Talkin’ Shop in Cincy
They sure do eat well in Cincinnati. During my and Managing Editor Mike Peltier’s daylong visit to Elite Collision Service in Cincinnati last month, it was pecan squares the size of fuel doors for breakfast, Papa John’s pizza for lunch and, for a mid-afternoon snack, “cheese coneys” from Gold Star Chili. General Manager Phil Mosley
So You Wanna Weld Aluminum?
Tips to help get you through a potential ‘minefield’ on your journey to purchasing a MIG welder capable of welding aluminum.
Strategies for Preparing – and Presenting – Your Estimate
The insurance industry’s reluctance to pay what I consider to be fair and proper damage appraisals concerns me greatly. It also concerns me greatly that many shops aren’t doing anything about it.
Finding Flaws Before the Booth: Prep Procedures
Time wasted in the booth and on redos doesn’t pay the bills. Save time and money by establishing proper prep procedures.
Check It Out: Quality-Control Inspection
If you want happier customers (and less headaches), perform a systematic quality-control inspection before
releasing the vehicle.
Charge for What You Do: Replacing a Quarter Panel
What’s a quarter worth these days? No, I’m not asking the value of an American quarter dollar. I’m asking you to consider what you should be charging to replace a quarter panel. Are you charging enough for the amount of work involved in a good quality repair? A lot of shop owners and managers insist
Man’s New Best Friend
The “Pod,” co-developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Corp., just might give Fido a run for his money.
A Failure to Communicate
Shops’ goals and insurance companies’ goals don’t always conflict. But when they do, the difference between getting your point across or making someone cross is how you communicate
Off With the Parts!
Shuffling new parts from metal department to paint department and back again is beginning to show its age. Though industry critics insist painting parts off the car isn’t a practical alternative, some production shops disagree – and have the reduced cycle times and increased profits to prove it.