The Story of Fixing Cars: From Old Times to Today

At LaSalle Body & Fender, we love making cars look great and run smoothly. Whether it’s fixing up an old classic car or repairing a new SUV after a crash, we’re part of a cool history that’s been going on for over 100 years. Let’s take a fun trip through the story of auto body repair, from the first cars to today’s awesome techniques!

The Early Days: Building Cars Like Wagons

Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, cars weren’t like the ones we see now. They were more like wagons with engines! Fixing them wasn’t a big job yet. The people who built these cars were often the same ones who made horse carriages. They were super good at working with wood and metal.

To fix a car, they used simple tools to hammer out dents or make new parts by hand. Cars were made of heavy steel or even wood, so it took a lot of skill to make them look good again.

After World War II: Cool Cars and Big Repairs

After World War II, cars became more than just a way to get around – they were a way to show off! They had shiny chrome, sleek shapes, and bigger bodies. Everyone wanted their car to look amazing.

Auto body shops had to keep up with these fancy new cars. They started using better tools to fix frames and panels, and welding became a big deal. In places like LaSalle and the Illinois Valley, family-run shops popped up to help people keep their cars looking sharp. William Pryde first opened La Salle Body & Fender in 1952.

The 1970s and 80s: New Materials and Shiny Paint

As cars got more advanced, they started using lighter stuff like plastics and fiberglass. They also got new safety features. Auto body workers had to learn how to fix these new materials.

This was also when car paint got way better. Shops started using spray booths and tougher paints that made cars look super shiny, like they just came from the factory.

Today: High-Tech Fixes

Now, fixing cars is like a mix of art and science. Modern cars are made with strong steel, aluminum, and even super cool materials like carbon fiber. They also have cameras, sensors, and computers that need to be fixed just right.

At LaSalle Body & Fender, we use:

• Computers to measure frames and make them straight
• Special tech to match paint perfectly
• Eco-friendly paints that are good for the planet
• Tools made for fixing fancy materials like aluminum

Even with all this tech, we still need skilled people to make every car look awesome.

Old Cars, New Cars, We Love Them All

At LaSalle Body & Fender, we’re proud to work on all kinds of cars – old classics, everyday rides, or brand-new fancy ones. We mix old-school skills with new technology to keep the tradition of great auto body repair alive.

Got a car that needs fixing or a classic you want to shine? Call LaSalle Body & Fender! We’re your local, family-owned shop helping LaSalle and the whole Illinois Valley.