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.
Get Buff
When, why and how to color sand and buff.
Check It Out: Quality-Control Inspection
If you want happier customers (and less headaches), perform a systematic quality-control inspection before
releasing the vehicle.
Blending Paint Right the First Time
Because nearly every repair ends up needing blended, you need to get it right the first time or you can kiss your profits goodbye.
ABSolute Basics
Anything that can be exposed to impact may be in need of repairs after a wreck – including the antilock brake system. Error!
Producing a Buff-Free Finish
Are you one of those people who thinks it’s impossible to do a paint job without having to buff it before delivery? If so, think again.
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.
Off Color: The Ability to Match a Color
With the advent of blending techniques over the past 15 years, a perfect paint match isn’t always necessary. However, you will occasionally have a need to paint a panel, such as a bumper fascia, spoiler or air deflector, without blending. When those times arise, having the ability to match a color is a very valuable
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.
Examining Materials and Paint Profitability
Why do some shops boast high paint and materials gross-profit percentages, while others just hope to break even? So often I meet with clients and shop owners and the discussion quickly turns to paint and materials costs and then their profitability (or lack of it). Sometimes, the “first liar never has a chance,” and sometimes
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
The 2 Minute Cure: UV Curing Primer
“We’ve got a new primer that’ll cure in two minutes, ready to sand! ” said our paint rep. Yeah, right. Skeptical by nature and not easily sold, I’ve discovered that UV curing primer really is all he claimed it would be, saving my shop time – and money. What’s all this talk about UV curing