Business may be booming, but auto body shops are still feeling the downturn in the auto industry and with auto parts in short supply, customers are waiting that much longer to get back in their cars.
Jeff Voss of Sam's Auto Body Shop says he is the person every customer relates to because he's in the business of fixing cars and helping those who have been in accidents. While it may be expensive to get your damaged car fix, Voss says that's not the problem. It's the parts.
"Right now, Chrysler has issues with common parts, things you need for an everyday accident. The big problem is body parts, as these cars go out of production."
However, the bigger problem is the trickle down from the ailing auto industry. When manufacturers are hurting, their parts suppliers are too. All of that means some common items are becoming uncommon inside the warehouse. This means Voss has to look for used parts or alternate sources, which isn't always easy.
"In certain situations, you can't find alternate sources, and that means we have to wait to get the parts I need."
That also means a longer wait for car owners for repairs and in getting their wheels back on the road. Voss says the biggest shortage he's seeing are for front end parts for Chrysler cars, the kind of parts you would typically need if your car suffered front end damage.
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