Addressing Boron Steel
What is the best method to use when replacing boron steel?
Can I Section Here?
The increased use of tailored blanks and new metals has given new meaning to the age-old question, “Can I section here?” Doing it the old way could be dangerous.
Using Cold Straightening on High-Strength Steels
Using a torch to heat and straighten frame rails can compromise the structural integrity of today’s advanced metals. Cold straightening with an induction heater is the better choice.
What Do I Need to Start Doing Aluminum Repair in My Shop?
We are thinking of adding aluminum repair to our shop. How hard is it to add this to an existing shop regarding the “clean” area? Do I need a special booth? Because I really don’t have any extra space.
Do You Duplicate OE…Or Not?
Duplicating what the OE factory did during assembly isn’t as simple
as it seems…because not all procedures duplicate the factory build process.
Is It Advisable to Repair Airbag Covers?
An insurer has asked us to repair airbag covers on the dash, steering wheel and seat covers with side airbags. Is this an advisable repair? What are the liabilities? These repairs will require priming and refinishing.
Reader’s Choice: Plastic Repair
“I repair classic cars to newer ones. With all the different kinds of plastics out there, how do I determine what kind I’m working on and the ideal method of repair?”
Know Your Advanced Materials
It’s critical for technicians to be able to identify advanced materials and repair them properly to avoid liability and wrecking a shop’s reputation.
Bonding Time
Following the automakers’ recommended repair procedures when using adhesives is critical to consumers’ safety and the completion of a quality repair.
Hybrid & Electric Vehicles: Then and Now
With instructions and some common sense, these vehicles can be repaired just as safely as any others in your shop.
Glass Replacement: Do It Yourself to Save Time
Bringing glass work in-house has become a necessary adaptation for the modern day body shop that wants to improve cycle time and increase sales.
Clearing Computer Codes: Should Insurers Have to Pay for It?
I’m the body shop manager for a Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealership. I’ve been getting a lot of resistance from a couple of insurance companies over the issue of resetting electrical components, i.e. clearing computer codes set either by the accident or as the result of completing the repair. The insurance companies are insisting if it doesn’t set a warning light on the dash, then they won’t pay for it. Is there any documentation to support the need for clearing codes?