[smrat]

what is a B metal man in a body shop i never hread of this before

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by smrat

what is a B metal man in a body shop i never hread of this before

I don't remember hearing that exact term but I am sure it is refering to the skill level of a body man. An "A" would be a journeyman who can do anything, complex multi weld on panel replacement along with frame and unibody pulls. Using todays measuring and pulling equipment, etc. A "B" metal man would be just a step down from there where he can replace weld on body panels, but limited to one or two easy panels damage. Maybe is limited at frame pulling or measuring. While an "A" may be an apprentence who would be limited to bolt on parts changing, filler work and very simple weld on panel replacement like a rear body panel.

Brian

[cboy]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

While an "A" may be an apprentence who would be limited to bolt on parts changing, filler work and very simple weld on panel replacement like a rear body panel.

Brian, did you mean "C" instead of "A" here?

[kenseth17]

Who knows what there interpertation is.
Someone who doesn't make the amount of money an A body man does.
I would think a B bodyman has some decent experience, but not really much as far as working the frame rack and straightening unibody and suspension or doing decent sized hits, or at least not the preliminary steps. Maybe can weld in and replace panels, profficient in filler work and straightening and good prep work, can take things apart and put them back together, but not really have the experience on the bigger stuff, like the frame rack and measuring, suspension, or clipping. If thats the case I would consider myself a B level, I just never had the opportunity or got the training to do the biggest repairs.

Knowing the industry, at least around here, it probably too little money for the work you perform.

I would think an A bodyman would be capable of doing most tasks, even maybe running the shop or estimating. Who knows, I never heard of a standard in the industry specifying what an A, B, or C level bodyman is, and the tasks that would place them into that category.