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Home / Collision Repair News / Straightening And Heat: Ford/Lincoln 

Straightening And Heat: Ford/Lincoln 

Posted on 29 May 2020 | Share:
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A question often asked of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is, "Can heat be used to straighten?" Several OEMs provide steel repairability matrices that provide heating times and temperature limits based on the type of metal being repaired, while other OEMs have restrictions on using heat at all. Let’s see what Ford/Lincoln has to say.

Ford/Lincoln provides their Recommended Steel Repairability Matrix in most vehicle-specific Workshop manuals. It is located in section 501-25 Body Repairs - General Information - Specifications. It can also be found on the Ford and Lincoln OEM Information pages on the RTS website. This matrix provides information on the following:

  • Ability to straighten without heat
  • Ability to straighten with heat
  • Approved use of heat temperature range
  • Maximum time allowed to heat
  • Maximum number of times heat can be applied

For example, high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel is approved for use of heat for repair. The temperature range is up to 1,200 F (650 c) for up to 90 seconds, with a maximum of two applications of heat.

As you can see, there are specific use of heat guidelines that need to be followed to maintain structural integrity. Using heat during a repair when it is not permitted, can compromise the vehicle structure and passenger safety. Always follow OEM procedures and recommendations when it comes to using heat for repairs to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

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