Frame vs. Unibody Repair in Burleson
Frame vs. Unibody Repair in Burleson: What’s the Difference?
After a car accident in Burleson—whether it’s a rear-end on Wilshire Boulevard or a collision near Hidden Creek Parkway—your repair shop may mention the words “frame damage” or “unibody repair.” For most drivers, those terms sound serious (and expensive), but few know exactly what they mean.
At Silver Lining Collision, we think every Burleson customer deserves to understand what’s happening to their vehicle. So let’s break down the key differences between frame and unibody construction, why it matters after an accident, and how we approach these repairs the right way.
What’s the Difference Between Frame and Unibody?
The frame and unibody are both structural elements that support your car, but they’re not the same:
- Body-on-frame (common in trucks and older SUVs): The body sits on top of a separate steel frame. If the frame is damaged, it can sometimes be repaired without affecting the entire body.
- Unibody (used in most modern cars and crossovers): The body and frame are integrated. That means the structure itself absorbs and distributes crash energy. If the unibody is damaged, repairs require much more precision.
In Burleson, we see a mix of both—especially with the number of trucks, SUVs, and family sedans on the road.
Why This Matters After a Collision
If you’ve been in a serious accident, your car may have sustained structural damage to either the frame or the unibody. This can include:
- Twisted or bent support rails
- Crumpled crumple zones
- Misaligned suspension mounting points
- Subtle shifts in the vehicle’s geometry
Even if your car looks fine on the outside, these issues can affect how it handles, how it protects you in another crash, and whether your tires and alignment wear out prematurely.
How Silver Lining Collision Handles Structural Repairs
We use computerized measuring and frame-straightening systems that allow us to bring your vehicle’s structure back to the exact factory specs. Whether you drive a body-on-frame pickup or a modern unibody SUV, we follow OEM repair guidelines to ensure the work is precisely safe.
Our Burleson team also inspects and recalibrates any sensors or safety systems affected during the repair. That includes things like lane assistance, backup cameras, and airbag deployment mechanisms that may rely on exact frame positioning.
Can Frame or Unibody Damage Be Fully Repaired?
Yes—but only when the repair shop is properly equipped and experienced. At Silver Lining Collision, we’ve repaired hundreds of vehicles with structural damage and returned them to pre-accident performance and safety standards.
However, there are situations where the cost of repair exceeds the car’s value. In those cases, we’ll walk you through your options, help communicate with your insurance company and offer honest advice on whether to proceed.
Why Burleson Drivers Trust Us
We know how much people in Burleson rely on their vehicles every day—from commuting to Fort Worth to getting the kids to school. That’s why we take structural repairs so seriously. You won’t find rushed jobs or patchwork fixes here, just experienced technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and repairs done by the book.
Whether it’s a Ford F-150 or a Honda Accord, we treat every car like it’s our own.
Concerned About Structural Damage? Let’s Take a Look.
If you’ve been in an accident in Burleson and think your frame or unibody might be damaged, don’t guess. Call (817) 615-9575 to schedule a free structural inspection with Silver Lining Collision. We’ll give you a clear picture of what’s needed—and get you back on the road with complete confidence.
