Laser in on Measuring
Would you construct a new home on a foundation built on a fault line? What about a foundation made from recycled milk cartons or popsicle sticks? If you answered “no” to these questions (and hopefully you did), then ask yourself why a technician would repair a damaged vehicle without first knowing that the frame was structurally sound and in proper alignment?
Who Will Weather 2009?
How do you feel about your business prospects in 2009? Well, I can tell you how some of you feel based on a recent survey we conducted. Approximately 39.1 percent of you said that you feel your business will be equal to what it was in 2008. 32.3 percent of you said business will be
TECH TIPS: Sectioning the 2008 Kia Rondo Front Lower Frame Rail
Keeping up with current vehicle repair methods and procedures can be a daunting task. As you prepare to evaluate and repair structurally damaged vehicles, there are many decisions that your entire team must face every day, such as: • Should I repair the damaged area or replace it? • Does the manufacturer have recommended and
Plan for Success
A football team wouldn’t walk on the field without a game plan. Why would you run your shop without a business plan?
No Magic Here
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: There’s no one magic answer to how to ‘do’ lean, and no right way to do anything. Start by understanding what you need to improve and the rest will follow.
Legislative Lowdown
Alabama Alabama Gov. Bob Riley recently named Jim L. Ridling the state’s insurance commissioner. Ridling takes over the position from Walter Bell, who resigned in August to become chairman of Swiss Re America Holding Corp. Ridling is former president and CEO of Southern Guaranty and is one of the founders of River Bank
Equipment Needed for Waterborne Conversion
Transitioning to waterborne basecoats will require obtaining new equipment and retrofitting some existing equipment. Are you prepared? Part 2 of a three-part series on waterborne paint.
Bail Out or Bust
For several months now, I’ve been asked to comment on the government assistance package to the Detroit Three automakers. I’ve resisted so far for several reasons. First, I believe it’s important for journalists to remain neutral. Our goal at BodyShop Business is to be the collision repair industry information source, and to that end I’ve
Let’s Be Real, Folks
I would sure love to see an empty stadium at the Cleveland Browns’ home opener next season as a protest against outrageous NFL ticket prices. Maybe then my son and I could afford to go to a game. But are fans ever going to band together and make such a collective statement? No. Cleveland will
Better Learn How to Swim
2009 is here, and we’re all embarking on what appears to be a unique and unprecedented year. Political changes and volatile economic markets are in store for all of us. These next few months and this year will really test our abilities to be resilient and stay in the business groove. While we need to
A History of Automotive Finishes
Waterborne paint took many years to develop. Let’s take a look back at the very first refinish coatings and the events that occurred to lead to its development. Part 1 of a 3-part series.
Freeze Frame
Over the last 50 years or so, frame machines have evolved from basic garage-built machines to high-tech modern marvels.