front and 1.6 hours on the rear flares. The increased labor time was adjusted to account for the additional masking operations.

Additional note: Masking of textured areas on any flexible component is only included one time. If additional masking is needed, this would require an on-the-spot evaluation. All material costs associated with masking are NOT INCLUDED.

Mitchell: Protecting Exterior of Vehicle

During Body Repairs – Recent DEG Inquiry 19031 states, “Allowances for replacement of welded panels include consideration for covering/protecting the interior of the vehicle from damage during welding. Masking of adjacent exterior panels, suspension is not factored into the consideration.”

Audatex: Easily Adding Tires to Repair

Plans – Audatex users can quickly and easily select tires to be added to the repair plan. Audatex now provides users the ability search for the correct tire model and size in the database. A quick zip code entry returns pricing on the tire from local suppliers.

Audatex users will need to click on “MORE PARTS” tab, then click the “Tires” icon, identify the tire location on the vehicle and follow the easy-to-use prompts.

CCC: Wire Harness Feedback – “After review of the MOTOR data, the estimated work time applied to a Door includes time to disconnect and reconnect the internal wiring. Please note:

• If the Door Shell has internal wiring standard, it is considered an included item with R&R Door Shell. This is also true for the Lift Gate/Trunk/Hatch/Tail Gate/Hood/Bumper, etc. • If the component/assembly has a "Pigtail Wiring Harness" that is contained in the component/assembly and disconnects from the "Body" (Body Wiring Harness) it is included with the component/ assembly labor time. • If the component/assembly has a wiring harness that extends into the Vehicle's Body without a disconnect point (wiring is part of Body Wiring Harness), D&R from the component/assembly is included, however the balance that remains in the Body is not included. • Replacement times for Body Wiring Harness or Engine Wiring Harness are not developed by MOTOR Information Systems as they are usually repaired instead of fully replaced. If the Body Wiring Harness or Engine Wiring Harness must be completely replaced, an "on-the spot evaluation" must be employed to determine the degree of access and the replacement time must be negotiated between estimators.”

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.