What does the term "rough-out" refer to in vehicle body repair?

The term "rough-out" in the context of vehicle body repair is associated with the preliminary phase of the repair process, particularly when addressing damaged areas. It involves making corrective pulls to realign or reshape the vehicle's structure after an impact. This step is crucial for ensuring that the repair achieves the correct geometry and dimensions before more detailed work, such as welding new panels or applying finishes, begins.

By focusing on the initial reconfiguration of damaged sections, the rough-out process lays the groundwork for effective repairs, helping technicians restore the vehicle to its intended specifications. This is a critical step, as optimum alignment is necessary for both aesthetic and functional purposes, including the fitment of doors, hoods, and other key components.

In contrast, final touches, painting methods, and alignment measurements pertain to different aspects of the repair process that occur after the rough-out has been completed. Thus, "rough-out" specifically refers to the early corrective actions needed to effectively prepare the vehicle for subsequent repair steps.