With “cash-outs” prevailing in today’s tough economy, body shops are finding work tough to come by. But some are capitalizing on the trend of people trying to squeeze extra miles out of their older cars by expanding the mechanical services they offer.

One example is Todd Bishop, owner of Dibble’s Collision Works in Santa Rosa, Calif., who decided to move into a new location and double his shop’s size in order to offer mechanical service and general repairs for the first time in the shop’s 56-year history. The move cost $500,000, but Dibble told The Press Democrat he got good deals on the lease and the purchase of new equipment because, in this tough economy, he had more purchasing and negotiating power.

Dibble’s knows the value of having a diversified service offering, especially in challenging economic times. In addition to offering collision repair and mechanical service, it sells tires, wheels and accessories and offers mobile glass installation and detailing.

To read the full story on Dibble’s in The Press Democrat, click HERE.