TECH FEATURE: Nuts and Bolts of Suspension Repair
Repairing vehicle suspensions may seem daunting, but if you stray out of your comfort zone and give it a shot, you may just be able to add more dollars to your bottom line.
SUPER TECHNOLOGY ISSUE: Pedal to the Metal
Carmakers are introducing exotic metals to vehicle
structures at an alarming rate for the sake of fuel efficiency and passenger safety. Understanding their properties is key to quality repairs.
TECH FEATURE: Illuminating Aluminum
Aluminum is a different animal than steel. As it becomes more prevalent in vehicle construction, repairers will need the training and tools to
perform quality and safe repairs.
Approved for Mercedes-Benz
Pro Spot has received global approvals for the i4 resistance spot welder for welding of all Mercedes-Benz steels, including Usibor, TRIP, ZE340 and other high-strength steels used in today’s Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart vehicles. Visit www.prospot.com.
I-CAR to Launch Two New Programs in August
I-CAR announced it will launch two new classes on collision repair considerations for the most popular vehicles on the road and emerging technology in today’s vehicles. On Aug. 3, I-CAR will launch the Collision Repair for Select High Volume Vehicles (POP01) Live training program, and on August 10, the Vehicle Technology and Trends 2010 (NEW10)
Preparing a Body Shop for Waterborne Paint Conversion
Waterborne is better for the environment and has some unique and beneficial advantages. But it isn’t a switch that should be made on a whim.
Part 3 of a three-part series.
Ford Opens New Collision Repair Research Center
Ford announced the opening its new Paint and Body Technology Center in Inkster, Mich., with the goal of developing vehicle designs, replacement parts and repair procedures that the company hopes will drive down the cost of collison repairs. The center – funded by a $650,000 investment made by collision repair product, equipment and service suppliers
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Truck’s Bumper a Bumper Crop of Cocaine
Forget lightweight carbon fiber and ultra high-strength steels – a truck found in a Mexican port was built from something even more exotic: pressed cocaine. On Feb. 12, police in the port of Manzanillo found a 1990 pickup truck with body panels and a bumper made from fiberglass-coated cocaine in a shipment from Colombia thanks
Freeze Frame
Over the last 50 years or so, frame machines have evolved from basic garage-built machines to high-tech modern marvels.
Repairers Say Insurers, Not Consumers, Benefit from Full-Body Sectioning
Several Midwest collision repairers told the Chicago Tribune that for a safe auto body repair, consumers should avoid shops that want to perform full-body sectioning, also known as clipping, on their cars. Mark and Pam Pierson, owners of Princeton Auto Body in Princeton, Ill., said in the article aimed at educating consumers that some insurance