Bodyshop November 2013

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

November 2013

Plus: Efficiency Builders from the Field Abrasives OE Innovations Survey: Training

secrets

CUSTOM

refinishing

Hot Tips from the Flame Doctor and Other Experts

Visit www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Fixing Minor Damage... rdable!

Fast and Affo

Think of us as an extension of your shop. From Automotive Coatings to all of the Repair Materials and Supplies you need to get the job done right. Low to high volume shops.

Waterborne to Solvent. We’ll match a Refinish System to your shop to improve productivity and your competitive edge. Paint – it’s what you do. It’s all we do.

Visit a store, give us a call, learn more or share ideas: 800-798-5872 | sherwin-automotive.com |

© 2013 The Sherwin-Williams Company

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

November 2013 l Volume 43, Issue 5

Features 20

Efficiency Builders From the Field

22

Abrasives: Efficiency Tips

26

Lighter, Stronger, Safer: OE Continues to Innovate

34

SURVEY: Training

In a relatively mature industry like collision repair, bodyshops need to improve the way they operate to boost sales and profits. We asked bodyshop owners and managers about recent steps they have taken to improve operations.

In today’s competitive economy, experts everywhere are perusing financial statements and asking tough questions about how to get materials expenses down. Abrasives, naturally, inevitably enter the picture.

One of the continually fascinating aspects of the vehicle manufacturing industry is the constant quest to create a better product: to make vehicles that are safer, faster, stronger, and to meet or exceed ever-more stringent federal mandates such as the CAFE standard. Here’s a look at a few of the more interesting developments over the past year.

Training is a bit like the weather. It’s seldom the way you want it, when you want it, where you want it. We asked shops across Canada how many man-hours of training they avail themselves of on average (per month), where that training tends to be, and what they seek training on.

22

Cover 14 Painting Outside The Numbers: Custom Advice From the Experts Custom paint artists from across the country offer insider tips on what goes into the creation of a rolling work of art, and why you shouldn’t quit your day job.

In Every Issue 4

Publisher’s Comment

32

Internet Directory

6

News

32

Advertisers Index

28 Products

20 visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Our Annual Canadian Collision Guide and Directory. Plus: Wrapups on NACE, SEMA, and CCIF’s Edmonton Forum; Software and Business Systems; The Aftermarket Outlook; and much more. www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2013 l Bodyshop 3

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

from the publisher

NEVER ENOUGH TRAINING The problem, if I may so bold as to call it that, is that training never seems to be available when or where everyone needs it to be.

This is despite the collective resources of some of the largest organizations in the world – multinationals that supply products and services to dozens of industries the world over, including our “little” corner of the economy – industry-driven bodies like I-CAR, and local initiatives by jobbers, distributors, associations, and groups.

On the face of it, the inability of many candidates to get the training they need, when they need it, often seems to result in a frustrating situation of hits and misses, slim resources, and poor planning.

While getting resources of any kind to where they are need is always an issue in this vast country, I believe that there is something else feeding into the mix: the need for training has never been more acute.

So what I hear when a veteran shop owner comments that there aren’t enough training opportunities for his people to attend, is a heightened imperative to get more training than ever before.

It is also clear, to me anyway, that in the face of tightening human resources at the shop level, organizations are pushing harder than ever to ensure that they are getting the very best out of the people they do have.

Naturally, when that imperative runs headlong into the very real challenges of getting training to every corner of Canada, there’s going to be some frustration.

And not to be understated is the fact that virtually every function connected to this industry is a potential topic for training, and every shop has different needs. Among the comments on our Training Survey in this issue are these two: “Use vehicles that we are actually going to be repairing, instead of high-end stuff that is rarely going to be fixed at the average shop.” Fair enough, I hear you say, but then there’s this desire: “More luxury car training courses.”

There’s lots in between, of course – there are some great observations included in our survey report (thanks to all who took the time) – but here are a few of my own.

Not that long ago, there was very little talk of training beyond learning about low-VOC technology. While there is no doubt still room for improvement for some, not a single comment noted the need for it now. This is progress.

Furthermore, there were few comments about the insurance segment, other than the expected snipes about the low door rate’s impact on shops’ ability to send staff to training, but even then it was not the usual onslaught of blame in that direction. I don’t know if that shows real progress, but it was refreshing.

And last but not least, there were quite a few mentions of the need for more widespread availability of I-CAR training. This is a very positive development, as it was only a few short years ago that nobody was calling for more I-CAR training because most had already written it off as a viable means to improve both staff capability and consumer confidence.

Thankfully we didn’t let it leave Canada, and under the management of the Automotive Industries Association here, and an expanded course availability from I-CAR itself, it has seen a resurgence that can only be called astounding.

B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

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

MANAGING EDITOR Martha Uniacke Breen mubreen@bodyshopbiz.com EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Brian Harper CONTRIBUTORS Peter Diekmeyer Leslie C. Smith SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@bodyshopbiz.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven Hofmann 416-510-6757 shofmann@bizinfogroup.ca ART DIRECTOR Choo Hwee Kuan 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 BODYSHOP is published by BIG Magazines LP, a div. of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Phone 416-442-5600 Fax 416-510-5140 Subscription rates: Canada – $39.95 (add applicable taxes) per year, $62.95 (add applicable taxes) for 2 years, single copy $7.00. USA and all other foreign – US$61.95 per year. U.S. single copy US$10.00.

All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, either in part or full, including photocopying and recording, without the written consent of the copyright owner. Nor may any part of this publication be stored in a retrieval system of any nature without prior written consent.

US Office of Publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US Postmaster: send address changes to Bodyshop PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118.

From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 1-800-268-7742 Fax: 416-442-2191 E-Mail: privacyofficer@bizinfogroup.ca Mail to: Privacy Officer, Business Information Group, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 ISSN 0045-2319 Online 1923-354X Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 Return postage guaranteed. Send change of address notices, undeliverable copies and subscription orders to: Circulation Dept. — Bodyshop Magazine, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 “We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage”.

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Stay ahead of the curve in a changing world.

Changes have driven the automotive finishing business in new directions.

With DuPont™ Cromax® Pro waterborne basecoat, you can speed up your operations and increase productivity, without compromising the quality of work you demand. It’s part of an integrated DuPont Refinish system designed to keep you ahead.

Make sure your business stays ahead of the curve.

Talk to your local DuPont Representative or call 1.800.668.6945.

Products change. High standards don’t.

The DuPont Refinish Logo, DuPont™ and all products denoted with ™ or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

DuPont Canada is a licensee. © Copyright 2013 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

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news

AYCE Pre-Apprenticeship Program Boasts Highest Grad Rate Ever

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arc Tremblay, co-ordinator of AYCE Employment Services’ PreApprenticeship Training for Autobody Collision and Damage Repair program, reported that all of the 19 students registerd for the summer program have graduated. In a presentation at the AYCE Career Fair in August, Tremblay also reported a number of important industry sponsorships have been added to the program, which gives youth and unemployed workers preliminary training in autobody repair and prepares them for success in employers’ apprenticeship jobs in the shop.

Andrew Shepherd announced that the Automotive Industries Association (AIA), which works in partnership with I-CAR Canada, has donated I-CAR course training for AYCE graduates.

Tremblay also announced that SherwinWilliams Automotive Finishes will be donating complete toolkits to grads, consisting of sanders, polishers, Snapon toolkits and other equipment.

Dave Samalea, who is acting chair for the Automotive Department at

The Summer AYCE Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program graduated a record number of students, with all of the 19 completing the program successfully.

Centennial College in the Toronto area, told Bodyshop, “When I first started in the program, I was amazed by how eager the students are at the beginning, even without having the skills to proceed. This is a tremendous opportunity for them, and makes

them that much more marketable to bodyshops who are looking to make an investment in training apprentices.”

Tremblay reports that of the 19 graduates, to date 16 are employed and working full-time.

Airbag Solutions Offers FREE SRS Estimating Checklist

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irbag Solutions has launched a new, free Supplemental Restraints Systems Estimating Checklist, allowing damage appraisers to more easily identify each of the components required to remain in compliance with OEM service requirements surrounding restraint

systems. The SRS Service Checklist is available as either an on-line, fill-in PDF or as a simple printed download.

Knowing the answers to SRS-related questions before the repair has begun will help to eliminate supplements, reduce cycle times, and follow OEM procedures.

AirbagSolutions.com is a web-based database, accessed by subscription, and covers vehicles from 1988 through 2014. The database is presented in a unique copyrighted photographic format, rather than drop-down screens or pencil sketches, so users see which components are required and where they are located. This allows users to virtually eliminate supplements, simplify airbag system repairs, and reduce cycle times. Additional information, including light resetting, wire repair, and possible peripheral damage are also included in the database, making it the most complete airbag service resource available. To access the SRS Checklist, visit AirbagSolutions.com.

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ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF SAVING 30%, RAISE YOUR HAND. T

oo good to be true? Nope. Shops that have switched to ultra-clean NitroHeat are reducing paint consumption by anywhere from 20 to 30% – while achieving the same mil thickness.

-propelled paint also flashes off With its 98% pure, heated nitrogen, NitroHeat-propelled faster than in conventional compressed air systems, dramatically shrinking your booth (and cycle) times and boosting your bottom line.

When it’s time to convert to waterborne, NitroHeat saves you yet again – by eliminating the need for an expensive upgrade to your air circulation system.

To find out more about adding NitroHeat to your system (waterborne or solvent), call us at 1.800.615.9949 – or visit www.wedgeclamp.com.

It’s one of the smartest investments you can make.

Hands down.

See us at SEMA: Booth # 10669 Territories available for Distributor opportunities. Call 1.800.615.9949 (toll-free) or 604.207.9595, or Email: nitroheat@wedgeclamp.com ©2013 Wedge Clamp Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Patents pending.

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news

A

Continued from page 6

Axalta Expands Coatings Technology Center

xalta Coating Systems has invested $5 million in a new pilot reactor that has begun operations to support coatings polymer research and scale-up activities at its Coatings Technology Center in Wilmington, Del. The stateof-the-art reactor system is coupled with a complete process automation and control system to enable precise control of ingredient amounts and critical process conditions such as temperature and pressure. The expansion will enhance product development capabilities and accelerate the manufacture and introduction of the next generation of polymers that offer improved performance properties to meet customer expectations. The polymers produced from the pilot reactor can be used for both traditional solvent-based and more environmentally friendly waterbased coating products.

R

Automotive-based LTL Brokerage Freight Shipments

eviva Logistics has launched a new partnership betweeen its Internetbased freight quotation and scheduling service, Freight Buddy, and Mitchell International. As a result of the partnership, Freight Buddy is now available in the RepairCenter ToolStore catalogue. Mitchell is a provider of property and casualty claims technology solutions, simplifying and accelerating the automotive claims management and collision repair processes.

The Freight Buddy and Mitchell partnership was created as a logical value-add service for Mitchell’s collision repair customers. Many of these customers regularly buy and sell automotive parts, but until now have lacked a simple and easy-to-use method of shipping these critical parts to and from their collision repair centres.

“Freight Buddy is a powerful addition to the RepairCenter ToolStore,” says Brian Elmii, senior manager of product management at Mitchell.

“By offering the Freight Buddy add-on in the ToolStore, shops will have the ability to schedule and track a shipment through their RepairCenter workspace, saving time and effort.”

RepairCenter’s flexible design allows auto body shops to select the exact tools they need to create a customized Workspace. The RepairCenter ToolStore is like having every tool in the industry on hand for the collision repair workflow, whether it’s for parts procurement, paint, rental, compliance, analytics, or other key elements of the repair process.

To learn more about RepairCenter, visit www.repaircenter.mitchell.com, or contact Mitchell by email at RepairCenterInfo@mitchell.com or telephone at 1-800-238-9111.

DuPont Refinish Renamed Cromax

A

xalta Coating Systems announces that Cromax is the new brand name for DuPont Refinish.

The Cromax family of brands includes all of the product lines that are part of the DuPont Refinish franchise today such as Cromax Pro. Everything about the individual product lines will remain the same – the same quality, formulations and technology will continue to provide customers with innovative solutions.

The complete rollout of the new Cromax identity across the full portfolio of products will take some time. According to a company release, more information about Cromax will be communicated throughout the remainder of 2013. New Cromax product labels will begin to appear in 2014, depending on location. In the meantime, all products, colour tools and other resources with the DuPont Refinish name may continue to be used by distributors or bodyshop customers.

Continued on page 10

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ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS CARSTAR has a proven track record of successful conversion franchising in the automotive industry spanning 20 years and growing to over 190 locations across Canada.

If there is anything that our relationships have taught us over the years, it is that the most important part of our franchising system is selecting the right franchise partners.

We look to work with partners who: • Inspire and demonstrate leadership skills • Have a competitive drive and an unwillingness to ‘settle’ • Have proven track record of collision centre ownership or management We are currently expanding in various markets across Canada. Want to learn more?

Contact us at 1-800-701-9452 ext 289 or franchising@carstar.ca

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news

Continued from page 8

CarProof Donates $12,000 to Red Cross Relief Across Canada

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arProof Vehicle History Reports has donated $12,000 to Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in support of the Alberta floods and the Lac-Mégantic explosion in Quebec.

From July 22 to 28, CarProof set aside a portion of all vehicle history report sales to automotive dealers and consumers in Alberta to help that province recover from the extensive flooding that occurred in June. A week later, the company pledged to donate a percentage of Quebec sales from July 30 to Aug. 5 to support the Lac-Mégantic assistance program setup by the Red Cross after the July 5 train explosion. In total, $6,000 was raised for Alberta and $6,000 was generated for Lac-Mégantic, bringing the overall total to $12,000.

“The entire CarProof team feels deeply for the people affected by both of these horrible disasters. We have employees and customers who suffered as a result of the flooding and the

explosion and we felt it was important that we support these communities in their time of need,” says Drew Forret, CFO/COO at CarProof. “We’d like to

thank our dealer members and our retail customers for helping us make this donation to these relief efforts.”

CCIF Organization and Management: Your Chance to Get Involved

M

ike Bryan will be handing over the Canadian Collision Industry Form (CCIF) Administration role to the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) at the end of this year. The transition means that CCIF participants will be in a stronger position to influence strategies that will lead to action on the industry’s key issues. Following presentations, committee reports, and discussions at CCIF, participants will vote to express their opinions on action steps and priorities. The will of participants will be channelled through the CCIF Steering Committee (currently the CCIF Chairman’s Council) and decisions will be made on next steps, e.g., form a work group to gather more facts, ask AIA to provide resources or expertise or to take direct action itself. The CCIF Steering Committee will manage how issues voted on at CCIF get handled and how they are reported back to CCIF participants.

As well as steering the direction of CCIF and channelling the will of participants, the CCIF Steering Committee will approve CCIF meeting agendas, set policies and work at maintaining CCIF as a neutral body focused on issues of importance and relevance to the industry as a whole.

repair, insurance, suppliers, and OEM volunteer representatives from across Canada. For 2014, the Committee is seeking new members to replace several current members who will be retiring from what is currently still known as the CCIF Chairman’s Council. Being a CCIF Steering Committee member comes with a very significant responsibility and requires attendance at CCIF meetings each year (currently, three per year) and availability for conference calls (six to eight per year).

If you believe that you can make a contribution for the benefit of your industry as a volunteer CCIF Steering Committee member, please download an application available on www.ccif.net, and submit it to Andrew Shepherd, Director, Industry Programs, AIA Canada, via email to andrew.shepherd@aiacanada.com, by no later than November 1, 2013.

Successful applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance to the CCIF Steering Committee by December 5th, 2013.

CCIF Steering Committee

The CCIF Steering Committee will comprise collision

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AMI Announces 2013 Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship Recipient

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he Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) jointly announced that Shellie Andrews, operations manager for Dana’s Collision Center, Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the recipient of this year’s Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship.

Andrews has worked in the collision industry for more than 23 years and is currently completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. When not working in the shop, she contributes her time to various community and industry organizations.

As the scholarship recipient, Andrews receives $1,000 to help cover expenses to attend educational sessions and view the latest repair technologies and equipment during the 2013 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), Oct. 16-18, in Las Vegas.

Profit at work.

Estimating =

Profit.

Mitchell Estimating helps improve accuracy and is easy to use.

• Leverages Mitchell’s comprehensive editorial database and team

• Provides the most current parts and labor databases with daily price updates

2013 I-CAR Awards Winners Honoured

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-CAR has announced the winners of its annual I-CAR Awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the training and professionalism of the collision repair industry. The winners were revealed on July 24 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in Boston to start the 2013 I-CAR Technology Conference.

At the ceremony, I-CAR Chair William Brower also presented the Chairman’s Award to Tom Moreland, North American strategic sales manager and industry relations manager for Akzo Nobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas.

The award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to I-CAR have been significant or extraordinary.

To learn more today, visit www.mitchell.com/mitchell-estimating or give us a call at 1.866.655.2544

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news

Continued from page 11

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Announces 2013 Fourth Quarter Canadian Training Schedule

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herwin-Williams Automotive Finishes 2013 fourth-quarter training sessions provide collision repair industry professionals advanced knowledge in their field. Courses will be available from October through December, 2013.

Shop owners, managers, painters, and technicians can all choose to advance their production-excellence and paint application techniques.

Participants will learn through a combination of classroom, web, and hands-on settings at various Canadian

metropolitan Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes training and university centres.

The key courses offered during the fourth quarter include that of its AWX Performance Plus Waterborne Systems and ATX refinish systems, as well as classes specific to “Improving Workshop Efficiencies” and “Better Estimating Solutions for Profit.”

“Many of these offered courses directly tie in to the Sherwin-Williams philosophy of ‘lean thinking’ – introducing concepts that support environ-

Appointments The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne Jefferies to the position of director, collision programs. As part of AIA’s senior management team, Leanne will play a key role in the organization and administration of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF), which will be officially run by AIA starting in January 2014. Leanne will also assist in integrating a range of new and existing collision industry initiatives, seamlessly tying CCIF to I-CAR Canada, devising and implementing recruitment and retention programs, developing marketing and communications tools, and enhancing relations with Canadian colleges. Leanne will also continue in her current role as director, CCIF Skills Program.

Bill Burns has been appointed as Area Sales Manager for Wedge Clamp Systems Inc. Bill brings extensive experience from senior positions of sales and market development with Sata Spray Equipment, Spies Hecker and Sikkens paint lines, and compressed air products. The additional background of being a technical trainer and a bodyshop owner gives Bill incisive collision repair knowledge. Bill can be contacted at bburns@wedgeclamp.com or on his mobile at (403) 831-0103.

Ken McAfee has been appointed Business Development Manager for BASF’s Automotive Refinish Business in Canada. McAfee will have responsibility for new business growth in the province of Ontario. “The appointment of Ken is a great addition to our team,” said Harry Dhanjal, Business Manager for BASF’s Automotive Refinish business in Canada.

“The experience and network Ken brings will help BASF as we continue to grow in Canada with new innovations such as the Onyx HD Low VOC product range.”

mentally responsible practices – which in turn, increase productivity while minimizing or often eliminating waste,” says Bob Leibel, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes director of sales and operations, Canada. “Good examples are our training courses on our AWX Performance Plus waterborne system; this provides excellent colour match, quick flash times between coats, and requires minimal (or even eliminates) the traditional baking cycle.”

For more information about Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Canadian training classes, contact Dave Lalonde by phone at 905-890-4222 or fax at 216-586-8679 to register. For information on other Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes products or services, visit www.sherwin-automotive. com or call 1-800-SWULTRA (1-800798-5872).

Miller Consolidates Smith Equipment Products Under Brand, Expands Metal Cutting Offering

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iller Electric Mfg. Co. has consolidated the Smith Equipment oxy-fuel cutting equipment product line under the Miller brand. The consolidation expands the current Miller metal cutting offering, which includes a variety of portable plasma cutting packages. The only difference is that the name on the product will change to Miller.

Several products will retain the Smith Equipment brand name, including the Little Torch jewellery torch, QuickBraze HVAC/R and appliance repair torches, specialty gas regulators, Handi Heet soldering outfits, and Silver Smith air-fuel jeweller’s torches.

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Automotive Finishes

Where Speed Meets Green R-M® believes you shouldn’t have to choose between being productive and being VOC compliant.

That’s why we’re introducing Onyx HD™ Low VOC Productive System, a compliant solventborne alternative that dries quickly in most shop environments. When you switch to Onyx HD, you can enjoy the benefits of a tried and true solventborne system that meets all VOC standards for North America and uses COLOR-MAX®, one of the fastest and most accurate color tools in the industry. To learn more, please call 800-825-3000, visit www.basfrefinish.com/onyx-sb and see us at SEMA, Booth 21441. ©2013 BASF Corporation

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Scan with a QR code reader to learn more about Onyx HD Low VOC Productive System.

9/20/13 4:46 PM 13-09-23 1:03 PM

custom paint tips

secrets

CUSTOM refinishing Hot Tips from the Flame Doctor and Other Experts

by Leslie C. Smith

“Don’t quit your day job.”

That’s the number one piece of advice custom painting pros give when asked for insider tips about the business.

“The market for custom is very limited,” says “Yosemite” Sam Radoff, of London, Ontario. “Custom painting is very time-consuming and expensive. It’s a tough racket, tough to be full-time.” Plus, the competition out there is fierce.

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custom paint tips

One of Mike Tiki (above), Mitek Fine Automobile’s recent projects is this 1970 Plymouth “Viper” Cuda. Tiki and painter Dan Foxton chose Standox Porsche Graphite Grey Metallic, Deep Black Basecoat and Standocryl Clearcoat to create the look. The car is featured in the 2014 DuPont Refinish Calendar.

T

ake a look at all the shows on TV devoted to the topic, and you’d think there was a huge boom on. The reality, though, is that most customizers spend their days in shops devoted to regular autobody painting and repair, and moonlight as custom artists.

Sam Radoff is not one of them, however. A former Fanshawe College instructor, winner of more than 500 Best Paint awards including the Ridler Award, and the

I

only Canadian in the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum (located outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma), he now is semi-retired, involved as much with fine art and sculpture as he is with cars. Radoff still keeps his hand in, though. Known throughout the business as the “Flame Doctor,” he says his motto is: “Have spray gun, will travel.

I go to different shops, paint things, then disappear.

Continued on page 16

From Dump To Diva

t was, said Mitch Peacock, 45, head honcho of Edmonton’s Jus Cuz’ Customs, a bit like a blind date. His company was looking for a resto project, a vehicle that would act as a rolling showcase for their services. Mitch didn’t know what he wanted, as he told his friend with a farm full of rusting hulks, he just was looking for something “a little different.”

“Buddy,” his friend replied. “Have I got the thing for you!”

That thing was a crapped-out DIVCO Model 13, a lonely little milk truck from 1954, sitting all by itself in the middle of a field. Mitch didn’t know about this one. In fact, he had never even heard of the Detroit Industrial Vehicles Company, producers of multi-stop delivery vans from 1926 until 1986. But he checked the truck over, inside and out, sat on the swivel, fishing boat-style driver’s seat, and was sold.

“It wasn’t the prettiest girl at the dance or the most popular,” he recalls, “but I took to her very quick and brought her home to meet the family.”

Still, the romance had to sit on a back burner as work piled up. A couple of years later, in November, 2010, the Just Cuz’ team headed down to Vegas for SEMA – the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade convention, the world’s premier automotive specialty products expo.

There, Mitch was invited by Sherri Candland of Iwata to join some of the biggest names in the custom painting business as they worked together

in the EZ Mix booth, pimping out a new Dodge minivan. An idea dawned on Mitch: “Paint events are very popular at the show, and if painting a stock minivan drew huge crowds, imagine what a badass DIVCO milk truck would draw?”

What if Just Cuz’ finished the truck and brought her along to SEMA for her own paint event? She could be rigged with removable interior panels and Mitch could ask a dozen or so star artists to paint one apiece.

“Our good friend, Steve Woodward, from Lethbridge’s Below Grade Design, sat down with us and developed a sweet rendering of the truck,” says Mitch. Custom artists Nub of Nub Grafix, Walden, NY, and Mike Learn, of Learn Airbrush, Boulder County, Colorado, travelled to Edmonton to help with the body. Auto products specialists FBS Distribution, of Port Coquitlam, BC, came along for the ride, offering to host the event at their booth. Matrix Paint Systems, Air Lift, Sata, Apple Auto Glass, Iwata, Mirka Abrasives, Evercoat, The Tint Factory and West Edmonton Radiator were among the companies that helped sponsor various phases of the restoration. Talent from all over the globe, including renowned LA artist Steve Deman, have signed on for the exclusive paint event.

By the time you read this article, Mitch’s darling DIVCO will be ensconced at the SEMA show, a lure for thousands of eyes – yet still the special sweetheart of just one man.

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custom paint tips

Continued from page 15

“The problem that most painters have today is the cost of materials,” Radoff continues. “They can’t experiment that much. I encourage people to experiment. Everything doesn’t have to be so cut-and-dried, so simple. Have some fun with it. Create your own style. Try out colours, different types of paint – each paint has its own characteristics, and even if you can’t mix up paint brands like you used to, try it anyway – I do. You never know when you’ll stumble onto something. For instance, most of the kandy-colour show cars I did back in the ’70s were done with furniture

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clear – plain old furniture lacquer, rather than four-timesmore-expensive automobile clearcoats.”

Clearcoats were also on the mind of Mike Tikl, owner of Mitek Fine Automobile Body & Paint, Kitchener, Ontario, and partner in the specialty shop Riotz Creations. He says paint company guidelines are just that: guidelines. Although they’re extremely useful, one doesn’t always have to play things by the book. Sometimes there’s room for a customizer to get creative.

An example he gives is the Standox line from Axalta Coating Systems, formerly DuPont Performance Coatings. “It’s a nice product to paint with. The guidelines call for one-and-a-half applications of the clear coat. But we found that two or more coats gives you a far superior finish.”

One of Tikl’s recent projects, completed along with painter Dan Foxton, is a 1970 Plymouth “Viper” Cuda. Custom-striped, with a twotone body in Standox Porsche Graphite Grey Metallic and Deep Black basecoats, polished off with Standocryl Clearcoat, it has earned the pair the November spot on Axalta’s popular custom refinish calendar for 2014. October belongs to Serge Beaulieu, of Blainville, Quebec, for his yellow-bodied 1955 Chevrolet Model 150 with a yellow pearl shadow flame. And the Canadians complete a rare hat-trick with May’s entry, a two-tone 1950 MG TD painted by Mike Carter of Dave’s Collision Works, Torbrook, Nova Scotia.

Carter says the job was unusual, in that MGs of that era employed wooden frames and the bodyshop needed to finesse some of its aging parts.

Once the panels were properly fitted, Carter used Cromax Pro Black Pearl for the fenders and White Pearl TriCoat for the body, all topped off with PremierClear Clearcoat. But, he says: “I added a few drops of blue pearl into both the pearl paints so they shared the same base tone. In the sunlight, the paint sparkles a little, and it makes the paint look a lot deeper.”

The MG’s owner had come in with another paint scheme in mind. But, instead of the original red, Carter

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Continued on page 18

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13-10-02 1:51 PM

The Return of Announcing industry Week 2014

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custom paint tips

Continued from page 16

This 1950 MG TD provided challenges for painter Mike Carter, Dave’s Collision Works in Torbrook, N.S. who went with a non-traditional finish, employing DuPont Epoxy Primer, Cromax Pro Black Pearl for the fenders and White Perl Tri-Coat for the body. The sparkling result also won the project a spot on the 2014 Dupont Refinish Calendar.

talked him into doing something a bit different, and it really paid off.

This manoeuvre echoes another piece of advice from Sam Radoff: “Make the customer feel that they’re right, no matter what they come in asking for. You have to be very diplomatic. A lot of times people have an idea that’s out in left field, but try turning it around a little. Make them believe your idea is what they were

S

really thinking of. They’ll end up saying: ‘That’s exactly what I wanted.’”

“I’ve put motorcycle tanks and fenders in fishnet stockings,” says Chris Springer, the Strongsville, Ohio-based application specialist for PPG Industries, one of the world’s leading coatings and specialty products companies.

“Spray over the stockings and it gives you a great snakeskin effect,”

Springer explains. “Or look at how low-rider guys take a lace tablecloth and paint pearl through that. Those lace patterns are neat. Another tip is spraying through used dryer sheets – the result looks like clothing material, like denim or leather.”

The idea, Springer says, is to think creatively: “Don’t limit yourself. Look at things around you in your environment and try to use them to your advantage.”

Chris Springer’s Custom Tip Sheet

ome offbeat techniques such as Chris Springer describes are often available on television specialty shows and YouTube videos. Still, the best source for offbeat information is other custom painters, who are usually happy to share their hard-earned knowledge, as Springer does here with an off-the-cuff tip sheet.

• My specialty is tape graphics. But one of the techniques I pride myself on is wood-graining, which I do simply by hand. I squeeze paint out of a bottle onto the side of the vehicle, then put a rubber glove on and drag my hand through. It looks remarkably like the real thing.

• Planning is primary. You don’t have to be good at drawing to lay out a plan.

If I’m painting a truck, I try to print out a picture from the Internet. I take a pencil, draw it out, figure where the graphics will be going. (Sometimes a customer may commission something and you won’t be able to get the car for months because it’s being fixed up. You may have to work with a downloaded picture.) You don’t have to be a degreed artist. I’m certainly not. But I’ve painted some things that are absolutely incredible, and people can’t believe I don’t know much about drawing.

• Use the curves and lines of what you’re painting to enhance what you’re painting on it. The VW Beetle is a very curvy vehicle, for instance, with flowing lines. Use those same type of lines to complement the shape of the vehicle.

• With paints, a little goes along way – you can forget that when masking. So use only a little bit of special effects pigment, or you can lose your point of reference. If I wanted to pearlize over colour ghost flames, which are only

visible under certain lights and viewpoints, I mask off the flames; that’s the negative space. When I put on a coat of paint, I do it subtly, using as little possible to get the desired effect. Put on too many coats and when you unmask it, you’ll find it difficult to cover up the tape lines. If you put on a very thick graphic, it’s going to come out too gaudy, too much like overkill.

• Another thing is striping. I’m not good at it. We’re all specialists – we focus on one thing and hone our craft. Freelance airbrushers and pinstripers are a real necessity in the custom business. One of the things that can save a dull, drab, normal custom is to have someone come in and do some pinstriping. Even flames can look kind of plain, but put some striped contrast or complementary colour around the edge of those flames, and it really makes them pop.

• If you have an idea, do it on a demo panel, so you can see what the end result is.

• One thing that has been revolutionary to custom painting is the ability to plot ideas on a computer and get them cut on a vinyl plotter. You can literally use Windows Paint, then go to any sign company with your thumb drive or a CD and get the stuff printed off. Just remember to tell them whether you’re going to use water- or solvent-borne paints, because they require different types of masks.

• Above all else, keep your day job as a regular bodyshop painter. That’s the best way to keep abreast of new developments in the field which, like the tricked-out sports cars in the recent movie franchise, come pretty fast and furious these days.

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13-10-02 1:53 PM

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1/30/2013 1:57:11 PM 13-09-17 10:42 AM

efficiency builders

Richard Schoyen, of Rainforest Woodies & Custom Cars.

Efficiency Builders

From the Field

Bodyshops from across Canada share tips.

C

ollision repair is a mature industry.

That means while individual bodyshops may have good or bad years, overall sector growth is closely tied to the economy. True, business tends to pick up during recessions, when people hold onto their cars longer to save money. However, that trend tends to quickly reverse during recovery periods.

That means to boost sales and profits, bodyshops need to improve the way they operate. During the past year, we’ve published a slew of articles about how to do that. These range from our September 2013 cover story on Lean practices, to pieces on the latest advances in industry software and the efficient use of abrasives (see page 24).

In this issue, we take a slightly different tack. Rather than doing a “top down” piece

Building efficiency every day

427 Auto Collision ~ CSN’s Toronto shop is kept busier through load-sharing with its recently acquired second locale.

sourcing tips from industry experts, consultants and suppliers, instead we asked bodyshop owners and managers about recent steps they have taken to improve operations.

One thing is clear: streamlining operations is a major priority in shops across the country. “We are building efficiency every day,” says Cam Akleh, owner and operator of CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service Centres in Pickering, Ajax, and Scarborough, Ontario. “Competition is so tough, you have to consistently improve to stay in the game.”

Akleh is a veteran industry pro who learnt a long time ago that collision repair efficiency is all about having the right people. So that is where he has made his biggest investments. “We grab kids when they are still in school and get them into apprenticeships with us,” says Akleh.

“Everybody wins. They get a free on-the-job education. We get to have a good look at them in a real work environment, so we have a good pool of potential hires.”

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s.

Akleh is particularly proud of three youngsters that the company trained through a work-study program organized by Dunbarton High School, a local institution. His staff taught the students a variety of tasks including painting, bodywork, and vehicle assembly and disassembly.

“If we spot one who is really good, we hire him when his course is over,” says Akleh, who credits government training grants with easing the process. “That way we get someone who knows how we do things, and is comfortable with our systems and procedures. We don’t have to undo bad habits someone may have picked up elsewhere.”

Building efficiencies through acquisition According to one industry expert, most collision repair businesses have only small administrative burdens. This means that gains to be had by building through acquisition are not as large as in manufacturing industries.

However, according to Lorenzo D’Alessandro, general manager of 427 Auto Collision ~ CSN in Toronto, which acquired a second collision centre downtown two years ago, there can be some gains – if the process is done right.

“We made small, not exorbitant, savings by centralizing accounting and training operations,” says D’Alessandro. “However, the biggest efficiencies were achieved through our ability to ‘load-level’ between the two facilities. When one locale is busy and the other isn’t, we shift the work. This is far preferable to paying overtime in one place, and sending people home early at the other.”

Acquiring the downtown locale also generated other, less easy-to-quantify efficiencies, says D’Alessandro. These included increased customer awareness about the combined operation (which boosted traffic), coupled with the opportunity to acquire a rare downtown licence. “Because of the scarcity of real estate, it’s hard to open a shop in certain areas. So from that standpoint it was worth it.

However combining two operations is not easy,” D’Alessandro warns. “Getting the hoped-for benefits requires consistent oversight.”

An owner-managed shop That said, according to another industry veteran, building efficiency is much harder in custom or owner-operated outlets. “Every

car we work on is different,” says Richard Schoyen, owner of Rainforest Woodies and Custom Cars in Parksville, British Columbia, which in addition to body work, produces wood bodies and sheet metal fabrication for older vehicles. “People have been customizing cars for decades. That means once you have developed a certain level of skills as a craftsman, further progress is not easy to achieve.”

Hard, but not impossible. Because Rainforest Woodies and Custom Cars handles such a wide variety of assignments ranging from concept car design and construction to frame restorations and full service paint and body work, Schoyen has become a bit of an expert at adapting to new challenges.

He also keeps his eyes open to the latest industry developments. “Switching from solvent- to water-based paint was a big efficiency booster for us,” says Schoyen. “Paints by manufacturers such as DuPont, for example, now include coat-and-a-half capability, which enables us to put on just one layer of base coat for certain applications, whereas in the past, we had been putting on two or more.”

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Partnering with a major chain Another way for an individual bodyshop to boost efficiencies is to partner with a major chain. That’s what Dennis Agar, owner of Agar Paint and Auto Body, did when he recently aligned his bodyshop with the Fix Auto chain. “When I first opened my business I was just a technician,” says Agar, with a laugh. “I went into it with my eyes closed, and had to learn pretty much everything at the college of hard knocks.”

However, teaming up with the Fix Auto group was a big eye-opener. “They have excellent management and quality control systems that we were able to adopt rather easily,” says Agar. “For example we are now much better able to track spending, have a better and more efficient supplier base, as well as standard production methodology, which makes it far easier for insurance companies to send business here.”

That said, taking the initial leap took guts, says Agar. “We had built up a pretty good customer base which had come to rely on our personalized service,” explains Agar.

“So I was initially worried whether clients would follow us when we joined Fix, or even if they knew I still owned the place. In the end it all worked out. The shift was more than worth the effort.”

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abrasives

Abrasives: Efficiency Tips Properly leveraging this underrated input can provide a major productivity boost

By Peter Diekmeyer

O

ne key to building optimal bodyshop efficiency lies in what is often regarded as a routine task: sanding, more particularly the effective use of abrasives. In today’s tough economy, experts everywhere are perusing financial statements and asking tough questions about how to get materials expenses down. Abrasives, naturally, inevitably enter the picture.

The challenge is that good abrasives cost money. However as one knowledgeable insider who deals regularly with questions raised by the “green eyeshade” folk notes, while there are ways of cutting down on the use of quality abrasives, or even using lower-end alternatives, things need to be kept in perspective.

“Maximizing efficiency is critical both from a customer satisfaction perspective and for the bottom line,” says Joseph Chrys, an automotive aftermarket manager at Norton.

“Higher-quality products support those goals. They offer a quicker cut, and sustain it longer while achieving the desired finish. This helps reduce consumption as fewer discs (or sheets) are used, which reduces the number of steps taken in the sanding process.”

John Booth, president of Mirka Abrasives Canada, agrees. “Data from an AIA survey taken several years ago showed that 50% of sales related to labour costs, 38% to parts, and less than 1% to abrasives,” says Booth.

“While shops need to watch expenses, you want to harvest the easier gains first.” A bodyshop would not want a worker, whom it charges out at $60 to $90 per hour, taking an extra 15 minutes on a job to save a sheet or two of sandpaper, he points out.

In short, the sandpaper you choose

A tech uses Mirka’s Optimized Surface Preparation System.

and how you use it is crucial. Sanding sets the base on which paint is ultimately applied. If that base isn’t perfect, the vehicle’s look will suffer.

Mirka produces and markets a range of abrasive products, which gives Booth a bird’s eye view of the latest industry developments. These include the advent of vacuum sanding, a category which he estimates has tripled its overall market share during the past decade. Sanding creates huge amounts of dust, which vacuum sanders help clear up by sucking up powder residue, debris, and paint chips, which can cause a mess in bodyshops.

The move to vacuum sanding has occurred in tandem with the advent of the waterborne movement. This transition is forcing bodyshop technicians to sand to a finer finish prior to applying paint. Waterborne coatings require air movement, as opposed to heat, in order to dry properly, notes

Chrys. This has boosted the value of vacuum sanding to reduce dust in bodyshops.

Another problem with excess dust is that it can also lead to breathing and other health problems, though these are hard to quantify, a challenge which continues to slow growth in the category. That’s because a direct link between a shop environment and diseases or disabilities suffered down the line is hard to establish.

Many shops thus find it tempting to focus on the short-term expedient of keeping things as they are. The upshot is that they leave open the possibility of significant health issues – coupled with potential unfunded legal liabilities – down the line. This is somewhat surprising as in many cases, the owner suffers just as much as the rest of his staff from an unclean or dusty shop.

Continued on page 24

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abrasives

Continued from page 22

“The workers often don’t like vacuum sanding due to the extra hose on their sanders ,” says Booth.

“As my salesman, Claude, puts it, better to use an extra hose now for sanding than an extra hose later for breathing.

“However, that is just the tip of the iceberg as far as benefits go. The process also saves on cleaning time, and increases efficiency, because there is no need to cover material and equipment to protect them from dust.

[Furthermore,] net sanding products virtually eliminate clogging.”

Chrys adds, “The first piece of advice I would offer any technician, is that the proper safety equipment be used and precautions taken at all times. A clean work environment can help prevent potential falls. As for the [sanding] products themselves, operating speeds and backup pads are sometimes overlooked, yet are also very important from a safety standpoint.”

Norton Bear-Tex Thin-Flex scuff pads and discs from Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

As far as maximizing an abrasive’s life and performance, the equipment used matters a great deal, says Chrys.

“Some of these aspects are well known in the industry,” he notes. “For example, a body man will use a 3/16 stroke DA in order to remove stock faster, while the painter and the detailer will use a 3/32 stroke DA to ensure a more consistent finish.

“The backup pad used can make a significant difference, through both its firmness and balance,” he adds.

“Firmness can hinder or help stock removal, while the balance will make a difference in the life and efficiency of the sandpaper being used.”

Chrys also recommends the use of a higher-quality random orbital sander, because all else being equal, a sander that does not vibrate is more comfortable to work with, which in turn improves the performance of the sandpaper being used. “The more a tool vibrates, the less of its energy is going to the sandpaper,” he explains. “The opposite is true as well.”

And finally, the work area must be spic and span prior to commencing sanding. “It’s important to use a cleaner designed for the substrate to be cleaned,” says Chrys. “This is especially true for bumpers. Any dirt, dust, and residue on the sanding surface will cause the sandpaper to load faster and will significantly reduce its life.” Finally, Chrys says that implementing standard operating procedures in bodyshops, coupled with regular training, are major keys to boosting effective use of abrasives throughout the industry.

Take Sanding To The

NEXT lEvEl

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13-10-02 1:01 PM

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13-10-02 11:36 AM

oe update

Lighter, Stronger, Safer: OE Continues to Innovate

By Martha Uniacke Breen

O

ne of the continually fascinating aspects of the vehicle manufacturing industry is the constant quest to create a better product: to make vehicles that are safer, faster, stronger, and to meet or exceed ever-more stringent federal mandates such as the CAFE standard. It’s also a highly competitive industry, and in this respect as well, the collision repair industry, along with the automotive aftermarket, has a direct business interest.

“The manufacturer’s quest is to reduce vehicle weight, even though the average is going up because of all the on-board electronics now,” observes Patrice M. Marcil, director of strategic planning, training, and customer care with Axalta Coating Systems. “Along with reducing weight, increased fuel economy, and increased vehicle safety features are important. We are also seeing a lot more collision avoidance [components] and self-driving vehicles.”

According to the Automotive Industry Association’s Andrew Shepherd, one of the most compelling developments of the last few years has been the push towards Certified Collision Repair Networks: in the U.S., many of the majors, including Chrysler, VW, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Infiniti, BMW, Porsche and Jaguar all now offer highly specific training and equipment requirements that enable the bodyshop (whether independent or dealer-connected) to promote itself as a certified expert in these makes. In every case, the requirements include specific I-CAR training.

Shepherd believes this trend has both positive and negative effects on the independent bodyshop. “On the positive side, it will enable the shop to become an expert in that make, but the downside is that there are often substantial variances in the standards among different manufacturers,” he explains.

“The result is that unless you want to specialize in a single make, there could be a substantial investment involved, often in multiple machines and equipment.”

Cynics might suggest, he adds, that it’s a back-door way to keep customers captive at the dealership and undercut the independent, in the same way that a few years ago the automotive aftermarket was denied access to OE proprietary repair information. However, there is room for optimism. “We now have two spots for OE representives on the new CCIF Steering Committee,” he says, an indication that OEs are open to working with the independent collision repair industry to make this information accessible.

What other changes will shops be seeing in the next few months and years? Here are a few of the latest innovations coming to a new car near you.

Joining High Strength Steel to Soft Metals

The Society of Automotive Engineers reported in its online magazine, Automotive Engineering International, that a collaboration of researchers has developed a new process of joining dissimilar metals that may be used for automotive construction. The process, called friction bit joining (FBJ), was developed to create extremely strong joints between dissimilar metals such as aluminum and high-strength steel.

The process, which could also be used to join high strength steel to other low-density metals such as magnesium and titanium, involves a small bit driven through the two metals to create a solidstate joint by cutting and by friction.

Described as sort of a “friction rivet,” the bit features a cutting tip and a Torx head for driving it, that cuts through the top aluminum sheet at 500 to 600 rpm.

Then with the spin rate increased to

2000 rpm, the bit causes enough heating to friction-weld the bit tip to the bottom sheet.

More Aluminum in GM Trucks

GM is preparing to incorporate a lot more aluminum and composites in the construction of its full-size trucks in order to lower their weight, though the big changes are still several years away.

One supplier told Automotive News that next year GM plans to introduce a special aluminum-intensive version of the Silverado that could be up to 250 pounds lighter, with 20% better fuel economy.

All New Corvette Goes Heavy on Lightweight Materials

Due to go on sale this fall, the brand new 2014 Corvette will contain a smorgasbord of high-tech construction materials and processes. In the previous model Corvette, the really exotic materials were reserved for only the top trim package, the Z06. But that has changed this year. All of the 12,000 Corvettes GM expects to sell this year will contain advanced construction materials and techniques.

The seventh-generation Corvette contains so many advanced materials that the Society of Automotive Engineers called the car a “lightweight materials-fest.” Car and Driver said the car “is constructed like an aircraft.”

The base model Corvette will be built with a carbon-fiber roof panel and hood (inner and outer). The fascias are made with Thermoplastic PolyOlefin (TPO) and the fenders, quarters, doors, and hatch are in a new, lighter-density sheetmolded composite (SMC) than the previous generation car. The outer door panel measures just 1.2 mm (0.047 in) thick and the inner panel is just 0.8 mm (0.031 in).

Continued on page 28

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13-10-02 1:03 PM

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oe update

Continued from page 26

Increased HSS, Aluminum in Redesigned Silverado General Motors engineers are increasing the use of high-strength steels for the key structural elements of the newly redesigned 2014 Silverado.

Key elements of the updated frame, including the main rails and major cross members, are made from high-strength steel. Hydroforming is used to improve strength and reduce mass of the front of the frame.

The cab structures are also all new for 2014, and incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, Bpillars, roof rails and rocker panels. Ultra-highstrength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody in anticipation of new shallow-offset crash tests. In all, about two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high-strength steels.

Even the pickup bed benefits from tougher steels.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 features a roll-formed steel pickup box, which is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by major competitors.

Aluminum is used in a number of areas to reduce mass without compromising dependability. The blocks and cylinder heads of all three EcoTec3 engines are cast aluminum, while 4WD crew cab models use forged aluminum upper front control arms and cast aluminum lower control arms and steering knuckles for a mass reduction of 42 pounds. The hoods are also aluminum, saving 17 pounds over a comparable steel panel.

Nissan Debuts “Three-Wet” Process Paint Plant Nissan’s advanced paint plant, opened last February, will use an innovative three-wet paint process that applies all three paint layers in succession, before the vehicle goes into the oven. Nissan’s previous process required the vehicle to bake in between the primer application and the topcoat layers. Implementation of this new technology reduces energy consumption, cost and emissions while increasing production efficiency.

The state-of-the-art facility is capable of reducing energy consumption by 30%, carbon emissions by 30% and volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 70%.

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www.VOCcompliance.com Continued on page 30 28 Bodyshop l November 2013 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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13-10-02 12:56 PM

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products

Continued from page 28

Paint Prep Wipes Headlight Lens Correction Kit Travelling with scratched, foggy headlights can be unsafe. That’s why Meguiar’s has introduced its all-new Headlight Lens Correction Kit. This affordable and easy do-ityourself kit requires nothing more than a little elbow grease and contains everything needed to beautify the headlights of any car, effectively eliminating light oxidation, general cloudiness and surface scratches, and ultimately delivering a crystalclear finish worthy of a show car. The simple three-step Headlight Lens Correction Kit includes a four oz. bottle of PlastX, three double-sided sanding discs with four different grits (1800D, 2400D, 3200S and 4000S), a premium Meguiar’s microfibre towel, and a one oz. sample of Meguiar’s Headlight Protectant.

Meguiar’s www.Meguiars.com

DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing’s new “Paint Prep Wipes” are strong, absorbent, and virtually lint-free. They can be used for everyday painting prep processes removing grease, dirt, wax, sanding dust and other contaminants. Packaged in selfdispensing, 300-count boxes, the wipes are waterborne and solvent-compatible and can be used wet or dry. DeVilbiss offers a broad range of solutions for the refinishing market including spray equipment, disposable paint cups, air filtration, dirt control products, and more.

DeVilbiss www.autorefinishdevilbiss. com

Nex-Gen Hand Pads Saint-Gobain Abrasives introduces Norton Bear-Tex Thin-Flex hand pads, which provide increased cutting action through a unique web structure created by an advanced needling process, to allow more pressure to be applied per abrasive grain without extra effort from the user. Extremely flexible for contoured and hard-to-reach areas without the extra bulk of thicker pads, the specialized webbing provides enhanced durability for increased product life. Available in very fine and ultrafine grit sizes, a specialized coating process ensures superior grain exposure for constant cutting action. The grain coating, in combination with the open web structure, minimizes loading and enables Norton Thin-Flex to outlast competitive pads, with a more consistent scratch pattern.

Saint-Gobain ww.saint-gobain.com

New Economy Paint Brand

Digital Pressure Control for Spray Guns To eliminate incorrect inlet pressure as a possible cause for quality problems, Sata offers spray guns with digital pressure gauges integrated in the gun handle, while for non-digital Sata spray guns, the Sata adam 2 retrofit is available. With the Sata adam 2 U (Universal), consisting of a Sata adam 2 U dock and the Sata adam 2 display, the painter now has the option to adjust and monitor the inlet pressure in digital form on any type of gun – whether SATA or competitor spray guns. The display indicates the inlet pressure with an accuracy of +/- 0.05 bar, while the adjustment screw on the Sata adam 2 U dock allows you to set the pressure precisely.

SATA www.sata.com

Axalta Coating Systems has introduced a new single stage polyurethane enamel called Rival, formulated to provide just the right mix of price and value for the economy commercial transportation segment. Rival is ideal for dealers, independent shops, fleets, and municipalities who want a cost-effective finish that features good performance, good colour capability, and good appearance at a maximum applied VOC of 3.5 lbs/gal. Designed using mixing toners from an advanced technology platform, Rival delivers good hiding with one cross-coat for most colours. The breadth of the Rival colour offering includes solid and metallic colours to provide the ability to match thousands of commercial fleet colour positions. Rival is compatible with all existing Commercial Finishes primers.

Axalta Coating Systems www.pc.dupont.com

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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 aross@jobbernews.com

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS Allan’s Automotive Electronics Ltd.

www.allansautomotive.com Phone: 780-469-8060 Your Automotive Test Equipment Repair Specialist Tool Sales and Service.

We provide service and warranty for most makes of automotive test equipment.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Aisin World Corp. of America, Inc. (AWA), a leading Tier One automotive components supplier and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aftermarket parts. AISIN’s original equipment technology and know-how is used to ensure product quality and reliability.

To learn more about our products, request a catalogue today. www.aisinaftermarket.com Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket Research and testing. Just two of the reasons Goodyear automotive replacement products deliver the ultimate in performance and value.

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”

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing www.carcone.com With over 32 years of experience Carcone’s Auto Recycling & Wheel Refinishing is your one stop for quality recycled products and wheel refinishing needs. Call today at 1-800-263-2022 or visit us on line at www.carcone.com Standard Auto Wreckers View Our Online Inventory @ www. standardautowreckers. com or call 416-286-8686.

Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

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

Auto Test Tools.ca

Your one stop for specialized diagnostic tools and accessories.

Contact; www.auto-know.com, ronbrown@ on.aibn.com, 1-800-665-8773

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS

Bestbuy Distributors Limited www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying group and warehouse The Automotive Aftermarket distributor that allocates E-Learning Centre Ltd its profits to member shareholders and provides www.aaec.ca unbeatable value for independent jobbers.

AAEC - BEST - Business Evaluation Support & Training - Instructing and Coaching with The E.R.I. Group the Proven Business Management Tools that www.theerigroup.com drives a shop’s Bottom Line, Team Culture and Canada’s Premier Machine Marketplace Credibility.

Shop Buying Group

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

HAND CLEANERS 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.

advertiser index Anest Iwata Auto Service Repair Week BASF Carstar Collision Glass Service BMW Group DuPont Perfiormance Coatings Ford Parts and Services Kennedy Paint Consulting Martech Services Mirka Mitchell Norton Saint-Gobain PPG Automotive Refinsh Pro-Spray RBL Products Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes WedgeClamp Systems

32 Bodyshop l November 2013 l www.bodyshopbiz.com JOBBER NEWS / AUGUST 2013

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27 www.ANESTIWATA.com 17 www.asrwevents.com 13 www.basfrefinish.com/onyx-sb 9 franchising@carstar.ca 36 www.pass.bmw.com 5 www.cromax.dupont.com 19 www.OEConnection.ca/shop 29 www.southernpolyurethanes.com 21 www.breathingsystems.com 16 www.mirka.ca 11 www.mitchell.com/mitchell estimating 24 norton automotive@saint-goban.com 25 www.ppg.com 35 www.ProSprayFinishes.com 27 www.RBLProducts.com 2 www.sherwin-automtive.com 7 www.wedgeclamp.com

Stay up to date at

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s r e e Car

g R n i i a t p o e m R o n r P

o i s i oll

in C

Invest in your future,

For more information Contact Leanne Jefferies, CCIF Skills Program Director, leannej@skillscanada.com or 905-628-2041

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survey

Bodyshop Survey: Training How many man-hours per month on average do you dedicate to training? (people x length of course in hours, e.g., 5 people, 3 times this year for 8 hour courses = 120 hours/12 months = 10 man-hours per month):

Zero Less than 1 man-hour per month

What percentage is provided by:

I-CAR Industry Group/ Association

1 to 3 man-hours per month Manufacturer/Supplier 3 to 5 man-hours per month

Independent Trainer

5 to 10 man-hours per month 10 to 16 man-hours per month

What percentage of this training is:

New Product/Tool Repair Procedure (model-specific) New Technology (e.g. High Strength Steel) Business Training

T

raining is a bit like the weather. It’s seldom the way you want it, when you want it, where you want it.

Our training survey asked shops across Canada how many man-hours of training they avail themselves of on average (per month), where that training tends to be, and what they seek training on.

The results revealed a very broad spectrum of experiences, but on the whole some patterns emerged.

The largest issue respondents revealed was the lack of availability when and where the shops were located.

• “In Niagara there is no training available. I-CAR is nonexistent here. Any courses they have are too far away. I do not have any success with online training; staff is older and shows no interest. Main problem we have is they are willing to go for training courses in the day or night, but there is little available without driving 1-2 hours, then sit through course, then return 1-2 hours. It makes for a very long night.”

• “Would like updated training in airbags, high strength steels, and security and computer issues.”

• “I live in a smaller town 8 hours away from training facilities. There are several bodyshops up here all requiring the training. Would like to see more localized training for shops that are further from the normal facilities.”

There were a number of commenters noting they wanted more training from I-CAR and more notice when it does become available. We know that I-CAR does communicate about upcoming courses, but perhaps the method or methods are not as effective as they need to be.

Among the calls for training was this: “Use of Standard Operating Procedures in shops. There needs to be more training focused on how to represent yourself as a professional shop or trades person. There are way too many shops that look rundown, and a lot of it comes from nobody training them on how to work clean and look professional.

If this was addressed more often maybe the bodyshop industry won’t be viewed as such a backyard business.”

And further to overall improvement was this, from Rico Lopez at F&J Collision in Windsor, Ont.: “I think there should be more industry/insurance cooperation. If a tech does not have a certificate for High Strength Steels, he/she should not be allowed to repair that vehicle. We have all this training available to us as owners and techs, but no accountability for the repairs we perform. We as shops provide a lifetime warranty, but who is to say that the vehicle was repaired properly on the structural side of things. No accountability! I truly believe, and hope, the new College of Trades can help police this industry and get better cooperation from all parties involved.”

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In this business, it’s a matter of survival.

Color is the first – and sometimes the only – thing that customers notice. That’s why, with Pro-Spray’s accurate color match and

How important is your color match?

exceptional hide, you get the color right the first time.

You also get the industry’s cutting-edge color tools.

Like the Navigator ™ Precision Color Selection System and the PaintXpert ® Software.

What’s even better? Navigator delivers high-performing national rule, low VOC solvent and pigment-rich waterborne formulas in one simple system.

All at a value that will not only help your business survive, but also thrive.

Serious Color. Smart Business.™ 800.776.0933 ProSprayFinishes.com

facebook.com/prospray youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes A Quest Automotive Brand

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ORDER WITH CONFIDENCE, WITH BMW GROUP’S ONLINE PARTS SALES SUPPORT. Ordering made simple. Parts Sales Support, or PaSS, offers you the opportunity to order Original BMW and MINI Parts quickly, simply and in line with your needs, online.

Benefits: • Instant price quotes.* • Instant access to product availability.* • Order parts when you need them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.* • Access BMW and MINI’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for magnified views of each part.

• Service Repair Packages (SRP) search function conveniently bundles all parts required for specific repairs.

• Free sign-up.

Participation open to select service and repair centres only. Conditions apply.

For more information, please consult your BMW or MINI Retailer and visit www.pass.bmw.com.

BMW GROUP * PaSS benefits subject to change without notice. Access limited to select participants. Additional conditions apply. ©2013 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence. Available at participating BMW and MINI Retailers.

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