Weld It Right: Know the Best Gas Mixture for MIG?
Welding is probably the least understood repair procedure in the collision industry, yet it’s the most critical. Do your techs know the best gas mixture for MIG welding high-strength steel or the proper gun angle for making a lap joint? Are you sure?
Hail Isn’t a Four-Letter Word Anymore
After one hail of a storm, this shop’s paint department couldn’t keep up and productivity grinded to a halt. In this month-by-month account — penned by the shop’s production manager — we hear all about the gridlock that occurred, the sleepless nights spent racking her brain for a solution and the teamwork system now in place that’s increased cycle time and boosted shop sales.
The Name Game : Protect your Shop Name
For two similarly named body shops in Limerick, Pa., it’s now up to the courts to determine who keeps their name. Want to avoid fighting a similar battle? Learn how to protect your shop name and keep yourself out of court for violating someone else’s trademark.
Airing Their Differences: A/C Hardware and Design
The more A/c systems, hardware, designs, and gagdets change, the more important it is to keep up with these changes.
A View of the Industry
A snapshot of the “Collision Industry” survey.
Wheels in Motion: Wheel Set Back
Wheel set back is an indicator of larger problems that are often overlooked when measuring. But because most techs think of set back as an alignment measurement, they don’t bother checking for it – and don’t deliver a complete, timely or profitable repair.
Behind the Blend
It takes more than technical know-how to create an invisible blend. Communication between customers, technicians and other shop staff is also an important ingredient. Mix them all together, and you’ve got the makings of a flawless repair.
Industrywide Communication Gap
Until we develop uniform guidelines for the blending process to inform and educate insurers and information providers about what’s required, ignorance will cost us productivity and profits
Insurer-Relations Profile: DRP Arrangements
From DRPs to parts usage to insurers in general, you tell it like it is.
Signed, Steered, Delivered — Not Yours
Many shop owners contend that insurance adjusters steer work to DRP shops. To compete, you need to educate yourself so you can then educate potential customers.