Should You Get Into Bedliners?
Sure, starting a spray-on bedliner business sounds like guaranteed money in your hands, but if you aren’t informed on the technical aspects, then you may soon find yourself empty-handed instead.
Hey, Big Spender: Insurance Company CEO Salaries
Before you start believing that billion-dollar judgments against State Farm and other insurance companies will bleed them dry (fat chance) and necessitate premium hikes, check out the exorbitant CEO salaries these companies pay. With paychecks and stock options like these, insurers obviously have a money tree planted somewhere.
Start with a Good Foundation
The vehicle may “look” pretty good, but that’s no excuse to move forward without measuring — hoping for the best. Before repair work begins, you need to ensure a true foundation with respect to datum, length and sway.
Pulling for You: Straightening
Straightening isn’t simply about yanking the vehicle until it pops back into shape — it’s about understanding how the vehicle reacted to the impact and what you need to do to bring it back to pre-accident condition. It requires thought — not just action.
Made in Taiwan
You know that aftermarket parts come from Taiwan, but do you know what specific companies those parts come from? Probably not. But you will. For the next few months, we’ll take a look at several of the key Taiwanese A/M parts manufacturers.
Live From Motor City: The 2000 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
With our press badges in hand and our cameras poised, we scoured the North American International Auto Show in search of the world’s coolest concept cars. Ever seen a Bugatti Veyron or a Mercedes-Benz SLA? We have — and we have pictures to prove it!
Becoming the Sand Man
Sanding might not be the most exciting job in the shop, but don’t underestimate its importance. It’s a craft that demands skill and attention to detail. Are you and your techs paying it enough attention?
Diminished Coverage for Diminished Value
Recently, the Insurance Services Office concluded that diminished value (DV) isn’t covered in the language of Personal Auto Policies. This may soon lead to head-to-head battles between insurers and consumers, since both sides interpret DV differently. But what effect will the exclusion –– and the head butting –– have on the collision industry?
Powertrain Considerations
It’s easy to spot a dented fender, a cracked headlight or a crumpled rear decklid. But since there’s more to a collision-damaged vehicle than meets the eye, powertrain damage should be a top consideration –– if you want to ensure your customers’ vehicles get thoroughly repaired
Masking at High Speeds
When it comes to masking, plenty of products are available to get the job done economically. But because labor time is the most expensive component, the trick is to find a combination of products that effectively protect the car while allowing you to cover and uncover the vehicle in the least amount of time.
