As you can see through the series of before and after photos, the scissor door modifications to this Jaguar F-Type R are incredible. The original doors had to be carefully removed and custom door hinges installed to make this a perfect fit. This took two technicians and three days to complete.

Second UP, a 2002 Trans Am

This series of before and after photos shows the removal and welding of the new custom scissor doors. They are quite impressive. Most important, we completed the doors, leveled up the Trans Am and made it to the wedding on time.

Congratulations to all!

The post Scissor Door Installation – It Was Time to Level UP appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

As we continue to navigate COVID-19 Allston Collision Center continues to stay current. First, Allston Collision Center will ensure our customers are taken care of. We have and will pivot, depending on how all insurance companies are staffing. Whether they are in the field, working from home or office. Allston Collision Center is in the office and are working in-person, by phone, by email, and by fax. In keeping with our values, Allston Collision Center will provide the very best for our customers.

Parts, parts shipments, and delivery supply chains continue to be negatively affected. Parts are harder to get with longer wait times. We remain hopeful this will change as the world’s supply chains come back, but until then we will do our best to get the supplies we need.

We implemented appointments during the pandemic and have chosen to keep them as part of our work habit. They have proven to be effective in keeping fewer people in the office, which subsequently has made us even more efficient.

Our clients’ have the option to ask us to wear masks and we will wear them upon request.

Allston Collision Center’s working schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Paul and I remain committed to the success of our business, the success of our employees and the customer service you have come to expect.

Elaine M. O’Neill, President

The post COVID-19 Procedures: The Next New Reality appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

The realities of this pandemic are something most of us have never experienced. These are confusing and frightening times where uncertainty is the norm.

There are opposing sides regarding almost everything and one in particular…masks. Do we wear a mask, do we not, and, if not, are we throwing caution to the wind for ourselves, our employees and our clients? With all this uncertainty, I wanted to let you, our clients, know how Allston Collision Center is choosing to constructively workout the problems that have arisen as well as how we will be conducting ourselves and our business.

1. Currently insurance companies are not sending their employees into to the field for safety reasons. This means Allston Collision Center takes on the additional work. This adds time to a process that has been substantially slowed down by the pandemic.

2. As always Allston Collision Center continues to negotiate for their clients, however, the process is different now. We are no longer able to negotiate onsite so we have switched gears. We are working with insurance companies by phone, fax and internet. The fact of the matter is the phone and internet are wonderful tools but they can’t match being in person. In person there is a mutual rapport between our licensed appraiser and the insurance appraiser. This rapport is one that understands each has a job to do and there is respect for the negotiation process. Unfortunately phone and email do not have those nuances. This can cause confusion and repeat work because damage isn’t being seen live. I know it seems odd but photos really don’t do justice.

3. Parts shipments and deliveries have been substantially cut back and there are less delivery drivers available.

In an effort to combat these challenges Allston Collision Center has instituted changes which will continue to service our customers in the best way possible.

1. We have instituted new hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. As always we are keeping our operation lean and efficient in an effort to keep us all working and keep our clients and staff safe.

2. We have chosen to wear masks and ask our clients do the same. Better safe is my motto.

3. Appointments have been instituted for writing estimates, taking in new repairs and for picking up completed work. We are booking every half hour. This has proven to be more efficient for the office staff and clients.

4. Allston Collision Center continues to negotiate for our clients and we have taken on the added paperwork for the insurance companies to ensure our clients are serviced as we have always done.

5. Unfortunately we do not have control over outside vendors but in an effort to keep things moving we will pick up parts if absolutely necessary. This is not our first choice as it takes valuable man hours away from our work but in a pinch we will do what it takes.

It may seem we have slowed down, but rest assured we will pivot our operation as need be to manage through the current crisis.

Paul and I remain committed to the success of our business, the success of our employees and the customer service you have come to expect.

Stay Safe,
Elaine M. O’Neill, President

The post The Realities of Collision Repair in a Pandemic appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

Painting an entire car has become a popular subject as of late. Is it an effort to restore an older car when things are uncertain or is it just love for a particular vehicle? I think it could be both or either. Whatever your reason, I want you to know Allston Collision Center is a premier shop with the utmost quality controls, state of the art equipment, and a killer guarantee.

Car Paint Jobs

We take the process of painting your vehicle very seriously. You can read how it’s done on our automotive painting service page. It is not the type of job where you paint over the current color. The process takes an incredible amount of time and labor. When you change the color with us, we prep and paint everything including inside the doorjambs, underside hood and trunk, etc. Allston Collision Center will not try to sell you a lower cost paint job just to add on more charges as the job goes on. We guarantee our work for as long as a client owns their car.

Despite popular belief, just because there is damage doesn’t mean you need a full paint job. The talent of our technicians is exceptional. We can localize a repair, color match and paint damaged areas. We frequently have training and are always on the cutting edge of the latest in color, color matching and blending. This is why our guarantee lasts as long as it does.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Car?

To be honest, an entire paint job starts at roughly $4,000.00 as of September, 2020. This doesn’t include imperfections that may need to be addressed or the effects of the Pandemic we currently find ourselves in. Allston Collision Center is committed to our customers and wants them to be as prepared as possible for the costs included in doing a full paint job.

Check out our before and after photos on Instagram and Facebook. We are constantly posting pictures of different vehicles that we have worked on.

Please reach out to us for information. You can submit a request online, or call 617-254-8200.

The post Painting an Entire Car appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

It’s commonly known Allston Collision Center has invested heavily in being Green. ACC is fortunate that all of the upgrades over the years have allowed us to tweak our already strict operation to accommodate this pandemic.

COVID-19 has caused us to pause, take a moment, and create a constructive atmosphere not based in fear but rather in a healthy respect for the unknown. Allston Collision Center understands, and to answer concerns we are operating using our Green practices and have added some additional procedures.

Some of those new procedures are:

1. Implementation of a shut-down for Allston Collision Center during the first close order in March for a major cleaning and disinfecting.
2. The option to stay closed for the first month to make sure all of our employees were clear of the virus.
3. Support staff is making appointments effectively taking one client at a time.
4. ACC has separated our waiting room chairs to be 6’ apart and have clearly marked the office floor to be 6’ away from the support desk.
5. There is a sign on our front door requesting a mask. As you enter our office the support staff will ask you to either sit in the waiting area or in your vehicle until our appraising staff gears up. ACC respects each of us have the right to decide our own fate; however, we have decided the use of masks will best serve us all. If a customer decides not to they will be asked to wait in their car and our staff will gear up and meet you at your vehicle.

We know this may be annoying but for the immediate future and the wellbeing of all this will be the procedure for the foreseeable future.

Our employees are continuing to wear gloves and masks that include cartridges for their own breathing. These two items have always been a part of our safety system and will continue to be. Allston Collision Center has acquired face shields that are being implemented for shop workers when 6’ is a challenge.

Social responsibility means we are moving slower than usual and we are asking for patience as we move forward under these conditions. Allston Collision Center will continue to provide our customers with the same service as always and look forward to helping our customers.

We thank everyone for their patience and wish all health.

Elaine M. O’Neill, Owner & President

The post Auto Body Repair with Commonsense & Personal Protective Equipment appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

1. At the onset of the news on COVID-19 our office team has discontinued shaking hands-please don’t take offense.
2. We have always done a twice a week deep clean of our office as well as a daily spot clean.  We will be updating this practice to deep cleaning each day and spot cleanings throughout the day.
3. We have had a serious conversation with all of our staff to stay home if there is even a remote possibility they don’t feel good.   Our clients never see most of our personnel however we don’t want anyone taking chances.
4. OSHA does not allow for clients in either the paint or body shop and we will continue to enforce this practice.
5. We are using common sense practices of cleaning our hands, keeping our hands away from our faces and generally keeping our awareness on high alert.
6. If you are feeling unwell please call our office and we will reschedule you.
7. Should you not want to “just drop in” as many of our clients do we can make an appointment for you if it would make you more comfortable.
8. We also have the ability to use an after hour drop box for keys and do all the necessary paperwork by email.  This option is available anytime.
9. We can also have clients drop their car and paperwork, leave their keys in the car, and we will take it from there.  This option is only available during working hours.

Please be aware we are taking every precaution available and are hoping you all are doing the same.  We will post any updates or changes as they become available.

Elaine M. O’Neill, President

The post COVID-19 Update appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

I came from a completely different work environment and had been out of work for almost three years.   I allowed myself to think I could absolutely bring something to the table.  How exciting, and frightening, to take an established business and create something new while paying tribute to a family legacy.  Dave had passed, Mick had retired, and Paul was looking for something but not sure what that something was.  I was to create the facelift Allston Collision Center, Inc. needed.

Over the years we have done many facelifts, i.e., in 2008 a new logo and major relaunch when we went green.  In 2016 the Multi-Mig welding machine was added to encompass all aluminum work, and we became ICAR certified.  Over varying years we have updated computers, paint, and equipment.

Eighteen years later Allston Collision Center received another major facelift in a more functional way.  The office has been completely redone including paint, rug and yes we got rid of the used furniture, and we upgraded to our modular desks!

The paint shop has also been a recipient of the facelift process.   We have always maintained our systems to keep them in the best working order, but this year the spray booth was taken apart from floor to filters.  We were able to add a clean room which acts as a prep and paint station and increases our productivity.  The building interior received new paint and floor, and the air handlers were reworked as well.  We documented the paint shop’s facelift with this photo.  I hope you don’t mind I’m breaking the fourth wall!

Paul and I have weathered many changes in our personal and professional lives.  We have invested time, sweat and money into this business and it has rewarded us for being persistent.

I started at Allston Collision Center not realizing I could make big changes in this small part of the world, but I did, and I am proud of having done so.  I am happy I took the opportunity when it knocked.

My children are 20 and 19 now, and I am lucky to say they are well adjusted after all of my decisions.

I took the LEAP and found my own facelift.

The post Allston Collision Center Gets a Face Lift appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

This year, 2018, the Chaet Family enters its 90^th year of collision repair.  Three generations have proudly served the Boston area with superior auto body work, customer service, and an unbeatable guarantee.

The generational history begins with Paul’s grandfather, Dave, opening up shop in 1928.  By 1961, the operation had moved to 420 Cambridge Street, Allston with Paul’s father Mick at the helm.  In 2000, Paul Chaet and I took the reins and have been proud to remember the footsteps of the past. We have made our mark in the present as a leader in eco-friendly, up-to-date operations and equipment, while looking for new opportunities to remain a leader in innovation and expertise for the future.

I was interviewed in 2008 about the choice to go green and my original response holds true ten years later.  My quote was, “Despite collision shops not being perceived as on the forefront of the green movement, our dedication to reducing hazardous waste, protecting our environment and our community has always been a priority”.  Paul and I have been proud leaders. Both the former Mayor of Boston and Governor of Massachusetts were kind enough to recognize our work early on, bestowing us awards for our green efforts.

We hope it’s obvious to our customers the continued commitment to the green movement, utmost quality and excellent service. Our team strives for this result, so we offer this guarantee; Allston Collision Center, Inc. will guarantee quality repairs until you sell the vehicle.

The post Allston Collision Center Celebrates 90 Years of Commitment, Quality and a Guarantee appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

I wanted to give a few tips I have learned along the way about the process and how the Commonwealth of Massachusetts helps consumers.

1. We hope you will use Allston Collision Center, Inc., but whether you choose us or not do make sure you are comfortable with the shop you do choose.
2. Do your homework. This means knowing what your vehicle is worth before finalizing compensation from your insurance company.  This includes knowing your mileage, history of maintenance, history of non-related damage that was not fixed, the condition of exterior/interior, maintenance of tires.
3. Remember low mileage can add money; high mileage can deduct money from your final figure.
4. What doesn’t count is your opinion of what your car is worth. You can only use the information you can prove.
5. If you have paid for replacement in full or new car insurance – make sure you are being compensated
6. Know your insurance policy – many people get tripped up on this one because we don’t want to read the policy. I get it, but you can end up paying for something you shouldn’t – most common are storage charges.
7. Who was at fault- you may owe a deductible
8. After you come to a settlement figure ask for your sales tax. It is always owed to you in the State of Massachusetts.
9. Remember the first offer is not always the final offer. Do your homework, come to the negotiation prepared and you have the right not to accept the first offer.

A good site to an idea of the value of your vehicle is National Automobile Dealers Association.  Do an online search in a 50-mile radius and see what similar vehicles are being sold for.  Remember this would include make, model, year, upgrades, downgrades, and mileage.

If you choose Allston Collision Center, Inc. we will assist you in handling the entire process.

The post So, You Have Totaled Your Car appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

I realize everyone thinks our business is related to bad weather, but in truth it is predicated on many other factors. One major factor is distracted driving.

When I came to the road as a new driver we were taught anything from changing the radio station to pushing in the lighter was distracting and now, well now we have phones ringing, phones texting, making sure our electronics are charged, and if they aren’t getting them plugged in so they will be charged. We have music to play and calls to make and receive. It is unbelievable how many of our day’s action items happen behind the wheel.

Those people who were trying to teach me not to push in a lighter or change the radio station while behind the wheel couldn’t think up the kind of distraction we deal with today. Yet here we all are plugging in and working while in the car – that isn’t just me right? So while the snow is a contributing factor, distraction may be a bigger factor; and a storm that drops 24 inches just keeps us all home watching TV – or in my case playing blizzard Texas hold ‘em.

At the end of the day our business was closed, I lost at poker but the snow was beautiful. The only thing we can do is work hard to be less distracted especially in the bad weather. Individually we can make the road a safer experience.

In any case, Allston Collision Center will be there to do its job should bad weather, distracted driving or some other event happen to your vehicle.

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