As part of our research, we asked a cross-section of repairers from around the country about their views on the differences between these two methods for structural repair. Why choose one method of repair over the other? Is there a need for a shop to offer more than one type of repair method, thus allowing the repairer to use the method that is most suitable for a particular type of repair. Here is what a few within our industry felt about the subject. (Please understand, there is always a level of bias when asking repairers about their view on the equipment they use.)

West coast repairer

For the last 25 years we have had universal drive-on benches equipped with laser measuring systems. In recent years we added universal dedicated fixture benches. I can share some insights on the pros and cons of both systems. I can’t comment about differences between the larger frame machines; I have not had the opportunity to use one; we specialize in European vehicles.

        In my experience the universal bench excels in the following areas:

        *Multiple pulling capabilities

        *Heavy side hits. (loosening mounting bolts at pinch weld beam and spreading both beams with ram relieves banana condition)

        *Universal setup (You can set up and square any vehicle quickly without data sheet)

        Some draw backs I see are in the following areas:

        *Pinch weld mounting; very hard to restore pinch welds after repair. We have done many pre-buyer inspections in the past and the first area we look at is the pinch weld.

        *Compensation for set up time (Industry in the past was a generic 3 hours to bench and set up). Due to ignorance and competition from the drive-on racks, set up time is now reduced to 2 hours with measuring included.

        *Receiving accurate measurements while in the repair process, with some electronic systems needing to be constantly re-calibrated due to shifting of vehicle during pulling operations.

        The universal dedicated fixture bench has been our favorite frame bench. I can state that it has been very accurate in the repairs we have done; although it does have negatives, like when we experience repairing a vehicle that is not listed in the bench-manufacturers data base of vehicle specific set up instructions, and you have to convert generic frame specification data from either the Mitchell or Chief Frame Dimension Guide; this can take a little more set-up time to dial in the correct datum height and figure out what fixtures to assemble. Like most things in life, there are no perfect systems but given certain circumstances one can match the vehicle to the correct bench and come away with the best repair.

Northwest repairer

One disadvantage to consider is that  many cars have no pinch welds. There is more room for error with a universal measuring system. Especially if a technician likes to cheat a little.

        As I see it, the greatest advantage to the dedicated fixture method is that cars are built/assembled with the dedicated fixtures. While this method does not guarantee a better repair, it is harder to put things on in the wrong place. You almost have to work at messing it up; additionally you cannot pull a point you have anchored to that is out of the specified dimension.