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Remove, replace and/or refit motor vehicle body panels

URN: IMIVBR05
Business Sectors (Suites): Vehicle Body Repair
Developed by: IMI
Approved on: 2023

Overview

This standard is about removing, replacing and/or refitting a combination of adjacent vehicle body panels using mechanical fastening. It also includes the application of anti-corrosion and joining materials and ensuring correct alignment with adjacent panels and fittings.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1 identify component materials involved in the construction of the vehicle in the areas that will be worked on during repair, prior to working on the vehicle 
P2 use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when removing and replacing body panels *
P3 protect the vehicle, its contents and systems effectively when removing and replacing *body panels *
P4 inspect, prepare and use all the *tools and equipment required following manufacturers' instructions 
P5 remove, replace and/or refit all necessary body panels and components following: 

P5.1 the manufacturer's methods/instructions
P5.2 recognised researched repair methods
P5.3 your workplace procedures
P5.4 the vehicle work specification 
P5.5 health, safety and legal requirements 
P6 promptly seek assistance from the relevant person(s)  where there is the potential for your work to disturb other vehicle systems 
P7 store all removed components safely in the correct location and in accordance with relevant legislation 
P8 use replacement body panels and components which conform to the vehicle specifications for dimensions, materials and functional capability 
P9 use and apply body component anti-corrosion materials and joining materials conforming to the manufacturer's specification 
P10 ensure panels are removed and replaced minimising damage to mating surfaces (any damage caused should be correctly reinstated) 
P11 ensure panels are replaced without incurring damage to the vehicle systems 
P12 ensure all refitted body panels and components are aligned correctly with adjacent panels and fittings 
P13 complete all activities within the agreed timescale 
P14 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant person(s)

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

K1 the health and safety legislation and workplace procedures relevant to workshop practices and personal protective equipment (PPE)
K2 the agreed vehicle work specification 
K3 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress 
K4 the relationship between time, cost and profitability 
K5 the requirements for protecting the vehicle and contents from damage before, during and after removing and re*fitting activities 
K6 your workplace procedures for the referral of problems and reporting delays to the completion of work 
K7 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s)  
K8 how to prepare, test and use the tools and equipment required for the removal, replacement and/or refitting of body panels and ancillary fittings 
K9 the properties of component materials involved in the construction of the vehicle in the areas that will be worked on during repair 
K10 the properties and safe use of body component sealants, adhesives and anti-corrosion materials *
K11 the type of sealants and anti-corrosion *materials to use and the manufacturer's recommended methods for their application and thickness 
K12 how to apply sealants and anti-corrosion materials *
K13 how to interpret and use sources of information relevant to the removal and **refitting of body panels 
K14 the need for correct alignment of panels and the methods used to achieve this 
K15 the types of quality control checks that can be used to ensure correct alignment and contour of panels and operation of components to manufacturer's specification 
K16 how to work safely avoiding damage to the vehicle and its systems 
K17 the methods of storing removed components and the importance of storing them correctly and in accordance with legal requirements 
K18 the removal and replacement procedures for body panels using mechanical fastening techniques 
K19 how panel removal and refitting affects the overall body structure of the vehicle 
K20 the manufacturer's approved methods of working for the removal and replacement of body panels
K21 the difference between the types of replacement parts available
K22 the potential implications of fitting a recycled or refurbished part

Scope/range

All of the items listed below form part of this National Occupational Standard.


1. Body panels include combinations of 3 or more adjacent panels (Examples of this include: two doors and a wing; two wings and a bonnet; bonnet, wing and door on the same side; bumper, wing and bonnet; bonnet, wing and bolted on front panel).

2. Materials include all component materials in the repair area.

3. Fitting methods include mechanical fastening. 

4. Tools and equipment are: 

4.1. generic hand tools 
4.2. manufacturer's specified and specialist tools 
4.3. workshop equipment 

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

IMI

Original URN

IMIARBBP05

Relevant Occupations

Accident Repair Technicians, Body Repair and Alignment Technician (Automotive), Body Repair Technician (Automotive)

SOC Code

5232

Keywords

Remove; replace; refit; motor; vehicle; body; panels