Back in the day, auto body repair was all about steel. Nearly every vehicle on the road used it, and every shop knew how to bend, weld, and paint it. But times have changed. More and more manufacturers—from Ford and GM to Tesla and Audi—are switching to aluminum bodies for certain models. And while these vehicles may look the same on the outside, working on them is a whole different ball game.
Here at OHS Body Shop in Montana, we’ve made it a priority to stay ahead of the curve. We’ve invested in the training, equipment, and facilities needed to properly repair aluminum-bodied vehicles. Why? Because not all body shops are equipped—or even allowed—to handle aluminum. And we believe our customers deserve repairs done right, the first time.
Let’s talk about what makes aluminum body repair different and why OHS is the trusted choice for drivers across the state.
Aluminum vs. Steel: It’s Not Just the Material
At first glance, aluminum and steel might seem pretty similar. They’re both metals, right? But once you get into the repair world, the differences become very clear. Aluminum is lighter, more resistant to rust, and often used to improve fuel efficiency. That’s why Ford made waves by switching the F-150 to an aluminum body in 2015.
But aluminum behaves very differently than steel when it’s damaged. It doesn’t bend the same way. It doesn’t respond to heat in the same way. And you definitely can’t just weld it like steel. In fact, if you try to repair aluminum using standard steel techniques, you can actually weaken the structure—or worse, make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
That’s why aluminum requires its own set of tools, its own repair methods, and even a separate workspace.
Contamination: A Hidden Threat
One of the big reasons aluminum repair is so specialized comes down to contamination. Aluminum and steel cannot share the same tools or space. If steel dust or particles get into an aluminum panel, it can cause something called galvanic corrosion—a chemical reaction that eats away at the metal over time.
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can lead to structural failures and severely shorten the life of the repair. That’s why manufacturers like Ford require body shops to have separate aluminum repair areas that are isolated from steel repair work.
At OHS Body Shop, we’ve built exactly that. Our aluminum bay is completely separate from our steel repair space and is equipped with aluminum-specific tools and dust extraction systems. This ensures every aluminum repair is clean, safe, and built to last.
Special Tools, Special Training
Aluminum doesn’t “stretch” the way steel does, which means dents can be harder to remove—and easier to overwork. You can’t just hammer it back into shape or pull it out with a slide hammer like you would with steel. That’s why aluminum repair often requires different pulling systems, specialized rivets, and precision bonding techniques.
Our technicians at OHS Body Shop have gone through extensive training to understand how aluminum behaves. They know which techniques to use, how to avoid overworking the metal, and how to properly restore the strength of the panel.
That’s not something you’ll get at every shop. In fact, many body shops still turn away aluminum vehicles or subcontract the work—sometimes without telling the customer.
Manufacturer Certifications Matter
When it comes to aluminum repair, it’s not just about having the tools—it’s about being certified. Manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Tesla require body shops to complete official training programs before they’ll approve them to work on their vehicles.
We’re proud to be among the few Montana shops that meet those high standards. Our aluminum repair process is compliant with OEM guidelines, which means your repair won’t just look good—it will meet factory safety specs, too.
And yes, this matters for your warranty, your insurance claim, and your peace of mind.
What This Means for Montana Drivers
If you drive a modern truck, SUV, or luxury vehicle, there’s a good chance aluminum is part of the body structure. Whether it’s a Ford F-150, a Cadillac CT6, or a Tesla Model S, you’ll want to make sure your collision repair is done by a shop that’s aluminum-ready.
That’s where OHS Body Shop comes in. We’ve invested in the infrastructure and training to be the aluminum leader in Montana, and we’re proud to offer that expertise to drivers in Kalispell and beyond.
Even if you’re not sure whether your vehicle uses aluminum, just give us a call. We’ll take a look, explain your options, and walk you through the best repair plan—whether it’s steel, aluminum, or a mix of both.
Final Thoughts: The Right Repair, Done Right
Collision repair isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. As materials evolve and vehicles get smarter and lighter, repair techniques need to keep up. At OHS Body Shop, we’ve built our aluminum repair program with the future in mind—because we believe Montana drivers deserve the same expert service you’d find in any big city.
So if your aluminum-bodied vehicle gets dented, dinged, or worse, don’t leave it to just any body shop. Come to the place with the right tools, the right training, and the cleanest aluminum bay in the state. Come to OHS.
