Autobody Technology Program

Baran Institute of Technology's Autobody Technology Program leads you through all the aspects of the Autobody Industry. From mild to wild -- Baran students are involved from factory UMS frame straightening to PPG painting programs. Students work on and repair all types of live vehicles. Guided by the experts, you too can obtain the unbelievable. Students also have the opportunity to stay on for an extra module to complete the "Custom Plus" program. Take your education to the extreme level!

Scholastic Overview

The Autobody Technology Program is a 78.5 quarter-credit-hour program, designed to prepare you to enter the complex area of automobile collision and refinishing repair, including entry-level positions as collision repair technicians, painters, frame technicians, and minor mechanical repairers. You can be employed by autobody repair shops or specialty custom shops.

Maximum shop/lab size: 20 students per instructor
Maximum class size: 40 students
Program length: 12 months days/24 months evenings

Features and Benefits

UMS Factory Program (Universal Measurement System)
Able to obtain certificate for 75 hours instruction on UMS
PPG Painting System
Able to obtain Federal IMACA License while in school

Baran also offers the Autobody Technology Custom "Plus" Program -- a 96.5 quarter-credit-hour program designed to prepare you to enter the complex area of automobile collision and refinishing repair. The total program length is 15 months if taken during the day, or 30 months if taken during the evening.

Click here to get FREE information about Baran Institute

Curriculum:

Automobile Construction and Repair
You will receive "hands-on" instruction in basic autobody repair, beginning with the disassembly and reassembly of test vehicles. This includes the proper removal, installation, and alignment procedures of hoods, fenders, headers, doors, deck lids, and automotive glass. There is a strong emphasis on proper MIG welding techniques for autobody repair.

AB 100 Automobile Construction
[8.04 quarter credits]
You will be introduced to autobody safety procedures, tools, and equipment. Automobile construction, disassembly and reassembly, are discussed and practiced in the shop.

AB 110 Welding
[6.32 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction on how to cut metal with a torch and how to use a MIG welder to make plug and stitch welds.

AB 120 Panel Fabrication and Repair
[5.52 quarter credits]
You'll work with metal and fabricate patch panels and rocker panels. You'll learn how to use plastic body filler materials and their proper application.

Autobody Mechanical Repair
In today's autobody field, the technician needs the knowledge of both autobody repair and autobody mechanics. Autobody mechanical repair areas include air bag systems, steering columns, electrical systems, brake systems, and air conditioning systems. You will receive instruction in the operation of the steering system, suspension, struts, and wheel alignment as well as the fuel system. These system repair skills are necessary to repair today's hi-tech vehicles.

AB 200 Autobody Electrical Systems
[7.36 quarter credits]
You'll receive instruction in automobile electrical systems starting with the battery. Electrical systems discussed include the circuit types and passive restraint systems. Special emphasis is placed on testing electrical components with a DVOM. You'll also be instructed how to properly disassemble, reassemble, and test drum and caliper brakes.

AB 210 Autobody Associated Mechanical Systems
[6.93 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction in the major components and operation of an automobile's computer system, fuel system, and engine cooling system. Hands-on training is stressed to help you safely evacuate and charge the AC system.

AB 220 Autobody Steering and Suspension Repair
[6.58 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction on how to identify, check, and repair all suspension parts. Wheel alignment angles are defined and you will perform two- and four-wheel alignments.

Autobody Minor and Major Collision
These courses provide the hands-on training that includes fiberglass repair, panel R&R, SMC composite and plastics repair, and minor collision repair. Also, you will receive instruction on D.C.L. (Datum, Centerline, and Length) and its relationship to the uni-body repair. Hands-on gauging and analysis of frame damage on "live" vehicles are also covered.

AB 300 Autobody Minor Collision
[6.48 quarter credits]
You'll receive instruction in the basic skills needed to repair minor collision damage to vehicles, including fiberglass, SMC and plastics repair. You'll practice working with plastic filler in the shop.

AB 310 Autobody Structural Repair
[5.63 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction in the proper procedure for panel removal and replacement. Minor collision repair skills are further refined with additional hands-on practice in the shop.

AB 320 Autobody Major Collision
[6.89 quarter credits]
You'll receive instruction on collision forces and how to reverse the damage caused in an accident. Correct set-up of the Universal Measuring System and pulling of damaged vehicles in the shop will help you comprehend the fundamentals of frame repair.

Autobody Repair and Refinishing
Procedures regarding chemicals and paint-related safety are thoroughly demonstrated throughout this section of instruction. All aspects of paint refinishing, product identification, hazardous waste, urethanes, enamels, and two- and three-stage paint jobs are covered. Proper underlayment preparation with block sanding and prep work is stressed throughout, as it will determine the quality of the finished paint job. Additional training is provided in the basics of problem solving, paint matching, and estimating.

AB 400 Autobody Refinishing
[6.92 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction in the proper safety procedures to follow when handling and spraying urethane-based coatings, also how to properly maintain a spray booth and prepare and condition the surface to be painted. Spray gun techniques are practiced in the shop.

AB 410 Refinishing Practical Applications
[5.50 quarter credits]
You'll receive instruction in the different types and grades of reducers and thinners and paint additives. Additionally, you will receive instruction in the proper adjustments necessary to achieve proper atomization through pressure, fluid, and fan space. Paint concepts are reinforced in the shop.

AB 420 Practical Applications and Problem Solving
[6.78 quarter credits]
You will receive instruction in the basic principles of color matching by adjusting pressure, wetness, and spraying techniques. You'll also be shown the basic rules for adjusting color such as partner colors or opposing colors.

Autobody Technology Externship
For a one-week period, you will be given the opportunity to shadow a skilled technician in a real work setting. For day program only.

Autobody Technology Custom "Plus" Program
You can take your education to the max by completing our “Custom Plus” module. This is a 3-month module added to the Autobody Technology program and it gives you the skills to really excel in automobile collision and repair. You’ll hone your craft on real vehicles, and develop expertise that can make you a hot prospect in the job market.

Click here to get FREE information about Baran Institute