DEG Estimating Tips – September 2026

CCCONE Web: Welded Seams & Weld Zone Repair and Refinish

DEG Inquiry 41711 elaborates on replacement quarter panel welded seams and adjacent panel weld zone repair and refinish.

“After review, the published Quarter Panel replacement and sectioning estimated work times include grinding, filling and smoothing the welded seams of the replacement panel up to a 150-grit finish as outlined in the Guide to Estimating. However, they do not include repair or refinishing of adjacent panel weld zones resulting from normal cutting, welding or grinding procedures.

Any repair or refinish operations required to restore adjacent attaching panels affected by the replacement process should be determined through an on-the-spot evaluation, as the extent of the weld zone and resulting damage can vary based on the vehicle configuration and repair technique used.”

Mitchell: Information Label Replacement Labor

DEG Inquiry 41761 elaborates on information label replacement labor.

“Mitchell does not develop or publish labor allowances for label replacement. “

End users may consider any step(s) relating to label replacement as on the spot evaluation.

Operations that may be needed e.g.; Adhesive residue removal, measure and marking location placement, template creation/ fabrication, panel preparation & material/consumable cost etc.

Solera Qapter (Audatex): Multiple Rate / Labor Breakout Feature

Solera Qapter users can apply Multiple Rates (MR) to a single line item. For example, when replacing a quarter panel, Qapter may include a head curtain airbag under the main component classification. You can open the Labor Breakout feature and assign a specific classification for accurate rate application.

More information on Labor Breakout and Multiple Rates can be found in the Solera Qapter DBRM page 42.

Want more? Check out the September 2026 issue of AASP-MN News!