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Florida Total Loss Legislation Passes in House, Companion Bill Fails to Move in Senate Florida Senate Bill 540, the companion bill of Florida House Bill 885, has died in the senate. Florida H.B. 885 passed the House with language that eliminates Northeast the current 80 percent threshold for a Edition total-loss vehicle to receive a certificate of destruction—which would allow potentially unsafe vehicles to be NewasYork branded "repairable" and put back Jersey onNew the roads, according to the Automotive Service PennsylvaniaAssociation (ASA). ASA opposed the Senate bill if it Delaware included language similar to H.B. 885. ASA appreciates the Florida collision repairers who took the time to contact their legislators to express opposition. To view the full text of these bills, visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com. According to ASA, the House Bill would allow insurers to determine whether the vehicle receives a certificate of destruction.
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The Automotive Service Association announced its opposition to this bill because the amendment could: ● Allow unsafe vehicles to operate on Florida’s highways. The amendment would require dangerous vehicles to be branded “repairable” when such vehicles should not be put back on the roads as they cannot be adequately repaired to operate safely. ● Allow insurance companies to determine whether or not a vehicle should obtain a certificate of destruction. Without the current 80 percent threshold that requires a total-loss vehicle to obtain a certificate of destruction, vehicles that should not be repaired can be returned to the roads. ● Create dangers for consumers who would be unable to identify the level of damage that a vehicle has sustained since the vehicle branding will not reflect the actual designation
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VOL. 3 ISSUE 2 APRIL 2012
Nearly 200 Congressmen and Senators Write in Opposition to China’s Auto Parts Practices On March 16, a group of 188 U.S. lawmakers led by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) urged President Obama to crack down on “predatory” Chinese pricing practices, which they said are threatening the U.S. auto parts industry and could cost the U.S. more than a million jobs. “We cannot wait until further damage is done,” the nearly 200 members of the House and Senate— including all the Democratic members of the House Ways and Means Committee—said in a letter to President Obama. “Seventy-five percent of the jobs in the automotive sector are in auto parts, and these jobs are at risk in every state in the nation.” The Congressional letter encourages Presidential action against Chinese predatory trade practices in this sector to be one of the “first and highest priorities” of his Administration’s recently created Interagency Trade Enforcement Center. The lawmakers
L A I C E SP ISSUE PAINT
praised the administration’s creation of the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center to promote a more coordinated effort, which they say will provide the United States additional resources to examine China’s and other nations’ trade violations. This effort, unlike any that have taken place in recent memory, asks the Administration to further investigate the barriers that China has adopted and initiate appropriate action to level the playing field. The complaint is supported by the United Steel Workers. “Most trade cases are filed by the private sector after substantial injury has occurred. China’s practices in this sector have already caused harm, but the goal is also to alter its policies before the complete decimation of our domestic industry. In these critical economic times, we must take every appropriate action to address unfair trade practices by foreign countries,” said USW PresSee Chinese Auto Parts, Page 21
of 3 issues
IES CHNOLOG E T H S I N REFI P A IN T &
State Farm Pays Gunder’s Processes and Materials Previously Denied—Without Litigation Ray Gunder of Gunder’s Auto Center has been pressing insurers to provide full compensation to his customers for “necessary processes and materials needed to properly and thoroughly repair his customer’s vehicles” through filing litigation against the insurer, specifically State Farm, on the customer’s behalf.
The first instance required a lawsuit to be levied against the insurer by Gunder brought the matter of unpaid procedures and paint and material invoicing to court and was settled during a court ordered mediation and actual litigation was avoided. State Farm agreed to pay all the procedural See Gunder, Page 8
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2 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Winter vs Auto: Let Spring Begin
COLUMNISTS Chess - CAFE Standards Will Affect More Than A Shop’s Miles Per Gallon . . . . . . 44 Franklin - Sprucing Up Your Shop For Spring. 16 I-CAR - Oil Spill at the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, WI, Raises Awareness . . . 22 Insurance Insider - ‘Survival of the Fittest’ Also Applies to Collision Repairers . . . . 20 Nigro - Feather, Sand and Fill: Paint Operations Body Shops Perform But Don’t Get Paid For . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Schroeder - LeMans Body and Paint: Still a Family Affair After 53 Years in the Los Angeles Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Sisk - County Line Auto Body: NJ Shop Grows From Chicken Coop to Multi-Building Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Weaver - What If You’re Looking for More than One Waldo? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 NATIONAL 22 West Virginia Vocational Schools to Integrate I-CAR Professional Development Program into Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . 28 275,000 Subaru Forester SUVs From 2009–2012 Recalled For Rear Seat Belts Failing to Lock Properly . . . . . . . . 46 Assured Performance Network Offers Other OEM Rewards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Atlanta Dent Company Expands its Services in Roswell, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 CARSTAR Expands Sales/Marketing Teams. 41 Chrysler Launches Certified Collision Repair Facility Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fix Auto Appoints Tim Clark as Senior VP, Insurance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Ford Probes 2005-06 Ford Taurus Throttles. 33 GM Recalling 2012 Regal Sedans . . . . . . 31 Guardian Auto Glass acquires Glass Specialty Company of Bloomington, Illinois. . . . . 12 Helpful Documents, Tools And Information Only a Click Away for Shops . . . . . . . . 37 Hyundai Recalling 2011-12 Sonata Hybrids For Rear Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Infiniti Launches National Certified Collision Repair Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Infiniti Recalling 2003-04 Infiniti M45 Sedans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Infiniti Recalls 2003-2005 Q45 Sedans . . 17 Iowa Shop’s Action and Iowa Collision Repair Association, Established in 2005, Starting to be Heard Statewide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 LQK Has Record Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mexico Implements New Mandatory Auto Insurance Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mitchell’s Claims Triage Available to Carriers . 41 Montana Collision Repair Specialists’ Legislative Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Nearly 200 Congressmen and Senators Write in Opposition to China’s Auto Parts Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Nissan Leaf Nationwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 NORTHEAST™ Trade Show Leadership Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 PSE Appoints Guy Barnes as VP, Sales & Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Levan Group—Where Crash and Mechanical Parts Intersect. . . . . . . . . . 14 TopTech Finder Unites PDR Techs with Body Shop Managers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Toyota Recalls Another 681,000 Vehicles. 35 Verifacts Symposium Recognizes Achievement, Industry Unknowns, and Negotiation . . . 47 Women’s Industry Network Holds Planning Meeting in Late January, Will Hold Annual Conference in May in Atlanta . . . . . . . . 33
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Austin, MN tornado Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Erica Schroeder Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, Stefan Gesterkamp, John Yoswick, Lee Amaradio, Toby Chess, Mike Causey, Dan Espersen, Tom McGee, Jeff Webster, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Kristy Navarro Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
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REGIONAL ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands Operations into TN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Auto Lift Manufacturer Cares for Alabama Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Auto Supplier Daehan Catches Fire in GA . 17 Christian Brothers Automotive Opens First Florida Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Exide Technologies to Add About 100 Jobs in GA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FL Total Loss Legislation Passes in House, Companion Bill Fails to Move in Senate . 1 GA Collision Industry Association Conducting 6th Annual Labor Rates Surveys . . . . . . 6 Insurance Commissioner Hudgens Speaks in Dawson, GA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kia’s West Point, GA, Plant Makes 500,000th Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ray Gunder to Sponsor Free Legal Seminar for Collision Repairers in Lakeland, FL . . 9 State Farm Pays Gunder’s Processes and Materials Previously Denied—Without Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Volkswagen Announces Plans to Further Invest in Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2012 Ridler® Award Winner Features BASF’s Glasurit® Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Airbrush Artist JoAnn Bortles is Writing Her Seventh Painting Book . . . . . . . . . . 34 BASF Advises Shops to Join the Move to Waterborne Coatings Now . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bobby Alloway’s 5 Essential Tips for Achieving a Flawless Black Finish . . . . 32 Custom Painter Charley Hutton Explains Step-By-Step How to Create Realistic Wood Grain Effects With PPG Products. 30 PCL Has Been Primed Since 1929 with Clear Solutions for Shops . . . . . . . . . . 12 RBL Products New Pre-Treat System . . . . 36
Southeast
Contents
Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and adjacent metro areas, Autobody News is a monthly publication for the auto body industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2012 Adamantine Media LLC.
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Arrigo Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler. . . . . . 18 BASF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 45 CCC Information Services . . . . . . . . 5 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 CSS USA, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Delray Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Don Reid Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers FL, GA, AL, MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Galloway Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Hendrick Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Hyundai of Orange Park . . . . . . . . . . 6 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 39 Jerry Ulm Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. 10-11 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 7 Mazda Wholesale Parts . . . . . . . . . 44 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts
Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers. 46 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 21 Nalley BMW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Nissan Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . 43 Palmers Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PCL Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . 40 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Preval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Safety Regulation Strategies . . . . . 29 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 16 SCA Appraisal Company . . . . . . . . 37 Serra Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Serra Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . 19 Solution Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 South Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Southtowne Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Subaru of Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 46 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 45 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
Christian Brothers Automotive Opens First Florida Location Christian Brothers Automotive opened their first franchise location in Florida last month, located at 23650 Venezia Drive in Land O’Lakes. Thelocation is equipped with nine service bays and encompasses nearly 5,000 square-feet. Land O’Lakes franchise owner Larry Giannone and his wife, Cindy, of Tampa decided to invest in the company “because of its values,” he said according to the Land O’Lakes Patch. “It’s a faith-based franchise,” Giannone said. The honesty and integrity of the business is what drew GianLand O’Lakes franchise owners none, a 20-year Cindy and Larry industry veteran, Giannone in. The franchise prides itself on taking time for repairs and getting them done right, the first time. “We’re not a quick-service,” Giannone said. “An oil change will take about 40 minutes.” Giannone is on site every day, and
Auto Lift Manufacturer Cares for Alabama Youth
Auto lift manufacturer, MAHA USA, invited and wholeheartedly welcomed students and teachers from the local YES program to their establishment in order to give them career support and guidance in February. Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a local non-profit program that strives to help students, age 1621, achieve educational and career goals. They primarily focus on increasing the development and employability of the youth they serve. During their visit, the YES students had the opportunity to see MAHA USA in full production. By observing their team, the students inevitably realized that there are a multitude of careers available at an auto lift manufacturing company. These include Welders, Laser Technicians, Power Coaters, Metal Fabricators, and Sales Managers. When students have real life experiences such as this it makes a huge impact on the career path they choose and, ultimately, their future. More information about this auto lift manufacturing company is available at www.maha-usa.com.
the business’ shuttle service will drop customers off back at home or a shopping center, then return to pick them up once their service is complete. Technicians at Giannone’s franchise also involve the customer in the repairs. If they find something that needs to be repaired, the technicians won’t just tell the customer—they’ll show them. “We’ll show you,” service manager Don Kalogerson said to the Land O’Lakes Patch. “We’re not about high-pressure sales.” Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service repair shop—equipped to do everything a dealer can do. The shop is also equipped to “flash” vehicles’ computer systems— updating the software in a car, similar to a Windows update, Giannone said. If Christian Brothers finds something on a vehicle that is still under warranty, a technician will alert the customer and make arrangements to drop off the vehicle at a local dealership, Giannone said. Christian Brothers Automotive of Land O’Lakes is open from 7 a.m. to
6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit cbac.com/store/land-o-lakes or call 813-949-0100.
The Christian Brothers Automotive franchise was started in 1982 and has been franchising since 1996. Currently the franchise has a total of 94 franchise units. Start-up costs for businesses wanting to join the franchise range from $65,000 to $70,000. The franchise is headquartered in Houston, TX.
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Kia’s West Point, GA, Plant Makes 500,000th Vehicle
Kia’s West Point, GA, plant hit a milestone on Leap Day this year— 500,000 vehicles produced. The plant, which opened on Nov. 16, 2009, hit this accomplishment just over two years after production started, according to USA Today. The plant’s milestone vehicle was a white pearl Optima SX, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Kia added two additional work shifts to the plant recently, boosting total employment to 3,000. Kia also invested $100 million in to the plant, expanding its total capacity to 360,000 units per year. “Building 500,000 vehicles in just over two years is quite a milestone for our first U.S. manufacturing plant to accomplish,” said Byung Mo Ahn, CEO for Kia Motors America. “The commitment from each one of our team members is a big reason we’ve been able to achieve 17 consecutive months of record sales. Their dedication to building world-class, high-quality vehicles is apparent in each vehicle we produce.”
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Exide Technologies to Add About 100 Jobs in GA
Exide Technologies Inc. announced plans to create up to about 100 new jobs in Columbus, GA, by the end of 2013 on March 1. This expansion comes as the company kicks off production of new the new Edge AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The Milton, GA-based company said it has already added 60 of the 100 new jobs at the plant. The facility currently has 167 employees. The new advanced manufacturing operation for the Edge AGM is a part of a broader $70 million production expansion project, supported in part by $34.3 million in funding through the Stimulus Act. The Edge AGM’s applications include micro-hybrid vehicles, idle reduction commercial vehicles and other strategic market segments. Exide said it is working with auto manufacturers in North America to feature AGM batteries in new vehicles. The AGM battery will begin shipping to aftermarket retailers in March for use in any existing vehicle.
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Volkswagen Announces Plans to Further Invest in Tennessee Volkswagen Group of America announced March 13 plans to invest $40 million to build a warehouse in Roane County, TN, for distributing domestic auto parts for the Chattanooga-made Passat. The 400,000-square-foot facility is expected to open by spring 2013 and will employ up to 45 people by 2016. The facility will operate at the Roane Regional Business and Technology Park in Kingston, TN. Kingston is a small town of about 5,000 outside of Knoxville. Addressing the need for increased infrastructure, the facility will begin as a redistribution center to service warehouses and will later expand to include a parts distribution center. The redistribution Master Depot will support the US, Canada and Mexico. The parts distribution operation will improve service parts delivery times to over 100 dealers in the surrounding regions. “This new facility is exemplary of the commitment that Volkswagen Group of America has to meeting the
needs of our dealers and our growing customer base,” said Rawdon Glover Executive Vice President of Aftersales, Volkswagen Group of America. “Our continued investment in the U.S. market affirms that Volkswagen is dedicated to the economic vitalization of the communities where we do business.” “I’m grateful Volkswagen is expanding its presence here in the state and bringing new jobs to Roane County,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, “because projects such as this bring more direct and indirect investments to Tennessee.” Roane County Executive Ron Woody said of the project announcement, “I couldn’t be more pleased that Volkswagen has chosen Roane County to be the site of their new Southeastern distribution facility. We appreciate VW’s confidence in us and our workforce—and certainly appreciate their investment in our community. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them for many years to come.”
Insurance Commissioner Hudgens Speaks in Dawson, GA Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens spoke to the public at the Dawson Rotary Club in Dawson, GA. Hudgens said Georgia insurance companies are suffering. He told Dawson Rotary Club members on February 29 that companies are losing money on homeowner’s policies, according to WALB News Albany. Hudgens blames costly wind and hail damage for auto and home claims, but he says copper theft is also a factor—both of which may lead to higher
Continued from Front Page
FL Amendment
of the vehicle as “unrebuildable.” This language would put drivers at risk by removing the only guarantee for consumers to ensure that their vehicles are safe to operate on Florida’s roads. ● Permit unsafe vehicles that are supposed to be dismantled and crushed by automotive recyclers to be sold as “repairable,” creating a situation
premiums in the state. Hudgens says companies want you to group policies under one holder to make up the difference because they make money on auto coverage. Many companies are encouraging customers to group their policies under one name and one insurance company. “That is why there is such an encouragement to couple their homeowners, with their auto and their life, and their long term care and liability policies,” Hudgens said to WALB News Albany.
where the source of undamaged recycled parts will be seriously diminished and local jobs most definitely compromised. ● Increase the risk for criminal activity as vehicles that are badly damaged would be allowed to obtain a clean title and sold to unsuspecting purchasers. To view the full text of the bill, as well as ASA’s letter to the legislature opposing the amendment, visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
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6 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Georgia Collision Industry Association Conducting 6th Annual Labor Rates Surveys
The Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) is encouraging all Georgia shops to participate in the 6th Annual Georgia Collision Industry Labor Rate Survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide Georgia collision shop owners with prevailing rates for labor and material so all shops can be paid fairly for the work they perform. Make sure all Georgia collision businesses are represented by participating. The survey reminder cards have been mailed, look for it in the mail soon. The survey is also available online. It only takes a few minutes to complete, shop owners can also visit the link below to take the survey for their businesses: http://www.csicomplete.com/gcia/survey.aspx
The survey is being conducted by neutral third-party, CSi Complete, a provider of customer satisfaction indexing to the collision repair industry. CSi Complete will follow up with
phone calls to those who do not submit their survey online. Please enter the Posted Door Rate for survey purposes. Do not include any rates that may exist between your repair facility and any contracted customer such as a Fleet Account or Insurance DRP Program. If businesses are represented by more than one location, please complete a survey for each location. Shop identities will not be published with the results of this survey and will remain confidential. Names are only needed to track demographics and ensure that only one survey is cast per Repair Facility location. Any questions, contact Howard Batchelor at Howard@GCIA.org or call at (770) 367-9816.
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Gunder
and material invoicing as well as Gunder’s legal fees and costs associated with that case against them. Shortly after that settlement, once again, on behalf of his customer, Ray found it necessary to file yet another lawsuit against the nation’s largest personal auto insurer to compel them to provide reasonable compensation for necessary processes and related paint and materials. Just moments before going before the judge for the first hearing on the matter, the insurer, through their legal team, agreed to pay the entire amount due plus Gunder’s legal fees and costs. This month, another one of Gunder’s customers was denied consideration for the necessary paint related procedures (i.e. prime, block and feathering aka fill, sand and feather) and the labor called for to re-set electronics on a customer’s vehicle. Upon the denial, as customary, Ray contacted his customer and explained the denials and short-pay and discussed possible activities to collect.
Ray’s customer became extremely agitated and immediately contacted the State Farm claim representative and expressed his dismay, both by phone and in writing via e-mail. After several calls and discussions, three days later State Farm called the customer to advise that they would pay the paint related “Prime Block and Feathering” and related materials as well as re-setting the vehicle’ electronics, including resetting the programmed stations in the radio which were noted by Gunder’s prior to performing the repair which required disconnecting the battery. The customer, elated wrote the following to Ray; “I am, as always…. totally satisfied with the work Gunder’s did on my Nissan. they make it an art…. and that is precisely why I have been a loyal customer since about 1976. my largest claim with Gunders, has been over $48,000.00. I had a new silver CLK55 AMG Mercedes. a work truck turned in front of me and I hit him hard. Gunder’s did such a superb job, that when my lease was up, the Mercedes rep couldn’t even tell it had been wrecked. I most certainly hope i don’t have another,
8 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
but if I do, it will go right back to ray Gunder’s body shop.” When asked for a comment Ray stated: “The customer’s comments say it all for me. That’s what we’re here for and that’s all we want to do… serve our customers with the best possible service and quality workmanship we can…it appears we have met that goal and we’ll continue to do just that and just keep pounding that rock!”
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ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands Operations into TN
ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a Minnesota-based damaged vehicle repair company and industry leader continues its national expansion with the announcement of their newest franchise location in Clarksville, Tennessee, just north of Nashville. Final preparations are underway for the opening of ABRA’s 39th state-of-the-art franchise located at 855 Kraft Street in Clarksville. It will be one of the largest collision repair centers in the area with more than 21,000 square feet of repair technology and shop operations. The official opening is scheduled for April 2. Operations Director Dwayne Brown said, “We are combining two body shops into one and look forward to doing the ABRA way of business…we are quite impressed with the ABRA process and how well orchestrated it is.” The new franchise will be independently owned by the Wyatt-Johnson Automotive Group, one of Tennessee’s top GMC-Buick dealerships. Brown said the repair center will be a large and modern facility that can handle a great deal of volume.
Ray Gunder to Sponsor Free Legal Seminar for Collision Repairers in Lakeland, FL As a result of overwhelming interest and questions from repairers and consultants across the nation, a Collision Industry Legal Seminar is being provided for collision repair professionals by Ray Gunder of Gunder’s Auto Center and Barrett Smith of Auto Damage Experts (ADE). This event promises to provide a unique opportunity for many as there has been a great deal of interest regarding the success repairers across the country have had in their efforts to aid their customers in the recovery of the full costs required for a proper and thorough repair. Together, Gunder and Smith are co-sponsoring this legal seminar and the duo’s legal counsel, Brent Geohagan, Esquire, will provide an open forum to offer information and to answer questions as to how repairers may improve their businesses and service to their customers, while lessening unnecessary interference, encumbrances and potential liabilities. “This will not be the standard training on “how to increase work
flow”, “cycle times” or “KPI’s” and such,” said Smith, “However, the information gained during this meeting will likely enable attendees to work much more effectively and to better serve the needs of their customers and their businesses through more efficient administrative processes while avoiding unnecessary legal liabilities. This information, properly employed, will likely result in greater profits and reduce operational costs and frustrations.” The intent of this seminar will be to provide information on legal basics including an overview of the much discussed processes involving the “Power of Attorney” and “Assignment of Proceeds” (aka Assignment of Benefits). Answers to attendee’s individual questions as to how it may benefit them, their business and their customers will be available along with other topics such as: ● Understanding the Repairer’s Legal Responsibilities ● Understanding the Customer’s Legal Responsibilities ● Understanding the Insurer’s Legal
Responsibilities ● Understanding the difference between 1st and 3rd Party Claims for Repairers ● Understanding Tortious Interference ● Relationship Building Based upon Knowledge and Respect ● Recognizing Legal Liabilities and How to Avoid Them and/or Channel Them to the Appropriate Parties ● How to Turn Potential Liabilities into Significant Profits and Improve Your Bottom Line. ● Making your Repair Authorizations Legally Iron-Clad and Profitable ● The Importance of Knowing and Understanding your State’s Laws and Regulations as They Relate to Your Business ● Recognizing and Understanding “Unfair Trade Practices” and how to avoid them ● Post Repair Inspections…A Quality Repairer’s Best Friend and a Poor Repairer’s Nightmare! ● Understanding “Diminished Value” and its Benefits to Repairers and Their Customers ● Understanding “Federal Anti-Trust
A Smart Solution
Laws” and What Repairers Can and Cannot Discuss Openly Without Fear ● Summary of the March 2012 CCRE Meeting held by the Pennsylvania Collision Trade Guild This Seminar Will be Open to All Collision Repair Professionals and Industry Supporting Vendor Representatives and will be held at Regal Chevrolet at 925 US Hwy 98 South, Lakeland, Florida 33801 on Saturday April 14th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. To register simply send your email with your full name and company name and contact information to: rgunder@gundersauto.net with “ATTENDING LEGAL SEMINAR” in the subject line; please feel free to use the same e-mail address if you have any questions or need additional information. Note: If others within your organization will be joining you in attending this seminar, please provide their full name and title so necessary arrangements and provisions can be arranged. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided.
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CSS USA, Inc. Phone: (904) 567-3825 (866) 910-0889 www.carcoonusa.com info@carcoonusa.com www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
10 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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PCL Has Been Primed Since 1929 with Clear Solutions for Shops by Ed Attanasio
When it opened its doors more than eight decades ago, Pacific Coast Lacquer (PCL) Automotive was providing products for body shops painting automotives such as Ford Model A’s, Hudson Roadsters and Austin 7’s. Today, the brands and names have changed,
but PCL still markets a wide range of paint-related products to the collision industry, including surface cleaners, pre-treatment coatings, primer surfacers, primer sealers, single stage topcoats, aerosols and solvents. The body shop business has changed in a big way since 1929, back in the days before DRPs or labor rate surveys. But according to Ruben Laguna, PCL’s Director of Sales and Marketing, quality products backed by solid customer service is still a formula for success and longevity. Since being hired by the company in 1988, Laguna
has seen PCL grow and change with the times and is proud of the company’s role by providing solutions for body shops that are 100% compliant and make financial sense as well. “I tell my customers that our products offer all three things: Performance, quality and price,” Laguna stated. “That’s why they represent a
great value across the board. You can save money, but are you sacrificing quality or performance as a result? And just because you pay more, does that necessarily mean you’re getting real value?” Manufacturers of automotive refinishing products have come and gone over the years and PCL is proud to be the only manufacturer of its type still doing business in California. By developing new products through its extensive R&D efforts at its headquarters and factory in Los Angeles, PCL has developed a wide range of innovative products, including several that can be used with both solvent and waterborne paint systems,” Laguna explained. Body shops make up 85% of PCL’s total revenues through more than 300 paint suppliers and jobbers statewide. The company’s best-selling products are its primers and clears and within the last few years, the manufacturer’s flat black and flat clear topcoats have become extremely popular, especially with customizers making the fashionable trend more commonplace. Twenty-four years ago, changes in California’s environmental laws drastically changed the types of solvents that had to be used for cleaning paint guns. PCL quickly became the number one provider of these types of solvents in the California market, because they were able to change rapidly and adhere to the new requirements quickly. In addition, all of PCL’s compliant cleaning solvents adhere to South Air Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1171, which began requiring more waterborne cleaners starting in 1999. All of PCL’s products are designed to meet and/or exceed local and national environment and air quality laws and requirements, according to Laguna. Exemplary hands-on customer service has long been a key element to
PCL’s continued success, Laguna explained. “If you use our products, you also get our knowledge and our years and years of experience. We respond
buses, trucks and recreational vehicles and now has more than 75 locations throughout the United States. Glass Specialty began operations in 1957 and currently provides auto glass replacement and repair services from multiple servicing locations across Illinois.
Ron Talley, current CEO of Glass Specialty will serve as vice president and managing partner of the new company. “We at Glass Specialty are excited to partner with Guardian Auto Glass and look forward to expanding our business in Illinois and in adjacent communities,” said Talley.
quickly to questions and concerns without fail, and if one of the body shops using our products gets cited for some reason, we’re there to represent them and address the violation. It doesn’t happen very often, because we formulate our products to be 100% compliant across the board, but when it does, we do everything we can to rectify it.” Training in order to learn the application techniques associated with any of PCL’s products is also always available, Laguna said. “Our products
are very easy-to-use, so most of our customers don’t require training. But if they want it, we will come out there and train them right at their shop. We back every product we make and that’s why we’ve been serving the automotive industry continually for so long.” By making products that have become invaluable to body shops throughout California over the decades, PCL has survived several recessions without taking a hard hit, Laguna said. “Between 2007 and 2008,
when the economy took a beating, we increased revenues by 20-25%. When times are lean, more body shops buy our cleaners, primers and sealers particularly, because they know they will do the job, saving them time and money.” Susan Simmons is a 30-year veteran of the automotive paint industry and is the store manager of FinishMaster in Montclair, California. Servicing approximately 200 Southern California body shops, Simmons has been working with PCL since she entered the field, she said. “PCL has definitely found several niches over the years and by providing compliant products at affordable prices, they’ve done very well,” Simmons said. “We sell their primers, surfacers, sealers, clears and solvents to a wide range of different customers, from custom shops to doit-yourselfers to hobbyists, restoration shops and of course, regular body shops. We get customers who call us all the time and ask specifically for PCL’s products, especially their flat black paint fast-drying product.” Simmons values the support and accountability offered by PCL, she said. “Paul Casanova is my PCL rep, and he is always available and willing to help us in any way. He has assisted us in training and on numerous special projects. If we ever have any issues with PCL products, Paul is there to do whatever it takes to make it right. If there is any hint of trouble, he replaces the product without question. PCL definitely follows through and stands behind all of their products, which makes working with them a no-brainer.” PCL Automotive 3150 East Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023 (800) 752-1566 www.pclautomotive.com
Guardian Auto Glass acquires Glass Specialty Company of Bloomington, Illinois Guardian Auto Glass LLC announced February 27 it has formed a new company, Guardian Auto Glass Bloomington, LLC to acquire the assets of Glass Specialty Company based in Bloomington, Illinois. Guardian Auto Glass provides glass repair and replacement services for automobiles,
12 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
“Glass Specialty is a well established business with experienced and dedicated employees,” said Marc Talbert, vice president and managing partner of Guardian Auto Glass. “This new partnership will provide Guardian Auto Glass the opportunity to expand our footprint.”
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 13
The Levan Group—Where Crash and Mechanical Parts Intersect Group has attracted a new group of Other parts distributors have customers, including nearby mechanimerged collision and mechanical parts It’s like water and oil; church and cal shops, walk-in cash customers and and seen it lead to more profits and adstate—the Democrats and the Re- a whole new business segment they ditional customers as well. SSF Impublicans. For many decades, there had never tapped into before—the doported Auto Parts in South San have always been two disparate it-yourself (DIY) market. Francisco is such a business, marketsources for collision and mechanical “The DIY customers are starting ing both mechanical and collision parts. But now, still mired in an to save money by doing repairs they parts with good results, according to economy that is improving but lag- would not consider before,” Levan Bill Foxworthy, the company’s Collisaid. “Now, we get about 30% sion Parts Director. of our business from these “When business slows down, people. And by adding more both mechanical and collision shops chemicals, clears, bondo and start looking around for new sources sand paper (he does not sell of income,” Foxworthy explained. paint), we are appealing more and more to the growing DIY part of our overall business.” Owned and operated by six brothers, Kenny, Michael, Brandon, Andy, Harry, and Henry; each Levan oversees one location while Andy works at all five warehouses when required. It’s a hardInside Sales Rep Leo Puentes, Owner/Manager Kenny Levan and Sales Rep Andrew Knowles market a wide working family that came to Bill Foxworthy is the Collision Parts Director at range of both collision and mechanical parts at the Levan the United States from VietSSF Auto Parts, a company that sells both Group nam 33 years ago. In 1988, mechanical and collision aftermarket parts for brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, ging, aftermarket parts distributors they started the Levan Group with litPorsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Mini Cooper, are starting to think outside the parts tle capital but lots of sweat, Levan Saab and Volvo box and adding mechanical parts to said. their collision inventory and vice “I came to this country when I “Body shops obviously need mechanversa. When ancillary revenue be- was 13 and I always tell people, I ical parts to complete a lot of their recomes vital to the bottom line, every started working the minute I got off pairs and more and more people are company starts looking harder for that boat and haven’t stopped yet,” he buying salvaged cars, fixing them up the “new, new thing”. By being a said. “It’s a family business, so we and re-selling them, especially with a one-stop parts source and expanding make the decisions together and we lot of the higher-end imported vehitheir inventories, companies are in- work as a team. We’re always thinkcles we sell parts for.” creasing profits and building a larger, ing of new ways to make our company SSF sells a fair amount of front more loyal customer base. better, and adding parts or supplies to end parts, water pumps, fans, bearThe Levan Group, Inc. has been our inventory has turned out to be a ings, condensers, wheel components in business for two decades and has and air conditioning parts to five locations in California and Texas, body shops. Conversely, meso owner Kenny Levan has seen the chanical shops are buying collision parts industry change and remore headlights, grill, eminvent itself on many levels. That’s blems and other accessorywhy he began incorporating mechantype body parts as needed, ical parts into his collision inventory according to Foxworthy. It’s within the last several years. hit-and-miss and tough to “We’re always looking for ways track, but Foxworthy knows to increase our revenue, because once that SSF is providing a valueyou rely totally on certain types of added feature by offering parts, you’re limiting yourself,” Levan both. SSF sells collision parts Kenny Levan runs the San Jose, Calif. location for The said. “We discovered that our body for 80% of the car nameplates Levan Group. He started selling collision repair parts in addition to his mechanical inventory to better cater to the shop customers want certain mechanthey also sell mechanical do-it-yourself market and body shops looking for a oneical parts to supplement their crash parts for, including BMW, stop solution parts. It’s a matter of convenience and Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, if we can match the prices they’re wise move. We carry mechanical parts Volkswagen, Audi, Mini Cooper, Saab finding elsewhere, it’s an easy deci- at all of our Bay Area locations and and Volvo. sion for them.” will be expanding to include Sacra“Sure, our mechanical lines are By offering a limited range of memento very soon. By the end of 2012, our bread and butter,” he said. “But chanical parts, such as radiators, lamps, all of our Northern California loca- we’re starting to see that the two types window regulators, shocks, brake parts tions will have collision and mechanare slowly morphing together, so we and struts, for example, the Levan ical parts, as well as shop supplies.” realize that we need to keep selling by Ed Attanasio
14 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
both. When business starts lagging, we see a spike in collision parts sales, so we know it’s a necessary part of what we’re selling. We’re in an age of convenience and shops realize time is money. If they can improve cycle times as a result, it’s a win-win, definitely.” Foxworthy has been in parts for several decades, so he has seen the parts industry change with the Internet and other technological advances, he said. “The auto repair industry has seen a lot of drastic changes, but in other ways they’ve been reluctant to change. Selling both mechanical and collision parts would be a logical alternative, especially when we’re all fighting for that extra dollar. But, it’s not the traditional way of doing things, so aftermarket distributors aren’t going that way. The overall attitude is we're not going to change something that's already working. But, we all know that’s shortsighted thinking.” By incorporating aftermarket collision parts into their inventory mix, Midway Aftermarket in Kansas City, Missouri has benefitted by the resurgence in the DIY market while appealing to body shops that want a mix of recycled parts coupled with new aftermarket parts, Marketing Director Aimee Studna explained. “For more than 20 years, our salvage yard has been our core business,” she said. “Several years ago, we started identifying a need with our customers who wanted a mixture of recycled parts and aftermarket parts, both collision and some mechanic al parts, mostly air conditioning parts and radiators. Now customers ask about them and we sell them right alongside the crash parts and our recycled inventory. This way they get a mix of new aftermarket and recycled parts, which appeals to a lot of the insurance companies.” Can collision and mechanical parts co-exist together in the same warehouse? Will automotive shops of all types gravitate toward this one-stop shopping approach to acquiring parts and how will the OEM’s react when it starts becoming more than just a minor trend? Stay tuned, because we’ve learned that if money is involved, people will adapt and quickly change their ways of thinking in the pursuit of increased profits and a bigger piece of the overall parts pie.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 15
On Creative Marketing
Sprucing Up Your Shop For Spring with Thomas Franklin
It’s been said that a picture is worth a eyesores. Walk through the shop and thousand words. Yet, with today’s dig- imagine you have an insurance execuital cameras in cell phones, even, pic- tive or dealership owner walking tures are worth less than a dime a along with you. Try looking at your dozen. Yesterday’s promotional place from his or her eyes and take pieces, flyers, brochures and even some notes. These could be the imwebsite pages, all may have nice pho- provements that make the difference tos, but people are less impressed with in how your shop is valued as a place them these days. To really make an to refer customers. with Dick Strom impact on a potential source of referA few standard interior-decoratral business, you need to get them to ing measures can make a major difcome to the shop and see the real ference in how your shop is perceived. thing. One live contact is easily worth If you often have spare parts or some more than a thousand pictures. other eyesore in your office or waiting With spring arriving, this could area, a useful device to hide that kind be a good time to spruce up the shop of thing is the room divider. These are and push for some live visits by refergenerally just a couple of free-standral coordinators you’ve been chasing. ing 2’x 6’ or 3’x 6’ panels hinged toOver the winter some aspects of your gether, but depending on how they’re shop may have fallen into disrepair or painted or covered with fabric or used worse. Getting an entire shop showto display promotional posters, they with Lee case-ready is generally not Amaradio an easy canJr. be a significant visual asset in an task. Spare parts storage and the paint otherwise drab room. If the office or mixing room may have become major waiting area is uncomfortably small,
Opinions Count
Action Counts
Your Turn with Sheila Loftus
Shop Showcase with Janet Chaney
Industry Overview with Janet Chaney
16 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Tom Franklin has been a shop sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com. See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin
a mirrored wall gives an illusion of larger space and also reflects light to brighten a dimly lit room. Although a body shop is in the automotive painting business, it’s surprising how many shops fail to adequately paint their buildings, driveways and equipment. Just painting the spray booth doors makes them look newer and better maintained at a glance. The same is true of the paint storage room. Older equipment like ancient frame machines and welding equipment can be spruced up quickly with a coat of the metallic paint you use on vehicles every day. Dealership shops are more likely to have identifying signs over bays indicating body work, frame work, welding, etc. Dealership driveways also usually have painted lines to direct customers to various parts of the facility. But an independent shop can add a
perspective of professionalism by adding a few signs around to designate how various bays are used and perhaps some painted lines on driveways. These simple cosmetic measures will make a major difference to visitors accustomed to well organized and generally very clean offices. While these improvements might be made to impress an insurance executive or dealership owner, other changes might be added for more specific visitors. Some shops have begun to take advantage of the “baby boom generation” achieving the status of “seniors,” and looking for ways to alleviate physical problems that can come with aging. Special handicap access elements around the shop can assist an older person taking a shop tour and the shop could profit from offering and installing handicap-assistance devices like power running boards. Driving schools have begun
to multiply as public schools drop driver training classes. Some shops invite student drivers in to look at heavy hits to alert them to what can result from hazardous driving. A shop showcase might add a display to that effect. Also a shop that caters a bit to mothers and parents should consider adding some child-entertainment items that could be emphasized when showing a mother or parent around the shop. This kind of convenience can make a major difference when a prospect is comparing competitor shops in your area. While all of these improvements would significantly help sell your shop to prospective referral source visitors, the impact on shop personnel shouldn’t be overlooked. Sprucing up a work bay and perhaps making some improvement in the appearance of standard worker clothing tells a technician his or her work is valued and especially appreciated at this time. This same technician is likely to also present a better P.R. image when people are coming through on a tour. Efficiency studies have shown that personnel in general perform better in well organized, attractive spaces. You
may have started out to simply make improvements to impress anyone coming through on a shop tour, but you could also be pleasantly surprised to find that your improvements have reduced cycle time and made a major difference in your financial bottom line.
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Infiniti Recalls 2003-2005 Q45 Sedans The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Nissan North American has issued a recall warning for 2003-2005 model year Infiniti Q45 cars, according to Consumer Reports. The luxury sedans may have electrical wiring that, over time, may develop a resistance which prevents the front seat-mounted side air bags from deploying during a collision. According to NHTSA, the fault lies with the wiring connectors used in the Infiniti Q45 luxury car. Nissan explained that movement between the connections develops an oxide film between the metal contact points. Over time, that film increases the electrical resistance between the contacts and possibly prevent the electronic trigger of the side air bags when
needed during a collision. Nissan says it believes about 5,777 Infiniti Q45 sedans may have this issue with front side air bag electrical systems. And in 2009 and 2010, it has already fixed about 75 percent of the vehicles affected by this recall. However, it will notify the remaining Q45 owners—about 1,349—of the recall starting March 12. Owners will be instructed to bring in their recalled Infiniti Q45 sedans to local dealerships. Mechanics there will inspect and modify the side air bag wiring free of charge. For more information, consumers can call Nissan’s toll-free customer service line (800-6477261) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.
Auto Supplier Daehan Catches Fire in GA
Daehan, an auto supply company located just outside of West Point, GA, caught fire March 17. The company supplies parts, mostly metal car parts that protect drivers from the engine and electrical wiring, for Kia, most notably the Kia West Point facility nearby. The parts supply company remained closed Monday March 19 as firefighters investigated the cause of the blaze. No one was hurt but the building was severly damaged. “My boss man called and told me you don’t even have to come in. He started telling me that the building was on fire. At first I thought he was joking, but I started getting more calls and texts,” Chris Johnson, a worker at the plant, said to WSFA News Montgomery, AL. In response to this fire, Kia closed their West Point, GA, plant for two days—Monday March 19 and Tuesday March 20. A Kia spokesman told Reuters that the interruption would have a limited impact on sales, due to the plant’s inventory. For more information please visit www.kmmgusa.com
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 17
BASF Advises Shops to Join the Move to Waterborne Coatings Now Environmental legislation and increasing restrictions on VOC emissions continue to transform the coatings industry and collision repair business. Waterborne paint systems have become more prevalent as the best way to radically reduce greenhouse gasses. At BASF, this environmental breakthrough has also become an opportunity for product and service innovation to add superior value, helping increase shop safety, productivity, quality and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.
Innovative BASF Products Leads As a world leader in automotive refinishing products, BASF introduced one of the first waterborne systems with the launch of the Glasurit® 90-Line™ in 1992. Ahead of its time, the highperforming 90-Line began a revolution that has not only made many collision repair shops more environmentally friendly, but has improved quality and throughput — through ease-of-use, low material consumption, fast-drying formulas, better hiding and easier blending. Moreover, the fact that approximately 70 percent of all new cars are finished with waterborne paint make 90-Line an ideal system for repair. And when it comes to quality, it’s reassuring to know that the world’s finest automobiles—including Mercedes-Benz and BMW—have waterborne paint. In addition, ultra-luxury cars such as Maybach and Rolls Royce are hand sprayed at the plant with 90-Line. For collision repair centers that demand high productivity, superior quality and cost efficiency, BASF’s RM® automotive finishes continue to be the right choice. R-M’s low-VOC waterborne basecoat—Onyx HD™ — has been used by many independent collision repair centers and car dealerships for almost two decades. The system brings next-generation processes into the shop, while offering excellent versatility, durability and cost effectiveness along with superb color matching with BASF’s proprietary COLOR-MAX® system. And, Onyx HD does all this while meeting today’s most stringent VOC regulations at local, regional and national levels. The combination of R-M’s fast drying primers, high gloss “no-bake” clears and Onyx HD low-VOC waterborne basecoat reduce cycle time and
energy consumption while helping preserve the environment. Being green with Onyx HD can actually save
you some green, helping make the business case to switch to the waterborne system.
More Than Just Great Products BASF’s Glasurit® 90-Line™ and RM® Onyx HD™ paint products are supported by industry-leading lifetime warranties, along with technical training programs, advanced color information systems and business management programs. SmartTrak® is a state-of-the-art color management system that provides fast and accurate color formulas. It’s designed to help increase shop profitability and productivity through color updates, inventory and stock control management, formula customization, cost and low-VOC tracking, advanced reporting and more. The company’s comprehensive VisionPLUS® program is an industryleading suite of value-added programs geared specifically for collision repair centers. This full-service toolkit helps collision center managers and owners monitor, grow sales, streamline business operations and gain a solid competitive edge in the industry. And, VisionPLUS Online is a turnkey tool that allows collision repair centers to track, analyze and advance their business in real time. This allows for immediate and continuous improvement, increasing shop productivity and profitability.
18 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Better to Lead Than Follow the Pack In the U.S., some state and local jurisdictions are taking the lead in regulating automotive refinishing emissions. California and Delaware, for example, have developed practice standards for shops to reduce VOC emissions. And, as a further indication of things to come, Canada has already required all shops to switch to waterborne basecoats. Clearly, shops would be well advised to stay ahead of coming legislation and switch to waterborne systems before it becomes mandated. When considering conversion to a waterborne paint system, be sure to consult with your BASF representative. Beyond the regulatory considerations,
keep in mind the following advantages: • Reduced basecoat solvent emissions by approximately 90 percent • Increased quality and customer satisfaction • Improved color matching • Improved throughput • Applied with conventional spray equipment and easy to clean up • Improved safety (less toxicity, lower odor and reduced flammability) • Reduced hazardous waste Before you make the final decision to change to a waterborne paint system, it is important to be aware of not only the advantages of using waterborne technology, but also key differences when compared to a solvent system. There are many questions a shop should ask before switching to waterborne coatings. Let the experts on Waterborne Automotive Finishes from BASF answer them for you. For more information about switching to waterborne, contact your BASF representative by calling 800825-3000, or visit www.basfrefinish.com.
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www.birminghamsubaru.com www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 19
Inside Insurance
The Insider is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S.. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column? Email him at Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com
‘Survival of the Fittest’ Also Applies to Collision Repairers with The Insurance Insider
the Certified program could result in The collision repair industry has too many body shops. I’m not sure anyone an improper repair and compromise would seriously dispute that. The your safety.” sooner we can ridwith ourselves of 15,000 Chasidy Rae Sisk body shops, the better all of us will be. Yes, it’s true, all of us will be far better off. This includes insurance companies, vendors, body shops themselves and consumers. How can wewith make Chasidy this happen Rae at Sisk a faster pace? That may be beyond the limited scope of this mastermind, but it wouldn’t be an Insider article without a recommendation or two, so buckle up and get ready. The car manufacturers should further develop their certification programs and join together as one voice to educate consumers at the point of purchase. “If your car is in an accident, you must take it to an OEM Certified Repair Facility to Sadly, that statement isn’t some guarantee a proper repair. Taking trumped-up idea to scare people. It’s a your vehicle to a body shop outside fact and the motoring public should
Northeast News Shop Showcase
know that while there are more than 35,000 body shops in the country, too small a percentage are prepared to repair aluminum, identify substrates, weld “exotic” metals and use proper-sectioning procedures. The complexities of today’s vehicles provide a significant challenge to repairers. And five years from now, the 2012 vehicles will look like a Model A does today. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, there aren’t a lot of people who fully understand the implications. Most industry pundits will probably tell you that I’m solely referring to the Mom-and-Pop body
shops as being ill-equipped or lacking in necessary repair information. Au contraire, mon frère…I’m referring to shops that might be just like yours, maybe even most shops. I’m not trying to lose readers, just the shops that are clinging to their outdated business models and procedures like a mother bear to her cub. And since we aren’t likely to see car manufacturers creating sophisticated certification programs that virtually eliminate the bottomfeeders, there is an alternative. One that is probably a little more humane. For the Rhodes Scholars and my fellow Ivy league compadres, I offer you: The Darwin Theory. Yes, a concept so primitive that a caveman could follow along. Flo? Maybe not. It’s a simple but effective concept. Survival of the fittest is surely the answer to the ills of this over-pop-
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ulated industry. If you are from an area where deer are prevalent, you may be able to better relate to my body shop reduction initiative. In many states, deer have become a problem. There are too many deer and not enough predators to keep the population down. The answer to that problem is open season. How does this relate to body shops? I’m not suggesting open season where we shoot the weak and vulnerable. There’s no need to suggest that when we have a natural predator. Consolidators are the ying to the yang, the french to the fry, and the predator on the bottom-feeding body shops. Thankfully, the mega-mighty shops are slowly and steadily eliminating competition from the marketplace. It’s a slow, arduous process but one that will ultimately yield the positive result we all seek (even though you may not know you want it), which is fewer shops. Consolidators receive a substantial number of calls every month from shops looking to sell their businesses. It has become a buyer’s market, and those with capital are licking their chops but patiently
waiting. Why buy today when the price tomorrow is going to be a little cheaper? The Mom-and-Pop shops are dying a slow death, and the longer they wait to sell, the less they are going to get. Most insurance companies are happy to see the attrition of shops, although the rate of decline is less than desirable. This isn’t about eliminating the Mom-and-Pop businesses that we were once the backbone of America and still play a big role. It is about eliminating the undersized deer, the one with a limp and the one that can’t see very well. By eliminating the weak, the larger, more astute operators can continue to grow at a rapid rate. That will raise the overall quality and efficiency of shops in this industry. The shops that can better serve our customer. Ooops, I mean our mutual customer. The Insider is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S.. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column? Email him at Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com.
Continued from Front Page
Chinese Auto Parts
ident, Leo Gerard. This letter follows action by the United Steelworkers (USW) and others to identify broad sets of practices utilized by China to protect its auto parts sector to the disadvantage of its competitors. The Congressional letter ratifies USW concerns and calls for immediate action. The USW represents about 850,000 workers in the United States and Canada in a wide variety of industries, ranging from glass making to mining, paper, steel, tire and rubber and other manufacturing environments. The United Steelworkers (USW) says that America’s auto parts sector continues to be threatened by unfairly traded auto parts imports from China and its policies that exclude US products from their markets. The USW lauds the 188 members of Congress who signed the Congressional letter, demonstrating broad political support behind intentions to stop China’s protectionist, predatory and illegal trade practices. The lawmakers included many from the auto manufacturing states of
the upper Midwest, which will likely be important in Obama’s bid for reelection in November. They said China uses a “vast array of policies” to give its auto parts producers an unfair trade advantage. Those include Chinese limits on imports of foreign auto parts and subsidies that drive down the prices auto parts that are made in China, the lawmakers said. “These tactics are working. Chinese auto parts exports are rapidly growing and have increased almost 900 percent since 2000,” the lawmakers said. The appeal follows Obama’s recent decision to establish an interagency task force to boost U.S. enforcement of trade agreements. The lawmakers urged Obama “to use all existing authorities” to protect the U.S. auto parts sector, but did not outline a particular course of action. Advocates have said the administration’s options include bringing a case at the World Trade Organization or initiating an action under U.S. trade remedy laws that would lead to duties or other restrictions on imports from China.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
I-CAR Tech
This article first appeared in the I-CAR Advantage Online, which is published and distributed free of charge. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for-profit international training organization that researches and develops quality technical education programs related to collision repair. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free publication, visit http://www.i-car.com.
Oil Spill at the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, WI, Raises Awareness A small motor oil spill incident at the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, Wisconsin in the spring of 2011 has raised our awareness of the many considerations involved with a material spill into the environment. What started as an accidental collision between a snowplow and a 55-gallon drum of
with the melting snow. A rainstorm further aggravated the situation. The company that provided the snow plowing offered to immediately come in and dig out all of the contaminated soil and stone, take it to a local landfill, and replace it with fresh new material. The offer was put on hold while we sought legal and other professional advice. We were informed with Lee Amaradio Jr. that because we discovered the contamination and it was on our property, we were responsible for immediate containment to minimize environmental impact. We were also responsible for addressing possible downstream contamination. A local civil engineering and enFigure 1 - The spill was discovered in the vironmental firm was hired to assess spring after the snow melt the spill. Their observation showed waste oil on an adjoining property re“visual and olfactory evidence of pesulted in an experience we would troleum contamination.” That initial never want to repeat. observation was verified by a core There were several steps and desampling. It was recommended that cisions that had to be made to assure wood chips and hay bales be layered proper cleanup. What was more on the visible spill areas in an attempt stressful than what we knew about the to contain it (see Figure 2). The engiincident was what was unknown. How neering firm added a ten-foot abfar had the spill traveled? Was the sorbent boom to the containment groundwater contaminated? What efforts. They were also required to inpublic agencies might have to be inform the Wisconsin Department of volved? How much was this all going Natural Resources Regional Spills to cost? Coordinator. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was the only public with Dan Espersen agency that had to be involved with the incident. Numerous photographs were taken of the site, including aerial photographs. An early concern was that the oil had leaked into a ditch containing surface water (see Figure 3). Whether the oil had contaminated any groundwater was unknown until Figure 2 - Sawdust and hay bales were first weeks later.
Amaradio Explains CRA
Consumer Callout
ALL OEM Information
added to the site for containment
The Right Cause
We thought we’d share our expeCleanup rience to perhaps benefit another faA couple weeks after the initial obserMikea similar Causey vation, it was agreed that the snow cility that mightwith encounter incident. plowing company that first made the offer to remove the spill would be allowed to do so, but only under the Discovery and Initial Steps The spill was discovered in mid-April guidance and direction of the civil enas the snow melted (see Figure 1). A gineering and environmental firm. 55-gallon drum of motor oil in a parkExcavation began in May. Due to ing lot near the Tech Centre property the electrical and telecommunications was damaged by a snowplow during underground conflicts, it all had to be the winter. Some 30 gallons of spilled dug out by hand (see Figure 4). Nearly oil was carried off the pavement along six tons of soil were excavated,
loaded, and sent to a qualified landfill. The depth of the excavation varied, but it was no deeper than 6". By late May, the spill was entirely contained. By early June, all affected soil was removed. This had to be confirmed by another round of soil samples.
Figure 3 - There was a fear that the spill had migrated into a nearby drainage ditch
with Janet Chaney
Suggestions for a Similar Issue In case a facility encounters a similar issue, we can only suggest being forthright with the environmental authorities. It will do no good to try and hide the incident or ignore the issue. Contact the local agency and ask, “What do I need to do about an outdoor oil spill?” Similar to a vehicle owner involved in their first collision, a facility owner doesn’t know what to do when an accident occurs. We took the initiative to contact the local engineering firm to do a core sample. We then asked the firm what do we do next? Their advice was to take every effort to contain the spill. Being upfront about the incident is always the best approach.
The final 13-page report by the civil engineering and environmental firm, in color and spiral bound, contained the entire testimony since the firm was hired. An appendix included all the photos, lab analysis charts, and Conclusion statements from everyone involved. The affair required us to collaborate The firm’s final observation was with legal, engineering, and environsummed up in the statement: “Given mental firms that we had little or no the amount of oil released and the amount of contaminated material hauled away, the environment has been restored to the extent practicable.” The excavated area had to be backfilled with clean topsoil and seeded. The snow plowing company handled all the expenses for the spill cleanup, except for the initial core sampling that IFigure 4 - The excavation had to be done by hand due to CAR had authorized on its the obstructions in the area own. One of the last steps was receiv- contact with previously. As it turned ing a final signoff from the Wisconsin out, the spill did not contaminate surDepartment of Natural Resources Re- rounding groundwater. It was congional Spills Coordinator. That twotained and cleaned up in a relatively page report did not come until weeks short time. We hope this story of our after the final engineering report was experience will help whatever conprinted and delivered. The DNR re- taminant spill situation you may enport stated that the spill was cleaned counter. up to the extent practicable, and no further cleanup is needed. The groundwater was not contaminated. The spill had not migrated into the drainage ditch. It was also noted that www.autobodynews.com no citations had to be issued in conCHECK IT OUT! nection with the spill. Final landscap-
Automaker Actions and Announcements
22 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ing of the area could then begin. The final cost to I-CAR was much less than what we had feared.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 25
Service, Diagnostic and Mechanical NEWS
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Infiniti Launches National Certified Collision Repair Network Autobody News
Infiniti has launched a new nationwide Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Network, a comprehensive program designed to recognize and distinguish body shops that meet or exceed standards for repair work, training, equipment and delivery of Infiniti customer service. The new certification program is open to both Infiniti retailer-owned and independent collision shops. “The purpose of the certification program is to provide the resources to help ensure consistency of the repair of Infiniti vehicles on a national basis,” said Carnie Colliver, senior manager, Parts and Service, Infiniti Americas. “Each Infiniti owner that comes into these certified facilities presents additional face-to-face opportunities to reinforce the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.” The certification program will be conducted in conjunction with DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC), which will assist in the implementation of the program’s certification process, and I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, which will conduct technician training. “Facilities that have the willingness to participate in this program must have the commitment to achieve higher standards in the collision repair industry. This program will be a platform to satisfy all aspects of their customers’ automotive service needs,” said Colliver. ● Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Facilities will be able to distin-
Chrysler Launches Certified Collision Repair Facility Program
FLORIDA • GEORGIA • ALABAMA • MISSISSIPPI
guish their facility from non-Certified repairers, by an ever expanding marketing package including but not limited to: ● A shop plaque acknowledging to customers the facility is a member of the Infiniti Collision Repair Network and recognized as meeting the requirements set forth by Infiniti ● Customer marketing materials explaining the benefits of using the certified shop network for repairs and the use of OEM collision parts ● Exclusive website for Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Facilities to obtain program and technical information ● Infiniti owner awareness marketing initiative ● Shop locator for owners to identify Certified shops in their area “The overriding goal is to provide a better customer experience— with an assurance of safety through the repair process and facility standardization, and the financial preservation of the vehicle to help minimize diminished value after collision repairs,” added Colliver. “Certified network collision repair facilities will deliver a professional relationship consistent with the Infiniti brand—and enjoy the added prestige of being recognized by Infiniti as meeting our stringent factory standards.” For more information on enrolling contact the Infiniti collision group via email at: CollisionRepairNetwork@Infiniti.com
Chrysler Group’s Mopar Brand has announced that enrollment is now open for the newly launched Chrysler Recognized Certified Collision Repair Facility program. This program involves the services of Assured Performance Network and allows dealers and independent collision repair facilities to meet the qualifications necessary to be recognized by Chrysler as a collision repair facility of choice for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat and Ram vehicle owners. Chrysler’s program managed by Assured Performance Network which is designed to benefit OEM parts purchases and ensure customer satisfaction via Certificates of Authenticity. Under the program, shops will become a “Chrysler Recognized Certified Collision Repair Facility,” and receive official signage from Mopar with Chrysler Group logos. The certification opens the shop for approval for other programs, not yet specified. Member shops will receive 5% rebates on 100% OEM Chrysler collision repair parts. When repairs are completed with OEM collision repair parts, a Write Certificate of Authenticity, to help the resale value of the customer’s vehicle, will be created for the customer’s records. Updates will be made to the CARFAX vehicle report showing 100-percent OEM parts were used in the repair, and that a Chrysler Recognized Certified Collision Repair Facility made the repairs.
Assured Performance Network Offers Other OEM Rewards
Chrysler joins GM and Nissan in the certified collision shop program managed by Assured Performance Network which is designed to benefit OEM parts purchases and ensure customer satisfaction via Certificates of Authenticity. Assured Performance Net-
work also offers member benefits which earn 5% rebates from GM and Nissan. GM and Nissan are providing an incentive and reward for shops to use more genuine GM and Nissan parts and less aftermarket. Members can receive a rebate
26 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
of 5% off list price on GM and Nissan parts when you repair using 100% GM and Nissan parts on ALL repairs using GM and Nissan collision parts. Members can print and present a “Certificate of Authenticity” to their customers illustrating that
April 2012
Shops will also receive a business development report to help evaluate the business and identify key improvemments. “We announced earlier this year that Mopar would be changing the entire ownership experience of our vehicles, and this program is another important step forward,” said Tony Brenders, Vice President of Technical Service Operations, Mopar. “Working with Assured Performance Network, we will not only expand our repair capabilities across the U.S., we will also ensure that the work performed will be to the highest level of quality.” The new certification process requires key business standards including: ● Road to Gold: Attaining and maintaining I-CAR Gold Class Professional shop status ● Minimum welding standards: Owning and utilizing squeeze type resistance spot-welding equipment which duplicates the original assembly process ● Minimum measurement standards: Utilizing structural straightening equipment with three- dimensional measurements The program launches on March 26, 2012. Shops interested in beginning the certification process can visit: www.ChryslerCertifiedShop.com for more details and program registration.
you have used 100% Genuine GM and Nissan parts to repair their vehicle. The posting and auditing process is automated with 100% Write ESP (enhanced settlement process). For more information see: www.assuredperformance.net
Gonzo’s Toolbox
This is a new story by Scott “Gonzo” Weaver as posted on his website, www.gonzostoolbox.com. Gonzo has been serving the Tulsa area at Superior Auto Electric for over 27 years. See his book “Hey Look! I Found The Loose Nut”, which provides a Good Laugh for Mechanics of Any Age. The book is available at amazon.com. Contact Gonzo at Gonzosae@aol.com.
What If You’re Looking for More than One Waldo? with Gonzo Weaver
OK, I really do fix cars for a living. I tomer will take their car to a relative take a car that’s acting up, locate the or next door neighbor, or they’ll find problem, and make the appropriate re- the cheapest shop or the closest pair. Sometimes I haven’t a clue garage in their area. I’ll hear a cuswith Richard where to look when I start, but withArnold a tomer tell me they always go to a cerfew proper tools, a little ingenuity, tain shop for all their repairs, so they think nothing of going to a specialist and a whole lot of experience I’ll find for repairs. But, when that doesn’t the problem eventually. work it’s time to ask for a recommenIt’s like finding Waldo, that nerdy dation for a shop that can make the relittle guy dressed in red and white who pairs. Now, of course, this isn’t true travels a lot and specializes in challengwith Ed Attanasioof everyone. A lot of people have a ing people to locate him. He sometimes hides in plain sight. You’ll usually have family mechanic they have used for to look closely to find him. Except my years, while others believe the dealer“Waldo” doesn’t wear a red and white ship is the only place to go for repairs. cap to give himself away. My Waldo is Whichever or whatever way works for each and everyone is just fine with usually something to do with a compome. nent or part that with has failed, or has deErica SchroederOne way or another somebody cided to be difficult. I sometimes think has to find Waldo. When it comes to cars, Waldo that these weird repair jobs that end up can be pretty crafty. He can be hiding at my shop are like an elaborate game of in thousands of places. He can be “who can find Waldo first?” I’m not always the first guy to try under the hood, behind the dash, in the trunk, or under the seat. He can be and find Waldo. A lot of times a cus-
Jobber Journal
well concealed or under layers of components—carpet, plastic, or engine parts. With today’s cars he can even be inside a computer lurking about in the form of a corrupted bit of information. I never know where he’ll show up, but I’ll do my best to find him. The other day I was on a Waldo hunt for a whacked out gas gauge. The fuel gauge was stuck on empty on this ‘03 Ford Van. It came from another shop after they had given up on it. The shop had already tried a new sending unit in the tank, but it only lasted a day or two before the gauge quit again. So where is that little beanie cap wearing weirdo hiding this time? I started with behind the steering wheel. After doing the self test on the dash it was clear the gauge was not responding, so I broke out the gauge simulator and hooked it up to the fuel gauge. Even with the tester adjusted to 160 ohms (full tank reading) it never budged off of empty. Gotcha Waldo! You’re in the instrument cluster… aha! Got ya this time for sure ya skinny little twerp! I got the new cluster approved and installed it the next day. I hooked up to the scanner, checked that all the programming needed was done. That’s typical stuff… mileage, tire size, etc … not a big deal (with the right scanner, an IDS in this case or the dealer parts department can set most of it up for you when you order it. Actual programming needs vary from year to year, so be careful to follow all manufacturer’s directions). I was so convinced that I had this one I didn’t think I needed to recheck my work, so I was in for a surprise when the gas gauge didn’t move right away. I’ve seen this before. It can take a minute or two, or up to 20 minutes if the key was on while filling up the tank. I didn’t recall turning the key on when I was installing the new cluster, but by the time I had the van off the lift and backed out of the shop the gauge was working. Done, problem solved. Waldo, you’re out-of-here! Boy was I wrong. Seems old Waldo had to come back just a few days later. The gauge is back on empty again just as it did with the first shop. Now what is he doing? Waldo
Shop and Product Showcase Shop Showcase Shop Snapshot with Erica Schroeder
Consumer Callout with Ed Attanasio
Custom Corner with Ed Attanasio
Company Connections with Chasidy Rae Sisk
Shop Strategies for Savings with Walter Danalevich
Inside Insurance with The Insurance Insider
is a crafty kind of nerd. Is he messing with me? I’m about to “go mechanic” on his butt. Back to the gauge tester again. This time the gauge reacted with every movement and changed with every setting I could put it through on the tester. I knew the empty reading on this tank is around 15 ohms and a full tank is 160, so I should have a reading somewhere in between those readings from the tank sender. It was 16 ohms? Oh, come on. Is this tank empty? I gave the tank a couple of knocks with my knuckle “rap, rap, rap” and asked sheepishly, “You in there, Waldo?” I got an approval to drop the tank down to check it further. I could tell the other shop changed the tank sending unit. They had butt-connected the lead together (Gee, ya could have just disconnected it) but I did notice something rather strange about the sending unit. The float was bent around the fuel pump and an edge of the bail was trapped against the actual fuel pump bracket. Waldo is up to something here, and it’s not the sender. I grabbed a flashlight and looked down in the tank. There inside the tank is the tray that the fuel pump rests in. It’s mainly there as a way to control the sloshing affect of the fuel and to help give the gauge a steady reading. The only thing was the tray wasn’t staying in place. It had broken free from the bottom of the tank and was sliding back and forth as the van drove down the road. “Waldo, you’ve been a very naughty little fellow,” I said to myself. The only thing that made sense about the dash being bad was that somebody must have tried to send voltage back up the sending wires to the dash, and it probably knocked the gauge out. It wouldn’t have been hard to do with the gauge and fuel pump leads all in the same connector. Somebody could have easily (accidently I hope) crossed the wrong leads, which created another Waldo. While the original Waldo remained in hiding inside the gas tank the whole time. Now I just have to tell the customer where I found him at this time. Great, just great—two Waldo’s in two places in one car. I think I’ll let Waldo explain this one to the owner himself.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 27
The Community-Focused Body Shop with Domenico Nigro
Domenico Nigro is the president of Nigro’s Auto Body, a very progressive shop for their community in Philadelphia. In addition to many productivity innovations, Nigro’s installs equipment for disabled drivers, has developed several phone Applications, and represents products which directly support charities such as United Way and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Contact him at: nigroautobody@comcast.net.
Feather, Sand and Fill: Paint Operations Body Shops Perform But Don’t Get Paid For How much money are you losing each sand and fill is included in the repair year by not charging for Feather, Sand process, which directly contradicts the and Fill (aka Feather, Prime and Block)? law, the P-Pages, and the logic of our business. Of course, the insurance If you’re chargingwith nothing, I can guarJanet Cheney antee you $5,000 more in yearly profits companies don’t want to pay for this costly operation becuase they’ve if you follow this advice and start getting compensated for the necessary work haven’t had to pay for it for years. An even stronger argument can be you’ve always been doing. Feather, Sand and Fill is a non-in- made using the language in the federal regulations imposed through the EPA’s cluded procedure that takes the sur6H rule. “On January 9, 2008, the EPA face from 150-grit level smoothness to the condition of a new, undamaged accepted a new standard known as the panel that can then begin the refinish HAPs 6H rule to reduce the public’s health exposure to Hazardous Air Polprocess. The labor and supplies used with with feather, prime and block lutants (HAPs). The agency’s main objective is to significantly lessen the may fluctuate based on the nature of the repair area and should be consid- amount of HAPs released into the environment during paint stripping or ered when deciding which work needs to be performed. I will address the is- surface coating operations. During such work practices, the sues many shop owners have in getting insurance companies to pay for most dangerous chemicals, namely, this procedure, the laws involved, and methylene chloride (MeCl), cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and possible solutions to consider. In 2006, the Collision Industry nickel compounds, represent signifiConference Estimating Committee de- cant risk to employee health if proper fined feather, prime and block as engineering and administrative controls are not in place.” “non-included refinish operations that The 6H rule requires that this complete the process from 150 grit to the condition of a new, undamaged portion of the process needs to be panel... The body/paint labor and ma- done by the paint department, in an terials necessary to prepare the re- enclosed space, and is therefore a repaired area from 150 grit to the finishing procedure, not a body repair condition of a new undamaged part is process. This rule helps solidify a valid and required step in the Feather, Sand and Fill as a refinishing process. The labor and material al- process by definition of the law, but it lowances for these operations requires still isn’t properly compensated for by an on-the-spot evaluation of the spe- the Insurance Companies. This means that any application of cific vehicle and damage.” Despite this clarification, shops primer that is sprayed through a HVLP are still having trouble claiming this spray gun must be done by a certified process and being paid for the work painter, inside an enclosed spraybooth and materials. Some insurance com- and billed as a paint procedure. But how should your shop charge panies say that Feather, Sand and Fill and get paid for it? is included in the repair process, It is a judgment call that must be which simply isn’t true. In addition, negotiated on the spot. The repair often times, on many insurance comprocess only takes you up to the 150 pany estimates, they state that feather,
Shop Showcase
grit level, but I have to get the panels to pre-loss condition before the refinish process can take place. I am faced with this issue on almost every single job and I approach it by talking with the adjuster directly. I say “If the PPages state that this is a necessary process to repair a job and bring it back to pre-loss condition, then why would it not be covered?” So, first I prove my point that it’s a necessary part of repairing the vehicle. I cite The 6H rule that supports claiming it as a refinishing process. At this point, some insurance companies will pay for the operation, while others simply will not pay. In this case, the insurance companies are forcing auto body shops to break the law by not listing the procedure as a refinishing process and therefore admitting to violating the 6H rule. Failure to comply to the 6H rule can result in hefty, daily fines and even jail time. If your shop doesn’t report or charge for it, you are in a way admitting to breaking the law. Another typical response is that charging for feather, sand and fill is not competitive in the market, and because other body shops are allowing the insurance agencies to take advantage of them, they claim that all shops should folllow suit. I also hear “you’re the only shop that charges for this process,” which simply isn’t true. So the insurance company is literally telling us that because other shops aren’t recouping these costs, we should all lose the revenue and break the law. So how do you calculate the costs of FSF (or FPB)? A simple forumla that I’ve come up with over the years in the business, and doing my own time studies is as follows: I use .3 per repair hour to calculate FSF. The example we’ll use is a 2 hour repair. 2 X .3 = .6, Refinish
labor rate = $48 x .6 = $28.80, Paint and Materials = $27 x .6 = $16.20. Total costs associated with Feather Sand and Fill on a 2 hour job is $45. If a shop performs two of these each week, there is a yearly loss of $4680 a year. In addition, at a sales tax rate of 8%, the state is losing $375 a year for each shop not being paid for this process. If you simply use the formula above, your painter’s efficiency goes up and you’re no longer supplying these materials for free. Determine your repair times first, state this is only a repair process, first negotiate your body repair time and specify that this is only for the repairs, not for refinishing. Once that is established then you negotiate your time and costs for Feather, Sand and Fill by using my formula. This will increase your painter’s efficiency, it will increase the profitability of your paint supplies and it will add to your overall business success and bottom line. If you try these methods and they don’t work, you should show the adjuster the P-Pages, even reference this article. Ask the adjuster to prove to you that you don’t have to do this step which is required by all three estimating systems and established as an industry standard. What do they say? If you’re still not being compensated, have them call me. Write us, let us know if you’re charging for this operation. The only way for justice and fair compensation from insurers is through cooperation and unity among shop owners. Allowing the insurers to strong arm your bottom line is costing us thousands each year. A standard formula can be applied to all jobs that account for these costs in a fair and transparent manner.
22 West Virginia Vocational Schools to Integrate I-CAR Professional Development Program into Curriculum
The West Virginia Department of Education/Division of Career and Technical Education will integrate the industry recognized I-CAR® Professional Development Program™–Education Edition into the curriculum of all 22 secondary and vocational schools in the state of West Virginia. This marks two firsts for I-CAR. West Virginia’s initiative marks the
first time I-CAR training will be used at a statewide level within a school system’s curriculum and West Virginia will be the first publicly announced adopter of the I-CAR® Professional Development Program™–Education Edition. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, provides training for several areas of
28 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
the collision industry, including career and technical schools. Students that receive this training will have the opportunity to benefit from a dynamic, role-relevant education that directly aligns with I-CAR’s industry-recognized training program and a solid foundation to work from as they begin their collision industry careers.
Kathy D’Antoni, West Virginia Assistant State Superintendent of Schools said, “Our vision is to grow a highly skilled and quality driven workforce that leads the way for a better tomorrow. The Business and Education segment must work together to make sure the curriculum being taught in our career technical centers satisfies industry needs.”
Mexico Implements New Mandatory Auto Insurance Laws
Two of the most popular Mexican destinations for US and Canadian tourists have passed new laws recently requiring drivers to carry auto liability insurance at all times. Baja California Norte (home of destinations such as Tijuana, Ensenada, Rosarito, and San Felipe) and Jalisco (home of destinations such as Guadalajara, Lake Chapala, and Puerto Vallarta) have passed laws requiring that all drivers carry liability insurance. Other states have had similar mandatory auto liability insurance laws in place for some time. Derek Kartchner, Vice President of Business Development for http://www.mexpro.com said, “We feel this is a good step towards solving a huge problem; whether in the US or in Mexico uninsured drivers create an unneeded burden at the time of an accident, and cost all drivers more. We applaud the states that have taken steps towards alleviating the number of uninsured drivers in Mexico, and encourage other states to do the same.” Jim Labelle, CEO of IIG said, “While this is an important law, we would also urge our customers to ensure they are protecting their own interests. Not only should visitors to Mexico purchase Mexico Auto Liabil-
ity coverage, but also Comprehensive and Collision coverage. We encourage all of our customers who drive to Mexico to obtain a similar level of coverage in Mexico that they carry in the USA or Canada.” Labelle’s firm has insured over 1 million US and Canadian plated vehicles since launching its website a little over ten years ago. Visitors to Mexico can purchase and print their policies in real time on http://www.mexpro. com. All policies sold on the site meet the new state requirements, and many other optional coverages are available to ensure that consumers are properly covered when driving in Mexico. For more information about these laws or to purchase a Mexico Auto Insurance policy visit http://www.mexpro.com or call 1- 888-467-4639.
LQK Has Record Results
LKQ Corp. has announced results for its fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2011. Income for the fourth quarter was $56.1 million, a 36 percent increase over the 28 cents per share reported for 2010. For the full year 2011, income from continuing operations was $210.3 million.
TopTech Finder Unites PDR Techs with Body Shop Managers TopTech Finder, an open job marketplace bringing together automotive repairers and paintless dent repair (PDR) technicians, announces its website is now available at: www.toptechfinder.com. By providing an online search engine to connect automotive repairers and qualified PDR technicians, TopTech Finder puts power and convenience back into the hands that count. In addition, because of the damaging storms in the Southeast and Midwest, TopTech Finder is waiving all fees on jobs posted in the month of March by body repair shops in effected states. TopTech Finder is the vision of CEO Jeff Herman, who developed the idea to help body repair shops easily connect with reputable PDR technicians to fix hail damaged vehicles. “When hail storms hit, a shop’s regular PDR resources are often overwhelmed with work. Shops are then forced to choose from techs who arrive at their door, without any knowledge of the tech’s reputation, quality of work, experience, or training. Shops have told me horror stories about handing that first customer car over to an unknown tech”, said Herman. “TopTech Finder solves this
problem by letting repairers investigate techs before they hire them.” Repairers of all types can post their PDR jobs for free on the site. They can then search for techs and see their online profiles. Tech profiles show qualifications including experience, training, certifications, and associations. If satisfied, repairers can invite techs to the job. Conversely, techs can search for and apply for jobs. Body repair shops, retail PDR businesses, hail teams and other repairers can create their free, no obligation account at: www.toptechfinder.com.
Nissan Leaf Nationwide
Nissan opened up sales for their Leaf all-electric vehicle to all states in the US on March 1, 2012. After the EV's initial launch in limited markets at the end of 2010 and a piecemeal, state-by-state roll out throughout 2011, the Nissan Leaf will finally be available to order all around the U.S. Nissan sent out a statement saying in part, “We are officially a 100% electric nation. Look out for an e-mail around 3/1/12 detailing when you can order your Nissan Leaf.”
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1595 Montgomery Highway • Birmingham, AL 35216 www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 29
Custom Painter Charley Hutton Explains Step-By-Step How to Create Realistic Wood Grain Effects With PPG Products Charley Hutton, custom painter extraordinaire, explains how to create a realistic, wood grain look with a few simple tools and PPG Envirobase® High Performance basecoat. A painted wood-grain effect is one way to add a distinctive look to your custom build. In this step-bystep article, Charley will show you how to paint a panel with one style of wood in the center, framed by another wood grain look. Creating the wood grain effect is about having the right tools. You’ll want to have a variety of sponges, some with loose density for creating larger grain, and others more dense for tighter grain. Sea sponges are ideal. You’ll also need a choice of brushes, preferably inexpensive ones with stiff bristles. The brushes are used to create very tight grain lines, what we call the “dry brushing” technique. And finally, you’ll need an airbrush and compressor for shadowing and highlighting.
Of course, like learning any special effect technique, it will take some practice to get the technique down. “Some of the techniques I’ve learned actually came by accident,” said Hutton. “For example, Paul Stoll, PPG’s custom painter/trainer, and I discovered a cool trick while doing a ’49 tin woody. We didn’t like the look we were getting, so when we went to wipe the paint off, it smeared and created a really nice wood grain effect— and I’ve been using this technique ever since.”
The Paint Two colors of basecoat are needed for the wood-grain look—a dark, reddish brown (T442 Woody Brown at 800.0 pts. and T430 Green 100.0 pts.) and a lighter tan color (T429 Trans. Golden Yellow at 940.0 pts., T442 Brown 40.0 pts. and T430 Green 20.0 pts.) In my case, Hutton uses PPG Envirobase® High Performance basecoat and he says it works wonderfully. “I especially like the fact that if you apply some paint and you don’t like the effect you’re getting, you can easily re-wet again with more water-
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borne color, giving yourself a fresh start,” said Hutton.
Painting the Outer Frame (1) Hutton starts with a white basecoated panel, masked off to create a center panel. Each end of the outer frame should be masked with mitered corners, typical of wood frames. (2) Start with the top and bottom portions of the frame. Wet your finer sponge with the lighter tan color, squeezing out the excess by pressing it into the side of the mixing cup. Then, simply drag the sponge across the surface in one direction, repeating the process several times. Next, we need to mask the outer frame to create a beveled look. With ¼-inch tape, mask from the side where you want the light source to appear to come from. Do the same with the bottom edge. Then mask the frame panels, leaving only the bottom edges of the frame exposed. (3) Then, as the paint begins to dry and get sticky, drag your gloved hand across the painted surface. As it begins to drag it’ll create authenticlooking grain with that knotty look. After dragging all the way across the panel for several strokes, start from the center and drag, and make smaller swipes in succession, gradually tapering your strokes to short swipes. If the
30 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
paint starts to set, just re-wet it with more waterborne paint. (4) After finishing the top and bottom of the outer frame, mask the corners off before doing the sides. Be sure to “under mask” a bit, which in the end will create a darker line highlight. Then, using your sponge and gloved hand, create the wood-grain look on the side panels, as you did on the top and bottom. Remove the masking on the corners and allow the paint to dry. (5) Next, we need to mask the outer frame to create a beveled look. With ¼-inch tape, mask from the side
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where you want the light source to appear to come from. Do the same with the bottom edge. Then mask the frame panels, leaving only the bottom edges of the frame exposed. (7) Airbrush the areas left unmasked. This will darken them and create the illusion of shadows. (8) After creating the darker shadow lines, re-mask over the lines in preparation of creating a lighter, highlight line. Once you airbrush the unmasked areas of the frame, making it darker, the area covered by the tape will leave a lighter, highlight line. (10) Shadow and Toning. Next,
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reduce the same lighter color with a clear basecoat T490 at 2:1, and reduce 4:1 with reducer. This will make the color more transparent. Airbrush the outer frame panels to add tone and accentuate the grain in the wood. When the ¼-inch lines are unmasked it will leave the lighter highlights. Painting the Center Panel (11) After it’s dried, re-mask the outer frame, and remove the masking from the center—you’re ready to create the wood grain effect on the middle panel. With the sponge, use the same technique as the outer frame to apply the color. Start at one end and drag the sponge in straight lines across the panel. Keep applying coats and as the paint begins to dry, it’ll get sticky and cause the sponge to drag. This creates a streaked, grained look.
(12) Now you want to add tone with a paintbrush and the darker, reddish shade of brown. Dip the brush into the mixing cup and tool it out, so little is left on the bristles. Using light strokes, swipe the brush across the panel, creating the darker streaks. First, apply strokes horizontally across the panel. Be sure to leave streaks to mirror the inconsistent color of natural wood. (13) Next, airbrush the panel in vertical, up ‘n down strokes. This is called “ribbing.” (14) If you’d like to add a simple logo, this is the stage to do it. Using the same paint you used to tone the wood, airbrush the cut-out of the logo. This will create a darker highlight around the letters, creating a debossed effect. For more information about the products used in this project, please visit www.ppg.com.
GM Recalling 2012 Regal Sedans
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General Motors is recalling about 3,633 2012 Buick Regal sedans for parking lights that fail to activate when drivers turn on the vehicle’s headlight switch, according to Consumer Reports. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this flaw violates U.S. safety standards and may cause an increased risk of vehicle collisions due to reduced visibility of the Buick car.
NHTSA says the recalled Buick Regal parking light malfunction is caused by a software programming error during the sedans’ manufacture from February 2011 to last month. GM will notify Buick Regal owners affected by this safety flaw to bring their cars in to local dealerships where the vehicle’s “body control module” will be reprogrammed for free.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 31
Bobby Alloway’s 5 Essential Tips for Achieving a Flawless Black Finish Bobby Alloway loves the color black. Alloway, who has been building and painting hot rods for years, was named the 2011 Autorama Builder of the Year at the 59th Detroit Autorama earlier this year. The award was just the latest in a long series of coveted accolades for the painter, including Goodguys’ Street Rod and Street Machine of the Year, the Don Ridler Memorial Bobby Alloway Award, America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, plus countless others. He was inducted into the Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in 2004. “It s rich, classy and doesn’t ‘hurt’ any car,” says Bobby. “No one ever says, ‘that s an ugly color’ when it s black.” Some painters avoid black because of its reputation for being unforgiving in calling attention to even the tiniest of flaws. Alloway maintains that the prep and painting process should be the same, regardless of whether the car is red, blue, white or
black. What is the secret to his flawless finishes? “The key is to not be in a hurry,” says Bobby. “Don’t take any shortcuts.” Here are some tips from the master himself:
per. “This is where most people make their mistake,” says Bobby. “They’re afraid they’ll remove too much material by using the coarse paper. You want to flatten it out so that all that’s left is sand scratches.
Tip 2: Choose the right black color. Bobby uses PPG Deltron®, and is currently a big fan of DCC9300 for single stage work and DBC9700 when using basecoat. “It s a rich black,” says Bobby. “It s also friendly to use and isn’t prone to ‘printing’ (the kind of unwanted imprint that can occur when you set a panel aside on a towel or rag).” For clearcoat, Bobby’s process includes PPG Concept® DCU2002. Where two to three coats of clear are recommended, Bobby and his team will apply additional coats.
This is where having five or six coats of material is essential, since three to four of them may be sanded off in certain areas.”
Tip 1: “Make sure the car is straight as an arrow,” says Bobby. He follows this rule religiously regardless of the paint color.
Tip 3: Get the fat out (aka any ‘orange peel’),” using 600 grit sandpa-
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Tip 4: Sand single parts or panels using sanding blocks of varying sizes and shapes. Alloway’s hot rod shop uses many styles of blocks, but will also make a new one if needed for the project. “This doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Bobby, “You can make
them yourself depending on what you need.”
Tip 5: Sand, sand and sand some more. Follow the 600 grit with 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000 and 2500 grit sandpaper. Do not skip a single step! Whereas three to four days of sanding might be typical, it is not uncommon for a vehicle in Bobby’s shop to be sanded for several weeks. The Alloway process requires a flow coat of DCU2002 which is sanded and buffed. For more information about Bobby Alloway, please visit www.allowaysrodshop.com. For more information about the products mentioned in this article, please see www.ppg.com.
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Women’s Industry Network Holds Planning Meeting in Late January, Will Hold Annual Conference in May in Atlanta The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) Board gathered in Dallas, TX, in late January to review the group’s activities in 2011 and plan for 2012 and early 2013. “This Strategic Planning meeting is a yearly event that we rely on to help keep us focused and on-track to achieve the goals we have set out for our organization,” said Board Chair, Victoria Jankowski. WIN will focus on these primary areas this year: enhancing the value of WIN membership and sponsorship; improving WIN’s web and social media presence to provide a more robust communication and educational vehicle for members and sponsors; forming a Task Force to conduct a needs analysis on our website and social media presence and make recommendations to the Board; increasing industry visibility of WIN, our activities and our members; providing a WIN presence at strategically significant industry events; making WIN promotional materials available upon request to WIN members who are willing to represent the organization at events of importance to them; establishing a more robust operational and governance structure for the
Board of Directors; refining standards for Board nominations and subsequent executive appointments; refining the WIN nomination process and put additional form around the executive appointments. “This new executive appointment process will be implemented as the current term ends and the new one begins,” said Jankowski. The 7th Annual WIN Conference, “Be The Change!”, will be held on May 6-8, 2012 in Atlanta, GA. Keynote speakers for this annual conference will be Robyn Benincasa, an adventure racer, firefighter and motivational speaker, and Cathy Bonner, CEO of Service King Collision Repair Centers. Benincasa will present a keynote address titled “Extreme Change: Adapt, Overcome & Win As One,” in which she will share stories of triumph through adversity. Bonner will also present a keynote address titled “The Ten Commandments of Leadership.” For more details please visit www.womensindustrynetwork.com.
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The 2012 Ridler® Award winner announced at Detroit Autorama® February 26 was the 1955 Ford T-Bird, owned by Dwayne Peace of Tyler, Texas. The car was painted with BASF’s Glasurit® 90-Line™ Brilliant Red waterborne paint.
for the coveted award at the Detroit Autorama. Vehicles are judged based on three criteria: creativity, engineering and workmanship. “The execution of the plan and the quality of the build were outstanding,” said Butch Patrico, Cochairman of the Detroit Autorama and Ridler judging supervisor. Patrico also said the process for this build was similar to what a major manufacturer would do to build a prototype. "This was not a normal build. He didn’t follow a cookie cutter process.” The car was painted by Jacob Edens and Jeff Greening of Greening Auto Company in Nashville, Tennessee. “The entire painting process took The 2012 Ridler Award Winner from Detroit Autorama is the 1955 Ford T-Bird owned by about six months,” said Jesse Greening. Dwayne Peace featuring BASF’s Glasurit “The color helped it show very well.” 90-Line Brilliant Red paint The Ridler award is named after “BASF’s Glasurit paint has been Don Ridler, who started promoting on six of the last 11 Ridler award win- Autorama in the 1950s. With his exners,” said Vitor Margaronis, Marpertise, Autorama became one of the keting Director, BASF Coatings top hotaffecting rod shows in theindustry. country. FolGive us your opinion on matters the Solutions, North America. “We’re lowing Ridler’s passing in 1963, a devery proud of this achievement and cision was made to create an award to the quality of our products.” honor his memory. The Ridler award The list of products used to paint has been given out to the best new publisher@autobodynews.com the car included Glasurit’s Epoxy creations since 1964. Cars must be 801-72, Polyester Filler1006-26, 90shown for the first time to be eligible Line Waterborne Basecoat and HS for the award. Multi Clear 923-155. To learn more about BASF refinish A total of 64 vehicles competed products visit: www.basfrefinish.com.
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InfinitiThe Recalling 20032005-06 advertise source for timely Ford ProbesTo call Joe Momber at: 04 Infiniti M45 Sedans information that every Ford Taurus Throttles
Nissan North American has issued a body recall of about 8,120shop Infinitineeds! M45 luxury sedans, according to the National CALL Highway Traffic800-699-8251 Safety Administration. The agency says the 2003-2004 Start YourMFREE model years of the Infiniti cars have a flaw that causes the gas gauge to disMail Subscription. play a higher fuel level than the amount of gas actually in the vehicle’s fuel tank, according to Consumer ReSee the NEW ports. NHTSA first investigated reported problems with the Infiniti M45’s fuel gauge last December. And according to the latest report from www.autobodynews.com NHTSA, they traced the issue to a faulty circuit board used in Infinti M45 sedans made from March 2002 through June 2004. Nissan is expected to begin notiCall fying customers affected by this recall in mid-April. Owners will be inUs Today! structed to bring their recalled Infiniti To advertise M45 cars to local dealerships where Local: call Sean Hartman at: mechanics will modify the fuel system’s circuit board for free. For more 800-699-8251 Toll Free: 877-872-1232 Fax: 239-274-2460 information, consumers can call Nise-mail: 2320 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907 san’s toll-free customer service numshartman@autobodynews.com ber (888-327-4236) or visit the www.parkwayfamilymazda.com www.samgallowaymazda.com NHTSA’s website: www.SaferCar.gov. www.autobodynews.com
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A federal probe800-699-8251 was launched in February into 2005-06 Ford Taurus sedans e-mail:Traffic by the National Highway jmomber@autobodynews.co Safety Administration after 14 consumer complaints of stuck throttles. www.autobodynews.com According to NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), the majority of consumers have complained of high engine speeds—up to 4,000 RPMs—when shifting the Ford Taurus Register Your Em out of gear and into Park or Neutral. Others have complained of difficulty in slowing or stopping a moving car, according to Consumer Reports. In some of theat cases reported to www.autobody the federal safety agency, drivers allegedly had to shut off the Taurus’ engine and/or shift into Neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The alleged incidents are believed to be related to the cars’ cruise control cables—however, engineers with Ford Motors and NHTSA’s ODI are working to determine what causes the throttle to stick and determine whether a broader recall of the Ford Taurus is necessary. Consumers can file a vehicle safety complaint onNHTSA’s website, www.SaferCar.gov.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 33
Airbrush Artist JoAnn Bortles is Writing Her Seventh Painting Book ent. After he passed away unexpectedly JoAnn decided to honor his Airbrush artist JoAnn Bortles, who memory by taking a crack at becoming a professional custom painter. So owns Crazy Horse Custom Painting, and lives in Waxhaw, NC, started airshe moved to Florida, which then, as now, was a hot spot for custom painting and honed her craft. “Being around all these great painters made me really want to up my game,” said JoAnn. While in Florida JoAnn met and married her husband (now ex-) and they moved to Waxhaw in 1996. When she got to North Carolina, JoAnn realized it was a totally different game and since she was relatively unknown in the area she had a hard time finding people who would let her paint their cars. “Those first years in North Carolina were pretty rough,” said JoAnn. She painted hot rods, motorcycles, boats, just about anything she could. Then in 1998 JoAnn showed six motorcycles she painted at the Easyriders Bike Show in Charlotte, JoAnn astride one of her custom creations NC. The six bikes took home the six with a favorite spray gun, a SATA RP. The bike top trophies, including Best of Show. won Best Motorcycle Paint of the Year in 2005 This got the attention of one of the brushing her art onto motorcycles as a Easyriders Magazine editors and he teen in the seventies on a dare. A lifetold her if she did well at their show long interest in art led her to Parson’s in Columbus, OH, that the magazine School of Design in New York City, would do a feature story on her. but she eventually had to return to JoAnn’s Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute bike won Second Place Best of Show at the Columbus show, so the magazine did the article on her. The publicity from the article and her awards at Charlotte attracted many more customers and was a turning point for her career. JoAnn was featured in (and wrote her own articles for) Southern Living, Easyriders, VTwin, A close-up of the 1965 Impala SS that JoAnn painted in Las Vegas; this car has taken home several awards for Street Rodder, Hot Rod, best flames American Iron, Ironworks, suburban Connecticut to help out her Hot Bike, VQ, and many other magaparents. She had taken welding classes zines. in high school and became a certified She has also written no fewer welder after returning home. She than six books on custom painting worked various factory jobs for the with publisher Motorbooks. Her first next few years until the words “If book “How to Custom Paint Your you’re such a hotshot artist, why don’t Motorcycle” was published in 2005. you try and paint my bike tank?” JoAnn is currently working on her jolted her into the world of custom seventh book with SATA Spray painting. Equipment, to be titled The Complete Her painting career really took Guide to Automotive Painting: From off after the unexpected death of a Prep to Final Coat, which will have friend in 1993. Her friend David had a heavy focus on waterborne painting always pushed JoAnn to take her techniques, using PPG’s Envirobase painting to the next level, saying she waterborne paints in particular. should be more serious about her talThe book is slated to come out by Erica Schroeder
34 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
and processes. The goal is to make the book answer any question about bodywork, painting and custom work. The book will be available through all SATA jobbers worldwide in addition to being sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers. JoAnn started using PPG The Stevie Ray Vaughan mural JoAnn won 2nd Place Best paints in 1995, and she says of Show with at the Cleveland EasyRiders Show in 1998 she couldn’t be happier with in 2013 and will have two main sec- their products. tions. The first half will focus on “PPG is without a doubt the most vehicle restoration from plastic re- user-friendly product I’ve ever used,” pairs to sheet metal to body restora- said JoAnn, “And that’s what makes it tion. JoAnn’s welding and the best bargain for painters. The high bodywork background will shape quality of PPG products actually save this how-to section. The second half painters time and money. PPG products make my painting life easier.” JoAnn stands behind her work and the durability of PPG’s products with a consumer guarantee on her work for 5 years. JoAnn also says that of all the waterborne paints she has used, PPG paints the smoothest with the tightest lines. She finds it especially The ‘67 Firebird JoAnn is restoring and customizing for unique for painting woodher seventh book. This is what the car looks like before any work has been done. The after photo will look far difgrain faux finishes. She also ferent. According to JoAnn, many of her projects look still uses PPG’s solvent-based something like this when she gets started. paints for some applications. will focus on custom painting using “Whether I’m using solvent or water, both waterborne and solvent tech- I use whatever works best for the niques. One of the main projects in painting situation,” said JoAnn. the book will be restoring a 1967 JoAnn also likes SATA Spray Guns. Firebird that has been waiting for She recalls first starting out using the attention for 20 years. cheapest equipment she could find. The car is “pretty rough” says Then when she met the people at JoAnn, but by the end of the year she SATA and tried out their products she will have the car restored completely. said she realized why you would pay more to use these guns. “Paint is so expensive,” said JoAnn, “When the paint is all mixed and you’re ready to go into the booth, is not the time to find that you have a problem with your paint gun. And time is money. Having good quality equipment makes all the difference.” Joann now uses SATA guns exclusively on her work. A close-up of some burlwood woodgrain Crazy Horse “Using good equipment painted on a ‘46 Ford changed the way I work,” said The book will detail this process and JoAnn. She is really thankful for some JoAnn hopes it will show her readers of her other product relationships, inhow manageable a big project can be cluding Evercoat, Gerson, American if approached with the right attitude Tape and Meguiar’s.
cated projects. “The templates are really a time saver,” said JoAnn. She often uses a combination of templates, sketching and free-hand to get the look she wants. “Custom paint is only as good as what’s underJoAnn painted this 1939 Ford in 2005 with real fire flames, it was the first real fire paint that she did and it neath it,” said JoAnn. And in won PPG's Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint in 2006 her shop, much of the bodyis also a member of the SEMA Assowork and prep are handled by her asciation and serves on their SBN Select sistant David Malkin. JoAnn has won dozens of awards for Committee. For more information about her work, including PPG’s Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint in 2006, Best of JoAnn and Crazy Horse Custom Painting, please visit www.crazyShow and First Place at the 2006 Easyriders Bike Show, horsepainting.com. GoodGuys Shows Best Flames in 2005, Best Paint at Crazy Horse Custom Painting the Boardwalk Show at 2005 PO Box 623 Daytona Bike Week, Big Bear Waxhaw, NC 28173 joann@crazyhorsepainting.com Car Show Best Flames in 2009, Best Painted Motorcycle (704) 843-3780 of the Year in 2005 and 2012, and many other awards. JoAnn will attend the SEMA show this year and will also paint a 1932 Ford on Power JoAnn and her 2004 Crazy Horse Chopper which has www.autobodynews.com Block TV’s Muscle Car secbeen driven hard. The paint job has held up extremely CHECK IT OUT! well, a testiment to the work and product quality tion in the coming weeks. She
“Just being able to say I work with these companies is a very humbling experience, it shows just how far I have come,” said JoAnn. JoAnn says her process really depends on the vehicle she is working on; she generally creates a prework drawing on the computer to show the client and get their input. Sometimes JoAnn and the customer will collaborate on the design a bit here, and sometimes the customer is happy with the initial drawing. Then after customer approval she starts painting. JoAnn basically free-hands a lot of the art; sometimes she uses Art Tool templates on more compli-
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Toyota Recalls Another 681,000 Vehicles
Toyota has issued recalls for their Camry, Venza and Tacoma models, reaching a grand total of 681,000 vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, the smaller portion of the recall involves 70,500 model year 2009 Camrys, and 116,000 Venzas from 2009 to 2011. The larger parts of this recall belongs to the 495,000 Tacoma trucks from model years 2005 to early 2009. The Camry and Venza recall has to do with the contact-type stop lamp switch; silicon grease may have reached the inside of the switch and caused an increase in electrical resistance. If this occurs, warning lamps on the instrument panel may be illuminated, the vehicle may not start, or the shift lever may not shift from the "Park" position. In some cases, the vehicle stop lamps may become inoperative. Tacomas may experience friction between the spiral cable and the retainer in the steering wheel spiral cable assembly may occur in some vehicles. Give ushopes yourto opinion on ma Toyota alert affected owners in early April. The fix should only require about 30 minutes and will be done for free at the Toyota dealeship. publisher@auto
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Atlanta Dent Company Expands its Services in Roswell, Georgia by Suzanne Taylor
Atlanta Dent Company, the paintless dent removal company in Roswell, GA, has expanded and grown their business to include interior restoration, full detailing, and paint. They have expanded into these other services to become a complete source for automotive reconditioning for their 250 plus wholesale accounts, including collision centers, body-shops, and automobile dealers, plus thousands of retail customers. Owners Troy Loupe and Roy Taylor incorporated Atlanta Dent Company in 2000. With more than 40 years combined industry experience they grew the company to 14 mobile technicians specializing in dings, dents and hail. They also added a management staff and an office team. In March 2008, Troy and Roy acquired the local franchise for Interior Magic International Inc., a complete automotive interior reconditioning company. ADC was just chosen as cofranchise of the year for Interior Magic, which has more than 40 franchises in 17 states and is recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 500
franchises in the US for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. It was ranked as the number one “automotive reconditioning franchise” in Opportunity World Magazine in 2009. They currently have six certified technicians who service the metro Atlanta area providing highest
Atlanta Dent Company’s motto is, “We make your car look and feel new again!”
quality work for cigarette burn repair, leather repair, stain removal, alloy wheel repair, windshield chip repair, carpet dying, vinyl repair, odor removal, headlight restoration and more. These additional services have exceeded their client’s expectations. Magic Finish, a division of Interior Magic, offers full detailing services to new and used automotive dealerships. With more than 30 employees, they have interior and exterior services that follow a comprehensive checklist to deliver a quality product. “Quality First. Every Car, Every Time.” By streamlin-
RBL Products New Pre-Treat System RBL Products has introduced its Pretreatment system in the automotive aftermarket. The system is very simple. It consists of a water-based conversion coating that is applied by wiping onto a bare metal surface. The product protects against corrosion and promotes adhesion. The directions are simply, you just wipe the pre-treatment onto the bare metal. Then let it air dry. The average dry time is between 2–5 minutes. You can then apply primer surface directly over the pre-treatment. It can be used on Hot and cold rolled metal, galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum, and other exotic metals. The pre-treatment system was developed as a substitute for wash, etch, and epoxy primer. Expensive primers and waiting for 24 hours, as well as adhesion and corrosion issues, are now a thing of the past. The pre-treatment system chemistry was developed and patented by Henkel Corporation. RBL Products recently was granted exclusive rights to convert the technology into pre-saturated wipes and markers. Henkel is the largest pre-treatment company in the world. The same process is used
a hail storm, they have a network of body shops and more than 200 qualified paintless dent removal specialists. They are a preferred provider for most insurance companies. They have a 5,000 sq. ft. retail facility at 993 Mansell Road in Roswell, GA. Green initiatives include paperless invoicing. The marketing strategy has been revamped with an updated interactive website and mobile application. They also use Facebook and other social media to inform their customers, promote the retail shop, and educate their customers. Atlanta Dent’s site has become a public relations vehicle for their business partners and clients, as information and accolades are shared. They are writing educational blogs for the website, automotive columns for local magazines, and increased email marketing. Atlanta Dent is also very excited about their targeted advertising campaign and their increased exposure in the community. Visit their website at www.atlantadent.com for more information or contact Suzanne at Staylor@atlantadent.com.
ing the detail department, and providing extras like custom floor mats, they have satisfied a needed service in the automobile industry. Atlanta Auto Color Inc., was formed in July 2009 to offer customers a one-stop shop for exterior automotive reconditioning. Their auto painting services provides an affordable alternative to body shop painting for minor collision repair and paint damage. If you need your bumper repaired, pin striping, paint blend, or scratch touchup, they are pleased to offer you these professional services. All of their highly trained technicians are OSHA and EPA compliant. Once again, instead of the traditional body shop approach, Atlanta Dent Company becomes a one-stop shop for retail and wholesale customers. Their fully trained and insured technicians throughout the company specialize in quality repairs with exceptional customer service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This principle has grown their business and built their excellent reputation in the automobile repair community. Their workmanship is their business card. Well-equipped for
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A bare metal piece treated with the RBL Pre-treat system (left) and a non-treated piece (right)
on every car produced since World War ll. Every vehicle as soon as it enters the paint shop is processed by a multi-stage zinc phosphate dip and rinse system before it enters e-coat and primer. RBL president, Ron Lipson stated “The pre-treatment product puts back what was removed from the metal when grinding and sanding occurs. Once the industry understands the product and how it works it will become standard on all bare metal repairs. Insurance companies are going to mandate this product where applicable.” For more information visit www.rblproducts.com.
36 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Helpful Documents, Tools And Information Only a Click Away for Shops by John Yoswick
Looking for tips, tools and resources to help your business, defend your positions or do your part for the industry? Here’s a collection of links to sites, documents and information you may find interesting and useful. — Motor Information Systems has released a revised edition of its Guide to Estimating (http://tinyurl.com/7zhbvr3), its explanation of what is and is not included in its estimating labor times (the system used by CCC Information Services). Revisions made in the February 2012 version are highlighted in blue within the guide. The new guide, for example, indicates that recalibration of the steering angle sensor is not included in Motor labor times. Bumper labor times are now shown to include lamps when mounted to the bumper but not include optional equipment lamps or those not mounted to the bumper. Labor times for fender inner panels are now shown to include grinding, filling and smoothing welded seams up to 150 grit sandpaper. The guide
adds electrical wiring to the list of non-included items on frame labor, steering column overhaul, trunk lid, lift gate and quarter panel times. Hinge pillar glass and moldings are now listed as included in cowl, hinge pillar and dash panel times. — I-CAR has actually lowered the cost of its online training (http://tinyurl.com/7rsb2sb) to make it comparable (on an hourly basis) to the fee for its live, classroom training. There are now more than four dozen online classes available, some vehiclespecific (such as “Ford F-150 Frame Replacement”) and others more general (such as “MIG Brazing”). — Although the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) said earlier this year it had found no discernable defect that led to two fires in Chevrolet Volts weeks after they crashed, it is standing by its recommendation (http://tinyurl.com/7jd88tu) that shops not store severely-damaged vehicles with a lithium-ion battery inside or within 50 feet of a structure or another vehicle. — Whether or not your shop par-
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ticipates in State Farm’s “Select Service” program, it can be interesting to check out the program’s revised shop locator system (http://tinyurl.com/ 7yegybx) that policyholders, agents or claims personnel can use to locate a participating shop. Rather than locating shops based solely on proximity, the system now ranks shops based on their current performance score from State Farm (although those scores aren’t shown on the site). Interestingly, only three shops appear on first page of search results; users have to click through to subsequent pages (each of which lists five shops) to see additional shops - potentially including shops that could be much closer to their home or work than ones higher up on the search results. — Ask shops about their nagging concerns about the future, and chances are they’ll mention the increasing crash avoidance technology on new vehicles. They probably weren’t heartened by the fact that David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently said his agency will decide next year whether to mandate vehicle-tovehicle communication technologies in new cars, which he said could address up to 80 percent of crash scenarios “We have been working on this notion for over a decade,” Strickland said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “We really do feel very bullish on the prospect of getting it on the ground.” But those who make a living based on auto crashes can take some measure of comfort from a recent report (http://tinyurl.com/7ujp5ws) from the Highway Data Loss Institute. It says that even with such mandates, it can take decades before new safety features are in 95 percent of vehicles on the road. According to the report, it won’t be until 2016 that 95 percent of vehicles have front airbags, for example, and until 2028 for side airbags. Based on that trajectory, forward collision crash avoidance technology won’t be in 95 percent of registered vehicles until 2049, the Institute predicts. — And just in case you want to read more about future vehicle technology, an article (http://tinyurl.com/ 6s88yp6) in a BBC news magazine asks, “How close are we to a crashproof car?” It quotes a Volvo techni-
cal adviser who says the automaker has pledged that after 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of the automaker’s new cars. And Wired magazine in February (http://tinyurl.com/7foslf4) featured a fascinating look at the “autonomous car,” one that essentially drives itself. — This may come under the sarcastic heading of, “Tell me something I didn’t know,” but the highly-publicized report (http://tinyurl.com/6ukvr4s) regarding paint and materials compensation methodologies released earlier this year also found that while average costs for paint and materials have grown by 50 percent since 2005, the average compensation rates paid by insurers have risen by only 23 percent. Much of the coverage of the study focused on the fact that it found that 64 out of 68 industry participants interviewed think the current way paint and materials compensation is calculated is a poor methodology. Only four people (including representatives of three repairer operations and one estimating system provider) rated the current system as “adequate” or “good.” The study concluded the current system is flawed in part because on smaller jobs, repairers do not receive adequate compensation, and for large repair jobs, insurers believe materials charges become excessive. The study, conducted by Richfield Associates and commissioned by ComputerLogic (which produces the PMCLogic paint and materials costcalculation system), included interviews with shops, insurers, suppliers, association executives, consultants and trade publication editors. —If you’re interested in some documents that challenge the insurance industry, the Consumer Federation of America issued a report (http://tinyurl.com/6phzony) earlier this year that says insurance premiums have become an undue economic burden on low- and moderate-income Americans, and that state regulators should do more to help reign in these costs. “What is undeniable is that high auto insurance costs for (these) households either impose a substantial financial burden or greatly limit economic opportunity, especially access to jobs,” said the report’s authors, who are a former Texas regulator and the executive director of insurance at See Helpful Links, Page 40
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 37
Shop Showcase with Chasidy Rae Sisk
Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.
County Line Auto Body: NJ Shop Grows From Chicken Coop to Multi-Building Complex County Line Auto Body in Howell, NJ, has been a successful shop for nearly thirty years, but recently they have made several major improvements to the business.
Founding owner, Gary Gardella Sr. is putting his faith in his two sons: co-owners Rich Gardella and Gary Gardella Jr. His close connection with his sons has led to some major decisions in the business designed to benefit County Line Auto Body and their customers. In 1982, Gary Gardella Sr., along with a partner, opened County Line Auto Body as a two-bay shop that literally had been converted from a chicken coop. From the very beginning, Gardella and his partner had high expectations, working hard to show local customers through their dedication and determination that they would provide quality auto body repairs, despite the shop’s chickenish appearance. Over time, the coop shop expanded, and new employees were hired as customers shared their experiences, leading to repeat customers and new clientele. Some years later when Gardella and his partner split up, Gardella dedicated even more time and energy into his business; however, it was difficult to run a thirty-man operation with little management to draw upon. Luckily, his two sons decided to join the business in 2001. Rich Gardella, 24 at the time, was finishing college, while Gary Jr., at 21, was working in the shop. Both young men had spent years around the business, working for their father after school and during their summers. Between the paint and detail shops, they understood the basics of the business. Rich attended school in order to learn estimating, while Gary Jr. took on the role of production manager. During this time period, Gary Jr. also became involved in sport compact
drag racing, beginning a successful career lasting eight years during which he won several championships and set several national records. When the popularity of the sport diminished in 2008, he became involved in drift car racing, both across the country and overseas. His team became one of the best in America. A few months ago, Gary Jr. decided to step out of motorsports due to a lack of program partners, and is now able to focus all of his energy on the family business. Since his sons became co-owners, Gary Sr. says they have “helped to take the business to another level.” The three Gardella men work closely with their shop teardown manager, Jay Crisson, to make County Line Auto Body the best it can be. Gary Sr. runs the paint shop and any other shops that are short-handed while Rich manages the office, Gary Jr. is in charge of production, and Jay manages teardown and assembly. With his sons’ involvement, Gardella has recently begun making several big changes to his thirty-yearold business. The shop has begun using a new management system and is improving paint efficiency with the DuPont Cost Tracking System. The Gardellas have also been hard at work updating and preparing for the delivery of new shop equipment. And where better to house said equipment than a new building? Gary Sr. has a new building underway for their complex. They broke ground in September 2011, plan to continue the building through April, with a June 2012 completion. County Line Auto Body employs thirty technicians. The shop consists of multiple buildings on one property, totaling thirty-five production bays. The newest building will add an additional 8000 square feet to the work area. Gary Jr. adds that he “is in the process of marketing and advertising through social media and local print magazines, something County Line has not done before. Rich has been working on developing strategies for upselling customers, which is new to County Line, introducing the shop to outside mechanical work. The only
38 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
mechanical work previously brought in was strictly related to collision losses, but now the shop has a great mechanic and are beginning to introduce our customers to many more services, setting County Line up as a “one-stop-shop.” The large shop has plenty of hardware for major repairs, including four Chief frame machines, one Celette frame machine, and one Car-
O-Liner Speed frame machine. They also have two spray booths and one edging booth, along with spot, MIG and TIG welders, alignment comput-
ers, tire machines, and wheel balancers. By leveraging the size of the shop, the number of technicians and the extensive equipment, County Line Auto Body completes between 180 and 200 repairs monthly on average. The shop is I-CAR, ASE, BMW, Nissan and GTR certified. County Line Auto Body uses DuPont paints, and though they receive a large mix of vehicles, they do not typically have problems with colormatching. Says Gary Jr., “Color matching is an area where we have put a lot of effort to excel. Like most shops, we do run into color matching issues here and there; however, one phone call to our DuPont rep, and we are able to troubleshoot and resolve the difficulty quickly.” When contemplating current trends in the industry, Gary Jr. notes
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that County Line Auto Body has seen a difference in the demands of direct repair programs with a lot of their guidelines becoming stricter which, in
turn, produces more work for their writers. Additionally, some DRPs are requiring cars to be torn down within twenty-four and forty-eight hours, a time constraint that places an added demand on scheduling and maintaining completion dates for previously scheduled vehicles. As he considers the auto body industry’s future, Gary Jr. states “for many collision shops, I see it being a race to the bottom. Many shops I know of have been looking to continue and grow their relationships with DRPs. Yearly, DRPs are expecting shops to produce more, with the same monetary figure and the cycle downward continues, which is
making it very difficult for many newcomers to keep up with the demand.” County Line Auto Body is well aware of the stress caused by trying to keep up with each DRP’s guidelines as they are affiliated with DRPs for twenty different insurance companies. Gary Jr. claims, “it seems to me we get into the conversation of hiring new writers once a month because of the increase in demand, deadlines and criteria.” Despite all the stress caused by managing so many DRPs, County Line Auto Body maintains a positive attitude as they focus on customer service and increasing contact with customers to meet their expectations. The Gardellas have even made plans to get out and see the AASP/NJ Northeast™ Trade Show, a luxury they have not previously been able to indulge in. (See related coverage this issue.) County Line Auto Body 278 Alexander Ave. Howell, NJ 07731 732-363-5904 www.countylineautonj.com
QUALITY IS ALL WE THINK ABOUT. THAT AND QUALITY.
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NORTHEAST™ Trade Show Leadership Forum forum was Tony Lombardozzi with Automotive Collision Repair Services Attendance at the recent NORTH- in New Hampshire, who repeated his EAST trade show, at the Meadow- message of self-sufficiency for the inlands in Secaucus, NJ, was up 20% dustry and his advocacy of independfrom last year, which was up from ence from insurers through his presidency of the Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence (CCRE). Lombardozzi put it plainly: “The insurer is not a third party to our contract with our customer and should not be involved in the repair process. What an insurer appraiser writes is meaningless. It serves no purpose in the repair process.” The executive director of AASP/NJ Exhibiting at Northeast 2012, their own show show-organizer the Alliance the year before. Some seminars were Automotive Service Providers of New overflow seating and organizers had Jersey (AASP/NJ), Charles Bryant, to pull in extra chairs for people who agreed with Lombardozzi’s assessarrived late were standing. ment of insurer involvement. Bryant Heard and seen at the show were underscored that some familiar figures in the industry. repairers not neSeveral took the mike at the Northeast gotiate with insurLeadership forum. ers. One person we all wanted to “Offer them a cup of coffee, talk hear from was the owner of North to them about last State Custom, Greg Coccaro, who surprised a number of attendees night’s hockey Charles Bryant with the revelation that he’s back to game, and direct doing business with Progressive In- them to the car they want to write an surance, despite estimate on,” Bryant said. “But don’t the long and tor- go back there with them and don’t neturous legal bat- gotiate the repair... You are the expert tles between the on how to repair cars, not the insurtwo. Even though ance company. Write what needs to be business is rela- done, make a proper and safe repair tively slow for and bill fairly for your work.” shops in the area, Both stressed that repairers need Greg Coccaro his Progressive to take responsibility for educating work has actually picked up. Coc- customers about the repair process caro was told by a Progressive em- and explain why the estimate the reployee that “Progressive does not pairer wrote is the most reliable one. have a network of shops in New Janet Cheney York any more, so the intense steergave a quick reing they practiced in this area has port on a couple of subsided.” Coccaro added, “I’m state’s associanow repairing cars for Progressive’s tions that don’t alcustomers once ways have the ear again.” Coccaro of the national still owes some trade press. See Janet Cheney $500,000 in legal her article this fees to defend his issue (p. 40 and 46). shop’s reputation and his own name. He hopes Search: Tony Lombardozzi to be able to recover his losses due to the causes of action in his pending lawsuit against Progressive. Another engaging speaker at the by Chasidy Sisk and Janet Cheney
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Iowa Shop’s Action and Iowa Collision Repair Association, Established in 2005, Starting to be Heard Statewide
by Janet Cheney
creases he has had to endure, and a copy of the 1963 Consent Decree. “I highlighted everything in the Consent Decree that the insurers agreed not to do anymore,” O’Mara said. “I let them know this is the third time I’ve given a copy of the Consent Decree to the State of Iowa and asked, ‘What are you going to do about it? This is still enforceable.” As a result of this meeting, the Governor requested that the Iowa Department of Insurance research three business practices in Iowa: collision repair labor rates, steering, and non payment of storage. This was last September. This story made national news in USA Today and may have helped open a line of communication between Iowa collision repairers and the governor’s office. In only a few years, the ICRA has become an established and recognized state organization that supports education, training, and industry networking.
Continued from Page 37
surers are once again using disasters like Hurricane Irene to end a 5-year “soft market” of stable rates and heavy competition among insurers, and replace it with a “hard market” marked by extreme rate hikes. Insurers can overstate losses from disasters, the report says, because they are based on estimates of unknown future claims, which are, during “hard markets, wildly exaggerated.” The study’s authors point out that insurers make plenty of profit in both types of markets not through underwriting but through investment of surplus that has been set aside for future claims. That surplus has risen by a factor of almost 40, the study states, and totaled $580 billion in 2010. The report urges governments to require more data from insurers, gain more control over rates, and repeal insurer’s antitrust exemption under the McCarran-Ferguson Act.
When Tom O’Mara, an Iowa shop owner, was told by an insurance company that they were only going to pay him $52 an hour, even though his labor rate is $56, he became “mad as heck and was not going to take it anymore.” He called the vehicle owner and read the state law to him. The law in Iowa says that if the insurer writes an estimate or has one written for them, and the repair costs more than the estimate, the insurer must pay the difference. The vehicle owner called the insurer and insisted they pay O’Mara’s bill. Then O’Mara called the Iowa Governor’s office repeatedly until he got a face to face meeting with Governor Terry Branstad. O’Mara had to convince the governor’s aide first before getting a meeting with the governor. He showed him estimates and letters he claims revealed insurer threats against him, the last three years’ worth of price in-
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the Consumer Federation of America. The report suggests lowering minimum liability limits, creating special programs (as has been done in California and New Jersey) to help low-income Americans get cheaper insurance coverage, and eliminating policy pricing elements (such as education level and credit history) that hurt low-income households. Meanwhile, another recent report from a coalition of consumer groups says Insurers overstate their industry’s financial losses from natural disasters and otherwise manufacture perceived crises to allow them to dramatically increase premiums and profits. The report (http://tinyurl.com/ 7t6h8d2) says Americans have for 35 years been “victims of this industry’s little-understood economic cycle, created by anticompetitive (yet legal) underwriting practices, unique and opaque accounting policies and virtually unchecked power when it comes to regulation of insurance rates.” The report from Americans for Insurance Reform—a project of the Center for Justice & Democracy at New York Law School that includes nearly 100 consumer groups—said in-
John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). He can be contacted by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
40 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Sales Tax Reimbursement Legislation Due to the abbreviated legislative session at the State Capital in Des Moines in 2011, the ICRA Sales Tax Legislation was tabled. Representative Tom Sands has been working closely with ICRA lobbyist Scott Weiser and has committed that this initative will be first in line in the legislative docket in 2012. In 2008 ICRA stopped the Color All franchise from getting licensed to do business in Des Moines. Color All is a franchise that promotes collision repair work done in a parking lot under a tent. ICRA has been introduced to the legislative process at the State Capital in Des Moines, working with the National Federation of Independent Business State Manager, Andy Warren. In December last year, six Board Members of the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA) met with Iowa Insurance Commissioner, Susan Voss and approximately twenty representatives of the insurance companies. The DOI recognized the association as representative of the collision industry and asked them to assist with the labor
rate survey in the next 30 days. Against the recommendation of the ICRA, a labor rate survey was done in that short period of time and results have not yet been posted. This is a work in process and we are looking for a better working relationship with the DOI and Governor’s office in Iowa and will move forward this year on the Governor’s request. This association is hosting the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show, March 28 at Prairie Meadows, in the Des Moines area. Admission is free, there are management, technical training, and product demos. Over 50 vendors are participating. We are very excited about this event. It is going to have great product displays and lots of show specials and door prizes. Most Iowa Community College Collision Repair programs will also have booths and bring their students to the show. Also, three of our dealership members are bringing hot new cars to the show room floor. Admission is free and the ICRA is anticipating a great and enthusiastic crowd. For more information: www.iowacra.com
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Fix Auto Appoints Tim Clark as Senior VP, Insurance Services
Fix Auto USA announced the appointment of Tim Clark, CPCU, as senior vice president of insurance services. As a key member of Fix Auto USA’s senior management team, Clark will be charged with strengthening Fix Auto’s existing insurance relationships and implementing new strategic partnerships. In addition, Clark will oversee the Fix Auto insurance services department, including the Fix Full Performance Claims Solution (FFPCS) program. Before joining Fix Auto, Clark led Performance Claims where he was instrumental in launching the network management technology platform used by four of the top eight U.S. insurers. Prior to Performance Claims, Clark was the vice president of insurance services at Safelite Auto Glass, where he was responsible for developing Safelite’s claims outsourcing strategy for extending managed claims solutions to Property and Casualty insurers. Clark began his insurance claims career at Safeco Insurance, holding a variety of field management and corporate positions before becoming an elected officer of the company.
CARSTAR Expands Sales and Marketing Teams
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is expanding its corporate leadership and service teams to add industry experience and expertise, naming David B. James as VP of Marketing and Sharon Mazanec as Regional Service Manager for the Midwest. James is an award-winning marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading corporate strategy and marketing initiatives. James brings a broad background in traditional and online marketing. Joining James on the CARSTAR Team is Sharon Mazanec, CARSTAR’s Midwest Regional Service Manager. Mazanec comes to CARSTAR with over 25 years experience in the collision repair industry and was recently named one of 2011’s Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry by AkzoNobel. Mazanec has an extensive background in the collision repair industry including Allen Samuels Enterprises and Sterling Autobody Centers, among other collision repair companies in Texas.
WANT EVERY JOB TO BE A BANG-UP JOB?
PSE Appoints Guy Barnes as VP, Sales & Marketing
Painters Supply & Equipment Co. (PSE) has announced the promotion of O. Guy Bargnes to the position of senior vice president, sales and marketing effective March 12, 2012. Bargnes has served as vice-president of sales and marketing since joining the company in June, 2010. “Guy has been instrumental in driving sales and market share growth of our automotive refinish business,” said PSE President, Patrick Mayette. “He has also lead PSE’s Learning Center initiative to deliver the best value-added programs to our customers.” Bargnes will be taking on additional responsibility in 2012 leading the development of the specialty coatings group which was recently announced at PSE’s national sales meeting. He will continue to represent Painters Supply on the following industry trade organizations: Automotive Aftermarket Industries Association (AAIA) where he is PBES Chairman until May, 2013, National Auto Body Council (NABC) and Collision Industry Conference (CIC). Prior to joining PSE, Bargnes held senior level sales and marketing positions at BASF Corporation.
Mitchell’s Claims Triage is Available to Carriers
Mitchell has announced the immediate availability of Claims Triage, a technology solution created specifically to streamline resource allocation decision-making for physical damage claims. Claims Triage allows insurance carriers to determine the most efficient resource for an assignment at First Notice of Loss (FNOL), thereby improving customer satisfaction by accelerating claims settlement. “Mitchell is continuously striving to improve the insurance claims experience with the most innovative solutions, driven by our data-centric approach to high performance claims management,” said Paul Rosenstein, Vice President for Mitchell. “Claims Triage is another compelling example of our commitment to serving the unique property claims needs of our insurance clients.” Claims Triage eliminates assignment guesswork by defining questions and criteria around the status of the vehicle. Claims Triage is fully integrated within Mitchell WorkCenter™. To learn more, please go to Mitchell.com/WorkCenter.
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WE WANT TO BE YOUR SOURCE FOR REAL VOLKSWAGEN PARTS. With your skill and our parts, every collision repair will be a bang-up job. And that will add up to more repeat business for both of us. Call your order in today. www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 41
Shop Showcase with Erica Schroeder
Erica Schroeder is assistant editor at Autobody News in Carlsbad, CA. She loves to talk with owners about their shops and goings on in their areas. Contact her at eschroeder@autobodynews.com, or 800-699-8251
LeMans Body and Paint: Still a Family Affair After 53 Years in the Los Angeles Area some achitectural flair to the new LeMans Body and Paint was started in 1959 by Lyman Beetley as a small building which earned them a city of used-car dealership and collision reSanta Monica beautification award. pair shop in Santa Monica. Tragically, Putting in the extra effort helped bring with John Yoswick he passed away in 1964 at the too- their business and the industry as a soon age of 54. When his sons, whole from the “local garage mentalRichard and Robert, took over the ity” to an important service business in the community. When the third generation took over the business DRP relationwith Ed Attanasio ships were just starting to heat up, so the group took an aggressive approach towards insurance contracts and rapidly expanded the business. They added a second location in Los Angeles in 1999 and a third in El Segundo in 2007. The family also brought in long-time with Ed Attanasio family friend Ross Kulkin to help Lyman Beetley and his business partner at the Santa manage the business. Ross had Monica location shortly after it opened in 1959 spent 10 years on the insurance business when they were just company side and was able to add teenagers in 1964, they pushed the some great perspective to the group. business more towards the collision Across all 3 locations the busirepair work and slowly phased out the ness has 60 employees, sees an averused car sales over the next few years. age of 350 cars per month and grosses In 1974, the brothers purchased about $9 million annually. The busithe building north of the original lot, ness has about a dozen DRP contracts, and then the building south of it in some for nearly 20 years. The Santa 1980. This created a private office Monica shop encompasses 16,000 space for managers as well as an exsquare-feet, the Los Angeles shop is panded paint area. 21,000 and the El Segundo location is 32,000. All 3 locations are also I-CAR Gold Certified. “We all try to run it as one, with a uniform approach” said Kirk, “My father and uncle are also still involved in the business; they’ve been around a long time so there are things that they add in a consulting manner that are priceless.” Robert and Richard Beetley with DuPont’s Clyde Milhouse The family all works to(standing) and DuPont jobber Bob de la Pena in 1972. This article highlighted the class and elevated customer gether for the common good service the brothers brought to the shop of the business by spreading Richard’s children, Kim and themselves out among the three locaKirk, and Robert’s sons, Bill and Ed, tions and meeting weekly to ensure took over the business in the late unity. 1980s and still manage it today. “While our body shop family According to Kirk, in the early continues to grow, most people have 70s his father and uncle were the first been here a decade plus,” said Ross. guys in the area to really take their “We have very low turnover when shop to the next level, with a polished it comes to our employees,” said Kirk. reception area and a strong emphasis Painter Sam Share, who is now in his on customer service—requiring all eighties and started his employment personnel to dress in a business pro- from day one at LeMans, still comes fessional attire. They also built in in and helps out the painters in Santa
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digital information and bookkeeping on a cloud service. This way any information needed at one business can be pulled up easily at another. Recently their estimating system provider, CCC One, has also moved to a cloud format and with that all three shops can view each other’s Kirk Beetley, Bill Beetley and Ross Kulkin in the private office space estimates and perjust south of the Santa Monica location formance from their partment. His apprentice Oscar Florespective offices. res took over 23 years ago and is still LeMans has used PPG paints for going strong, training his oldest son the last 20 years—after changing to Eddie to take over paint production, their Envirobase waterborne products about 6 years ago, Kirk says he couldwhile his youngest son Mario is now n’t be happier. part of the office management team. “Everyone was afraid in the beWith 3 fully-functional locations ginning that the colors wouldn’t come the business can load level work and employees across the locations to out right, etcetera, but we’ve had very even workloads and fill personnel little issue with using waterborne,” gaps. The business keeps all of their said Kirk. Monica. He was head painter at LeMans for over 35 years, and now he still comes in to assist the paint de-
According to Kirk, David Grande with PPG and Jim Williams from FinishMaster really educated him on waterborne technologies and advised him during LeMans’ switch in 2007. Kirk said it only took about a month to 6 weeks for his painters to
LeMans’ Santa Monica location, present day
get used to spraying waterborne and with the constant technical support and excellent service provided by PPG and FinishMaster he was able to stay focused on the front office instead of the paint production during the transition. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with LeMans, and look forward to it continuing in the long term,” said David. Kirk says their paint preparation
process is also more important with waterborne than with solvent. “A better quality prep is required with waterborne than with solvent,” said David. According to David waterborne is a thinner product and it won’t fill any small sand scratches like solvent. So more attention to the prep process helps to deter this, while the actual spraying process is basically the same. Kirk also says the high cost of changing to waterborne is “a bit overblown.” At his shop, he said there wasn’t a whole lot of cost associated with making the change and he didn’t have to change everything about his paint area like some companies are suggesting. For his shop, he said he gave all the spray booths a deep cleaning and added additional fans to increase air movement. This helps combat waterborne’s longer base coat dry times. PPG has also been modifying their top coats to increase production. Kirk also says he can’t wait for waterborne clear coats to come out to complete the process, because he Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Wholesale Parts are superbly crafted to strict quality standards. The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts. Call your local distributor today!
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thinks it will cut down a lot on the blessed to have found such great, expaint fume smell, which will really perienced people and we do our best benefit shops in densely populated to promote a family atmosphere with areas like their locations. mutual respect.” “It’s just about adapting to Kirk also attributes a lot of the changes in the industry,” said Kirk, business’s staying power to their “My advice to shops making the adaptability. switch to waterborne; don’t fear it—embrace the change and move on to the next challenge.” PPG also guarantees LeMans paint work because their techs are PPG certified. Kirk says this is a nice safety net for the businesses and reinforces LeMans’ decision to use PPG products excluThe paint mixing room at LeMans’ El Segundo location sively. David said that PPG backs Le“We’re adaptable, unlike a lot of Mans’ lifetime warranty on their paint the businesses that have been around jobs, which backs the overall paint job as long as we have,” said Kirk, “We’re against all issues. Basically, if there is not stuck in our ways, we embrace the a product failure issue on a job done industry changes as they come.” But at LeMans, PPG will assist in getting Kirk says a lot of times with industry the vehicle redone. changes it’s best to do your homework. LeMans’ next step in their expan“You’ve got to be patient,” said sion will be a mechanical facility, Kirk. “Everyone is out to invent or slated to open in 2013. reinvent the next best tool or business “We’re trying to encompass all practice! We need to focus on our aspects of the collision repair and prostrengths and what has worked for us, keeping an open mind and an eye on our competition.” LeMans is also known for their ability to deliver topnotch customer service for a competitive price. “We’re not the highest priced in town—but we’re LeMans’ Los Angeles location, acquired in 1999 definitely higher in service vide our customers with a one-stop full than most,” said Kirk. auto care experience,” said Kirk, “We For more information please visit also want to reduce cycle time by conwww.lemansbody.com. trolling more aspects of the repair.” Ross’s attitude from a marketing LeMans Santa Monica stand point is once you capture a cus2107 Lincoln Blvd tomer you want to retain as much Santa Monica, CA 90405 work from them as possible. 310-452-3870 Kirk says the fact that they have been able to remain family owned and LeMans Los Angeles operated for 53 years is a big feat; the 3040 S. Robertson Blvd group has done this by finding each Los Angeles, CA 90034 person’s niche and letting them take 310-836-2448 on that role so no one butt’s heads. By finding where each person is strongest LeMans El Segundo they have been able to work together 200 Nevada Street with minimal conflict. El Segundo, CA 90245 The fourth generation of Beetleys 310-426-9400 is coming out of their teen years and are beginning to learn the business; Kirk says he is excited to see the new ideas and energy that they will bring to the table. www.autobodynews.com “We have great managers and CHECK IT OUT! shop personnel,” said Kirk, “We are
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 43
Hey Toby!
Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com
CAFE Standards Will Affect More Than A Shop’s Miles Per Gallon with Toby Chess
Ask most people about CAFÉ stanto look at the challenges for these dards and they would immediately steels. The first area is we need to think of food quality control. There is understand is the effect of heat on another meaning that you probably metal. know and it will drastically impact Heat applied to mild steel will inyour business, but you may not be crease its strength (once it cools). aware why it will. Heat applied to high strength steels CAFÉ stands for Corporate Averwill with David McClune decrease its strength. Heat apage Fuel Economy-- the average miles plied to ultra high strength steels per gallon on an OEM’s passenger (UHSS) will destroy the steel. Recars and trucks. The standards for member these facts. passenger vehicles will rise from the national current 27.5 mpg to 35.7 mpg by 2015, while light trucks will go from 23.5 mpg to 28.6 mpg. My next question is how will the OEMs accomplish these figures? Car and trucks will be lighter and smaller, with a greater use ofwith aluminum, Johnplastics, Yoswick carbon fiber, magnesium and advanced high strength steels (60 percent of all steel in today’s vehicles is AHSS). These exotic materials are the reason that fuel economy will impact A couple of other facts that you body shops. need to remember: There are two Aluminum is being used on virtypes of energy behavior that we tually all makes and models built need to recognize when dealing with today, not only on upscale import today’s vehicles. The first one is ensports cars. The hood on a Toyota ergy absorption. This is the process Prius for example is made from aluof dissipating the energy by the dewith Richard Steffen minum. You will need to invest in formation of the part. As the part new tools and training to work with collapses, energy is lost as it travels increasing use of this metal. from front to back or back to front. This deformation is accomplished by use of laser welds (different thicknesses of metal or different metals attached together with laser welds), collapse zones and reinforcements. Most of the metal on today’s vehicles utilizes high strength steel with MPa (a megapaswith John Yoswickcal is a unit of pressure, which here is a measure of stiffness or tensile strength of materials) ratings between 440 and 590. The second
tute for Highway Safety demanded it. Let’s look at Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216A.
California Autobody Association
Year in Quotes
The design of energy transfer is to move the energy away from the impact without it deforming. This is accomplished by making the part extremely strong. Many OEMs utilizes ultra high strength steels in the cabin reinforcements (“A” pillar reinforcement, “B” pillar reinforcement and roof and rocker reinforcements). The MPa ratings are 600 and above with some metals reaching over 1400 MPa’s for these metals. You ask the question why are they using these super metals. The answer is simple. The government and Insurance Insti-
The IIHS devised a test to determine the strength of the “B” pillar to withstand roof crush in a roll over scenario
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Shop Showcase
with Karyn Even with an increase in theHendricks use of aluminum, the percent of usage is Note that the front of the Volvo has collapsed relatively small compared to the use and shortened length is evident, but there is no deformation in the passenger’s compartment of Advanced High Strength Steels. Steels (AHSS) will pose the biggest type of energy behavior that we deal problems for repairers and we need with is energy transfer.
Shop Showcase
44 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
with David M. Brown
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By the model year the government wanted a 2 ½ times gross vehicle weight to be placed at the “B” pillar, but the IIHS wanted 3 times and by model year 2012, 4 times. What happened HEAT AFFECT ZONE
was most manufacturers were able to meet the 2012 standards in 2009 and those vehicles received a 5 star rating. One method of reducing the heat affect zone is skip welding. A bead length of 25 to 38 MM is made (#1 weld). A second weld is made (#3) and the weld is closed by last weld (#2). Let’s look at what heat does to metal
MIG Weld
Spot Weld
The first test was done on a front rail on a 2009 Toyota Camry which is high-strength steel and has a strength category of 440 MPa. The value of the steel is 16.9 which converts to a 440 MPa reading
The above 2 welds are fusion welds. The metal becomes molten (over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit) and when it cools, a ring forms around the weld known as the Heat Affect Zone. This area on high strength steel is weaker than its surrounding metal. In the case of ultra high strength steel, this area has a strength equivalent to the strength of mild steel, which has no energy absorption or energy transfer capabilities
The steel was heated to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds and allowed to cool naturally. A second reading was taken
Readings were taken again after the part was allowed to cool naturally
The strength of the metal dropped to 250 MPa. It lost nearly 50 percent of its strength. This is the reason why Toyota states in their CRIB #175 -- “Do not use heat for straightening”
We now need to look at heat and its affect on these metals. I am going to heat the metal with an induction heater and monitor the
A reading of 53.7 or 1380 was observed. Again the part was heated to 800 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 seconds
The reading was 27 or 50 percent less on the point scale, but was a slightly above 600 MPa. Think about this. Fusion welding takes place at 2200 degree and this part was only heated to 800 degrees. Think what would have happened to the steel if it was heated to 2200 degrees? It would have lost all of its strength. This is why most manufacturers require the cabin reinforcements to be installed at factory joints and not sectioned
temperature with a non contact thermometer. I will take a before and after reading with an instrument to test the See Hey Toby!, Page 47
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Hyundai Recalling 2011-12 Sonata Hybrids For Rear Seat Belt
Montana Collision Repair Specialists’ Legislative Record
A recall of 2011–2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid cars was issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 8. According to the report, more than 14,700 of the Hyundai hybrid vehicles have rear center seat belts which fail to meet federal safety standards. However, Hyundai believes it doesn’t need to fix the seat belt issue with all Sonata hybrids—or notify all affected Sonata owner, as required by the usual federal safety recall procedures, due to the fact that the issue only affects Sonata hybrids manufactured after December 2010. According to the federal safety agency claims both the lap and shoulder portions of the rear center seat belts disconnect when occupants press the 3-point safety belt’s unlock mechanism—a violation of safety stan-
dards. According to Consumer Reports, Hyundai claims it will fix the rear center seat belt issue in the approximately 1,633 new Sonata Hybrids still in dealer’s lots. But the company has filed a petition with the agency to not fix the approximately 13,095 hybrids already in owners’ hands “on the basis that the non-compliance described is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety,” said the NHTSA recall notice. Until NHTSA reviews and denies the Hyundai petition, Sonata Hybrid owners will not receive any notification from Hyundai that their vehicle may have this safety issue and that a fix is available. Owners can stay on top of federal safety recalls regarding their vehicles by subscribing to NHTSA email alerts from the agency’s website: www.SaferCar.gov.
The Montana Collision Repair Specialists is an active association that is experiencing growth in membership this year. The association’s spring meeting is in Great Falls in April. Guest speakers will be Steve Bullock, Montana Attorney General, who recently announced his candidacy for Governor, and Jesse Laslovich, Chief Counsel for the Montana Securities and Insurance Division, who has announced his candidacy for Montana Attorney General. This association has a strong legislative history. Their most recent legislative victory was in 2010 when a bill was passed that ‘prohibits insurers from disregarding a cost item identified by an estimating system.’ In October of 2011, Montana State Auditor, (Insurance Commissioner),
sent an Advisory Memorandum to all Property and Casualty Insurers doing business in the State of Montana, advising them of the law and stating possible fines. MCRS Past President, Max Yates, owner of Yates Body Shop in Butte, Montana has served region, HD 74, as State Representative for the last two years. Representative Yates has also announced his candidacy to continue his seat in the State Legislature in 2012/13. For a state as large as Montana, this association stays very connected through telephone calls and email and jobber support. Fall and Spring Meetings are well attended, hosting at least 80 people. Many shop owners will drive 7-8 hours to attend a meeting. Membership is almost at 100 shops out of about 225 in the state. Not bad for a state that has more cows than people!
Subaru of America is recalling 275,000 Forester vehicles from the 2009 to 2012 model years. The models have rear center seat belt systems which do not meet federal safety standards and could inhibit the proper installation of child safety seats, said the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NHTSA also says the automatic locking retractors in the rear center seat positions of the recalled Subaru Foresters do not lock properly. This increases the risk of injury to passengers sitting in that seat position during a collision. The seat belt flaw could prevent the proper installation of child safety seats in the rear cen-
ter section of Subaru Forester vehicles. Subaru will notify owners of Forester SUVs, manufactured from November 2007 to March 2012, who may be impacted by this federal safety recall in mid-April. Owners will be instructed to bring their recalled Foresters to local dealerships where mechanics there will
replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a new, modified automatic locking retractor for free. Consumers can call Subaru's toll-free customer support line (800-782-2783) regarding the recall campaign identification number WQA-37. Consumers can also visit the NHTSA website, www.SaferCar.gov.
by Janet Cheney
275,000 Subaru Forester SUVs From 2009–2012 Recalled For Rear Seat Belts Failing to Lock Properly
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Verifacts Symposium Recognizes Achievement, Industry Unknowns, and Negotiation and a half event. In opening the event Delmege asked if anyone remembered The fourth annual Verifacts Automo- the name of Albert Einstein’s math tive Fix it Right/Fix It Smart Sympo- teacher?” After the expected and silent sium, was held February 23–24, at the answer of ‘no,’ Delmege answered his spectacular Laguna Cliffs Marriott own question: “No one remembers his Resort in Dana Point, California. This name, yet he unlocked the intellectual invitation-only symposium was at- key that changed the world.” tended by 350 collision professionals This simple question set the tone including shop owners, insurers, and as Delmege invited the attendees to related industry partners. challenge conventional thought and explore the future. The international line up of speakers and panelists came prepared to do that. A most unusual and gratifying segment of the Symposium was Verifacts recognition of other industries who have a proven commitment of quality and excellence. Dr. David Spong, who re(l to r) Larry Jeffries, CARSTAR Canada, Stacy Bartnik tired as President of Boeing CARSTAR USA, and Farzam Afshar, CEO of Verifacts Automotive at the NABC display Aerospace Support, is the Industry veteran Dale Delmege only two-time recipient of the Malwas Master of Ceremonies for theday colm Baldrige National Quality by Janet Cheney
Award, the only formal recognition of the performance excellence of both the public and private U.S. organizations, receiving said awards from Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The Baldridge Award is given by the President of the United States.
(l to r) Jeanne Silver CARSTAR Mundelein, Kristen Felder, Collision Hub, and Shawn Collins of 3M, share a moment at the Verifacts Symposium
Dr. William Buchanan, an Orthopedic Surgeon with Kaiser Permanente has been instrumental in pursuing continuous improvement in the organization with unprecedented success. Dr. Buchanan also serves as a volunteer on the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Air Rescue Program. Dr. Buchanan brought a video showing an intense display of what the LA Air Rescue people do and how critBODY SHOP BUSINESS FOR SALE ical systems and procedures are to this process of saving lives. ü Same location since 1984 Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee ü Owner wants to quit after 30 years Baca and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s ü Includes frame machine, spray booth, Department Aero Bureau were recogspray mixing room, tools and more! nized for their exemplary Aviation ü Asking $55,000 Safety Management System. ü Call or stop in to check it out! Verfifacts CEO, Farzam Afshar, The Dent Shop Paint, Body & Frame Shop recognized these three with the Veri720 Carswell Ave., facts “Role Model and Safety Award.” Holly Hill, FL 32117 Call Casper Several presentations followed. 386-253-6665 Negotiate Like the Pros, by Attorney John Patrick Dolan, was informative, uplifting and much fun. AttenSearch: dees participated a brief ‘survey’ Give us your opinion on matters affectinginthe industry. identifying certain behavior styles.
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His message: be Tough, Shrewd and Cool Under Pressure. ‘Don’t roll over and play dead—there are other options.’ Fix it Right/Fix it Smart sounds like a simple formula, yet the challenge of the unknown from every industry segment was recognized. Discussion points revolved around the theme of unprecedented change. Recognizing the ‘firehose’ of information being thrown at the industry and how is this to be assimilated and used effectively, to identifying the balance of cost containment intersecting with new technology. As one industry representative confessed, “we are not sure even where we are going.” Selected industry partners displayed innovative products and were available for education and discussion throughout the event. Verifacts CEO, Farzam Afshar and COO, Mark Olson, are cofounders of the company. Their collective experience brings a high level of innovative thought, skills and industry knowledge to Verifacts Mark Olson, Automotive. The Verifacts COO, talks Symposium is a reabout the smart flection of their inway to fix a car dustry message. This Symposium brought together a collaboration of information and an amalgam of industry minds melded together to work towards the ultimate goal of achieving better repairs, better processes, better relationships. In short, a better industry and Verifacts would say, ‘Exposing Excellence in Collision Repair.’ For more information see: Want to Contribute www.verifactsauto.com.
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