C&C Vehicle Services explains lorry cab repair

25th May 2022

Selsia HGV repairer, C&C Vehicle Services publish a series of informative guides to explain the repair process and the latest is what’s involved in a lorry cab repair

As with any commercial vehicle repair, lorry cab damage can range in complexity. Whether a lorry experienced minor dents, a misaligned chassis or even have severe damage following a collision, it’s essential that a repair specialist uses the right equipment and process to get that vehicle back on the road safely.

Whenever any lorry cab repair is being carried out, it’s always critical to use the right equipment for the job, not take short cuts or use inappropriate tools, as any damage to the exterior bodywork of a lorry can affect both the comfort of the cab itself, and cause issues with the essential aerodynamics of the entire vehicle.

Every certified vehicle workshop in the UK should already have safe working procedures in place when working on commercial vehicles. These should include the basics like using stands only on a hard, level surface such as concrete, not exceeding any equipments load or lifting capacities and even consulting a vehicle manufacturer’s handbook for guidance if unsure.

What’s more, any lorry cab repair should only be performed by specialist commercial vehicle technicians who are fully trained in heavy-duty jobs. They must also visually check all the equipment to be used, ensuring it’s in good condition and ensure the cab tilt task is carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures.

Example 1

Damage
A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) has had impact confined to the L/H “A” Post area, pushing into the cab floor and twisting the cab floor and subframe.

Repair
Use a Josam Jig and pulling equipment to realign the cab floor before cutting off the exterior damaged panels.

After the cab is aligned, the old panels can then be cut off and new panels welded back into position. Then it’s time for fresh paintwork and to be refitted with a new door grille bumper and the cab interior trims, finishing the vehicle back to a pre accident appearance.

Example 2

Damage
When a lorry has damage to the R/H/F corner due to a collision with the rear L/H side of another trailer, distorting the complete door aperture and the front panel bulkhead moving, cracking the windscreen in the process.

Repair
Strip down the frontal trim panels to check if see the “A” Post has moved the front bulkhead panel towards the pedal box. It’s likely that this is what’s caused enough tension to crack the screen.

Use a Josam Chassis and Cab alignment system to pull the vehicle so the front panel bulkhead can be repaired and re-aligned. As a matter of safety, a full wheel alignment check should also take place using the Josam equipment.

Once the vehicle is correctly aligned, panel replacement can take place.

Example 3

Damage
Where the Front Grille Panel on an emergency vehicle has come off its hinges and the O/S door is misaligned at the top rear corner to the cab.

Repair
After using the Josam Jig to check that the chassis is in alignment, pulling equipment can be used to square up the cab before removing any old, damaged panels. This ensures that the door pillars and doors are all in alignment.

After this, the old panels can be cut away and replaced by the required new panels before being re-painted and fully restored. However, it’s important to remember that with any emergency vehicle repair there are additional tasks outside of a normal cab repair, such as replacing blue lights or sirens. These vehicle are then road tested to ensure all the extra electrical systems are fully working before handing back to the local authority to re-commission the vehicle back into service.

Choosing the right repair and refurbishment specialist:

The relationship between a repair bodyshop and a fleet operator should be comfortable, courteous, and well-meaning. Offering a streamlined process, competitive repair turnaround times and transparent pricing structure are very important in choosing the right specialist to work with.

But the most important things to look for? Their knowledge and expertise for dealing with many different cab repair types, and of course, a quality result.

C&C Vehicle Services said:

“We are one of the UK’s largest providers of commercial vehicle repair and refurbishment services. Our job is to help your business keep unnecessary vehicle downtime to an absolute minimum and avoid any associated costs with them being off the road.

“Our 35-year long heritage has seen us complete us countless vehicle repairs, including everything from commercial chassis and cab alignment to axle straightening and realigning. Plus, our bodyshop facilities are well equipped with the latest technology, tooling and accident repair specialist units such as our Blackhawk Power Cage and Josam jig, making us the preferred supplier of choice for many commercial businesses across the UK.”

C&C Vehicle Services provide a full range of repair and refurbishment services for all commercial vehicles and associated trailer units, facilitating any commercial vehicle from 3.5 tonnes up to 44 tonnes.

C&C’s Royton branch in Oldham has been home since 1986 and houses the group’s largest commercial vehicle repair jigs. The Chesterfield bodyshop was opened in 2019 and has the tooling to work on commercial vehicles up to 26 tonnes. The Wolverhampton site was opened in February 2019 and has over 18,000 ft of workshop space to handle all types of vehicle repair and refurbishment. C&C opened a fourth site, in Sunderland, in November 2021. With 9,100 sq ft in total, the site can offer a full range of repair and refurbishments to accommodate all size vehicles from cars to HGVs.