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.
4 Structural Repair Laws to Live By
Many of us still rely on the might of the hammer and the sweat of the brow to return a twisted pile of sheet metal back to a safe and serviceable vehicle. But you can reduce that sweat by using a little common sense and applying a few laws of physics.
Brushing Up on Paint Basics
Whether your paint technicians have been with you two months or 20 years, a quick refresher course on the foundations of paint mixing and application is always time well spent.
Taking the Cycle Time Challenge
You’d think the simple solution to developing shorter cycle times would be to have everyone work faster. Ahh, Grasshopper, things aren’t so simple. First you have to define, measure, standardize and reward – and each one of these steps is a challenge to achieve. But the long-term gain is worth the short-term pain.
Can Structural Repairs Be Profitable?
The answer is up to you. With an accurate estimate, trained technicians and the proper procedures, you can be sure those big hits don’t become big losers.
Using Computers to Produce and Profit
Just about every aspect of a repair – from the moment a customer makes a decision about which shop to use to the time a car exits the shop – can involve computerization. What’s the point? Besides speeding up cycle time, computers can make your techs better at what they do and your shop easier to manage.
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.
Ask the Expert: Bob Blackshaw
If you’re interested in remodeling or building a shop from the ground up, this article is for you.
Industrialization of the Industry
You don’t have to manufacture automobiles, guns or hamburgers to take advantage of the industrialized process. Such assembly-line concepts can be applied to vehicle repairs, too. Some shops have gone so far as to specialize in departments — paint, metal, mechanical — but they could go even further.