Build a Better Mousetrap, and the World Will Beat a Path to Your Door
7 strategies for quality-driven shops to maintain profitability in a marketplace fixated on “fast” and “cheap.”
Inside an Old-Timer’s Toolbox
In the early days when a bodyman faced a repair problem, he couldn’t just buy what he needed. He had to conceive a tool that would repair the problem- and then forge it himself.
Inverter MIG Welders:Turn Your World Upside Down
On a mission to learn how to better repair lightweight panels, I began investigating inverter welders. And was pleasantly surprised.
Disposable Cars?
More repair-friendly vehicles don’t appear to be in our future, equating to fewer vehicles being repairable and those that aren’t totaled costing more to repair.
Assembly-Line Processing:Coming Soon to a Shop Near You
As repair dollars shrink and competition grows, we need to change the way we process vehicles to stay competitive and profitable.
OE Direct: Friend or Foe?
OED discounts OE parts, making them more appealing to the insurance industry and benefiting the repairer, who might have otherwise had to use aftermarket. But the forced vendor relationships, erosion of parts profits and possible insurer involvement are raising repairer eyebrows and concerns.
Do you Know Watt?
I’ve seen a lot of weird electrical “incidents” during my career. (One buddy became a conductor due to his fascination with aluminum foil.) Although we don’t need to be electrical geniuses, we do need to know how to
troubleshoot and repair wiring problems.
The Making of A Migman: The Mig Welder
This little fellow isn’t just handsome – he’s also an accomplished MIG welder. And he’s about to make learning better MIG welding techniques fun.
Nissan Murano: Motorin’
Crossover Cool: Nissan says the Murano was developed, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market and represents Nissan’s first entry into the crossover SUV segment. Total Damage? The Murano SE (for sport) starts at $28,200, and the SL (for luxury) starts at $29,150. It’s What’s On the Inside that Counts: Sure, the outside
Who’s Really In Control?
Painter Thomas Ferry questions why autobody shop rates are so low compared to other trades