# Tasks & work activities — motor vehicle upholsterer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-3021.00 (Automotive Body and Related Repairers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
- **[Core]** File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
- **[Core]** Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
- **[Core]** Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
- **[Core]** Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
- **[Core]** Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
- **[Core]** Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
- **[Core]** Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
- **[Core]** Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
- **[Core]** Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
- **[Core]** Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
- **[Core]** Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
- **[Core]** Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.
- **[Core]** Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
- **[Core]** Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.
- **[Core]** Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.
- **[Core]** Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.
- **[Core]** Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.
- **[Core]** Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.
- **[Core]** Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.
- **[Core]** Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.
- **[Core]** Replace damaged glass on vehicles.
- **[Supplemental]** Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.
- **[Supplemental]** Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
- Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.
- Clean work areas.
- Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
- Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
- Install vehicle parts or accessories.
- Measure distances or dimensions.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Paint surfaces or equipment.
- Plan work procedures.
- Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.
- Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
- Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
- Remove dents from equipment, materials, tools or structures.
- Remove parts or components from vehicles.
- Replace vehicle glass.
- Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.