TECH TIPS: Replacing the Hyundai Power Sliding Door Control Module
Collision shops commonly encounter a “perfect storm” of problems, including confusing new vehicle features that can potentially blow away a lot of time and money. Case in point: a 2007 Hyundai Entourage that exhibits a post-repair condition such as a power sliding door that doesn’t fully close or that reopens itself after closing. Although the
READER’S CHOICE: Attracting New Talent
“How do we draw more technicians into this business? We’re making less profit and doing more work for the insurance companies. The insurance companies are going to force themselves into a situation where they won’t have qualified shops.” – Bob Showers, body shop manager, Bentley Pontiac-GMC, Huntsville, Ala.
Overcoming Resistance to Change in a Lean Environment
With change comes resistance and pushback. But here are some ways, when implementing lean, to get everyone to trust that what you’re
doing is a better way.
TECH FEATURE: The Case of the Murdered Paint Job
A horrible paint job. A miffed vehicle owner. An upset insurance company. We were out to crack the case. And everyone and everything were suspects.
READER’S CHOICE: Dealing with Inexperienced Estimators
“Is the trend of young, ill-prepared insurance estimators here to stay? How will this affect sales when estimates are so poorly written and biased more than ever in favor of insurers?” – Thomas Graddy, owner, Graddy’s Body Shop, Earlington, Ky.
MARCH COVER STORY: Rally for Retail
Trying to change your posted door rate that insurers control might be as silly as wishing for wings to fly. Creating retail list prices, however, could establish a baseline for negotiation and show insurers just how much of a discount they’re getting.
Confessions of a Hail Chaser
Hail chasers have evolved from an illegitimate group of ragtag hooligans to a new breed of professional PDR technicians. But there are some stories from the early years…
Preparing a Body Shop for Waterborne Paint Conversion
Waterborne is better for the environment and has some unique and beneficial advantages. But it isn’t a switch that should be made on a whim.
Part 3 of a three-part series.
Stuck On You
Repairers are bonding more with adhesives because, used properly with welding, they can lead to better repairs than welding or adhesives alone.
TECH TIPS: Front Passenger Seat Accessory Precautions
Post-collision repair requirements differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Thus, you must be prepared to evaluate, research and document each and every crash-damaged vehicle that’s brought into your repair facility. Seat belts, steering systems, occupant sensors, on-board diagnostics and air bag components and systems, as well as proper alignment of structurally related components, are only a
Follow These Instructions
Call me completely naive or totally misinformed, but there are certain things that I assume all people do. For instance, I assume that all people wear seat belts. For me, it’s automatic, even when I’m simply crossing a parking lot. I know, perhaps that’s a little over-cautious, but I just feel safer. So I was
Legislative Lowdown
Federal – Federal oversight of the insurance industry appears to be more likely as President Barack Obama and members of Congress roll out plans to address the country’s economic woes in what experts say is the largest regulatory overhaul since the Great Depression. House Financial Services Chair Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said in early February that