Bodyshop October 2009

October 2009 www.bodyshopbiz.com

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

A Tale of

Two ’Cudas The Team At Bridgecity Chrysler Wins our Inaugural Refinish Award

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

October 2009 l Volume 38, Issue 5

Cover Story

10

In Every Issue

A Tale of Two ’Cudas

4

Viewpoint

Find out how the team at Bridgecity Chrysler in Lethbridge, Alberta, took home our inaugural paint and refinish award, and what they say is in store for the custom paint and collision business.

6

News

37

Advertiser index

32

Products

37

Internet directory

36

Subscription information

38

From the publisher

Features 16

What Can Rentals Wreck?

20

A Breath of Fresh Air

26

Custom Painting: Beyond Traditional Finishes

30

NACE Preview

26

36

Photofile

30

How well do you know your rental partner? We asked three industry insiders about the importance of a solid rental program, and the tips they provided could help your all-important CSI numbers.

Is your air compressor up to the challenges presented by waterborne paint?

The award winners have this stuff down, but our “custom painting 101” feature could put you on the road to taking next year’s prize.

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Our Annual Canadian Collision Industry Guide and Listings, featuring the Annual Business Conditions Research Report; Our Annual Insurer Ratings Survey; NACE Report and much more.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2009 l Bodyshop 3

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

viewpoint

EDITOR J.D. Ney 416-510-6839 jdney@bodyshopbiz.com

Local Customs In challenging economic times, astute business minds in any number of sectors start to look not only at new ways of conducting their current business, but also at ways of expanding their current product offerings. The rationale is that since cash is tight, it’s going to be hard to get more money out of current clients, so you’d better start looking at ways of bringing new clients into the fold. Now, traditionally, the collision business doesn’t work in quite the same way, as customers don’t generally frequent your business on impulse. It is difficult then, to expand your product offering to attract a new clientele. Or is it?

This issue of Bodyshop features our inaugural custom paint and refinish award. Not only did launching the award give us the opportunity to hear from a slew of talented painters, welders, and rebuilders from across the country, it also shed light on an opportunity that many other shops could easily leverage.

Sitting in your shop right now are all the tools to make your business the custom paint and refinish Mecca of your particular town or city. Not only do you have all of the equipment required, but you may even have your own custom professional, just waiting for his or her chance to shine. (There’s even a Custom Painting 101 article in this issue to get someone started.)

As with any new product extension though, it’s only as good as the number of people who know about it, and herein lies the stumbling block for many small businesses.

Unlike some major advertising exposure that you may get as part of your franchise agreement or as a member of a national network, any inroads you make in the custom world will likely be of your own volition, and on your own dime. However, similarly

PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com

to the strategies we looked at in our green marketing issue, the process of getting the word out in your local community, particularly among those most likely to frequent your new custom paint and body division, is the definition of grassroots.

Let’s look at your potential clientele. They love their cars, they work hard on them, and for the most part, the work they do on the vehicles is voluntary, and often very expensive.

This is a group of people you want to get to know.

What else do they have in common? Well, for the most part, they love showing off their hard work.

Whether it be at county fairs, parades, or just about any weekend mid-summer, custom car owners and aficionados are chomping at the bit, which is where you come in.

By simply getting in touch with a few local associations, or more than likely some friends you already know, next weekend your shop’s parking lot could be easily transformed into a show n’ shine/BBQ/charity event, complete with dozens of custom vehicles (read: potential clients).

In a “build it and they will come” sort of spirit, hosting a few simple events for the enthusiasts in your local area will go a long way in establishing your shop as the go-to place for custom paint and bodywork—work that can be both prestigious and profitable.

What’s more, in a time when client bases are shrinking for many businesses across the economy, you’ll have turned an impressive feat: creating a new product offering, as well as a voluntary customer, in an industry where those are few and far between.

B J.D. Ney, Editor jdney@bodyshopbiz.com

SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@bodyshopbiz.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Jim Petsis 416-510-6842 jpetsis@bodyshopbiz.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven Hofmann 416-510-6757 shofmann@bizinfogroup.ca ART DIRECTOR Lisa Zambri PRINT MANAGER Phyllis Wright CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman 416-442-5600 ext.3528 CUSTOMER SERVICE Roshni Thava 416-442-5600 ext 3555 VICE-PRESIDENT Alex Papanou PRESIDENT Bruce Creighton

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news

AIA Inks I-CAR Deal

T

Drag Racing Legend John Force Moves to PPG Waterborne Coating

J

ohn Force, one of the most successful racers in the history of drag racing, has taken his team green with PPG Envirobase High Performance waterborne paint.

The team, John Force Racing, installed a new paint spray booth at its Brownsburg, Indiana facility and switched to environmentally friendly waterborne coatings for all its cars at the beginning of the 2009 NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) season.

“We focus on performance,” says Force.

“Performance in racing includes safety, and safety includes taking care of the environment, keeping it safe for ourselves and generations to come. Going green is very important to me. We can’t control everything around us, but we can control what we do as a team, and the paint we use has an impact on the environment. Using PPG waterborne paint is just one part of us being green, but it’s a key part.”

Force’s 34-year NHRA career has seen him set a number of records including 14 Funny Car championships, winning more than 1,000 rounds of competition, winning 126 NHRA national events, and more. He

was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in August 2008.

Brandon Baker, in charge of the appearance of the team’s six cars, says Force wanted to find an ecologically sound paint line he could count on for all the colours in the John Force Racing spectrum—green, white, red, and a variety of blues.

“As you can imagine, our paint problems are a little different from most people’s,” says Baker. “Our cars go through a lot of abuse— crashes, fires, fuel spills. We’re always painting and repainting. We wanted to work with a well-known, high-quality brand that could handle the challenges we face, a company that was way ahead of the curve. And, of course, John insists the cars always look as good as possible for the sponsors and fans.”

Over the course of the season, the relationship has been a success. “PPG has been extremely supportive,” adds Baker. “Plus, our painter, Dave Gregory, really likes the Envirobase HP product. There are no fumes, no smell. He can really get into the work without noxious distraction.”

For more of the latest NEWS in the collision industry, visit

www.bodyshopbiz.com 6 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

raining provider I-CAR International, the Inter-industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced that it will enter into negotiations with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) to reach an agreement under which AIA would be licensed to provide I-CAR training in Canada in the future.

In 2008, the I-CAR International board of directors established a task force of Canadian collision industry leaders to support the board’s effort to find an appropriate solution to ensure that the Canadian inter-industry would have continued access to I-CAR products after I-CAR closes its current U.S.-based regional operation.

In 2009, this work continued. At I-CAR’s 30th Annual Industry Conference, as a result of the work of the task force and a rigorous proposal evaluation process, the I-CAR board of directors directed I-CAR staff to work with AIA in an effort to establish a solution that will meet the demands of the Canadian collision inter-industry for continued access to I-CAR training.

“Throughout the past year, the voice of the Canadian industry has been clear—there is a continued need and demand for I-CAR training,” says I-CAR president and CEO John Edelen. “We are glad to have reached this point in the process, and to have the potential to work with AIA on a solution that is the right solution to ensure that I-CAR training remains viable and accessible in Canada.”

AIA President Marc Brazeau is also happy to have reached this step in the process. “AIA is committed to the long-term well-being of the collision sector in Canada, and training in this highly complex field is essential to maintaining professionalism. We are hopeful that the next stage of discussions will result in a mutually beneficial agreement that will set the stage for I-CAR training in Canada for many years to come.”

Notes Edelen, “We are looking forward to working with AIA to achieve a solution that is right for Canada.”

Stay up to date at www. VOCcompliance.com

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NACE IS STILL YOUR #1 RESOURCE FOR ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS 3 50+ relevant educational sessions led by experts in their field 3 Engaging key events that motivate, challenge and entertain 3 Unmatched networking with industry leaders and colleagues 3 Additional offerings by I-CAR, PCI and ASE… plus free on-floor education and roundtables 3 World-class showcase of companies having the best collision repair equipment, products and services 3 Co-located with CARS featuring exhibits and 30+ sessions geared for mechanical service and repair 3 Co-located with Auto Glass Week - featuring exhibits, education and on-floor competitions

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in my estimation news

Mitchell International Partners with Thatcham and J.D. Power and Associates

M

itchell International, Inc. recently announced a partnership with Thatcham (The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre). This partnership marks the first time Thatcham’s fully researched, proprietary repair methodologies will be offered in the North American collision repair market.

Thatcham’s online solution, ThatchamNet, works in concert with and complements Mitchell Information Center’s OEM repair data, to provide technicians with the critical collision repair information they need to keep up with the industry’s increasing demands.

Thatcham’s collision experts’ methodology includes tearing down the latest vehicles in their U.K.-based technical research centre, in order to completely understand vehicle construction and devise pragmatic repair techniques that replicate the strength and integrity of the original construction.

“Mitchell’s partnership with Thatcham brings our customers unprecedented coverage of collision repair content, especially for complex, difficult-to-repair European and Asian market models. At the touch of a finger, our customers will be able to go online to the Mitchell Information Center and instantly identify the critical information they need to be able to safely and efficiently restore vehicles to pre-accident condition,” says Marc Brungger, executive vice-president of auto physical damage for Mitchell International. “With this new partnership, we will be the first to introduce the North American

market to repair procedures that are both independently researched and OEM-backed, and we are very pleased to have Thatcham’s world-class research experts on our team.”

Adding to its research bona fides, Mitchell also recently extended its alliance with J.D. Power and Associates in the delivery of Mitchell’s total loss valuation solution: WorkCenter Total Loss.

WorkCenter Total Loss produces valuations that are easily understandable by consumers, and that utilize comparable vehicles from consumer recognizable brands.

This eliminates the “black box” feel of other total loss valuation systems and results in higher first-call settlement rates for carriers.

The solution combines Mitchell’s claims processing solutions with J.D. Power’s data analysis and pricing capabilities, resulting in an intuitive and powerful methodology for insurance carriers.

“We are proud to continue to combine our 63 years of experience serving the auto physical damage industry with J.D. Power and Associates, a company that is widely recognized, trusted, and respected for its expertise and impartiality,” says Alex Sun, president and CEO, Mitchell International.

“The total loss experience is too often contentious, resulting in a long, drawn-out and costly claims settlement process. By contrast, WorkCenter Total Loss helps carriers reduce settlement time and increase customer satisfaction.”

Fix Auto Announces 10th Location in BC Fix Auto, has announced the signing of Fix Auto Prince George.

According to owner Michelle Rolls, the decision to join the Fix-Auto network was an easy one. “I needed to differentiate myself from my competitors and offer something that other shops could not. Fix Auto gave me these tools,” she explains.

Martin von Holst, area developer for British Columbia, says the network is always evaluating prospects to ensure a successful union, and says that Fix Auto Prince George is a natural fit as they “have a progressive shop owner committed to quality repairs, involvement in our association and a desire to improve the professionalism in our industry.”

“I strongly believe that no matter how much money we throw at investing into individual shops, we will never be able to reach critical mass unless the shops unite,” says Steve Leal, president of Fix Auto Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Alberta, “Putting the shops under the same brand name, uniting in numbers, and having a strong marketing presence in the industry only makes sense.”

8 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

CARSTAR Agreement Addresses Increasing Hail Damage In response to increasing occurrences of vehicle damage due to hail and extreme weather conditions, CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc. has signed an exclusive partnership with Canadian Hail Repair Inc. The national agreement will provide CARSTAR with first response capabilities to serve the needs of its insurance partners and consumers after a hailstorm hits.

Canadian Hail Repair, a division of The Auto Dentist Inc., was established more than 10 years ago. Work is backed by a written 100% satisfaction guarantee and is covered with a C.H.R Inc. limited lifetime warranty.

CARSTAR currently operates more than 130 franchise locations across Canada.

427 Collision Hosts Charity BBQ Some 300 collision repair industry members gathered recently at the sprawling 427 Auto Collision campus to tour the facility, enjoy a delicious meal, and help raise money for the Linden Fund, an organization that supports neonatal intensive care units across Canada.

After only a few hours and many steak sandwiches later, Lorenzo D’Alessandro and his dedicated team raised $1100 for the cause.

I-CAR Recognizes 30-Year Legacy of Volunteers

I-CAR recognized its longest-serving volunteers during the organization’s 30th Annual Industry Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. As a part of its Legacy Reception, I-CAR recognized volunteers who have served the collision inter-industry for the 30 years since I-CAR was founded, and also recognized those individuals with 25 and 20 years of service.

“For 30 years volunteers have been the heart and soul of I-CAR. They have been instrumental in the origins of the organization and continue to carry the vision and mission forward,” said Tom Moreland of AkzoNobel, chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors, at the conference.

“Our volunteers are recognized throughout the industry, and now are even recognized nationally through the President’s Volunteer Service Award.”

“I-CAR is here today, thirty years later, due to the efforts of our volunteers and instructors,” said John Edelen, president and CEO of I-CAR. “It is the unique and generous commitment of their time over the past thirty years that has sustained the organization and enabled it to continue to serve the collision repair inter-industry. We are grateful to each of them.”

In addition to recognizing long-serving volunteers, Moreland also announced that the organization’s Chairman’s Award—an award chosen by the board of directors— VOC/AB/BOD 2:37 PM went to 4/3/09 Doug Middleton, whoPage helped1 found I-CAR and has continued his involvement since that time.

“Doug’s contributions to I-CAR since its

founding 30 years ago are numerous,” said Moreland. “On our 30th anniversary, it is an honour to recognize Doug for his dedication to the collision inter-industry and the vision of I-CAR.”

AkzoNobel Reinforces Status as a Global Sustainability Leader

The latest DJSI (Dow Jones Sustainability Index) listing reveals that AkzoNobel is in second place in the chemicals supersector with a score of 87%, just 2% behind DSM in first place. It follows on from the company’s second place on the ranking in 2008 and leading position in 2007.

“The importance we attach to our DJSI ranking has been firmly established and our ranking among the sustainability leaders in our industry is a welcome recognition for our efforts,” says AkzoNobel CEO Hans Wijers.

“Our motivation doesn’t stem from topping rankings or winning awards. Doing business in a sustainable way is critical to our eco-

nomic future and the success of our customers. So we will continue to improve and put even more energy into remaining at the forefront of transforming our industry sector into a provider of sustainable solutions.”

Listed on the DJSI for the last five years, AkzoNobel has systematically reinforced its commitment to sustainability. This was emphasized late last year when 50% of the longterm incentive scheme for all executives was directly linked to the company’s ranking on the influential DJSI index.

Other recent developments have included the introduction of a unique company-wide cradle-to-grave carbon emission reduction program and the integration of sustainability reporting into the AkzoNobel 2008 Report.

Regarded as one of the world’s foremost sustainability indices, the DJSI World Index benchmarks the sustainability performance of leading companies based on environmental, social, and economic performance, including forward-looking indicators.

In Memoriam

Denis Bellemore, a key figure at NAPA as a vice president and the driving force behind the CMAX paint store operations, passed away in September. He was 50.

He was also a member of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s board of directors and its PBE Council.

An enthusiastic supporter of the industry and a strong participant in industry events, both as a sponsor and a volunteer, he was regarded as a positive force in the industry.

Bellemore disappeared from his Montreal home on Friday, September 11 while on his way to the barber. His body was found four days later on September 15 in the St. Lawrence River.

He had been coping well with multiple sclerosis for years and had reportedly been at home recuperating from a single car accident for the week before his disappearance. Reports say that he had blacked out while at the wheel and may have been disoriented following the accident.

His funeral was held at the Rideau Funeral Home in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que. on Monday September 21. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

He will be missed by all.

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www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2009 l Bodyshop 9

cover

A Tale of

Two ’Cudas

By J.D. Ney

I

t started as a factory 318 Barracuda. By the time it showed up at Bridgecity Collision in Lethbridge, Alberta, the 318 had been replaced by a 440, and the original Curious Yellow had been replaced by a poorly 10 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

conceived and executed repaint. The ’Cuda’s new owner, Clarence Arnoldussen, who also owned the dealership and collision centre, had hopes and dreams of returning it to its former glory. However, what shop manager

Bill Williams and Bob Kanyo, the project’s chief builder, did was much more.

Kanyo began describing what he had done to the vehicle, to get it where it is today.

“Well, when the car came in, I took it, dis-

The team at Bridgecity Chrysler takes the inaugural Bodyshop magazine custom refinish award

mantled it, had to rebuild the hood, the doors, cut a few holes in it, reworked the fenders, had to put gills in it, dip the whole car…”

It was at this point that Williams jumped in. “Bob basically took it from a bare metal

shell,” he said, succinctly making the point: this was not a simple spit-shine type job, but something decidedly more involved.

As it turns out, there is nothing that Kanyo did not mould, bend, dip, paint or

install on the current incarnation of the classic muscle car. “A lot of what you see today, Bob remanufactured on his own,” says Williams. “In fact, he really had to work his magic on a few of the components—like the www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2009 l Bodyshop 11

cover

“There is literally not one inch that didn’t get painted.

I also picked and filed the entire car so as to use no body filler.”

hood, which was about a month’s worth of labour on its own.”

When all was said and done, Kanyo and the team spent some 2500 hours on the ’Cuda, all of it under exacting standards. “After the dip, the car was completely stripped—it looked just like a Delorean, all brushed metal,” says

Williams, giving some indication as to the noexpense-spared nature of the rebuild. “From there I built a few custom braces, and it went on the rotisserie,” says Kanyo. “There is literally not one inch that didn’t get painted. I also picked and filed the entire car so as to use no body filler,” he adds.

Continued on page 14

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Despite the total number of hours, the team says they finished all of the work just in time to trailer the ’Cuda (its paint barely dry) down to the Mopar nationals. “We literally finished just days before we left. We didn’t even have time to pre-register,” says Williams.

As it turns out, the effort was well worth it, as the vehicle ended up winning the technical judge’s pick. “The car turned out like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” he says. “It’s like a showroom finish—but better.”

What’s more, the attention the vehicle received at the Mopar event has meant a trip to Las Vegas is in the cards for many of the staff.

“The people at Mopar asked if we would bring the car down to be a part of Mopar Alley at SEMA,” says Williams. “So we’re going to take the people involved in the project down with us.”

for the morale of the employees. “At the end of the day we’re a full-production collision shop that gets the opportunity to do this type of custom work,” says Williams. “It gives the guys in the bodyshop a feeling that we are a quality shop, and as a result, we try and treat every vehicle we see the same way,” he says.

What could get in the way of giving that top-level service in the future though, is the availability of staff, particularly from the next generation. What’s more, Williams says it may not even be from lack of interest, but rather from lack of available accreditation

those shops unwilling or unable to convert will have to shut down, thus injecting some painters and welders back into the job market. But even that solution, according to Williams, is a short-term band-aid for an industry-wide problem. “There will probably be fewer shops moving forward, but we’re still going to need some new bodies in a hurry,” he says. “The average age of a collision repair technician is 48 to 49 years old, so conceivably we could wind up losing half of our workforce in the next few years.”

Regardless of the challenges facing the

Beyond Custom

While the team at Bridgecity Chrysler obviously do stellar work when it comes to their custom clients, Williams says that the custom market alone is certainly not enough to sustain the business, regardless of the quality of their work. “The biggest problem we run up against with the custom work is just the time and the money that it takes to do the job,” he says. “For example, we’ve got a ’71 Roadrunner that we’re working on right now, and we’re probably at 1500 hours on that vehicle already.”

With all of that work comes a hefty invoice, and that’s where many potential clients, or the casual enthusiasts, tend to balk. “People don’t understand how much money it takes to do this,” he says. “With about 80,000 people here in Lethbridge, there is just not enough demand to allow us to only do this kind of work.”

However Bob Kanyo says that while doing the specialty custom work is a lot of fun, the technicians at Bridgecity put the same amount of effort and precision into the standard collision work that drives the business. “Everyone deserves the same kind of job as our most complicated custom work,” says Kanyo. “I can’t bring myself to just do a quick-fix job. If you can’t take pride in what you’re doing, it’s not worth doing it.”

Despite the difficult economy and the occasional lack of custom work, Williams says that the high-quality custom work they do attract, however, is good not only for the shop’s prestige out in the community, but also 14 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

To the victor go the spoils: (Left to right) Bill Williams, Clarence Arnoldussen and Bob Kanyo stand proudly with their award-winning automotive masterpiece.

“The car turned out like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” he says.

“It’s like a showroom finish—but better.” programs. Williams says that with the growing popularly of some custom paint programs on television, he sees a growing interest in the trade overall, but colleges in his area are not offering the same number of collision repair courses they used to—a state of affairs that will only hurt the industry further down the road. In fact, where according to Williams there used to be four full accreditation programs available, there are now only two.

“The bottom line is that we need more young people in the business, and we need to do a better job of embracing them,” he says.

Williams says the looming waterborne deadlines could help free up some labour, as

industry overall, the staff at Bridgecity, with their proven ability to turn out a top-notch product for their custom and collision clients alike, are well poised to thrive in any economic environment. “This award for Bob is very special,” says Williams of his customwork guru, who despite a lengthy conversation would say little to blow his own horn.

Despite receiving this award, accolades from Mopar, and likely more to come, Kanyo, a devoted family man and 19-year industry veteran, was modest to the end, admitting only when pressed, “I suppose when everyone is giving you compliments about it, it feels pretty good in the end.”

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Custom Equipment Corner Part of doing a great job when it comes to custom painting is ensuring the equipment you are using is up to the task—and that, of course, includes your spray booth. “Every paint job needs to be perfect, regardless of the type of shop. However, we all know that custom paint shops have standards about quality that are exceptionally high,” says Jonathan Barrick, marketing manager at Global Finishing Solutions. “Custom paint jobs are more than simple refinishes. They are works of art.

Imagine spending hundreds of hours on intricate detail work, using top-line paints, only to have your final product riddled with dust marks and other flaws. This is something that custom shops are not willing to risk, and their customers expect nothing less than perfection.”

According to Barrick, this is where a top-notch paint booth comes into the equation.

“While a great deal of success lies in the painter, and the care he takes in regards to keeping a well-maintained and clean work area, the paint booth itself is a major factor in producing a perfectly clean paint job,” he notes.

But what features do today’s booths have that will help straighten that pinstripe, create the perfect colour, or add the final heat to those flames? “First, you need to think about contamination control,” says Barrick. “Efficient filters help keep the booth clean and also help maintain proper airflow balance in the booth. Overused filters don’t work as well as filters that are still in their useful lifespan, and can result in contamination floating around in the cabin and possibly landing on your freshly painted surfaces.”

After you’ve got your contaminants under control, it all comes down to lighting. “Working in shadows isn’t going to help the painters do a good job,” says Barrick. “It’s crucial to have a paint booth with a light arrangement that provides complete, shadow-free coverage of the entire work area. Also, basic fluorescent tubes like you’d find in an office building don’t generate the same type of light as sunlight. For a custom paint artist, this is definitely something that they’d want to avoid. Colour-corrected fluorescent light tubes ensure that the colour you see in the paint booth is the same colour you’ll see outside in the daylight.”

Lastly, having precise control over airflow and temperature is critical. “Each type of paint from each manufacturer has very different drying properties,” says Barrick. “Also, the speed of the airflow, and even the direction of the airflow in the cabins also influences how the 725, boul. Industriel Blainville, (Qc) J7C 3V3

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management feature

What Can

RENTALS WRECK?

Looking at the importance of your rental car relationships

By J.D. Ney

16 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

I

n today’s complex business environment, the managers and owners of collision repair centres are often called on to perform a myriad of tasks that have nothing to do with actual collision repair. With such a premium placed by franchisors, network partners, and of course the insurance industry on CSI numbers, managers today have to always be on their toes when it comes to the customer-service side of their operation.

One area that can get overlooked at the individual shop level is the simple matter of rental car arrangements for clients whose collisions warrant them. Often directed by insurers, shop managers might simply handle that part of their business by rote, and as a result could be missing out on an opportunity to wow the customer.

We spoke with three industry heavyweights—CARSTAR’s Larry Jeffries, CSN’s Larry French, and Fix-Auto’s Steve Leal— about their take on the bodyshop / rental agency relationship, and asked for their suggestions on how to improve that connection

and why it is important to do so. What follows is a short list of ideas and tactics gleaned from those conversations.

1. Get to know the rental shop in your area

These days, insurers are taking some of the administration out of the hands of individual shops when it comes to managing their rental partners. However, all three industry stalwarts recommended establishing a more personal relationship with local rental car agencies. As a general rule, you’ll always get better service whenever there is a personal connection, and establishing a personal working relationship—as opposed to just one built and maintained through your insurer—will likely be much more reliable. What’s more, once you’ve established a dialogue, your rental partner will gain a greater appreciation for your shop’s needs, and can then start to tailor its services to them. If the transaction is left to your insurance partner, the rental company may never get that message.

When the experts need help, they call us.

Collision repair specialists choose Rondex, because they know we will provide the best products, service and solutions. Rondex is the undisputed leader in collision repair supplies and services in western Canada.

Call us today and we’ll help you find the way to greater service.

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management feature

2. Get redundant

Not only did the insiders recommend getting to know your primary insurer-mandated rental option, they also advocated for embedding some redundancy in your rental relationships by getting to know a few backup partners, should the insurance-mandated option fall through. Much as in your shop, rental agencies can have an unexpected run on business and temporarily run short on inventory. Should that befall the insurer’s rental company of choice, the last thing you want to tell your customer is that he will have to wait for a rental vehicle, or that there is simply not one available. By making sure you have a back-up (one insider suggested three or four), you won’t let your customer down.

3. Know your customer

Unlike professionals in other automotive repair sectors, managers in the collision business don’t have the luxury of establishing preventative maintenance programs with their clients (at least, we hope not!). The challenge is being able to size up customers quickly and accurately when they present themselves at your shop. You should ensure that the rental vehicle is at least comparable to their own vehicle. Obviously, it is not usu18 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

ally possible to match nameplates when it comes to high-end European makes like BMW or Mercedes Benz; however, it should be possible to at least match approximate size and vehicle type. For example, if the client has just dropped off a crumpled full-sized family sedan or an SUV, your rental partner should be able to provide the same in return.

In fact, if your first option cannot provide a comparable vehicle, that’s a perfect instance where some built-in redundancy in your rental sourcing comes in, and you can save yourself an unhappy customer by sourcing a more appropriate rental from a second or third supplier.

4. Be an insurance interpreter

Part and parcel of knowing your customer is understanding the ins and outs of his or her insurance situation. Most drivers are aware of the basic terms of their insurance, but fresh off the scene of an accident, they may not appreciate all of the nuances of their coverage. You can go a long way to create a positive customer experience by helping them navigate those details. In terms of the rental choice, most insurance policies have a rental car allowance that (as mentioned above) provides a vehicle of comparable size. However, what a customer might not

realize is that a larger vehicle, like a premium sedan or an SUV, might burn through their insurance policy’s maximum allowance before you expect to finish the work. In this instance, an astute manager might be able to suggest another option that would allow the customer to keep a smaller vehicle for the entire length of the repair, which while not ideal, might avoid a hefty rental bill or having to return a vehicle before the customer’s own car is ready.

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5. Mind your CSIs

While not your core business, the bottom line is that in terms of your CSI, you are being judged on the overall experience you are able to provide, and that includes a seamless rental-car arrangement. By ensuring that your customer not only gets a top-notch repair on his vehicle, but also has a positive experience with the overall process, you’ll go a long way in improving or maintaining a high CSI number. As mentioned in the introduction, today’s top shops are not just fixing cars anymore; they are managing what is often a difficult and stressful situation for their clientele.

Those who have a complete program that includes solid and reliable rental partners manage that process more smoothly, and in the end, reap the benefits.

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The Wanda Advantage includes: • A complete palette of OEM colors • Highly accurate, “right-the-first-time” color match & performance

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equipment feature

A BREATH OF

FRESH AIR

By David Halpert

F

or many bodyshops, the switch from solvent-based paints to waterborne coatings has presented many challenges.

Among them is the need to purchase additional equipment (e.g., spray guns, gun washers, airblowers, etc.) that is compatible with waterborne coatings, and adjusting to added electricity and heating costs as a result of the longer drying times waterborne requires.

Often an upgrade of your air compressor isn’t the first thing that comes to mind during this transition.

However, the air supply is, in effect, the “fuel” of any collision repair facility, powering many of the tools and equipment, and also spraying and drying recently applied paints to vehicles. As low-VOC coatings quickly become the status quo in Canadian bodyshops, many owners are rethinking their current air supply needs.

There are two basic types of air compres-

sor systems: rotary screw compressors and piston compressors. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, depending on a variety of factors including the amount of space in your location, voltage/phase required, cost relative to long-term service and maintenance, ongoing energy costs of the air compressor, and most importantly, the demand for constant air versus periodical usage.

“The primary difference between the rotary screw compressor and the piston compressor is piston air compressors are typically used when the demand for compressed air varies throughout the day, and screw type compressors are typically used when there’s a constant volume of air required,” says Jeremy Brown, a sales representative for Paintline Products Inc. and Omega compressors. “[As well], there are other scenarios that come into play. Each installation of each autobody shop is unique when it comes to which type of air

1.

2.

20 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

compressor they fit into.”

While some factors are familiar to buyers when purchasing air compressors, there are additional points that may be less obvious.

For instance, rotary screw compressors generate a lot of heat, and while this might save heating costs during the winter, in summer it could actually be a nuisance, leading to additional cooling costs down the road.

Other considerations to take into account are noise, as screw rotaries are on average quieter than piston models. Also, if the only compressor in your shop is a single rotary screw that typically provides air for most or all of the shop’s needs, consider how much productivity your shop would lose should that compressor suddenly shut down unexpectedly.

By mid-2010, manufacturers will be forced to stop manufacturing or importing non-compliant products for use in Canada (they have until December 2010 to stop selling them). As a result, many are scrambling to either upgrade or replace their current equipment to comply with the new low-VOC regulations.

“There are a lot of creative people that are trying to solve this issue. Typical spray booths are going to move 1. The Model C7.5TD 7.5hp rotary screw compressor package shown comes complete with ProDry air dryer, 5-micron filter and 120-gallon air receiver. All tank-mounted C-series compressors filter and dry the air before it enters the receiver.

This approach requires less maintenance and extends tank life.

2. The Model B7.5 7.5hp Single Phase 220 Volt Rotary Screw Compressor on 80-gallon vertical air receiver.

equipment feature

about 10,000 cfm, which translates to about 100 feet per minute of air flow over the surface of a vehicle,” says Auto Quip Canada owner Roger Turmel. “Now with a solventbased paint you would normally go through a bake cycle, where you would heat the paint out and cure it in about four or five minutes.

With water-based paints, you can’t do that— you need to add air speed and air flow. So in

a standard spray booth where both are moving at 100 feet per minute [for solvent-borne paints], you would need to increase that to about 200 to 250 feet per minute [with waterborne].”

The chief concern with water-based paints is essentially two sides of the same coin: first, increased energy costs as a result of longer drying times, and second, costly redos

that may result from applying water-based paints incorrectly.

“Bodyshops are using compressed air to blow over top of paint finishes in order to make them dry quicker, so they can maintain the same level of productivity,” continues Brown. “So by having your air compressor provide more compressed air to go through a blower, or a venturi to help dry the paint, you’re going to require either a larger air compressor or more than one.”

That being said, energy efficiency should not be the deciding factor when purchasing your air compressor. It’s a simple matter of physics that more air will be required when drying water-based paints. If you’re attempting to cut energy costs by purchasing an air compressor that will not fully satisfy your bodyshop’s daily needs, you may be doing more harm than good in terms of productivity.

“Rotary screw-style [compressors] use a coolant to cool the unit, which gives [us] better control when we design it. So we can get more efficient in that there’s more compressed air per kilowatt used,” says Garth Greenough, president of DV Systems (formerly Devair). “However, how it’s being used and sized has a much bigger impact [on a bodyshop]. For a customer, the biggest payoff is going to be talking to someone that’s knowledgeable and will have a look at his application to make sure it’s the right selection to match what he’s doing.

“We’ve introduced a number of new products over the last couple of years; most of them are in the rotary screw category. We have a new product range in model-C, which is our 7.5 to 15hp package. We just introduced our B-series, which is a 5 and 7.5hp single phase power in a rotary screw package.

We’ve also made some changes and upgrades to our dryer products to make them more reliable and easier for the customer to use.”

There was a time when a bodyshop could get away with using a 30hp air compressor for the entire shop. Today, that’s simply not the case. If you’ve got a large facility with air dryers, air blowers, and two spray booths going at one time, you’re going to come close to depleting whatever air you’ve already got.

Says Ron Greenwood, president of Rondex, a supplier of Devair compressors, “The old quick calculation was one hp would produce four cfm. Traditionally, the older onetwo-man shop could handle it. Today, you’ve

22 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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equipment feature

Omega Heavy Duty Industrial Series air compressors are built to withstand the demands of various work environments. HDI Series air compressors feature a two-year warranty and are factory-tested prior to shipping. This air compressor represents one of five 5hp vertical models offered by Omega.

got the HVLP spray guns that are going to consume 10cfm. If somebody’s operating a sandblaster, those in themselves will take 20cfm. Now you’ve got a fight going on. Who’s going to get the air? Nowadays, the bare minimum they’re going to get away with is a 40 or 50hp air compressor, in which case you’d have to go to a rotary screw compressor.”

There are two additional areas which are both integral in the purchase of any air compressor: filtration and piping. Whether or not you want to upgrade these auxiliary systems as well bears some consideration.

“Depending on the manufacturer, some will recommend oil coalescers, [while others] require a desiccant. You can get them pointof-use [with] a little three-filter manifold that

you mount on your paint booth, or you can get it for the entire system, which gives you high-quality air for the entire facility. Each of those will have pressure drop, so you have to make sure that you set your compressor at the correct pressure so that when those filters are a little bit dirty and there’s a pressure drop across them you’re still getting the right pressure at your booth,” says Shannon de Souza, a sales rep for Compressors aiR Us. “The aluminum piping is great because it’s modular, which means if you change into a larger facility you can take the piping with you, and there’s less frictional resistance to the flow of air,” he continues. “The piping itself is actually smaller than the steel pipe, but it [has a] better flow because of less frictional losses. There’s also less rust because there’s no degradation on the inside of the pipe.”

In the end, every bodyshop is custom-tailored to suit the technician’s required needs.

With a reputable supplier on your side and a keen awareness of how your shop operates on a daily basis, your next air compressor purchase should be a smooth transition. B

i-car tech update

CUSTOM PAINTING:

BEYOND TRADITIONAL

FINISHES W

hile the pros reflected in our annual awards are certainly at the top of their respective games, bodyshops across the country can get involved in custom paint work. It does, however, take some specialized training. In this custom “Painting 101” tutorial, the folks at I-CAR lay out some of the basics for anyone who is thinking about getting started or even honing the skills they already have. Who knows? You could find yourself gracing the pages of our second annual refinish awards issue.

According to I-CAR, custom painting can be defined as the process of applying a finish to a vehicle that is different from what came from the factory. But in reality, custom painting goes well beyond that. Flames streaking down the side of a sports car, murals on the side of a van, and candy finishes are examples of the wide range of creativity that falls into the category of custom painting.

Creating these types of finishes is not as complicated as it appears, especially if you’re comfortable applying a traditional basecoat/ clearcoat finish. This article will focus on the different types of custom finishes, types of refinish materials, and any special equipment that may be required to apply a specific finish.

Types Of Custom Refinish Materials

At the birth of custom painting, nitrocellulose lacquer was the only material available. However, in the 1980s, urethane paints became the paint of choice for most custom painters.

Acrylic urethanes and urethane enamels bond well, provide excellent protection from ultraviolet rays, and are durable.

Even though most paints are now urethane, there are still lacquer and enamel 26 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

paints available for the restoration purist who is looking to capture that original appearance.

Regardless of which paint is chosen, it is critical to stay with that system throughout the refinishing process. Mixing urethane and lacquer within a refinish job can ruin the new custom finish due to compatibility problems.

Additionally, it is recommended to stay within one paint maker’s system. Mixing products from different product makers may also lead to compatibility problems due to different paint chemistries.

Types of Finishes

Common types of custom finishes include candy coatings, pearl coats, and even some matte applications, which have become popular recently. A candy finish may be considered more of a refinish system rather than a simple coat of material. While an actual candy coat consists of a unique translucent colour midcoat applied over a basecoat colour, the final appearance will be based on the basecoat, flake (if any is used), and application of clearcoat. Some may compare the

appearance of candy coats to that of a tinted clearcoat.

A properly applied candy coating gives the appearance of depth in the completed finish.

Pearl is a paint additive that is made from mica or some other substance that adds colour or a metallic sheen to the appearance of a finish.

Pearls reflect light, but also allow some light to pass through and reflect off the basecoat below. This gives the illusion of depth and alters the hue. Pearls can also vary the appearance of the finish when it is viewed from different angles.

Many custom finishes, particularly candy finishes, contain flakes. Flakes are basically flat, reflective metal pigments made from a variety of materials. The use of flakes creates a sparkle-like appearance in the finish. Types of flakes used in custom painting may include: aluminum/metal – used for a more

dramatic metallic effect; mica – a silicate added to paint to give paint its sparkly effect; coated glass; iron flake; polyester; colour-shifting flakes.

Flakes are either square, rectangular, or have a polygon shape, and can be very small or fairly large. Therefore, it is important that the gun being used has spray openings large enough to accommodate the flake being applied. Flakes that are too large for the spray nozzle will clog the spray gun. Some of the largest flakes used in custom painting will not fit through the nozzle of the spray gun, and are blown onto a fresh finish using very light air.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2009 l Bodyshop 27

i-car tech update

Colour-Shifting Topcoats

Some effects, such as pearls, provide a slightly different appearance when viewed from different angles. In some instances, this creates a rainbow effect. However, within the last decade, a specific paint is becoming more prevalent in the custom paint industry that provides a dramatic colour shift when a panel is viewed from different angles. This paint has different names depending on the product maker. For example, House of Kolor calls its brand Kameleon, PPG’s goes by the name of Harlequin, and DuPont’s version is called Mystichrome. When viewing a panel surface, depending on the colour of the material, the colour will change from a deep purple to a copper colour depending on the viewing angle.

Specialty Paints

Additional types of custom paints or specialty paints include neon or fluorescent colours, glow-in-the-dark, chrome, and temperatureresistant paint. Generally, these types of paints are used as accents to an existing colour coat.

It is generally not a good idea to cover an entire vehicle in these special-effect paints. One

reason is that some paints, such as the neons, are not very durable and have a tendency to fade over time with exposure to the sun.

When using neon colours, it is recommended to apply them over a white basecoat for maximum brightness.

When spraying neon paints, do not let the finish cure in the sun. The first four to five hours of cure time are critical in preventing colour fade, so be vigilant about keeping sunlight exposure to a minimum during this time.

Types of Designs

In addition to solid colours, many custom finishes have a design applied over the top of a custom basecoat. Common designs include flames, skulls, and geometric designs, to name a few. To achieve the desired detail, this type of work is often done with an airbrush. If the artist is creating an illustration, templates are available that can be used to help achieve the appearance. Some airbrush artists, however, have the skills to freehand a design without the use of a template.

Pinstriping

Pinstriping is the process of using a small, thin brush to create long, even, steady lines on

a panel surface. The brushes used are specific to pinstriping and come in multiple shapes and sizes. In general, pinstriping brushes have longer brush hair length, and are often tapered on one side.

There are two main tools to choose from when it comes to pinstriping: swords or daggers. The sword’s longest hair is on the top, slowly tapering back to a short length on the underside. A dagger comes to a point and is double-edged. The dagger design provides greater control when painting intricate designs. Depending on the complexity of the design, a shorter-haired brush may provide greater control than longerhaired brushes.

Proper pinstriping technique takes lots of practice to achieve a straight, consistent line with the same thickness throughout. This can be particularly challenging when laying down a stripe the length of a vehicle.

Custom painting can provide unique alternatives to traditional factory finishes.

Learning the different types of finishes available, in addition to specific tools and application techniques, is the beginning of the custom painting process. I-CAR currently offers online training, and for further training beyond the online programs, many of the paint makers offer hands-on training with their specific custom painting products and equipment.

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28 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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nace preview

Automotive Service & Repair Week, Nov. 5–7, 2009, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Collision Repair and Automotive Professionals Gear Up for NACE and CARS O

ne year after the creation of Automotive Service & Repair Week, the tech-heavy combination of autobody and mechanical repair has already made it a cornerstone event.

Combining the venerable International Autobody Congress & Expedition (NACE), which had for years run concurrently with the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS) tech event, Automotive Service & Repair Week provides aftermarket professionals with a full spectrum of seminars and exhibits with a strong focus on the repair process and tools.

Now in its 27th year, NACE estimates it will attract as many as 20,000 attendees with over 350 exhibiting companies showcasing their latest products, services, equipment, and technology geared to industry professionals.

Some course highlights include I-CAR technical

training sessions on topics including vehicle technology and trends, collision repair for selected vehicles, and waterborne products, systems, and technology; using collision industry trends and statistics for strategic planning; understanding personality and communication styles; finding new financial resources for your business; SEO and Internet marketing for the bodyshop; and how to make “green” profitable for your shop, in addition to many other courses.

CARS is expected to attract more than 2,000 attendees with over 40 exhibiting companies geared towards the automotive service professional. One of the highlights at this year’s conference is the keynote opening address by Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who was forced to ditch US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River earlier this year, saving all 155 passengers and crew.

One new addition to the event is the online networking system, CARSConnect, which allows members to find and communicate with exhibitors participating in CARS before, during, and after the show. Attendees can take advantage beforehand by researching new vendors, inquiring about a company’s products, or even requesting an appointment with a company onsite at the show, and following up after the show.

For more information on Automotive Service & Repair Week, visit www.naceexpo.com, or for CARS go to www.carsevent.com.

B

Seminars for Jobbers

Two NACE seminars of particular interest to jobbers are “Jobber Technology—Exploring Wireless Order-Taking & Fulfillment Solutions,” a 90-minute session on November 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and the “Teaching Selling & Negotiation Skills to Collision,” on November 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Fo w

C To 8

30 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Tregaskiss 519-737-3000 www.tregaskiss.com

Threading Tools Irwin Hanson, a global manufacturer of high carbon steel threading tools, has announced the introduction of the Performance Threading System, a simple-to-use solution of selfaligning taps and dies, drive tools, and adjustable tap sockets.

With the launch of the Performance Threading System, Irwin focuses on three critical features for users: excellent thread quality, improved durability, and ease of use.

The Performance Threading System includes several cases with modular sets of SAE or Metric taps and dies and drive tools, so users can choose only what they need, rather than having to purchase expensive sets that include tools they’ll never use. Each set has the tap and die sizes clearly imprinted right into the case, for easier replacement and storage; there’s never a doubt where a particular tap or die belongs. The sets have clear lids, so what’s inside can be easily seen, or the lids can detach, for those who prefer quicker access.

And perhaps best of all, each set is only 1-1/2” thick, so they easily fit into the smallest drawer in a toolbox.

Irwin Hanson www.irwin.com 32 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

Scissor Lift Mohawk’s USL-6000 portable 6’-tall scissor lift offers full undervehicle access for all under-car work, as well as tire and brake service at mid-height, or bodyshop estimates at full height. Featuring all-position mechanical and hydraulic safety locks, the 110 volt-operated lift is easily moved by one person. Whether it be narrow bays, shops with inadequate concrete floors, portability, or full under-car access (including transmission removal), the USL-6000 is the only full-height, portable lift available.

Mohawk Lifts 800-833-2006 www.mohawklifts.com

AIA Ad/JOB

10/5/09

2:11 PM

Page 1

Training Program Director Required The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada is seeking a Director to head a new project overseeing the delivery of I-CAR training in Canada. I-CAR is a well established not-for-profit organization that develops and delivers technical training for the Collision sector in the U.S and around the world through partners such as AIA. The program Director will be responsible for building the infrastructure in Canada to deliver, monitor, track and grow training for all aspects of the collision repair industry. Duties will include strategic planning, partnership development, industry relations, business planning, data collection, committee and advisory group development, creation of a trainer network and liaison with the ICAR head office in the U.S. Working with an established team in Ottawa, the Director will be a self-starter who has knowledge/experience with one or all of the following: training, the collision sector, start-up development, the automotive sector in Canada, association management. The ability to work collaboratively with partners and a volunteer network is essential.

While AIA would prefer a Director who is able to work from the AIA National office, we are open to a qualified individual who may be located and working elsewhere in Canada. Proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages would be considered an asset.

Interested parties should apply in confidence by sending a resume, cover letter and salary expectations to the AIA President, Marc Brazeau, at: Email:Marc.Brazeau@aiacanada.com Fax: (613) 728-6021 Mail: 1272 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 Regards, Marc Brazeau President

products

TIG Torch For both hobbyists and professional welders, Weldcraft’s WP-17 Series air-cooled TIG torches offer superior torch control and excellent welding performance on thin- to mediumgauge materials. The WP-17 Series includes five different styles of TIG torches, including standard, valved, and flex-neck models.

The WP-17 and WP-17V models feature Weldcraft’s patented Diamond Grip torch body to provide operators with a secure grip, no matter the welding position. This ergonomic torch body also helps the operator maintain the correct positioning between the torch and weld joint, and reduces downtime associated with operator fatigue. The WP-17V model features a fingertip gas valve to improve shielding gas control when used with power sources that do not have a gas solenoid.

Both models use 10N series consumables, and offer 150 amp DC and 115 amp AC welding capabilities at 60% duty cycle.

Other WP-17 series models include the WP-17F, a flex-neck version designed to allow access to hard-to-reach areas, and the WP-17FV model. The WP-17FV torch also features an adjustable flex neck, as well as a gas valve to help improve shielding gas control.

Weldcraft 800-752-7620 www.weldcraft.com

Welding Helmets Hobart Welding Products introduces two radical new designs, the Bonehead and Hothead, to its XVS Series of lightweight, high performance, auto-darkening welding helmets. Perfect for many uses, the helmets darken in 1/12,000 of a second after arc start and feature an internally adjustable auto-darkening shade (#9-12), and lens sensitivity and delay controls.

Hobart Welding Products designed the XVS Series to be durable and efficient. The helmets feature a solar-assisted autodarkening lens and two easy-to-replace AAA batteries, with an exceptionally long life of 2,000 hours on MIG welding, with no recharging required. Weighing in at 11 oz., the XVS Series helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and come with five external and two internal protective lens covers. Ratchet-style headgear adjusts for size and features a CoolMax odour-absorbing sweatband.

XVS Series helmets are covered by a two-year warranty.

Hobart 800-626-9420 www.hobartwelders.com

34 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

TPMS System Dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems has become more and more commonplace in service shops. Knowledge is key to safely and confidently service wheels with TPMS. But unfortunately the vast amount of TPMS information available, including the wide variety of sensor types, required special tools, and individual OE procedures makes handling these wheels a daunting task.Hunter’s TPMSpecs database takes the frustration out of servicing TPMS wheels by organizing and condensing over 110 unique OE TPMS procedures into an easy-to-understand, tech-friendly format. TPMSpecs provides the sensor type, tools needed, service procedures, and any special instructions based on the specific vehicle being serviced. The technician simply selects the vehicle from the database or scans the VIN with an optional bar code scanner to instantly access the information. No longer will technicians waste valuable time flipping through the pages of reference manuals, or risk a comeback or damage from not knowing the proper procedure.

TPMSpecs is available on select Hunter balancers, alignment systems and through an online subscription.

Hunter 800-448-6848 www.hunter.com

Heavy Duty Tie Rods As a specialized developer and manufacturer of steering and suspension parts, Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG is continuously expanding its Meyle range of improved heavy-duty parts. The Hamburg-based company’s most recent additions include reinforced tie rod ends for BMW, Ford, and Volvo. Meyle supplies the BMW HD tie rod ends with special nuts similar to OE. Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG provides a four-year warranty for all HD parts for passenger cars and vans.

Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG provides a four-year warranty for these new parts and all other HD parts for passenger cars and vans.

Meyle 925-699 7199 www.meyle.com

A wealth of experience.

Standox® Standohyd®.

VOC challenges are revolutionizing our industry. Standox® waterborne refinish products have been challenging global technology since the early nineties. Delivering a German made, compliant refinish system with accurate color matching for maximum quality, performance and reputation. Allowing you to deliver flawless masterpieces. Standox® – a leader in Europe, successful throughout the world. www.standoxna.com

photo file

It was all smiles after the second annual Fix-Auto Charity Golf Tournament, at Bond Head Golf Club

V T

G

b

N

S U

HELP WANTED

S

COLLISION REPAIR COACH. VERIFACTS AUTOMOTIVE, LLC www.verifactsauto.com Must have extensive experience as a collision technician, instructor (school or I-CAR) or insurance trainer. Adjusting experience is desirable.

You'll be working with advanced collision repair shops while setting your own flexible schedule as a contractor for VeriFacts Automotive. This is a part time or full time position.

Please e-mail your resume to info@verifactsauto.com or fax to 888.397.3551.

Z

w R T o C

Coaching the Collision Industry to Higher Quality Repairs.

✂ ✂

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Publisher reserves the right to determine qualification my comPany’s main business activity at this location is: Bodyshops: Independent, Franchise and Chain Operations New Car Dealers Claims Manager/Claims Adjuster Company & Independent Fleet Service/Maintenance Shops (with body repair facilities) Specialized Repairs (Trim, Glass, Upholstery) Wholesalers of Bodyshop Supplies Manufactures, Sales Agents, Distributors Schools q 009 Others Allied to the Field

36 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

ReadReply.indd 42

2/10/09 10:43:14 AM

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in my estimation

Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com.

To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact Brayden J C Ford 416-510-5206

HAND CLEANERS

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com The officially licensed belt of NASCAR. Gatorback, the quiet belt. You can never replace Goodyear quality.

NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets.

Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming” ZEX AC Compressors Division of Mister Starter

www.misterstarter.com Remanufactured/New A/C compressors and Turbochargers/Superchargers for complete line of cars and trucks, DOMESTIC & IMPORTS. Custom Rebuilds also available for your needs.

p

70

COLLISION REPAIR Masters School of Autobody Management www.masters-school.com Masters offers a number of education programs and implementation follow-up programs designed to take bodyshops to the next level of success.

GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing.

GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES Empack/emzone Automotive Care & Maintenance www.emzone.ca The high performance emzone product line is specially formulated for your detailing and maintenance needs. For maintenance: Lubricants, Brake Cleaners, Degreasers, and Coatings. For detailing: Glass Cleaners, Carpet Foams, Tire Shines and Auto Fresh.

REFRIGERANT Duracool Refrigerants Inc. www.duracool.com Nationally Distributed by: Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. The Leaders in Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Technology Guaranteed In writing not to harm any Mobile A/C System You can feel the Difference that Quality Makes “Our Formula Never Changes”.

advertiser index Akzo Nobel

29

AkzoNobelCarRefinishes.net

Akzo Nobel

19

www.wandarefinsh.com

ChemSpec USA Inc

15

www.chemspecpaint.com

Collision Solution Network

31

www.csn.ca

Dom’s Auto Parts

12

www.domsauto.com

Dupont Cromax Pro

5

www.cromaxpro.dupont.com

Fix Auto

40

www.fixauto.com

Global Finishing Solutions

13

www.globalfinishing.com

Filco Inc Termmeccania North America

2

www.filcoinc.com

H&S Auto Shot

27

www.hsautoshot.com

LaFlamme Air Libre Inc

24

www.laflammeairlibre.com

Mirka

27

www.mirka.com

NACE

7

Pro-Tek

25

Rondex Limited

17

www.rondex.ca

Sherwin- Williams Automotive Refinishes

39

www.sherwin-automotive.com

SATA Spray Equipment

23

www.satacanada.com

Standox

35

www.standoxna.com

Transtar AutobodyTechnologies Inc

21

www.tat-co.com

Thorold Auto Parts & Recyclers

27

www.thoroldauto.com

Empack / emzone Refrigerants www.emzone.ca Eco-friendly, non-ozone depleting and system safe. The emzone quality A/C Refrigerant product line includes stop leak, system conditioner, oil charge, UV dye leak detection, and dryer offering colder vent temperatures, improved system efficiency, lower head pressure and greater gas mileage. Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs and tractors.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies.

Rotary Lift www.rotarylift.com World Leader in Lift Productivity

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS Bestbuy Distributors Limited

www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying group and warehouse distributor that allocates its profits to member shareholders and provides unbeatable value for independent jobbers.

The E.R.I. Group www.theerigroup.com Canada’s Premier Machine Shop Buying Group

Kerr Machine Shop Group Inc.

www.kerrmachineshopgroup.com Buying group for machine shops and performance shops.

www.NACEexpo.com www.pro-teksprayequipment.com

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2009 l Bodyshop 37

10:43:14 AM

from the publisher

Exciting Times Having been a student of the automotive aftermarket for 20 years, I find it very exciting to see it undergoing such change, particularly over the last year.

For the collision repair sector, the change has been particularly acute.

With Canada’s low-VOC refinish regulations finally in place, those who have not converted, and those who have (as well as the paint and equipment suppliers) can finally stop wondering if there is ever going to be an end to it all.

That end comes on December 2010, when all non-compliant sales are required to cease—though any shop looking to get the full conversion arrangement and avoid gaps in their inventory would be wise to get it done a good deal before then.

Looking ahead, though the waning impact of the credit crunch-driven economic changes may not be positive for all businesses out there, there is certainly more to be hopeful for than fearful of.

The Automotive Aftermarket Industries Association, in its “Industry Indicators” report, noted that seven of 23 economic indicators it tracks in the U.S. are positive for the aftermarket, while those that weren’t (such as new car sales, for example) are the result of a bounce back from a very deep trough.

The net result of much of this is the expectation of an aging vehicle fleet, with its higher number of write-offs. And then there’s the fact that every statistic seems to point to a reduction in the average number of accidents due to driving patterns and vehicle technology.

The consequence for shops is a pressing need to be ever more efficient in repairing vehicles—not just from a time standpoint, but from a cost standpoint, too. This is going to mean finding low-cost parts options for these older vehicles (which probably means an increasing reliance on aftermarket and used parts), and being even more expert at working on vehicles that are becoming a bit frayed around the edges. New techniques will emerge that will keep vehicles in the “fix it” category—I have faith in that—but it is also going to require some acceptance of an imperfect result from the shop and the customer, which is probably the hardest barrier to overcome.

And it seems apparent that the collision repair industry is also going to have to become less dependent on the insurer-pay business and look for ways to build its customer-pay business, profitably.

On this front, the quick-repair strategy could be a boon. Aside from the need to get proficient at the techniques required and having appropriate processes in place, it will also require a rethink of what constitutes a “quick repair”: perhaps five hours, not 20 or 30.

With the right pieces in place, those repairs can be completed profitably. And, in the end, a comprehensive strategy that will allow a business to attract discretionary spending can provide a new, positive element to a business.

Yes, you will still need to build strong relationships with your insurance partners; they will continue to be important for your business for the foreseeable future, but looking outside that box may be in your own best interests.

B Regardless of your decisions, there’s no doubt the same-old-same-old is gone forever.

Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

38 Bodyshop l October 2009 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

F

S William wate have fi wan

— Ph

process

™

Fast Greens With Air-Dry Technology

Since switching to SherwinWilliams’ HP Process and the AWX waterborne basecoat system, we have finally realized the results we want. The HP process used with AWX is lean and green.

— Phil McNaul | Miller’s Collision Services Fort Erie, Ontario

Don’t putt around, it’s actually easy being green – just call 1-800-798-5872.

sherwin-automotive.com

On the golf course, fast greens are hard. In the collision shop, being fast – while being green – is hard, too. So how do you speed up production while doing the right thing when it comes to the environment? With the new HP Process™ from Sherwin-Williams, now you can.

Bill Gooder (Left) Paint Technician

Phil McNaul (Right) Collision Services Manager

The HP Process uses proprietary Air-Dry technology to remove the need for baking.

It achieves a fast cure time at ambient (70-75°F) room temperatures, allowing for same-day repairs. In fact, its HPC15 Clearcoat can achieve a 15-minute cure that can be sanded, polished and even delivered to the customer.

The HP Process not only benefits the environment by reducing a shop’s carbon footprint, but it impacts the bottom line by lowering energy costs and helping paint more cars, faster. The HP Process stands for higher productivity, higher performance, higher profits, a healthy planet – and especially a happy painter.

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