Appreciation post: The art of metal shaping before digital estimators took over
I've been in this game for over twenty years, and let me tell you, the old way of fixing dents had a real feel to it. We used to rely on our eyes and hands to read the metal, not some screen that spits out numbers. I learned from a guy who could tap a panel and know exactly where to place the dolly block, no computers needed. Back then, you spent time with the car, feeling each curve and getting it just right with a hammer. Now, it's all about the scan tool telling you the repair plan, and half the kids coming up can't even use a body file properly. Sure, the new stuff is fast, but it kills the skill that made this trade special. We're losing that connection to the work, and it feels like we're just parts changers. I say bring back some of that hands on craft before it's gone for good.