Collision Center

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Jim Keim Ford, Inc.
Collision Center

Jim Keim Ford, Inc. Collision Center provides a lifetime limited warranty on collision-related repairs. The warranty is valid for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. The warranty covers the following work performed by Jim Keim Ford, Inc. Collision Center.

THE QUALITY PROCESS:
		BEFORE REPAIRS BEGIN: The damaged vehicle is brought to the repair center for an initial inspection and estimate. The estimate is the blueprint for repairs and will be updated throughout the process. This inspection determines which of the following steps will be required to properly repair the vehicle.

		DOCUMENTATION: Every in-process vehicle carries a Quality Process Tracking form on its dash. This form follows the eight-step process with reminders for the Technicians as they complete each step. Quality is checked before the vehicle leaves for the next phase and when it’s received in that phase PRIOR to work beginning.

Correction codes are tracked using internet-based software and reports are generated monthly. Our corrective action to address these codes is measured and, if successful in remedying the code, is added to our standard operating procedures.

It’s how we continuously improve the process, one repair at a time.

		DISASSEMBLY: THE VEHICLE IS TAKEN APART TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE AND TO BEGIN THE REPAIR PROCESS. THE BLUEPRINT IS UPDATED TO INCLUDE ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY VISIBLE. ANY ADDITIONAL PARTS ARE ALSO ORDERED AT THIS TIME

		FRAME REPAIR & MEASURING: The vehicle is mounted to a large bench and special fixtures are attached so that measurements can be taken. These measurements will show what needs to be corrected to return the vehicle to manufacturer’s specifications. A printout is generated to document that this crucial step has been completed properly.

		METAL REPAIR & PARTS REPLACEMENT: During this step, the Technician is replacing or repairing the vehicle’s sheet metal. Fit is checked prior to the paint step and all required adjustments are performed.

		MECHANICAL REPAIRS: Our highly trained staff has on-line access to repair procedures and vehicle schematics, so even the most complex repair will be completed properly. Our goals are to restore the vehicle to the manufacturer’s original specifications and to return a safe vehicle to our customer.

		PAINT PREP: Care is taken throughout the repair process to protect the vehicle’s interior, but it is especially critical when preparing for the paint step. Paying attention to detail during this stage reduces the amount of time required to clean the vehicle later. Our staff works together as a team to perform a timely repair.

		PAINTING: Our Paint Technicians are certified by our paint vendor, so we can offer a life time warranty on the paint finish. Their training emphasizes color matching. Our collision center is also equipped with a heated spray booth. The cabin minimizes any dust in the finish and speeds up the process by adding heat, similar to the factory’s application.

		REASSEMBLY: After the new paint finish has cooled down, color match is confirmed. Then the vehicle is ready to be put back together. Glass, mirrors, door handles, bumper covers, and trim pieces are reinstalled.

		CLEANUP AND FINAL QUALITY CHECK: While our Cleanup Technicians prepare the vehicle for delivery, it is also reinspected to ensure that all promised work was completed and that the blueprint for repair was followed accurately.

		READY FOR DELIVERY: Our Technicians have followed the blueprint established for the repair, restoring the safety of the vehicle, and returning it to the manufacturer’s original specifications. Our customers are assured of a quality repair; we document it every step of the way.

		CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: No job is complete until you hear how the customer feels about the repair. Our survey asks seven (7) simple questions to gain customer feedback on the repair and their overall experience with our facility. The surveys are postage pre-paid to our third-party vendor. Any unfavorable scores or comments are faxed to our collision center so that we can contact the customer. Monthly reports highlight areas for improvement.