Auto Foam: Overlooked and Misunderstood
Although foams might seem like a minor part of the repair, they are not. There can be serious ramifications for improperly using them, improperly placing them or not replacing them at all.
Omaha CARSTAR Shops Train Local Firefighters on Latest Vehicle Technology
Two Omaha, Neb., collision repair shops, Don & Ron’s CARSTAR and Silver Hammer CARSTAR, recently hosted emergency training for area firefighters. The First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.), a partnership between the National Auto Body Council and Holmatro Rescue Equipment, keeps first responders abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High strength steel,
Ford to Add Rear Inflatable Seat Belts to More Vehicles
Ford has announced that the rear inflatable seat belts it introduced on the new Ford Explorer will also be available on next year’s Ford Flex and Lincoln vehicles. "This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more
Ford Announces Aftermarket-OEM Crash Test Results at CIC
The ongoing aftermarket-OEM parts debate continued at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held Nov. 3 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, with Ford Motor Company concluding as the result of crash tests it conducted that using aftermarket bumpers can negatively impact airbag deployment. Ford was prompted to conduct the crash tests as the
New I-CAR Live Training Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Program Available
I-CAR’s live training program Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02), a follow-up to the Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01) program, is being offered throughout North America in the coming months. This program prepares technicians to service and repair emergent new technologies on hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles. Topics covered by the course include: •
OSHA: When Safety is a 4-Letter Word
An OSHA inspector recently showed up to perform a ‘random’ inspection. He noted two minor violations and complimented us on our compliance, saying the average body shop has 12 violations. Because he said his report would reflect favorably on us, we mistakenly thought our fines would only be a few hundred bucks.
Auto Foam: Proper Application and Placement
Foam is showing up all over the modern vehicle. Although its presence adds a new level of complication to repairs, it’s imperative that it be reinstalled — and reinstalled correctly.
Roll With It Baby: Save Labor Time, Use Less Product and Get Build in Fewer Coats.
Sound good? Even if you use roll-on primer on only one car per day, you’ll still save roughly $3,000 a year.
Concepts on the Future: Cars for Display
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) always has its attendees wondering a couple things. First, if the show is “international,” doesn’t that already make it North American? And what’s with those strange-looking futuristic cars? Will they be on the showroom floor at dealerships anytime soon?
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.
