Inside an Old-Timer’s Toolbox
In the early days when a bodyman faced a repair problem, he couldn’t just buy what he needed. He had to conceive a tool that would repair the problem- and then forge it himself.
Dry It, You’ll Like It
Interested in making more money and saving time?
Then dry sanding might be for you.
Shop Profile: Cornering the Luxury Market
This shop owner knew what he wanted and got it: a thriving
business that repairs high-end vehicles and doesn’t compromise on quality.
Assembly-Line Processing:Coming Soon to a Shop Near You
As repair dollars shrink and competition grows, we need to change the way we process vehicles to stay competitive and profitable.
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.
Renewing the Passion
People who’ve been writing bids, banging sheet metal and shooting color for most of their lives can end up indifferent and disgruntled. The “trickle down effect” may be just what you need to rekindle their love of the industry.
Shop Profile: Working Smart
Shop Name: Quality Collision Repair Inc. Location: Rockledge, Fla. Established: 1983 Square Footage: 6,642 Owners: Everette and Sandy Sharpe No. of Employees: 10 Repair Volume/No. of Cars Per Month: 60 cars per month Average Repair Cost: $1400 Shop Layout Working on his business – rather than in his business – has allowed this shop owner
Birds of a Feather
A strange phenomenon occurred in the metal department when we moved to a larger facility: The guys began to “nest” in one corner of the shop – recreating the disorganized, inefficient setup from the old building.
Pump Up the Volume
Can you increase volume by 35 percent without compromising quality while still working within insurance companies’ guidelines? This shop manager says, “Yes.”
Pump Up the Volume
Can you increase volume by 35 percent without compromising quality while still working within insurance companies’ guidelines? This shop manager says, “Yes.”