Panel Beater

Summary

Panel beaters repair damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on vehicles. They also make and form vehicle panels using machines or hand tools.

Duties & Tasks

Panel beaters may perform the following tasks:

  • remove damaged panels and components by unbolting or cutting them away
  • repair damaged body panels with specialist tools and equipment
  • use measuring, mechanical and hydraulic equipment to restore vehicles to factory clearances
  • cut and join replacement sections or damaged panels using correct welding procedures
  • repair dents with plastic fillers and file, grind and sand repaired surfaces using power and hand tools
  • fit the repaired panels on the framework of the vehicle and refit body hardware, such as door locks and door trims
  • replace badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
  • realign chassis and body frames using chassis aligners and measuring systems
  • remove and replace accident-related mechanical items
  • remove and replace auto-electric components
  • help vehicle body builders to build custom-designed, speciality or vintage vehicles
  • assist with spray painting vehicles.

Working Conditions

Panel beaters work in workshops and wear protective clothing.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy practical and manual work
  • able to work with hand tools and machines
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • able to visualise the end product
  • normal colour vision
  • good at technical activities.

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