Armand's Auto Body Shop

Armand's Auto Body Shop, located at 31 Blake St, Lewiston, ME 04240, operates as a specialized "Auto Repair Station" focusing primarily on collision repair and auto body services. You can contact them at (207) 782-7113 or +1 207-782-7113. Established in 1962, Armand's Auto Body has a long history in the Lewiston/Auburn area, with the Dumont family owning it since 1981 and current owner Dan Dumont continuing a four-generation legacy in the automotive business.

Armand's Auto Body Shop is a dedicated facility for collision repair, meaning its environment is geared towards handling damaged vehicles and performing extensive bodywork and painting. The shop prides itself on utilizing modern equipment, including a computerized measuring system for frame straightening and a Team Blowtherm spray booth for vehicle refinishing. The facility is equipped to handle vehicles of any year, make, or model, suggesting a robust setup for various repair needs. Their website also mentions that the owner, Dan Dumont, personally oversees daily operations, aiming to ensure quality control.

However, customer experiences, as reflected in online reviews, present a complex picture. One highly negative review details multiple return visits for unresolved issues after initial repairs, including problems like gritty and sticky paint, crookedly installed pieces, missing fasteners, non-functional door buttons, and subsequently, issues with air conditioning and illuminated warning lights. This customer also reported unprofessional and hostile communication from staff and the owner, Dan Dumont, who allegedly threatened to void the warranty and even ejected the customer from the shop on multiple occasions. The customer ultimately had the vehicle repaired successfully at another body shop, which discovered that Armand's had used tape and glue for reattachment instead of proper replacement.

Conversely, a positive review highlights an "absolutely the best decision" experience for a full vehicle paint job on a 2008 Mustang, stating the car looked "beautiful, looks like it did the day we drove it off the lot." This suggests that while some customers have faced significant challenges, others have had highly satisfactory outcomes, particularly for painting services. The disparity in reviews indicates that customer experience may vary significantly based on the type of repair and individual circumstances.

Armand's Auto Body Shop specializes in collision repair and related services. Their range of offerings within the "Auto Repair Stations" category specifically includes:

• Collision Repair: They claim to be able to fix any year, make, or model vehicle, handling both minor and major collision damage. Their focus is on restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition, emphasizing vehicle safety.

• Frame Straightening: Utilizing a fully computerized measuring system and up to 10 tons of pulling power, their ASE-certified technicians are equipped to straighten vehicle frames and restore them to factory specifications. This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of a vehicle after an impact.

• Unibody Straightening and Repair: Given that most modern passenger vehicles use unibody construction, Armand's technicians are trained to realign compromised unibody structures back to factory specifications.

• Complete Vehicle Refinishing: They boast a state-of-the-art computerized color-match system and refinishing equipment, including a Team Blowtherm spray booth. This setup is designed to provide a factory-baked-on finish that is guaranteed not to dull or crack, aiming for a "shining and back to its original factory finish" appearance.

• Custom Painting: Beyond standard refinishing, they offer custom paint services, including two-toning pickups, custom striping sports cars, and adding special effects to paint jobs. They feature a gallery of their custom work.

• Free Estimates: Customers can get free estimates for auto repairs, which can be done by stopping by, emailing, or calling the shop.

Their website highlights the use of "fully certified ASE technicians," and states that Armand's is an "ASE Blue Seal of Excellence shop," which typically indicates a high standard of technician training and knowledge.

Several features are promoted by Armand's Auto Body Shop:

• Specialization in Body Work: Unlike general auto repair shops, Armand's focuses entirely on collision repair, body work, and painting, suggesting a deeper level of expertise in these specific areas.

• Advanced Equipment: The use of computerized measuring systems and a high-tech spray booth points to an investment in equipment necessary for precise and high-quality body and paint work.

• Family Legacy: The business prides itself on being a fourth-generation family-owned enterprise in the automotive repair business in Lewiston, emphasizing a long-standing commitment to the community.

• Guaranteed Repairs: Armand's states on its website that it "guarantees its repairs for as long as you own or lease your vehicle." This is a significant claim for a body shop, though one customer's review contradicts this claim regarding "clipped-on items."

The reputation of Armand's Auto Body Shop, based on the provided customer reviews, appears to be polarized. While some customers have experienced excellent results, particularly with paint jobs, others have faced significant challenges related to quality of repair, persistent issues, and highly negative customer service interactions. The accusations of improper repair techniques (using tape/glue instead of replacement) and threats regarding warranty coverage are serious concerns highlighted in the negative review. This mixed reputation implies that potential customers should proceed with caution and potentially seek detailed written estimates and clarification on warranty terms before committing to significant repairs.

Armand's Auto Body Shop offers a few key promotional points:

• Free Estimates: This is a standard offering in the auto body industry, allowing customers to understand potential costs upfront without obligation.

• Warranty on Repairs: Their stated guarantee for as long as you own or lease your vehicle is a strong promotional claim, aiming to instill confidence in their workmanship.

• Collaboration with Insurance Companies: They emphasize working with insurance companies to streamline the repair process for customers, which is a crucial aspect of collision repair.

Business hours are typically Monday to Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with weekends closed. While specific ongoing discounts or special offers are not listed, their emphasis is on competitive pricing and guaranteed quality. For those in Lewiston, ME, seeking specialized auto body and paint services, Armand's Auto Body Shop presents an option with a long history in the community and a commitment to advanced repair techniques. However, potential customers are advised to carefully consider the varied customer experiences and ensure all aspects of the repair and warranty are clearly understood before engaging their services.