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?

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This is my interpretation of Paul’s notes along with my respect and gratitude for being in Carole Chaet’s orbit.

I asked Paul to tell me the first word that came to mind when I said his mother’s name and without hesitation, he replied REBEL. I smile. The definition of REBEL is “a person who rises in opposition or resistance against an established government or ruler.”  In its verb version “rise in opposition or resistance to an established government or ruler.”  Carole personified REBEL both in its noun and verb form.

Carole began her life in Boston, specifically Roxbury. She was a double promoted, high school graduate who was 16 when she made an attempt at college. She had enough self-possession to know this is too early for her and embarked on a path that led her back to college and a life to rival any.

Before the career resume, she marries Paul’s Dad, Mick, at 19.  They love each other for 72 years which stands on its own merit until her death in July 2022. During these 72 years she has children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She mothered by her own rules and beliefs that included care and freedom. Carole was a person capable of maintaining friendships from childhood along with friendships met throughout her 90 years. She enjoyed a profound personal life that is accentuated by her career biography.

Carole revisits college while being a mother and graduates with:  Bachelor of Arts – 1969 and Master of Education – 1975.  Carole was an educator. She worked in the Sudbury school system, Cambridge Rindge and Latin and Simmons University.  Carole was a fierce defender of civil rights, human rights, and women’s rights. She believed in social justice and social change. She was pro ERA and against all war. Carole shared all these aspects with her children including antiwar demonstrations and pro ERA meetings. They lived experiences many of us only read about.

If you can believe it there is an AND…

Carole pursues and achieves her Doctorate. Her Dissertation topic, “Mitigating the Effects of a Racist Society through Social Studies Interventions.”  (Please find an excerpt attached). She is a person of quality, thought and a desire for the world to be better through education and action.

Her Dissertation spoke volumes about the force that was Carole Chaet. She began her Dissertation with this quote:

“Behind every successful woman is herself

And a loving and supportive family!”

Carole continued with the following paragraphs taken directly from her Dissertation submitted to Boston University, 1985 for Doctor of Education.

          “-I could not have done half of the things I have accomplished in my personal and professional life without the unqualified support of my husband, Matthew Chaet, and the knowledge that my children and children-in-law believe in me.”

            “-Thank you to my friends and colleagues at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School who share with me a concern for social justice and who willingly take risks to promote a better society for all children”

Carole was so far ahead of her time, a purveyor of her own truth and a pursuer of knowledge, an influencer-OG style. Over her professional life she will take her case to other influencers. She will argue and negotiate to try to make educational and social change.

With loss there is immense pain, but we are mindful Carole was many things:  daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, defender, educator, reformist, activist, and a woman who gave and received great love.

It is a surreal place where we feel thankfulness, happiness, and sadness at the same time; but we get up, go to work, realize we are she and she is not lost to us. Carole’s life was well lived, and it is this writer’s sincerest hope, fulfilled.

Our 2022 closes on a somber note.  We feel the love of those who have gone before us and of those who remain. We are thankful to all of them and above all we remember.

This writer closes with the sincerest hope I have done Carole, the Chaet Family, and Paul, justice with this article.

Elaine M. O’Neill

The post Carole Chaet 1932-2022 appeared first on Allston Collision Center | Expert Boston Auto Body Repair.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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.