Attending the Porsche Collision Certification Program
Hey Toby—We are repairing at 2007 Porsche Cayman and the insurance company wants us to recon the wheel. Do you know if Porsche has a position statement on reconditioned wheels? —Mick from Marina Del...
View ArticleA Reader Unpacks his Baggage on the Industry
Hey Toby—I have never written a letter to a magazine or newspaper until now. I’ve read many of your columns and I want to thank you for the work that you do for the collision industry. I am a second...
View ArticleUnderstanding ‘Yaw Rate’ and the ‘Steering Angle Sensor’
Hey Toby—I was told by my alignment shop that a 2009 Toyota Camry needed to have its steering angle sensor recalibrated after the alignment. Is that true? —Bill from Huntington Beach To view a pdf of...
View ArticleMake Sure Your Shop is Clear of these Glaring OSHA Violations
Hey Toby—Is it true that the fine for using an illegal air blower is $5000 in California? —Jeff from San FranciscoHey Jeff—I checked with CAL Osha and they confirmed that fine could be up $7000 for...
View ArticleGetting OSHA-Compliant on Plans, Protection and Painting
As I promised in last month’s article, I have put together a checklist to help you get ready for an OSHA inspection. This a not a complete checklist and you will probably need some outside help to help...
View ArticleGetting OSHA-Compliant on Signage, Electrical and Power Tools
The other day I was teaching I-CAR’s workers protection program and I had the techs show me their blowers. I found 3 illegal ones. I asked the question “How much is the OSHA fine for these blowers?”...
View ArticlePan American Steps Up to Host Firefighter Extrication Training
Pan American is a family-owned and operated independent collision repair facility with four locations throughout the Southern San Francisco Bay Area. President and owner Luis Alonso recently accepted...
View ArticleAre Your Repair Methods Ten Years Out of Date?
The other day I received a report form Aaron Schulenberg, the Executive Director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, about a study done in Germany on collision repairs. Crash-test results...
View ArticleConfusion over Certified Parts at CIC
This July I did a presentation at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Salt Lake City on the need for OEM data prior to estimating and repairing today’s cars. I also included some additional...
View ArticleKeenan Auto Body’s First Responder Training Brings Together PA & DE Communities
I’ve long supported and done my best to contribute to first responder training. These brave and dedicated public servants have a lot to deal with and a lot to prepare for. Whether it’s a building fire,...
View ArticleLife Changes or Industry Changes Don’t Happen Without Major Effort
I want to start this month’s column with a personal reflection on some life changing events that happened to me last year. To view a PDF of this article please click HERE. The last Saturday of...
View ArticleCAFE Standards Will Affect More Than A Shop’s Miles Per Gallon
Ask most people about CAFÉ standards and they would immediately think of food quality control. There is another meaning that you probably know and it will drastically impact your business, but you may...
View ArticleMatrix Wand is a Game Changer
Question: How would you like to be able to measure body structure, vehicle sub-frame movement, damaged suspension components and used BOF frame for damage or damaged parts in 20 minutes with a printout...
View ArticleMatrix Wand is a Game Changer—Part 2
This month’s column is Part 2 of the Matrix Wand article that appeared in the July, 2012 issue. See summary of the Matrix Wand’s capabilities at the end of the article referencing photos. If you missed...
View ArticleGlass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book
To view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE. The other day I heard about a lawsuit that I would like to share with you. A Toyota dealer contacted Safelite to install a windshield into a...
View ArticleHonda’s Repair Instructions Need to Be Read and Followed
Question: What is the major difference between the two Honda Accords? Answer: The “A” Pillar reinforcement, “B” pillar reinforcement and Rocker panel reinforcement are constructed of one of the highest...
View ArticleHow Much Do You Know About 2015 Vehicle Technology and Trends?
Hey Everyone, I am back and I hope you all are enjoying a great start to the new year. I recently gave the following test to the CIC audience in Palm Spring this past January and to an association...
View ArticleGlue and Rivets Have Replaced Welding in Many Newer Vehicles -- Part 1
Recently, I was conducting the I-CAR Steel welding certification test at a collision repair center when I saw a 2014 BMW 3 Series having a quarter panel being installed. The tech was welding in the...
View ArticleRivets Have Replaced Welding in Many Newer Vehicles — Part 2
Viewing Fig 11, you will see that the rivet is solid. Like the SPRs, solid rivets need to have access to the backside of the panel. Unlike SPRs, a specific size hole is needed. Solid head shape for...
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