Transportation has been evolving since it was invented. Society started with walking utilizing animals to carry heavy loads, to horse drawn carriages and eventually trains and automobiles. When the first ever automobile was invented in 1886, by Karl Benz, it was viewed as a novelty item or a toy for those who could afford them. At first introduction, automobiles were not practical.  They were limited in stock with no way to mass produce them. They had no roof, a very short range and low speeds ultimately leading to a lack of success for the automotive industry.

By the early 1900’s the industry had completely turned on its head. Even though many individuals believed automobiles to be dangerous, unreliable, and reckless manufacturing these large contraptions completely changed how society viewed transportation and the way of life. Change was unpopular in the masses leading to a slow beginning of the automotive industry. As soon as people realized what vehicles could do for them they were happy to accommodate the change. “The Big Three ” Ford, GM and Chrysler led the way to change. Each began to revolutionize how cars were produced and sold. By 1913 Henry Ford created the first moving assembly line to manufacture vehicles and subsequently the number of vehicles seen on the street doubled. In a short 15 years, Dave Chaet, our 1st generation, will open a business in the auto repair field.

We now have close to 60 major brands spanning across the globe constantly competing with one another to ensure the best safety functions, sleekness, and climate control technology has to offer. Innovation in automotive design and production dramatically altered once automakers realized how technology could aid them in making vehicles more suitable for everyday use. Technology and motor vehicles have always gone hand and hand. Even paint has made a huge leap forward with water-based paint systems.

Thus begins the era of  utilizing connectivity, electrification, diverse mobility and autonomous driving. The vehicles of 2024 are electric with seriously advanced features, such as: adaptive cruise control, music systems, Android Auto, hands-free telephone systems, hands-free semi-automated driving systems, automatic emergency braking systems, blind spot sensors, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. We have seen the powertrain wars between hydrogen, clean fuels, and different EV battery chemistries. Of course, this will only be the tip of the iceberg.

Now there are more electric vehicles, with all the bells and whistles that we currently consider advanced, on the road than ever before. When connected, shared, autonomous and electric vehicles become the norm, the progression will only go up from here and many of us will bear witness to another societal evolution.

We must pause and consider, how Allston Collision Center has been a legacy business since 1928 and what would our founder Dave Chaet think?

The post The Legacy of Transportation and Allston Collision Center appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

First, know YOU have the right to choose any shop in Massachusetts whether you own or lease – it’s the law.

Insurance companies often have call centers, and they have a standard script on how to assist customers.  Some centers are not located in Massachusetts and do not apply the law.  You can always check by asking where they located.

• It is unlawful in Massachusetts for anyone to coerce you into using a shop or dealership whether a DRP (direct repair shop) or a preferred provider.
• It is unlawful for a call center, claim representative, agent, or anyone to say they will not pay a claim because you did not go to a particular shop.

Useful Tips on filing a claim:

1. Write down all pertinent info – date, time, and place of accident.

2. If there is another party involved get their insurance information, name, address, and a phone number.

3. If police are on scene and writing a report, ask how to receive a copy.

4. Call your INSURANCE COMPANY, not your Agent. Have your policy and accident information ready.

5. YOU choose the body shop – remember Massachusetts has Right to Repair. You can

a. Ask a friend.

b. Check references and reviews.

c. Ask your insurance company for a vendor list. This does not mean you must work with someone on the list, but it can be a place to start.  Remember YOU choose who to work with.

6. Ask the insurance representative if you have substitute transportation (rental) insurance.  If so, how much per day are you allowed.

7. Ask if you have a deductible, if so, how much and if it applies to the accident.

8. Ask if you have accident forgiveness.

9. Get your claim number and the claims representative name, phone number and extension.

This process can be overwhelming. Remember; ask questions, be informed.

It is your vehicle, and you have the right to choose your agent, insurance company, and shop.

~Elaine M. O’Neill, President

 Allston Collision Center, Inc.

617-254-8200

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The extended answer is yes, we do not fix rust because it can be an arduous process and is one that does not fit in with our business model. Allston Collision Center is a “production” shop. We fix accidents and the problems that come with being in an accident.

Allston Collision Center takes a vehicle apart, repairs damage and replaces parts, fixes aluminum, straightens, fixes wheels, retrofits all components, removes the same and puts it all back together again for final production and vehicle painting.

A humpty dumpty situation you might say…

Rusted vehicles or rusted sections of vehicles fit into the restoration business model. This involves expertise that takes time. This specialty is about taking either an older vehicle, maybe one with previous unrepaired damage or undercarriage rot and taking those indicated parts restoring and rebuilding to make them viable again.

Rust repair is an art form only a few do and do well. So if rust is your problem, rest assured Allston Collision Center has a contact for you. His name is Eric Peltonen. Eric recently did a job for us, pictured below.

As we always do when we refer a client to another shop, we reach out to check-in. Our client assured us the job went well and she was very happy. As a matter of fact, she came by the shop last week and, again, let us know how happy she was and how easy the job went.

Without further ado, if you have rust problems please contact: Eric Peltonen – 978-443-6828. This number receives texts and telephone calls. Please make note Eric will answer texts.

The area shown is in the frame where the jack mounts are. This location runs parallel to the muffler and was severely rotted. Eric cut out the section, put in a new frame box and welded it in. To finish it off, the location was undercoated for protection.

The post Auto Body Rust Repair appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

This year, however, I have decided to take a slight detour for my last blog of 2018.  After reviewing the year, as I always do at this time, I found we had an uptick in US Service Members who came for vehicle repair.  I am especially thankful to persons who serve. My family has served with pride in every branch of the service. My Dad was in the Army, an Uncle in the Navy, four Uncles who served as Marines along with one of their daughters and my Nephew who is an active member of the Air Force.  I have great respect for those who are called to serve and feel privileged they are choosing Allston Collision Center for help.

One such customer, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jen McCabe, came to Allston Collision Center because we are a preferred provider of USAA.  Her vehicle was originally towed to another shop but they couldn’t fix it. This 2014 urban assault Jeep Rubicon had front end damage but had steel modifications made to the bumper. It also had aluminum fishing pole mods made to the front end.  There were electrical, battery, and alternator issues. It had structural damage along with alignment issues. To top it off PO McCabe’s Rubicon has oversized tires which created additional problems with the alignment. This vehicle was raised and had suspension modifications. Not every shop can handle a vehicle of this magnitude.  

PO McCabe created a complete beast and with it a really difficult fixing process. I mean check out the photos. The mods on the front of this vehicle with its beefed-up bumper and aluminum fishing pole shafts- super cool.  The mag tires; I mean this Rubicon is really unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it. Though PO McCabe was not from Massachusetts, she ultimately trusted us with this one of a kind gem and Allston Collision Center welcomed the challenge.

As you can see from the finish photos the vehicle was back to its better self and the customer was very happy. So happy in fact, she gave us permission to use her vehicle and her name on this blog. I hope she gets the opportunity to read this and see her newly fixed car on our website.

As I finish out 2018, I want to round out this year by saying thank you from the bottom of my heart to all people who serve our country, to my family who has always backed my ideas, to my crew and their families for the hard work and long hours, and my partner who is especially important to the operation. All of these people have their part in keeping Allston Collision Center, Inc. the shop we always wanted.  A workplace where the treatment of our crew and customers reaches a level of respect we don’t often experience in other places.

And sometimes, just sometimes, we come across a vehicle that is an absolute beast in the best way and Allston Collision Center rises to the challenge.

Peace and happiness to all in the New Year

Elaine M. O’Neill

The post Repairing a US Service Member’s 2014 Urban Assault Jeep Rubicon appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

This vehicle is Hyundai’s flagship full-size model.  This is the first time I have seen this car up close and it is modern and super sharp.  Hyundai released this vehicle in September 2016 with 2017 models.  The Genesis G90 shown here is a brand spanking new 2018 with under 1000 miles on it.

This Genesis was hit on a highway off-ramp.  Its owner walked away without a scratch – thank goodness.

We have shared the photos of the damage here.  These photos show the following work needed to be done: unibody damage, replace the trunk lid, rear body panel, and the driver’s side quarter panel.  The back window was cracked in the accident showing how hard this car was actually hit.  The exhaust, rear bumper, and driver’s tail light were all damaged.  The blind spot sensors were broken as well.

Refinish work starts at the driver’s rear door to the back and the passenger’s rear door to the back in a 3-stage pearl white.  The process includes an extra application which goes on top of the white paint.  The vehicle is then clear coated and it gives this pearl finish.  Absolutely beautiful color and when it hits the sun – amazing.

At this point, the vehicle has to be brought to the dealership to recalibrate blind spot sensors and do the 4 wheel alignment.  Allston Collision Center arranged for the delivery and pickup of the vehicle as the blind spot sensors can only be recalibrated on the dealership level.

I hope all of you agree in looking at the finished photos this Genesis G90 came out perfect.

Allston Collision Center has worked with this client on several occasions.  He let us know he was confident if Allston Collision Center’s team was fixing his car it would be back to original factory specs.  I believe we accomplished that and more.

This is the part of the job that is really rewarding.  It is wonderful to know our clients return knowing the team at Allston Collision Center will do everything possible to make each vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

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So I’m in the gym trying to find my ever elusive abs again and I keep thinking is everyone doing this; working tirelessly to be fit.  Sometimes it works, and other times it doesn’t.  Some days I’m good and other days, well, just bad.

Though those bad days can’t be fixed, the team at Allston Collision Center, Inc. can fix Aluminum, Bronze and Steel, the other kind of ABS.

Vehicles like Tesla, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, Audi, Porsche, and the Ford F-150 are all built primarily with aluminum.  Aluminum offers a lighter weight vehicle which assists with gas mileage and aerodynamics.  It also makes for specialized repair work.

In 2016, when Allston Collision Center, Inc. purchased the Multi-Mig 522, I thought the future was trending toward using more aluminum. Now in 2018, it seems I may have been right; more manufacturers are using aluminum including Toyota, Nissan and ACC recently worked on a 2010 Saab with an aluminum hood.

Similar to my thinking on going with water-based paint processes, I believe investing in the Multi-Mig 522 and keeping technicians on the newest trends will keep Allston Collision Center on par with car manufacturers as well as looking to the future.

Not only are ACC technicians proficient in aluminum but they work on mixed metal vehicles, so our techs cover every car made.

If you want more information on ABS, Aluminum, Steel, and Bronze that is, you can look up my earlier blog on our website.

ABS also stands for Automatic Braking System and guess what Allston Collision Center can work on these ABS too.  We are a full-service body shop which includes mechanical work.

The team works with each customer to make sure their job is done right.  Maybe you need a tow or a rental car – our team works with you, the customer, to get all the details covered.  Allston Collision Center’s strategy is to use all our combined knowledge to help make an accident as painless as possible.

Well, in the end, ACC can’t make anyone, including me, go to the gym to get you washboard abs, but we’ll do all we can to fix your other ABS!

The post Auto Body Repair – Aluminum, Bronze and Steel appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

Allston Collision Center prides itself on having such professionals.  Our appraiser, with 40 years of knowledge, our aluminum technicians possessing the most recent training, to purchasing the most effective, modern equipment available – we are trained, experienced and ready to help.

You will see three different Tesla models here in various stages of repair.  The Before, showing the damage; The Process, these are great shots showing the stages of repair; and, The Reveal, Allston Collision Center’s final product.

Instead of a long blog, please take a look at the photos and judge for yourself.

2017 Tesla 100S Repair

2016 Tesla X90 Repair

2017 Tesla 75 Repair

The post Tesla Auto Body Repair – All Kinds of Teslas appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

If you look at the before shots, you will see how the hood is separated.  Most of us would think – hey not too bad right?  However, by the time this job was completed, with a full front paint job and making the hood perfectly aligned this turned into a pretty expensive repair.

I realize I frequently repeat myself in the writing of these blogs, but this is a great example of why you need a trusted professional on your side.  If you took your own photos of this damage, it would seem like a small job, but once you get “under the hood” so to speak, it turns into a major accident.  The reason why photos don’t show the whole story and why this becomes major is because the vehicle needs to be completely disassembled.  A lot of new vehicles have protective shields under the hood.  These shields help with aerodynamics and gas mileage but make it so Allston Collision Center has to take it apart to find all the damage.

What you don’t see is the work which needs to be done under the protective shield.  This particular vehicle needed an AC condenser, headlights, radiator, radiator fan assembly, grille, hood, hood lock, bumper, and painting the nose.  A photo won’t show any of the above.

Allston Collision Center, Inc. has aluminum trained employees which helped with this 2019 Jeep because the hood is yes, you guessed it, aluminum.  Though the hood ultimately had to be replaced, it is good to have professionally trained employees looking at it to determine whether it can be fixed properly or not.

We give quite a bit of attention to each vehicle that comes to us, and I hope it shows on this brand new Jeep.

The post Jeep Auto Body Repair – Our First 2019 Model appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

We take pride in our employees and we want to provide the training it takes to work in a place like Allston Collision Center where customer service and beautiful work is a daily occurrence.

An example is the 2012 Lexus featured here.  The Lexus shown had a lot of dings and dents on its entire body.  It took quite a bit of work to restore it so it could receive a paint job worthy of a new Lexus.  The photo shows the vehicle with a refurbished body and a complete, full vehicle, paint job.  Amazing!

We took a photo of Jose, one of Allston Collision Center’s employees next to the car because it was his first time painting an entire car.  We couldn’t be any prouder of Jose.  He is an individual who wanted to learn and under the tutelage of another skilled professional, Tommy, was able to rise to the occasion.

The vehicle left our shop gleaming and we were satisfied with another job out the door with our stamp of approval on it.

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