Gary Ledoux, known to many in the collision repair
industry as the assistant national manager for American Honda's Wholesale Parts
Marketing department, has announced that he has begun to write a book on the
history of collision repair in America.
"This is something that has not been done
before." says Ledoux. "Many people have labored long and hard to make the auto collision
repair business the professional and vibrant industry it is today – but few know
them. Many milestones were passed, and many innovations made, but few
recognized them. With the help of my industry friends and associates, that will
soon be changed."
Ledoux expects the project to take two years to complete. He's seeking historical information from all sectors of the collision
repair industry, including paint and equipment suppliers, and people with
knowledge of early repair and estimating technology, insurance DRP development
and industry media development.
The book is also expected to cover related areas such as auto safety and collision avoidance systems and devices as well
as civil engineering and traffic control.
"I'm also looking for the oldest
continuously operated body shop in America," says Ledoux. "Whoever
that is certainly deserves a special profile in this book."
To facilitate communication and the collection of data,
Ledoux has developed a dedicated website (www.collisionrepairhistory.com) and a dedicated e-mail address
(collisionrepairhistory@yahoo.com).
Ledoux, who considers writing a hobby, has produced four
books about American history and, for the past seven years, has produced a
column called Yesterwest seen in two different history magazines. He's a former
contributing editor for Power Equipment Trade and Motorcycle Industry.
More information:
Reliving the Old West
CollisionRepairHistory.com
E-mail Ledoux