Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc

Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc ico

(18 reviews)

Auto Repair StationsIndianaAllen CountyFort WayneLima Road

Allen County . Indiana

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Operating Hours

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Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc Introduce

Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc, commonly known as Dan's Body Shop, is a well-established and highly regarded automotive repair facility operating within the "Auto Repair Stations" category, with a specialized focus on collision repair and auto body services. Located in Elkhart, Indiana, this business has been serving the community since 1968, building a strong reputation for reliable and high-quality workmanship in restoring vehicles after accidents. Unlike general auto repair shops that focus on mechanical issues, Dan's Body Shop is dedicated to addressing cosmetic and structural damage, making it a critical resource for local users who have experienced vehicle collisions or other body damage.

Environment at Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc.

The environment at Dan's Body Shop is characteristic of a professional and well-equipped collision repair center. Given their long history and commitment to quality, the facility would be designed to handle a wide range of auto body repair tasks. Expect a dedicated workshop area featuring multiple bays for different stages of the repair process. This includes sections for initial damage assessment, structural repair, body panel work, painting, and final detailing. The shop is equipped with specialized tools and technology essential for modern collision repair, such as:

  • Computerized Frame Measuring Systems: These systems are crucial for accurately assessing and realigning a vehicle's frame or unibody after an impact, ensuring the car's structural integrity and safety are restored to manufacturer specifications.
  • Professional Paint Booths: High-quality paint booths are necessary for achieving a flawless finish that matches the vehicle's original color and texture. These booths control temperature, humidity, and airflow to prevent contaminants and ensure even paint application.
  • Specialized Body Tools: A variety of tools for dent repair (including paintless dent repair tools), panel welding, and replacement.

For customers, there would be a clean and organized reception area where they can consult with service advisors, receive estimates, and discuss the repair process. The overall atmosphere aims to be welcoming and reassuring, acknowledging that vehicle damage can be a stressful experience for owners. The emphasis is on transparency and clear communication, helping customers understand the work being done on their vehicle.

Services and Goods for Sale

Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc offers a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored to collision repair and auto body needs. Their expertise goes beyond simple cosmetic fixes, addressing the intricate structural and mechanical aspects of post-accident vehicle restoration. Key services typically offered include:

  • Collision Repair: This is their primary service, encompassing the repair of all types of accident damage, from minor fender benders and scratches to major structural damage. This involves disassembling damaged areas, repairing or replacing panels, and ensuring all components fit correctly.
  • Auto Glass Replacement: Replacing damaged windshields, side windows, and rear windows, which are frequently affected in collisions or other incidents.
  • Professional Vehicle Painting: Expert paint matching and refinishing services to restore the vehicle's original color and luster. This includes preparing the surface, applying primer, paint, and clear coat, and then curing the finish for durability.
  • Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): A specialized technique for removing minor dents and dings without requiring repainting, preserving the original factory finish.
  • Bumper Repair: Repairing or replacing damaged front and rear bumpers, which are often the first points of impact in collisions.
  • Wheel Repair: Addressing damage to wheels, such as bends, cracks, or cosmetic blemishes, to ensure proper balance and safe operation.
  • Computerized Frame Measuring and Diagnostic Services: Utilizing advanced computer systems to measure the vehicle's frame and unibody, ensuring it is restored to exact factory specifications. This is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's safety features and driving dynamics.
  • Insurance Claims Assistance: A critical service for customers involved in accidents. Dan's Body Shop works directly with insurance companies, handling documentation, estimates, and communication to ensure a smooth and efficient claims and repair process. They can assist customers in understanding their rights to choose their preferred repair shop.

Their mission, since 1968, has been to provide the "best auto body repair services available," indicating a commitment to quality and comprehensive solutions.

Features of Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc.

Several key features distinguish Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc and contribute to its reputation as a trusted collision repair facility:

  • Highly Certified Staff: A significant feature is their "ASE certified, ATEG certified, and PPG certified staff." ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification demonstrates a technician's expertise in various automotive repair areas. ATEG (Automotive Training and Educational Group) certification indicates advanced training, and PPG certification highlights expertise in paint systems, ensuring high-quality refinishing work. This multi-certification ensures a comprehensive skill set across their team.
  • Long-Standing Experience: Operating "since 1968" means over five decades of experience in the auto body repair industry. This longevity indicates a deep understanding of evolving vehicle technologies and repair techniques, as well as a strong track record of customer satisfaction within the Elkhart community.
  • Commitment to Quality: The shop's mission to provide the "best auto body repair services" and their dedication to using "new factory parts unless you request otherwise" underscore a strong commitment to quality and restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition.
  • Advanced Technology: The use of "latest in computerized auto body repairs" and "computerized frame measuring diagnostic services" ensures precision and accuracy in structural repairs, which is vital for safety.
  • Transparent Communication: They emphasize their willingness to "answer any questions about the work being done on your vehicle," ensuring customers are educated and comfortable throughout the repair process. This includes providing "accurate and fair estimate of the time it will take."
  • Insurance Liaison: Their capability to "work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims and repair process" alleviates a major burden for accident victims, making the entire experience less stressful.
  • Versatility: The ability to work on "all kinds of vehicles, including classic cars and motorcycles," showcases a broad range of expertise and a commitment to serving diverse automotive needs.
Promotional Information

Promotional efforts for Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc likely revolve around their established reputation, certified expertise, and customer-focused approach. While specific, active promotional offers are not widely advertised for this type of specialized service, common promotional strategies would include:

  • Highlighting Certifications: Emphasizing their ASE, ATEG, and PPG certifications to build trust and demonstrate their technical proficiency.
  • Showcasing Experience and Longevity: Leveraging their long history since 1968 to convey reliability, stability, and deep industry knowledge within the local community.
  • Promoting Insurance Expertise: Advertising their seamless insurance claims handling and direct work with insurance companies to make the repair process easier for customers. They also emphasize the customer's "right to choose" their repair shop, which is an important consumer right.
  • Customer Testimonials: Featuring positive reviews from satisfied customers who praise their service, professionalism, and the quality of their repairs. Testimonials like "They are the best !!! The best service and price around !" and "Absolutely incredible ! He got my car done quicker than he estimated and it was perfect" are powerful forms of promotion.
  • Emphasis on Quality Parts: Promoting their use of "new factory parts" to assure customers of the durability and authenticity of the replacements.
  • Transparency and Communication: Highlighting their commitment to keeping customers informed throughout the repair process, from estimates to completion, which fosters trust.
  • Online Presence: Maintaining a website that details their services, showcases their expertise, provides contact information, and potentially offers an online estimate request form to streamline initial inquiries.

For local users in Elkhart, Indiana, Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc (Dan's Body Shop) stands as a highly reputable and experienced option for collision repair and auto body services. Their long history, comprehensive service offerings, highly certified technicians, and strong focus on customer communication and insurance assistance make them a trusted partner in restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition, ensuring safety and appearance.

Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc Photos

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Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc Location

Dan T Gratz Body Shop Inc Customer Reviews

While parked in a local donut shop my car was swiped by a large box truck. The damage was minor, mostly cosmetic; but it was far more than I could manage myself. I knew it only needed some buffing and a bit of rubbing compound but I have no experience with that type of work, nor do I have the buffing equipment needed. I did not want this to be a big insurance matter. So I stopped by Dan Gratz to see what it would cost to fix it. I was greeted with a smile and a friendly "Let's see what it needs." After a brief look the gentleman asked, "Can I try something?" I handed him the keys and had a bag of popcorn while waiting in the office. Ten minutes later he brought the car back looking like nothing had happened. There were a few hardly noticeable smudges, but on a 1997 Mustang those are just part of the character of the auto. He did not charge me anything for the repair, either. These are great folks. I have had other serious work done there. Repairs were always great quality at fair prices, and done on schedule. I highly recommend them.

May 03, 2016 · Wayne W. Allen

Never and I repeat never use this body shop. I picked up my car the first time from them and had damage to areas of the car that were not damaged previously, my car was not put back together properly and had a loud noise coming from the back of the car. One of their service men rummaged through my business papers and wrote derogatory slang words on them. I put stop holds on the payment until my vehicle was fixed to my specifications. I picked it up the second time and still my vehicle was not put back together properly, the damages that they caused have not been fixed, mysteriously my key fob stopped working and when I went to get in my car with my key I discovered all of my locks had been super glued shut. I called a locksmith and he confirmed it was super glue that had been applied within the last 72 hours. I went to pick up my vehicle, finally, after fearing what else they might do to it and I was told I owed more than previously quoted because they attempted to cash my checks and they wound up with fees, even though I warned them not to cash the checks. I will be going filling a lawsuit against this company.

Sep 28, 2015 · Russel Woodward

The vehicle looks great. The people were, friendly, knowledgable and ready to help.

Dec 08, 2014 · Joe Smith

Great staff really worked with me and made this process easier

Apr 28, 2019 · Christopher Gustafson

Very helpful and quick service.

Jan 18, 2020 · Ashli Allen