Southwest Edition Texas Oklahoma Louisiana New Mexico
30
YEARS
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SCRS to Hold 30-yr Anniversary Celebration Meeting in Conjunction with CIC April 24–25 in Oklahoma City The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will hold the group’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday, April 24th in OklaSoutheast homa City, Oklahoma at the Edition Renaissance Oklahoma City. SCRS will honor individuals who have supported the industry through their Florida dedication and activism with SCRS at thisGeorgia celebration. There is no charge to attend, although pre-regAlabama istration is required and the regisMississippi tration deadline is April 13th. Please RSVP to Linda Atkins by phone at 877-841-0660 or via email at info@scrs.com. The following is the schedule of events, and please note SCRS members and industry guests are welcome to attend and participate at the Board of Directors meeting. SCRS members will have a Northeast vote in the upcoming election Edition held just prior to the evening festivities.
30
YEARS
New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware
30
Tuesday, April 24: 3:00 —5:00 p.m.: Open Board of Directors Meeting 5:15—5:30 p.m.: Board Elections 6:30—7:30 p.m.: 30th Anniversary Reception 7:30—10:00 p.m.: 30th Anniversary Dinner, Induction of SCRS New Board of Directors and Recognition Awards Wednesday, April 25: 8:00—11:30 a.m.: Industry Issues Forum (Agenda to be announced.)
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CIC Held in Conjunction The meeting is held in conjuction with the Collision Industry Conference, also Wednesday, April 25: 1:00—5:00 PM CIC Meeting, 6:30 PM CIC Reception Thursday, April 26: 8:00—12:00 PM CIC Meeting For more information please visit www.scrs.com, or ciclink.com.
VOL. 30 ISSUE 4 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
L A I C SP E YEARS
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E U S S I T PAIN
Enforcement Center. The lawmakers 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 See Chinese Auto Parts, Page 42
of 3 issues
GIES ECHNOLO T H S I N I REF 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 See Gunder, Page 40
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HONDA OF IRVING • Over $900,000 Parts Inventory • 17,000 Parts in Stock • Trained Wholesale Crew: Gary, Marie, Jim
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COLUMNISTS Chess - CAFE Standards Will Affect More Than A Shop’s Miles Per Gallon . . . . . . 22 Franklin - Sprucing Up Your Shop For Spring. 8 I-CAR - Oil Spill at the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, WI, Raises Awareness . . . 38 Insurance Insider - ‘Survival of the Fittest’ Also Applies to Collision Repairers . . . . 44 Nigro - Feather, Sand and Fill: Paint Operations Body Shops Perform But Don’t Get Paid For . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Weaver - What If You’re Looking for More than One Waldo? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 NATIONAL 22 West Virginia Vocational Schools Integrate I-CAR Professional Development Program into Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 275,000 Subaru Forester SUVs From 2009–12 Recalled For Rear Seat Belts Failing to Lock Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Assured Performance Network Offers Other OEM Rewards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Auto Supplier Daehan Catches Fire in GA . 21 CAPA Announces Plans for New Vehicle Test Fit Lab in California . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 CARSTAR Expands Sales and Marketing Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Chrysler Launches Certified Collision Repair Facility Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Connecticut Bill Adds Subsection to Require Recycled or A/M Parts . . . . . . . 9 Delaware Bill (HB 242) Prohibits Insurers from Exploiting Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fix Auto Appoints Tim Clark as Senior VP, Insurance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Ford Probes 2005-06 Ford Taurus Throttles. 43 GM Recalling Some 2012 Regal Sedans . 43 Guardian Auto Glass Expands in Bloomington, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Gyant Compliance Launches ‘Vocwebmanager’ Application . . . . . . . . 4 Helpful Documents, Tools And Information Only a Click Away for Shops . . . . . . . . 32 Hyundai Recalling 2011-12 Sonata Hybrids
For Rear Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Infiniti Launches National Certified Collision Repair Network . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Infiniti Recalling 2003-04 Infiniti M45 Sedans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Iowa Shop’s Action and Iowa Collision Repair Association, Established in 2005, Starting to be Heard Statewide . . 31 LQK Has Record Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Mexico Implements New Mandatory Auto Insurance Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Mitchell’s Claims Triage is Available to Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Montana Collision Repair Specialists’ Legislative Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Nearly 200 Congressmen and Senators Write in Opposition to China’s Auto Parts Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Nissan Leaf Nationwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 NORTHEAST™ Trade Show Leadership Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 PSE Appoints Guy Barnes as VP, Sales & Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ray Gunder to Sponsor Free Legal Seminar for Collision Repairers in Lakeland, FL . 35 Rhode Island Bill Would Delete Anti-Steering Legislation Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 State Farm Pays Gunder’s Processes and Materials Previously Denied—Without Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Levan Group—Where Crash and Mechanical Parts Intersect. . . . . . . . . . 10 TopTech Finder Unites PDR Techs with Body Shop Managers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Toyota Recalls Another 681,000 Vehicles. 43 UPDATE on Tow-for-Pay Scam, “Evangelist Jerry Bratt” and “Jacqueline Harris” . . . 41 Verifacts Symposium Recognizes Achievement, Industry Unknowns, and Negotiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Women’s Industry Network Holds Planning Meeting in Late January, Will Hold Annual Conference in May in Atlanta . . . . . . . . 39
PAINT SPECIAL
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Neosho, MO
Jackson, MI
Laurens, SC
Upstate, NY
Austin, MN tornado Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Erica Schroeder Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Lee Amaradio, Dan Espersen Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Mike Causey, Tom McGee, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Kristy Navarro Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
2012 Ridler® Award Winner Features BASF’s Glasurit® Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Airbrush Artist JoAnn Bortles is Writing Her Seventh Painting Book. . . . . . . . . . . 28 BASF Advises Shops to Join the Move to Waterborne Coatings Now . . . . . . . . 18 Bobby Alloway’s 5 Essential Tips for Achieving a Flawless Black Finish . . . . 33 Custom Painter Charley Hutton Explains Step-By-Step How to Create Realistic Wood Grain Effects With PPG Products 14 PCL Has Been Primed Since 1929 with Clear Solutions for Shops . . . . . . . . . . 20 RBL Products New Pre-Treat System . . . . 39
Southwest
REGIONAL 6-Time DWI Offender Skips Out on Trial in TX. 4 GEICO and Caliber Collision Centers Donate Vehicle to National Guard Vet . . . . . . . . . 4 NWLCRA to Hold First Day Meeting of 2012 in April in Shreveport, LA . . . . . . . 4 SCRS to Hold 30-yr Anniversary Celebration Meeting in Conjunction with CIC April 24–25 in Oklahoma City. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 TIAA Holds March Meeting, Will Hold Collision-Specific Meetings in the Coming Months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 W M Automotive Warehouse in Fort Worth, TX, to Hold Home Run Celebration Open House in April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Indexof Advertisers
Contents
Winter vs Auto: Let Spring Begin
Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and adjacent metro areas, Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody 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.
Autobody News
Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 721-0253 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com
Accudraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 BASF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 36 CCC Information Services . . . . . . . . 7 Champion Pneumatic . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Chevyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Classic BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CSS USA, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Dallas Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 David McDavid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers TX, OK, LA, NM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Fowler I-240 Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. 17 Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Gene Messer Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . 39 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 44 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Huffines Hyundai Plano . . . . . . . . . 37 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 41 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 19 LKQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 45 Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma . . . . . 40 Mike Calvert Toyota. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 23 North Freeway Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . 4 PCL Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ray Huffines Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . 5 RealParts.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Reliable Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Replica Plastics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Russell & Smith Ford-Mazda . . . . . 34 Safety Regulations Strategies. . . . . 16 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 31 Scoggin-Dickey Buick . . . . . . . . . . 33 Solution Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 South Pointe Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. 13 Toyota of Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Toyota of Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 45 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 46 Young Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
W M Automotive Warehouse in Fort Worth, TX, to Hold Home Run Celebration Open House in April
W M Automotive Warehouse announced that they would hold their Home Run Celebration open house event on April 21 and 22 at their distribution center in South Fort Worth, Texas. The annual celebration will feature a vendor trade show with an estimated 110 manufacturers showcasing their products at booths. Additionally, the event will include training, tours, and meals. An estimated 600 auto parts store and repair shop owners and managers are expected to attend. “It has been over 25 years since we have done anything like this. I told my people that I wanted this to be the biggest thing to happen in the aftermarket in our region for years to come, and it’s shaping up to be better than I expected,” said CEO Wilson McMillion. “Our manufacturers have really stepped up to participate, and our people are going the extra mile to make this a super event.” W M Automotive was established in 1976 and is headed by owner and CEO Wilson McMillion. “We will be hosting our customers from all over Texas and Oklahoma, and we want them to have a great time,” McMillion continued.
GEICO and Caliber Collision Centers Donate Vehicle to National Guard Vet Without the benefit of reliable transportation, things have been difficult for National Guard veteran John Jones of Hurst, Texas, since he returned from two tours of Iraq. To help him out, GEICO partnered with Caliber Collision Centers to provide a refurbished vehicle for Jones and his wife and two children. GEICO donated the vehicle while Caliber provided repair services. GEICO participated through the Recycled Rides program, an awareness project that encourages members of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) to refurbish and donate recycled vehicles to families in need in their communities. Reserve Aid, a nonprofit organization that provides support to the families of Reserve Service Members from all military branches selected the Jones family as the recipient. Greg Shook, a GEICO auto damage manager, helped present the vehicle to the Jones family recently at Caliber Collision Center in Keller, Texas. “We’re glad we’re in a position to support a serviceman who admirably served our country,” Shook said. “The Jones family now has daily transportation that most of us take for granted.”
“This is going to be a real celebration!” W M is the largest privatelyowned aftermarket automotive wholesaler and store group in the South-Central region, serving over 200 Parts Plus and independent auto parts stores in Texas and Oklahoma. Parts Plus is an international group of independent distributors, retail stores, and Car Care Centers. W M Automotive is the supplier for over 100 Parts Plus Autostores in Texas & Oklahoma, as well as many other nonParts Plus jobbers.
NWLCRA to Hold First Day Meeting of 2012 in April in Shreveport, LA
The Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association (NWLCRA) will hold their first day meeting of the year on April 3, 2012 at 12:00 PM. The group will meet at the Magnolia Room in Shreveport, LA. You don't need to RSVP for this meeting. The association is currently having their Membership Drive and would like to have new members. For an application, please see www.nwlcra.org. Existing members, remember to renew.
6-Time DWI Offender Skips Out on Trial in Texas
A six-time DWI offender skipped out on his trial March 7 in Collin County District Court in Texas before a judge could sentence him to 40 years in prison. Richard Davis Callaway, 48, is considered a fugitive from justice after disappearing from court during a lunch recess. Callaway was pulled over for running a red light Feb. 21, 2010, at Preston Road and Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. He failed all three standardized field sobriety tests and admitted he had been drinking. After running a background check and learning of Callaway’s prior convictions for driving while intoxicated, the officer took Callaway for a mandatory blood draw under a Texas law for repeat DWI offenders. The blood sample showed Callaway’s blood alcohol content to be 0.23, almost three times the legal limit. He appeared in court for the start of the trial on March 7, and heard all of the evidence against him. The court took a recess for lunch and scheduled closing arguments for 1:30 p.m. But Callaway did not return. After the sentence was pronounced, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Callaway can call 972-547-5134.
4 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Gyant Compliance Launches ‘Vocwebmanager’ Application Gyant Compliance, a division of Gyant Group, a Lake Forest, CA, based company, announced Feb. 9 that it has launched a New VOCWEBMANGER Application for the Collision Repair Industry. “Gyant Compliance developed VOCWEBMANGER due to experiencing first-hand challenges of compliance that McLaren Unibody, my father in law’s old shop had faced with AQMD,” said Jon Gypsyn, CEO. ”I witnessed auto body shops struggling with tracking VOC’s, expiring permits, keeping up with new regulations, getting fines for being over their VOC limits, and scrambling for product last minute with no central system for all of their environmental needs,” Gypsyn continued. “It took three years to develop the VOCWEBMANAGER web application, and there were several considerations in the development of the VOCWEBMANAGER,” said Mike Ramirez. “It needed to be web based so that there would not be a need for extra equipment, or interference with existing software programs. It had to be user friendly for the painter to operate. The painter adds the usage amount, and with a click the VOC’s
are automatically calculated and populated into reports. It needed to keep track of inventory and send an email alert when the shop was low on product and allow them to order with a click. It had to alert the shop when they were nearing VOC limits or when permits were expiring. It needed to store MSDS and technical data sheets, and be able to update owners on new regulations that affected their business with access anywhere at any time. In other words, it needed to be the compliance and inventory tracker all in one place and that’s exactly what the vocwebmanager accomplishes, added Ramirez. Gyant is an environmental compliance company focused on emissions tracking, reporting and carbon footprint management. The company operates and maintains a web-based VOC and CO2 Monitoring & Tracking System to assist clients in complying with governmental regulations and guidelines. The web application also complies with COSHH, HAPS, and HSE regulations. VOCWEBMANAGER streamlines monitoring and reporting in real time at any time. For more information contact: amclaren@gyantgroup.com
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NORTHEAST™ Trade Show Leadership Forum
Another engaging speaker at the forum was Tony Lombardozzi with Attendance at the recent NORTH- Automotive Collision Repair Services EAST trade show, at the Meadow- in New Hampshire, who repeated his lands in Secaucus, NJ, was up 20% message of self-sufficiency for the infrom last year, which was up from dustry and his advocacy of independence 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.” AASP/NJ Exhibiting at Northeast 2012, their own show The executive director of the year before. Some seminars show-organizer the Alliance Autowere overflow seating and organiz- motive Service Providers of New Jerers had to pull in extra chairs for sey (AASP/NJ), Charles Bryant, people who arrived late were stand- agreed with Lombardozzi’s assessing. ment of insurer inHeard and seen at the show were volvement. Bryant some familiar figures in the industry. underscored that Several took the mike at the Northeast repairers not neLeadership forum. gotiate with insurOne person we all wanted to ers. “Offer them a hear from was the owner of North cup of coffee, talk State Custom, Greg Coccaro, who Charles Bryant surprised a number of attendees to them about last with the revelation that he’s back to night’s hockey game, and direct them doing business to the car they want to write an estiwith Progressive mate on,” Bryant said. “But don’t go Insurance, despite back there with them and don’t negothe long and tor- tiate the repair... You are the expert on turous legal bat- how to repair cars, not the insurance tles between the company. Write what needs to be two. Even though done, make a proper and safe repair business is rela- and bill fairly for your work.” Greg Coccaro tively slow for Both stressed that repairers shops in the area, his Progressive need to take responsibility for eduwork has actually picked up. Coc- cating customers about the repair caro was told by a Progressive em- process and explain why the estiployee that “Progressive does not mate the repairer have a network of shops in New wrote is the most York any more, so the intense steerreliable one. ing they practiced in this area has Janet Cheney subsided.” Coccaro added, “I’m gave a quick renow repairing port on a couple of cars for Progresstate’s associasive’s customers tions that don’t alJanet Cheney once again.” Cocways have the ear caro still owes of the national trade press. See her arsome $500,000 in ticle this issue (p. 30 and 31). legal fees to defend his shop’s Tony Lombardozzi reputation and his own name. He hopes to be able to recover his losses due to the causes www.autobodynews.com of action in his pending lawsuit CHECK IT OUT! against Progressive. by Chasidy Sisk and Janet Cheney
6 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
TIAA Holds March Meeting, Will Hold CollisionSpecific Meetings in the Coming Months
to start a collision-specific side of TIAA. This collision-specific subgroup would have industry-specific speakers and their own meetings. According to Hooge this subgroup will not officially start for another month or so. Jeff’s website is elite-dealers.com. The TIAA will hold their April monthly meeting on April 19 at the Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio. Sid Hurlbert will be the speaker. He will speak about how best to deal with customers. Sid is a motivational speaker who specializes in the art of communication. Sid generally teaches “what to say There were approximately 35 attending TIAA’s March meeting and how to say it.” Sid has more information about the auction also published several books and written many articles on communiplease visit blazinggavels.com. cation skills. Jeff Franco from Elite Sales and Learn more about Sid at marketing was also in attendance. Jeff www.sidneychurlbert.com. For more has a lot of experience in the collision industry and has been in talks with information about the association Membership Director Hunter Hooge please visit www.tiaa.net.
The Texas Independent Automotive Association (TIAA) held their March members meeting on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Pompei Italian Grill in San Antonio, TX. The 35 or so in attendance heard from local channel KLRN. They spoke about how shops can donate a service for their upcoming 46th annual Blazing Gavels charitable auction. For
Give us your opinion on matters affecting the industry.
write us! publisher@autobodynews.com
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
On Creative Marketing
Sprucing Up Your Shop For Spring with Thomas Franklin
It’s been said that a picture is worth a Walk through the shop and imagine you thousand words. Yet, with today’s digihave an insurance executive or dealertal cameras in cell phones, even, picship owner walking along with you. Try tures are worth less than a dime a looking at your place from his or her dozen. Yesterday’s promotional pieces, eyes and take some notes. These could flyers, brochures and even website be the improvements that make the difpages, all may have nice photos, but ference in how your shop is valued as a people are less impressed with them place to refer customers. these days. To really make an impact on A few standard interior-decorating with Dickbusiness, Strom measures can make a major difference a potential source of referral you need to get them to come to the in how your shop is perceived. If you shop and see the real thing. One live often have spare parts or some other contact is easily worth more than a eyesore in your office or waiting area, a thousand pictures. useful device to hide that kind of thing With spring arriving, this could be is the room divider. These are generally a good time to spruce up the shop and just a couple of free-standing 2’x 6’ or push for some live visits by referral co3’x 6’ panels hinged together, but deordinators you’ve been chasing. Over pending on how they’re painted or covthe winter some aspects of your shop ered with fabric or used to display may have fallen into disrepair or worse. promotional posters, they can be a sigGetting an entire shop showcase-ready nificant visual asset in an otherwise Lee Amaradio Jr.room. If the office or waiting area is generally notwith an easy task. Spare drab parts storage and the paint mixing room is uncomfortably small, a mirrored wall may have become major eyesores. gives an illusion of larger space and
Opinions Count
Action Counts
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
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
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8 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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
THE CARCOON WORKSTATION
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.
Delaware Bill (HB 242) Prohibits Insurers from Exploiting Data
As more insurers begin offering payas-you-drive insurance options in which vehicle driving patterns are tracked by the insurer through a device hooked to the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, a Delaware bill (HB 242) would prohibit the release of such data by insurers to others, and would prohibit insurers from using the information for anything other than consideration for premium discounts, unless the policyholder gives consent. Any violation of the bill would charge the violator with a Class G Felony.
Connecticut Bill Adds Subsection to Require Recycled or A/M Parts
Raised Bill 387 in CT calling for the use of alternative parts as the primary means of repair on state vehicles. The amendment reads: (j) In performing the requirements of this section, the Commissioners ... shall use recycled, remanufactured or aftermarket parts as the primary means of maintenance and repair of the state fleet, provided the requirements of this subsection shall not apply to any fleet vehicle under the management of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Rhode Island Bill Would Delete Anti-Steering Legislation Language
Rhode Island is becoming a legislative battleground for competing interests between shops and insurers. No fewer than six bills have been introduced this year in an attempt to modify the state’s unfair competition laws. In January, H 7688 introduced a classification system: creating “three (3) classifications of full collision licensees based upon the amount and type of equipment maintained and used by the auto body shop, the number of certified technicians employed by the auto body shop, certification and compliance with environmental agencies such as the EPA.” This bill also required different labor rate surveys for each classification. H 7690 introduced “three (3) business days advance notice to the insurer adjusting the claim for damage to the vehicle for the purpose of allowing the insurer an opportunity to appraise and photograph the vehicle prior to dismantling” and bolstered the insurance fraud statute by requiring shops and insureds to certify that repairs have been made in accordance with the insurer’s appraisal and indemnifying the insurer for repairs not made at the request of the insured. Now, bill H 7782, introduced Feb. 16, would amend the state’s unfair competition law by deleting the section of the law that requires insurers to in-
form insureds or claimants of their right to use the shop of their choice. The deleted section (15) reads: (15) Requiring that repairs be made to an automobile at a specified auto body repair shop or interfering with the insured’s or claimant’s free choice of repair facility. The insured or claimant shall be promptly informed by the insurer of his or her free choice in the selection of an auto body repair shop. Once the insured or claimant has advised the insurer that an auto body repair shop has been selected, the insurer may not recommend that a different auto body repair shop be selected to repair the automobile. An auto body repair shop may file a complaint with the department of business regulation alleging a violation of this subdivision (15). Whenever the department of business regulation has reason to believe that an insurer has violated this subdivision (15), the department shall conduct an investigation and may convene a hearing. A complaint filed by an auto body repair shop must be accompanied by a statement written and signed by the insured or claimant setting forth the factual basis of the complaint, and the insured or claimant must voluntarily appear and testify at any administrative proceedings on the complaint.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
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 Repub- a whole new business segment they ditional customers as well. SSF Imlicans. For many decades, there have had never tapped into before—the doported Auto Parts in South San always been two disparate sources it-yourself (DIY) market. Francisco is such a business, marketfor collision and mechanical parts. “The DIY customers are starting ing both mechanical and collision But now, still mired in an economy to save money by doing repairs they parts with good results, according to that is improving but lagging, afterwould 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, market parts distributors are starting they started the Levan Group with litPorsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Mini Cooper, to think outside the parts box and tle capital but lots of sweat, Levan Saab and Volvo adding mechanical parts to their col- said. lision inventory and vice versa. “I came to this country when I “Body shops obviously need mechanWhen ancillary revenue becomes was 13 and I always tell people, I ical parts to complete a lot of their revital to the bottom line, every com- started working the minute I got off pairs and more and more people are pany starts looking harder for the that boat and haven’t stopped yet,” he buying salvaged cars, fixing them up “new, new thing”. By being a one- said. “It’s a family business, so we and re-selling them, especially with a stop parts source and expanding their make the decisions together and we lot of the higher-end imported vehiinventories, companies are increasing work as a team. We’re always thinkcles we sell parts for.” profits and building a larger, more ing of new ways to make our company SSF sells a fair amount of front 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 locawe’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
10 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.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 11
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 6H rule. “On January 9, 2008, the EPA year by not charging for Feather, Sand accepted a new standard known as the and Fill (aka Feather, Prime and HAPs 6H rule to reduce the public’s Block)? If you’rewith charging nothing, I health exposure to Hazardous Air PolJanet Cheney can guarantee you $5,000 more in lutants (HAPs). The agency’s main obyearly profits if you follow this advice jective is to significantly lessen the and start getting compensated for the amount of HAPs released into the ennecessary work you’ve always been vironment during paint stripping or surface coating operations. doing. During such work practices, the Feather, Sand and Fill is a non-inmost dangerous chemicals, namely, cluded procedure that takes the surmethylene chloride (MeCl), cadmium, face from 150-grit level smoothness to the condition of a new, undamaged chromium, lead, manganese and panel that can then begin the refinish nickel compounds, represent significant risk to employee health if proper process. The labor and supplies used with with feather, prime and block engineering and administrative controls are not in place.” may fluctuate based on the nature of The 6H rule requires that this the repair area and should be considportion of the process needs to be ered when deciding which work needs to be performed. I will address the is- done by the paint department, in an sues many shop owners have in get- enclosed space, and is therefore a reting insurance companies to pay for finishing procedure, not a body repair this procedure, the laws involved, and process. This rule helps solidify Feather, Sand and Fill as a refinishing possible solutions to consider. In 2006, the Collision Industry process by definition of the law, but it Conference Estimating Committee de- still isn’t properly compensated for by fined feather, prime and block as the Insurance Companies. This means that any application of “non-included refinish operations that complete the process from 150 grit to primer that is sprayed through a HVLP the condition of a new, undamaged spray gun must be done by a certified panel... The body/paint labor and ma- painter, inside an enclosed spraybooth terials necessary to prepare the re- and billed as a paint procedure. But how should your shop charge paired area from 150 grit to the condition of a new undamaged part is and get paid for it? It is a judgment call that must be a valid and required step in the process. The labor and material al- negotiated on the spot. The repair lowances for these operations requires process only takes you up to the 150 an on-the-spot evaluation of the spe- grit level, but I have to get the panels to pre-loss condition before the refincific vehicle and damage.” Despite this clarification, shops ish process can take place. I am faced are still having trouble claiming this with this issue on almost every single process and being paid for the work job and I approach it by talking with and materials. Some insurance com- the adjuster directly. I say “If the Ppanies say that Feather, Sand and Fill Pages state that this is a necessary process to repair a job and bring it is included in the repair process, which simply isn’t true. In addition, back to pre-loss condition, then why would it not be covered?” So, first I often times, on many insurance comprove my point that it’s a necessary pany estimates, they state that feather, sand and fill is included in the repair part of repairing the vehicle. I cite The process, which directly contradicts the 6H rule that supports claiming it as a refinishing process. At this point, law, the P-Pages, and the logic of our business. Of course, the insurance some insurance companies will pay companies don’t want to pay for this for the operation, while others simply will not pay. In this case, the insurance costly operation becuase they’ve companies are forcing auto body haven’t had to pay for it for years. shops to break the law by not listing An even stronger argument can be made using the language in the federal the procedure as a refinishing process and therefore admitting to violating regulations imposed through the EPA’s
Shop Showcase
12 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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 cal-
culate 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 See Feather, Sand and Fill, Page 15
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 13
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 waterborne color, giving yourself a fresh start,” said Hutton.
14 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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 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 corSee Hutton, Page 16
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2012 Ridler® Award Winner Features BASF’s Glasurit® Paint 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.
The 2012 Ridler Award Winner from Detroit Autorama is the 1955 Ford T-Bird owned by Dwayne Peace featuring BASF’s Glasurit 90-Line Brilliant Red paint
“BASF’s Glasurit paint has been on six of the last 11 Ridler award winners,” said Vitor Margaronis, Marketing Director, BASF Coatings Solutions, North America. “We’re very proud of this achievement and the quality of our products.” The list of products used to paint the car included Glasurit’s Epoxy 801-72, Polyester Filler1006-26, 90Line Waterborne Basecoat and HS Multi Clear 923-155. A total of 64 vehicles competed
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 about six months,” said Jesse Greening. “The color helped it show very well.” The Ridler award is named after Don Ridler, who started promoting Autorama in the 1950s. With his expertise, Autorama became one of the top hot rod shows in the country. Following Ridler’s passing in 1963, a decision was made to create an award to honor his memory. The Ridler award has been given out to the best new creations since 1964. Cars must be shown for the first time to be eligible for the award. To learn more about BASF refinish products visit: www.basfrefinish.com.
22 West Virginia Vocational Schools 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 ICAR. West Virginia’s initiative marks the first time I-CAR training will be used at a statewide level within a school sys-
Continued from Page 12
Feather, Sand and Fill
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
tem’s curriculum and West Virginia will be the first publicly announced adopter of the I-CAR® Professional Development Program™– Education Edition. Kathy D’Antoni, West Virginia Assistant State Superintendent of Schools said, “Our vision is to grow a highly skilled and quality driven workforce... to make sure the curriculum being taught in our career technical centers satisfies industry needs.”
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.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 15
Continued from Page 14
Hutton
ners 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
(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
13 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 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.
(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.
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
14 it darker, the area covered by the tape will leave a lighter, highlight line. (10) Shadow and Toning. Next, 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 www.autobodynews.com unmasked it will leave the lighter CHECK IT OUT! highlights.
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.
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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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M-F 7:00-7:00, Sat 8:00-6:00 csides@genemesser.com
Huffines Kia Denton Denton
940-321-2504
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M-F 7:00-7:00, Sat 8:00-5:00 Local Delivery Available www.Huffines.net
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M-F 7:00-7:00, Sat 8:00-5:00 Local Delivery Available www.Huffines.net
LOUISIANA
Kia of Baton Rouge Baton Rouge 5740 Siegen Lane
TEXAS
Archer Kia Houston
1-888-983-1425
(225) 490-8000
(281) 983-1437 Fax
OKLAHOMA
13573 North US Hwy 183 Austin
(225) 490-8014 Fax
Ferguson Advantage Imports Broken Arrow
800-880-8815
(918) 317-6280 Fax
Capitol Kia
(512) 583-1900
(512) 583-1899 Fax 7:30am - 6:00pm M-F
Central Kia Irving
(972) 257-7602
(972) 257-7650 Fax
M-F 7:30-7:00, Sat 8:00-5:00
Central Kia Plano
(972) 422-9320
(972) 633-5761 Fax M-F 7:30am - 7:00pm Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm
Moritz Kia Hurst
(877) 651-4542
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39650 LBJ Freeway South Dallas
Toll Free 888-544-9249 Direct (972) 616-0069 (972) 421-0294 Fax
M-F 7:30-6:00, Sat 8:30-5:00
Open M-F 7:00am - 6:00pm
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 19
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 La-
guna, 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 head-
20 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
quarters 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 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 do-it-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 nobrainer.” PCL Automotive 3150 East Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023 (800) 752-1566 www.pclautomotive.com
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
• Spraybooths • Prep Stations • Mixing Rooms • Waterborne Systems
ECOTECH SYSTEMS LLC
Call your local distributor Eco Tech Systems at:
800
524-0340
www.accudraftpaintbooths.com www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
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
HEAT AFFECT ZONE
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 Institute for Highway Safety demanded it. Let’s look at Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216A.
MIG Weld
Spot Weld
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
Collision Repair Association of CA.
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
I am going to heat the metal with an induction heater and monitor the temperature with a non contact thermometer. I will take a before and after reading with an instrument to test the strength of steels.
Transition Planning
Besides hand tools and aluminum stud guns, you will need to know how to weld aluminum and you may need to invest in a dedicated aluminum welder
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
22 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
with David M. Brown
The IIHS devised a test to determine the strength of the “B” pillar to withstand roof crush in a roll over scenario
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 was most manufacturers were able to meet the 2012 standards in 2009 and those vehicles received a 5 star rating. We now need to look at heat and its affect on these metals.
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 next part to be tested was a “B” pillar reinforcement from a Volvo XC90. The part is constructed of advanced steel alloyed with boron. See Hey Toby!, Page 37
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 23
速
+ 24 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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The Honda and Acura Dealers Listed Here are HO N D A TEX A S
TE XAS
Bankston Honda
OKLAHOMA
Honda of Frisco
N EW M E X I C O
Joe Marina Honda
Garcia Honda
Lewisville
Frisco
Tu l s a
A l b u q u e rqu e
800-344-8611 972-219-0021
866-442-2711 972-731-3176
800-722-0520 918-491-0110
800-677-6632 505-260-5002
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 www.bankstonhonda.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5:30 cedgar@mcdavid.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 parts@joemarinahonda.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8:30-5 Jscott@garciacars.com
Benson Honda
Russell & Smith Honda
LOUISIANA
Santan Honda
San Antonio
H o us t o n
Walker Honda
C h a n d l e r, A Z
800-727-8705 210-340-0831
800-833-0180 713-663-4266
A l ex a n dr i a
800-765-1353 480-285-2804
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-12 hondaparts@bensonhonda.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 7-4 rnarvaez@russellsmith.com
Cleo Bay Honda
Wholesale Parts Direct
318-448-8255 318-445-6677 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 hondaparts@walkerautomotive.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 7-5 wholesaleparts@santanhonda.com
Showcase Honda
Killeen
Au s t i n
Patty Peck Honda
P h oe n i x , A Z
877-253-6229 254-699-2478
800-234-4441 512-458-2910
Ridgeland, MS
800-537-8236 602-230-7306
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 parts@cleobay.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6 sales@wholesalepartsdirect.com
Gillman Honda
OKLA HOM A
800-748-8676 601-957-3400 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 pmartin@pattypeckhonda.com
Houston
Don Carlton Honda
Superior Honda
800-999-8309 713-776-4834
Tu l s a
Harvey
800-722-2379 918-622-9670
800-943-4227 504-368-5687
Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 hondaparts@doncarlton.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30 parts@superiorhonda.net
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 gduckworth@gillmanauto.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5; Sun 9-4 dfoote@vtaig.com
AC U R A TEX A S
TE XAS
TEXAS
L OUISI A NA
Champion Acura
David McDavid Acura
Sterling McCall Acura
Acura of Baton Rouge
G ulf Freeway
Plano
H o us t o n
Baton Rouge
800-749-6227 713-371-4700
972-964-6044
713-596-2337 713-596-2338
866-733-2861 225-756-6166
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 rkahl@sterlingmccallacura.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 dlavigne@acurabr.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 championacuraparts@autonation.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 dgrajczyk@mcdavid.com
Mac Churchill Acura OKLAHOMA
David McDavid Acura
F o r t Wo rt h
Aus tin
888-824-9634 817-806-0571
Don Carlton Acura of Tulsa
Metairie
Tu l s a
Dept. Hours: M-F 6-7; Sat 8-5 jguin@macchurchill.com
888-550-7278 918-664-2300
800-359-8555 504-465-8555
800-575-3553 512-401-5976 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 jraygo@mcdavid.com
Walker Acura
Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 acuraparts@doncarlton.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 parts@walkeracura.com
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 25
Service, Diagnostic and Mechanical NEWS
www.autobodynews.com
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
TEXAS • OKLAHOMA • LOUISIANA • NEW MEXICO
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
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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
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
28 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 See Crazy Horse, Page 36 if approached with the right attitude
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Make us your one-stop shop today! www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 29
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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Iowa Shop’s Action and Iowa Collision Repair Association, Established in 2005, Starting to be Heard Statewide
copy of the Consent Decree to the State do business in Des Moines. Color All tionship with the DOI and Governor’s of Iowa and asked, ‘What are you going is a franchise that promotes collision office in Iowa and will move forward When Tom O’Mara, an Iowa shop to do about it? This is still enforceable.” repair work done in a parking lot under this year on the Governor’s request. result ofus thisyour meeting, the Governor owner, was told by an insurance com- As a Give This association hosting the to a tent. ICRA has been the introduced to the opinion on matters affecting industry. Want toisContribute pany that they were only going to pay requested that the Iowa Department of legislative process at the State Capital Midwest Auto Body Trade Show, him $52 an hour, even though his labor Insurance research three business prac- in Des Moines, working with the Na- March 28 at Prairie Meadows, in the www.autobodynews.com rate is $56, he became “mad as heck and tices in Iowa: collision repair labor rates, tional Federation of Independent Busi- Des Moines area. Admission is free, of storage. ness State Manager, Andy Warren. was notCHECK going to take it anymore.” He steering, and non payment there are management, technical trainpublisher@au publisher@autobodynews.com IT OUT! called the vehicle owner and read the This was last September. In December last year, six Board ing, and product demos. Over 50 venThis story made national news in Members of the Iowa Collision Repair dors are participating. We are very state law to him. The law in Iowa says that if the insurer writes an estimate or USA Today and may have helped open Association (ICRA) met with Iowa In- excited about this event. It is going to your has one written for them, and the repair a line of communication between Iowa surance Commissioner, Susan Voss and have great productPromote displays and lotsbusines of costs more than the estimate, the insurer collision repairers and the governor’s approximately twenty representatives of show specials andandoor prizes. article fe exclusive must pay the difference. The vehicle office. the insurance companies. The DOI recMost Iowa Community College your products or ser In only a few years, the ICRA has owner called insurer and insisted they Collision Repair programs will also ognized the association as representaTothe advertise To advertise The source for timely pay O’Mara’s bill. ThenSales O’Mara and asked at:have booths and bring their students to call Advertising at:called become an established and recognized tive of the collision callindustry Joe Momber information thateducaevery them to assist with the labor rate survey the show. Also, three of our dealership that supports the Iowa Governor’s office repeatedly state organization 800-699-8251 800-699-8251 shopnetworking. needs! in the next 30 days. and industry until he got a face to face meeting with tion, training,body Against the recom- members are bringing hot new cars to e-mail: Governor Terry Branstad. O’Mara had mendation of the ICRA, ae-mail: labor rate sur- the show room floor. Admission is free CALL: Joe Momber for advertising@autobodynews.com jmomber@autobodynews.com CALL 800-699-8251 to convince the governor’s aide first be- Sales Tax vey was done in that short period of and the ICRA is anticipating a great Reimbursement Legislation fore getting a meeting with the governor. Due to the abbreviated legislative ses- time and results have not yet been and enthusiastic crowd.800-699-825 www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com Start Your He showed him estimates and letters he sion at the State For more information contact: Capital in DesFREE Moines posted. This is a work in process and we Mail claims revealed insurer threats against in 2011, the ICRASubscription. Sales Tax Legislation are looking for a better working rela- www.iowacra.com him, the last three years’ worth of price was tabled. Representative Tom Sands increases he has had to endure, and a has been working closely with ICRA copy of the 1963 ConsentSee Decree. “I NEW lobbyist Scott Weiser and has committhe Register Your Email for Our highlighted everything in the Consent ted that this initative will be first in line Decree that the insurers agreed not to do in the legislative docket in 2012. anymore,” O’Mara said. “I let them In 2008 ICRA stopped the Color know this is the thirdwww.autobodynews.com time I’ve given a All franchise from getting licensed to at www.autobodynews.com by Janet Cheney
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 31
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 participates 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 technical adviser who says the automaker has pledged that after 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in
32 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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 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 insurers 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.
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.
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-
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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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
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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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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
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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happy with the initial drawing. Then after customer approval she starts painting. JoAnn basically free-hands Tape and Meguiar’s. a lot of the art; sometimes “Just being able to say I work she uses Art Tool templates with these companies is a very humon more complicated projbling experience, it shows just how far ects. I have come,” said JoAnn. “The templates are reJoAnn painted this 1939 Ford in 2005 with real fire flames, it was the first real fire paint that she did and it JoAnn says her process really ally a time saver,” said won PPG's Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint in 2006 depends on the vehicle she is work- JoAnn. She often uses a ing on; she generally creates a pre2009, Best Painted Motorcycle of the combination of templates, sketching work drawing on the computer to and free-hand to get the look she Year in 2005 and 2012, and many other show the client and get their input. wants. awards. Sometimes JoAnn and the customer JoAnn will attend the SEMA “Custom paint is only as good will collaborate on the design a bit as what’s underneath it,” said JoAnn. show this year and will also paint a here, and sometimes the customer is And in her shop, much of the body- 1932 Ford on Power Block TV’s Muswork and prep are handled cle Car section in the coming weeks. She is also a member of the SEMA by her assistant David Association and serves on their SBN Malkin. JoAnn has won dozens of Select Committee. For more information about awards for her work, including JoAnn and Crazy Horse Custom PPG’s Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint in 2006, Best of Painting, please visit www.crazyShow and First Place at the horsepainting.com. 2006 Easyriders Bike Show, GoodGuys Shows Best Crazy Horse Custom Painting Flames in 2005, Best Paint at PO Box 623 the Boardwalk Show at 2005 Waxhaw, NC 28173 JoAnn and her 2004 Crazy Horse Chopper which has Daytona Bike Week, Big Bear joann@crazyhorsepainting.com been driven hard. The paint job has held up extremely well, a testiment to the work and product quality (704) 843-3780 Car Show Best Flames in Continued from Page 28
Crazy Horse
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.
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Continued from Page 22
Hey Toby!
Mitchell’s Claims Triage is Available to Carriers
A reading of 53.7 or 1380 was observed. Again the part was heated to 800 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 seconds
The steel was heated to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds and allowed to cool naturally. A second reading was taken
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
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”
I want to end this with a couple of thoughts. You will need to invest in an inverter 3 phase spot welders. You will need to invest in obtaining data for all structural repairs. You will need to invest in Training, You will need to invest to be competitive and safe.
This “B” pillar reinforcement on a 2010 Toyota Scion is being replaced at the factory joint in the roof and it is not sectioned
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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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
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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 receivcontact with previously. As it turned ing a final signoff from the Wisconsin out, the spill did not contaminate surDepartment of Natural Resources Rerounding 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 retaminant 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
38 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.
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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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 minA bare metal piece treated with the RBL Pre-treat system (left) and a non-treated piece (right) utes. You can then apply primer surface directly over the pre-treatment. It world. The same process is used on can be used on Hot and cold rolled every car produced since World War ll. Every vehicle as soon as it enters the metal, galvanized, stainless steel, alupaint shop is processed by a multiminum, and other exotic metals. stage zinc phosphate dip and rinse sysThe pre-treatment system was developed as a substitute for wash, etch, tem before it enters e-coat and primer. RBL president, Ron Lipson and epoxy primer. Expensive primers and waiting for 24 hours, as well as stated “The pre-treatment product puts adhesion and corrosion issues, are now back what was removed from the metal when grinding and sanding oca thing of the past. curs. Once the industry understands The pre-treatment system chemistry was developed and patented by the product and how it works it will Give us yourRBL opinion onre-matters industry. becomeaffecting standard onthe all bare metal reHenkel Corporation. Products cently was granted exclusive rights to pairs. Insurance companies are going to mandate this product where appliconvert the technology into pre-saturated wipes and markers. Henkel is the cable.” For more information visit largest pre-treatmentpublisher@autobodynews.com company in the www.rblproducts.com.
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plained the denials and short-pay and discussed possible activities to collect. Ray’s customer became extremely agitated and immediately the procedural and material invoicing contacted the State Farm claim repas well as Gunder’s legal fees and resentative and expressed his dismay, costs associated with that case both by phone and in writing via eagainst them. Shortly after that set- mail. tlement, once again, on behalf of his After several calls and discuscustomer, Ray found it necessary to sions, three days later State Farm file yet another lawsuit against the called the customer to advise that nation’s largest personal auto insurer they would pay the paint related to compel them to provide reasonable “Prime Block and Feathering” and compensation for necessary related materials as well as re-setting processes and related paint and ma- www.autobodynews.com the vehicle’ electronics, including reterials. Just moments before going setting the programmed CHECK IT OUT! stations in before the judge for the first hearing the radio which were noted by Gunon the matter, the insurer, through der’s prior to performing the repair their legal team, agreed to pay the en- which required disconnecting the tire amount due plus Gunder’s legal battery. fees and costs. The customer, elated wrote the This month, another one of following to Ray; “I am, as alTo advertise Gunder’s customers was denied con- ways…. totally satisfied with the sideration for the necessary paint re- call Advertising Sales work Gunder’s did on at: my Nissan. lated procedures (i.e. prime, block they make it an art…. and 800-699-8251 that is preand feathering aka fill, sand and cisely why I have been a loyal cuse-mail: feather) and the labor called for toadvertising@autobodynews.com tomer since about 1976. my largest re-set electronics on a customer’s ve- claim with Gunders, has been over www.autobodynews.com hicle. $48,000.00. I had a new silver Upon the denial, as customary, CLK55 AMG Mercedes. a work Ray contacted his customer and ex- truck turned in front of me and I hit Continued from Front Page
Gunder
him hard. Gunder’s did such a superb CAPA Announces Plans for New job, that when my lease was up, the Vehicle Test Fit Lab in California Mercedes rep couldn’t even tell it had been wrecked. I most certainly CAPA is announcing that its Validator, Intertek, will be opening another hope i don’t have another, but if I do, CAPA Vehicle Test Fit Center in Calit will go right back to ray Gunder’s ifornia. The new location will be in body shop.” addition to CAPA’s Grand Rapids, When asked for a comment Ray Michigan facility, the site of CAPA’s stated: “The customer’s comments original Vehicle Test Fit lab. say it all for me. That’s what we’re “CAPA’s Vehicle Test Fit (VTF) here for and that’s all we want to program was developed and implemented by CAPA in 1999. While do… us serve our customers withmatters the Give your opinion on affecting the industry. today, CAPA’s unique vehicle test fit best possible service and quality process has become the industry-acworkmanship we can…it appears we cepted test for the quality of afterhave met that goal and we’ll continue market parts, it was completely to do just that publisher@autobodynews.com and just keep poundrevolutionary when we originally ining that rock!” troduced it,” said Jack Gillis, CAPA’s Executive Director. “It’s likely that of all CAPA’s extensive Certification requirements, the VTF has played the single most critical role in the universal acceptance of CAPA Certified parts as truly compaTo advertise rable to car company brand parts.” The source for timely call Joe Momber at:OpAndrew Gleason, Intertek’s information that every erations Manager of Automotive Prod800-699-8251 body shop needs! ucts Certification said, “We are e-mail: currently in the process of reviewing a jmomber@autobodynews.com number of potential locations and will CALL 800-699-8251 be making the final decision shortly.” www.autobodynews.com For more information, please Start Your FREE visit www.capacertified.org. Mail Subscription.
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UPDATE on Tow-for-Pay Scam, “Evangelist Jerry Bratt” and “Jacqueline Harris” Last month we reported on the tow for pay scam going around and several more body shops contacted ABN to thank and update us. The invitation comes by FAX or from a deaf-services
basic scenario is that their car needs to be towed from another state to be fixed at your shop. But they need you to pay the tow bill before the car can be delivered. Several shops have received faxes
visit their mother. The fax also asks for the address of your shop. For example, Sherry at California Auto Body in San Diego, CA, received a fax from “Jacqueline Harris”
relay call. The relay call operator will call you and say a deaf person has need for your services. Calls have been reported in California, Florida and Georgia. Some names have changed but the
from someone using the names “Evangelist Jerry Bratt” or “Jacqueline Harris” repeating the basic scenario saying they had an accident in a Cadillac Escalade on their way to Kansas or to
on March 13 stating the same set up as the Jerry Bratt scam. The fax she received came from a number with a Dallas, TX, area code, but the faxes have not all come from the same
number or area code. The scammer expects shops to pay a tow bill over a $1000 and they tell you the “wrecker” will only accept a moneygram. Sometimes they also request a credit card. Paula Chipman at GTA Auto Body in Chatsworth, CA, received the fax on the right. In the deaf or disabled relay version of the scam, Vivian from Chico, CA, reported that she had received this scam relay call: “This person had a similar scenario, they were from my town traveling to Texas in a 2008 Escalade and had an accident. After I asked for the tower’s phone number so I could contact them directly, she disconnected from the call. When I called AT&T they said the call was generated from a computer and there was nothing they could do about it. They could be in another country. This is not only a scam but a terrible way to use a disability as a means to rip people off.” Don’t fall prey but alert us if you receive this fax or are otherwise contacted. The reported sending fax numbers: 202-204-0669, 469-519-0414 and 678-250-9047.
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Verifacts Symposium Recognizes Achievement, Industry Unknowns, and Negotiation Dr. David Spong, who retired as President of Boeing Aerospace SupThe fourth annual Verifacts Automo- port, is the only two-time recipient of tive Fix it Right/Fix It Smart Sympo- the Malcolm Baldrige National Qualsium, was held February 23–24, at the ity Award, the only formal recognition spectacular Laguna Cliffs Marriott of the performance excellence of both Resort in Dana Point, California. This the public and private U.S. organizainvitation-only symposium was at- tions, receiving said awards from tended by 350 collision professionals Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. including shop owners, insurers, and Bush. The Baldridge Award is given related industry partners. by the President of the United States. 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 in(l to r) Larry Jeffries, CARSTAR Canada, Stacy Bartnik tense display of what the LA CARSTAR USA, and Farzam Afshar, CEO of Verifacts Automotive at the NABC display Air Rescue people do and how Industry veteran Dale Delmege critical systems and procedures are to was Master of Ceremonies for theday this process of saving lives. and a half event. In opening the event Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Delmege asked if anyone remembered Baca and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s the name of Albert Einstein’s math Department Aero Bureau were recogteacher?” After the expected and silent nized for their exemplary Aviation answer of ‘no,’ Delmege answered his Safety Management System. own question: “No one remembers his name, yet he unlocked the intellectual key that changed the world.” This simple question set the tone as Delmege invited the attendees to 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 Veri(l to r) Jeanne Silver CARSTAR Mundelein, facts recognition of other industries Kristen Felder, Collision Hub, and Shawn who have a proven commitment of Collins of 3M, share a moment at the Verifacts Symposium quality and excellence. by Janet Cheney
Continued from Front Page
Chinese Auto Parts
trade practices by foreign countries,” said USW President, 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 See Chinese Auto Parts, Page 45
42 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Verfifacts CEO, Farzam Afshar, recognized these three with the Verifacts “Role Model and Safety Award.” Several presentations followed. Negotiate Like the Pros, by Attorney John Patrick Dolan, was informative, uplifting and much fun. Attendees participated in a brief ‘survey’ identifying certain behavior styles. 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 dis-
played 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: www.verifactsauto.com.
GM Recalling Some 2012 Regal Sedans
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. General Motors is expected to contact owners of recalled Buicks at the end of March. However, consumers can receive more information about this safety recall by calling GM’s toll-free customer support line (800521-7300) and asking about GM recall number 12048 or by visiting the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.
Infiniti Recalling 200304 Infiniti M45 Sedans
Nissan North American has issued a recall of about 8,120 Infiniti M45 luxury sedans, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency says the 2003-2004 model years of the Infiniti M cars have a flaw that causes the gas gauge to display a higher fuel level than the amount of gas actually in the vehicle’s fuel tank, according to Consumer Reports. NHTSA first investigated reported problems with the Infiniti M45’s fuel gauge last December. And according to the latest report from 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 notifying customers affected by this recall in mid-April. Owners will be instructed to bring their recalled Infiniti M45 cars to local dealerships where mechanics will modify the fuel system’s circuit board for free. For more information, consumers can call Nissan’s toll-free customer service number (888-327-4236) or visit the NHTSA’s website: www.SaferCar.gov.
Ford Probes 2005-06 Ford Taurus Throttles
A federal probe was launched in February into 2005-06 Ford Taurus sedans by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after 14 consumer complaints of stuck throttles. 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 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 the cases reported to 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 on NHTSA’s website, www.SaferCar.gov.
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. Toyota hopes to alert affected owners in early April. The fix should only require about 30 minutes and will be done for free at the Toyota dealeship.
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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
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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 Page 42
Chinese Auto Parts
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. The USW also filed a petition with the US government alleging that the Chinese government unfairly favors, through subsidies and other trade measures, its domestic manufacturers of “green” goods like solar panels and wind turbines. The petition was filed under a section of US trade law—Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974—that was once a strong protectionist weapon but has basically gone dormant since the advent of the World Trade Organization.
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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 rewww.autobodynews.com cently named one of 2011’s Most Influential Women in the Collision CHECK IT OUT! 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.
Guardian Auto Glass Expands in 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, 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.
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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. “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.”
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Trust your order to the collision parts specialists at these fine Dealers 46 APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2012 AUTOBODY NEWS 47