Jagging Rights: Jaguar’s Exclusive Aluminum-Repair Network of Authorized Shops
This shop spent $100K to gain entry to Jaguar’s exclusive aluminum-repair network of authorized shops. While developing technologies from the world’s automakers have left most shops out in the cold, they also present risk-takers with some real opportunities. Fairless Hills, Pa. – Hunt Auto Body is at first glance, a typical independent body shop, tucked
Inverter MIG Welders:Turn Your World Upside Down
On a mission to learn how to better repair lightweight panels, I began investigating inverter welders. And was pleasantly surprised.
Innovative (and Cool) Stuff for the Paint Shop
During the recent NACE show in Las Vegas, I made the rounds of the paint manufacturer’s display booths. (It’s nice to have them back at NACE, by the way.) My topic for this article is new paint technologies, and I was able to speak to someone knowledgeable at each of the booths. I simply asked
Better Safe than Sorry: Safety Practices
After drinking Drano, electrocuting myself and setting the garage on fire, I was lucky I lived long enough to learn that safety practices are important.
10 Reasons To Measure
Whether it’s minor or major structural damage, setting up your measuring system and then measuring properly reduces the overall time spent repairing the vehicle.
Painting Plastic Bumpers
To successfully paint plastic
parts, it’s no longer necessary to name the plastic first. Whether
thermoplastic or thermoset, today’s parts can be treated uniformly.
Stop Pushing & Pulling
Put an end to pushing and pulling cars through the production process by implementing a consistent workflow through the metal department. The payoff: fast, quality repairs – the first time out.
The Making of A Migman: The Mig Welder
This little fellow isn’t just handsome – he’s also an accomplished MIG welder. And he’s about to make learning better MIG welding techniques fun.
Check It Out: Quality-Control Inspection
If you want happier customers (and less headaches), perform a systematic quality-control inspection before
releasing the vehicle.
The Cynic’s Guide to Structural Repairs
After 30 years of working on critically wounded vehicles, I can safely say I’ve pretty much done it all when it comes to surgical frame and structure repairs. I can also safely say that timely, quality repairs can still be done in our time-and-labor-hostile environment.
STRSW: Try It. You’ll Like It (Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding )
Considered expensive compared to other types of welders, resistance spot welders have met with a lot of resistance. Yes, they’re different than what we’re used to, but they also produce a factory-like weld in less time.
Hybrids: Why They’re Here To Stay
Fuel costs – gasoline or diesel – seem to be creeping ever higher. This is probably natural because of the rules of supply and demand. Oil is a finite resource, and as we use more of our own American crude in the lower 48, we’re going further afield to supply our ever-expanding need for more
