Producing a Buff-Free Finish
Are you one of those people who thinks it’s impossible to do a paint job without having to buff it before delivery? If so, think again.
Who’s Really In Control?
Painter Thomas Ferry questions why autobody shop rates are so low compared to other trades
Write Better Estimates
The estimate is the most important aspect of our business process. If an estimate is poorly written, it can wreak havoc on your shop and cost you a boatload of cash.
Sell your Estimate
If you’re not explaining your estimate to a consumer and preparing him for why your competitor’s estimate may be lower, you might as well not bother writing the estimate.
The Cynic’s Guide to Structural Repairs
After 30 years of working on critically wounded vehicles, I can safely say I’ve pretty much done it all when it comes to surgical frame and structure repairs. I can also safely say that timely, quality repairs can still be done in our time-and-labor-hostile environment.
STRSW: Try It. You’ll Like It (Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding )
Considered expensive compared to other types of welders, resistance spot welders have met with a lot of resistance. Yes, they’re different than what we’re used to, but they also produce a factory-like weld in less time.
Sold: Have You Ever Wondered what Happens to Body Shop Owners who Sell their Businesses?
In the final installment of our series, former shop owner Tom Sellers recounts why not to use buried money as a down payment and why he sold his shop to the son of a former competitor.
A Bay at the Beach: Rick’s Auto Collision
This thriving oceanside shop prospers in a DRP-free state where shop owner and teacher Rick Starbard is making waves in his industry.
Movers and Shakers: Kevin Caldwell
Kevin Caldwell discusses his hopes for the industry, his concerns about third-party influence and his inability to remember punch lines. Hard work is nothing new to Kevin Caldwell, vice president and COO of Autobody by Caldwell in Laguna Hills, Calif. Whether he was scrubbing pots and pans at a small restaurant, delivering the local paper
Hybrids: Why They’re Here To Stay
Fuel costs – gasoline or diesel – seem to be creeping ever higher. This is probably natural because of the rules of supply and demand. Oil is a finite resource, and as we use more of our own American crude in the lower 48, we’re going further afield to supply our ever-expanding need for more
