Structural Measurement • Frame • Unibody
Frame Straightening & Unibody Repair in El Paso, TX
A collision can move structural points even when the damage is not obvious from the outside. Westex measures the vehicle's structure, identifies collision-related movement and performs the structural correction required as part of the repair.
Computerized Measurement • Frame & Unibody Repair • All Makes & Models
Structural Repair Capabilities
What Frame & Unibody Repair Can Involve
Structural damage is different from exterior panel damage. The repair focuses on the underlying points and sections that establish the vehicle's shape, mounting locations and body alignment.
- Structural Measurement
Measuring key structural points and comparing them with available vehicle specifications.
- Frame & Unibody Correction
Correcting collision-related movement when the damaged structure is repairable.
- Structural Sections
Evaluation and repair or replacement of damaged structural sections when required by the repair.
- Mounting Locations
Checking structural areas associated with suspension, body and related component mounting points.
- Body-to-Structure Alignment
Restoring the structural foundation needed before exterior panel fit and body work can be finalized.
- Repair Documentation
Recording structural measurements and repair information when applicable to the repair and insurance claim.
Structural Inspection
Structural Damage Is Measured, Not Guessed
A vehicle can have structural damage that is difficult to see from the outside, while symptoms such as poor alignment or uneven tire wear can also come from other collision-related problems.
That is why Westex does not determine structural repair from appearance alone. The vehicle is inspected and, when structural damage is suspected, measurements help identify whether key points have moved and what the repair actually requires.
The question is not simply whether the vehicle "looks bent." It is whether the structure measures where it should.
The Structural Repair Process
Measure. Correct. Verify.
- 01Inspect the Collision Damage
We review the damaged areas and identify where structural measurement may be required.
- 02Measure the Structure
Key structural points are measured and compared with the vehicle information available for the repair.
- 03Plan the Correction
The measurements help determine which areas require correction and whether any damaged structural sections need additional repair or replacement.
- 04Correct & Recheck
Structural movement is corrected using the appropriate repair equipment, with measurements checked as the work progresses.
- 05Verify Before Moving On
The structure is checked again before the vehicle moves into the next stages of body repair, panel fit and refinishing.
Frame vs. Unibody
Different Construction. Same Need for Accurate Measurement.
Some vehicles use a traditional body-on-frame design, while many passenger vehicles use unibody construction where structural sections are integrated into the body.
The construction changes how structural damage is evaluated and repaired. Westex identifies the vehicle design and the damaged areas before determining the repair approach.
A separate frame supports the body and major vehicle components.
Structural sections are integrated into the vehicle body rather than built around a separate full frame.
Measurements Throughout the Repair
Straightening Is Only Half the Job
Structural correction should be guided by measurements, not appearance alone. Measuring before, during and after the correction helps the technician understand where movement exists, track the repair and verify the structure before body work continues.
- Before the Correction
Measurements help identify which structural points have moved.
- During the Repair
Rechecking helps guide structural correction as the repair progresses.
- Before Body Work Continues
The structure is evaluated again before panel fit, body repair and refinishing move forward.
Insurance & Structural Repair
Documenting Structural Damage for the Claim
If structural damage is part of an insurance repair, Westex documents the damage and the structural work required and communicates with the adjuster as the repair progresses.
If additional structural damage is discovered during inspection or disassembly, that information can also be documented as part of the claim process.
Coverage and approvals depend on the individual policy and claim.
FAQ
Frame & Structural Repair Questions
- What is the difference between a frame and a unibody?
- A body-on-frame vehicle uses a separate frame beneath the body. In a unibody vehicle, structural sections are integrated into the body itself. The construction affects how collision damage is measured and repaired.
- How do you know if my vehicle has structural damage?
- Visual damage can suggest that structural measurement is needed, but measurement is what helps determine whether key structural points have moved. Westex evaluates the collision damage and measures the structure when appropriate.
- Can structural collision damage be repaired?
- Some structural damage can be corrected, while other damaged sections may require repair or replacement depending on the vehicle and the extent of the collision. The repair approach is determined after inspection and measurement.
- How do you verify the structural repair?
- Measurements are checked as the structural work progresses and again before the vehicle moves into the next repair stages. The exact verification process depends on the vehicle and repair.
- Is frame straightening covered by insurance?
- Structural repair may be included when it is related to a covered collision. Coverage and approvals depend on the policy and claim. Westex documents the required repair and communicates with the adjuster when insurance is involved.
- Is structural repair covered by the Westex warranty?
- Completed repairs are backed by Westex's lifetime written guarantee, subject to the terms of the written warranty.
Start Your Repair
Suspect Structural Damage?
Send photos to get the process started, or call Westex to speak with the shop. Structural damage cannot always be confirmed from photos, so an in-person inspection and measurement may be needed.