Walt Silmon
Walt Silmon the founder and owner of Redeemed Auto Body. Started in the auto body industry about 20 years ago at the bottom. At that point he didn’t even own a screwdriver. Started by sweeping floors and doing the little stuff. And then worked his way up straightening frames and taking care of the heavy hits. Now as the owner of Redeemed Auto Body Walt is passionate about providing each of his customers with safe and proper vehicle repairs.

Blogs

What Should You Do After a Minor Collision on a Summer Road Trip?

By Walt Silmon / August 14, 2026

After a minor collision on a road trip, stop somewhere safe, check everyone for injuries, and call the police before anything else. Exchange insurance information, photograph the damage, and notify your own insurer that day. Key Takeaways: At Redeemed Auto Body, we hear these questions from customers who come to our collision center for auto…

Does Color Matching Affect Your Car’s Resale or Trade-In Value?

By Walt Silmon / August 10, 2026

Yes. A visible color mismatch from an auto body repair can lower what a buyer or dealer offers, since it signals a prior repair on inspection. At Redeemed Auto Body, we’ve seen a properly matched repair remove that cue, even though it can’t erase accident history from a report. Key Takeaways: How Does a Mismatched…

What Causes Paint Color Mismatches After an Auto Body Repair?

By Walt Silmon / August 5, 2026

Paint mismatches after an auto body repair usually come from three sources: sun-faded paint no longer matching its factory code, metallic or pearl finishes that shift color with viewing angle, and small formula differences between paint batches. Redeemed Auto Body tests and blends new paint before applying it to prevent the problem. Key Takeaways: Why…

OEM Parts vs. OEM Procedures: What’s the Difference?

By Walt Silmon / July 22, 2026

OEM parts are the factory-matched components we install during collision repair services. OEM procedures are the manufacturer’s instructions for how those parts must be installed. Your vehicle needs both; getting one without the other leaves safety gaps, even when the repair looks complete. At Redeemed Auto Body, we use OEM parts as much as possible…

What Are OEM Repair Procedures and Why Do They Matter?

By Walt Silmon / July 20, 2026

OEM repair procedures are your vehicle manufacturer’s written instructions defining exactly how a collision repair must be performed. They cover specific welds, cut locations, tolerances, and required system scans. When a shop skips them, your vehicle may look repaired, but no longer perform as designed. At Redeemed Auto Body, we follow OEM procedures for auto…

How to Choose an Auto Body Specialist in West Monroe for Storm Damage Repairs

By Walt Silmon / July 18, 2026

Storm damage is rarely limited to what you can see. You need professionals who know what to look for and have the expertise to handle it. Look for an auto body shop in West Monroe, LA, like Redeemed Auto Body, that starts with a pre-scan and a written OEM repair plan. We measure the vehicle’s…

What Auto Body Repair Services Do You Need After Storm Damage in West Monroe, LA?

By Walt Silmon / July 16, 2026

After a storm in West Monroe, your vehicle may need hail damage repair, paint correction, and, depending on the severity of the impact, a structural inspection. Storm damage is not always visible right away. A proper assessment of auto body repair needs before filing a claim or driving the car is the right first step.…

How Long Should Collision Repairs Take? Factors That Affect Timelines

By Walt Silmon / June 9, 2026

Synopsis Collision repair timelines depend on far more than visible damage. Redeemed Auto Body explains how insurance approvals, OEM parts availability, structural repairs, diagnostics, ADAS calibrations, and refinishing processes affect repair schedules, while showing why safe, manufacturer-correct repairs should always take priority over speed. A collision repair timeline depends on more than visible damage. Parts…

How to Choose a Trustworthy Auto Body Specialist in West Monroe

By Walt Silmon / June 5, 2026

Synopsis Choosing the right auto body shop after a collision affects your vehicle’s safety, structural integrity, and long-term value. Redeemed Auto Body explains how to identify a trustworthy auto body specialist in West Monroe by evaluating repair procedures, communication standards, warranties, repair technology, and local reputation before authorizing repairs. After a collision, choosing a repair…