Bodyshop April 2011

April 2011 www.bodyshopbiz.com

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

PLUS:

Welding Aluminum PPG Conference Coverage Low VOC Solvent Paint

Wade In the

Water Top technical tips for painting with waterborne

CANADA POST CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069240

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

April 2011 l Volume 41, Issue 2

Features 10

Special PPG Conference Coverage: Inspiration and Action PPG’s MVP Business Solutions Conference focuses on teamwork.

14

Working With Aluminum The technical pros at I-CAR walk you through some of the new welding and repair rules when it comes to aluminum components.

20

How Low (VOC) Can You Go? U.S. company may have a solvent solution.

12

20

Cover Story

22

Wade in the Water Top technical tips for painting with waterborne.

16

In Every Issue 4 6 26

Viewpoint News Products

29 29 30

Advertiser Index Internet Directory From the publisher

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: We salute our annual Bodyshop of the Year, plus software and managemenet systems, shop floor health and safety, abrasives and prep materials, and more. www.bodyshopbiz.com l April 2011 l Bodyshop 3

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

viewpoint

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

Are you Marketing or Just Advertising?

If you read the above headline and thought to yourself, “What’s the difference?”, you’re not alone. The terms are used so interchangeably, often by people who don’t appreciate the difference themselves, that few people outside of large corporate departments or agencies even bother with the distinction anymore. But, as the owner of a collision repair facility, both of these words should mean very different things to you—particularly if you’re an independent shop, operating outside the tent of a larger banner or franchise organization employing a brigade of twenty-somethings with marketing degrees.

For many owners, the extent of their marketing plan is, as John Norris, executive director of HARA/ciia.com, told me, “an ad in the local weekly, or maybe a logo on the placemat at the favourite breakfast joint.” And that’s all well and good. Those are both perfectly acceptable ad buys if that’s what you want to do with your budget, but you can’t call that marketing—and therein lies the problem.

Purchasing and placing of advertisements is certainly a component of a larger plan, but it’s only one small piece of the overall pie. Genuine marketing can be defined as “the systematic planning, implementation, and control of a mix of business activities intended to bring together buyers and sellers for the mutually advantageous exchange or transfer of products.” In short, it’s everything you do, or can do, to sell any product you can offer to any potential client.

As a shop owner, take an hour to think about who or what is involved in your business, and you’re one step closer to a better marketing plan.

Think about what it is you’re selling.

What sorts of business activities are you able to offer? I’m sure you can come up with a list of revenue streams your shop drives (or is capable of driving) that have only a cursory relationship with restoring a dented bumper to its pre-

crash condition. Quick paint repairs, windshield work, custom body and paint work, or just detailing services are all potential revenue streams, but it’s for naught if the message isn’t getting out.

Take a minute, too, to ponder who your buyers are, for this complete mix of business activities. Insurance companies? An individual driver in an accident? A local custom-car fan who’s looking for a new paint job? These are all potential clients, but how you market—and yes, advertise—to each these individuals has to be different; and the distinctions may not be evident in your current approach. The guy looking for bad-ass flames on the side of his muscle car will be impressed with hero shots of your work in a magazine, but the broker is more interested in your KPIs than your kit-cars.

A marketing professional I know is fond of saying, “If you advertise, they will come.” And, for the most part, that’s true. But it’s not that simple from a shop’s perspective. An ad in the paper will tell specific customers very specific information about your business, namely that you exist and you fix cars. You know you can offer a lot more than that, so it’s time to start telling people about it, in the medium and with the message that best suits them.

It’s time for a marketing plan.

Fortunately, even if you’re an independent, you’re not alone. According to Norris, publications such as How to Market your Collision Shop and the Autobody Profitability Workbook training manuals are available at no charge to any association member; countless other organizations across the industry are there to help. Marketing isn’t an easy concept to grasp, but once you begin to understand the possibilities, you also realize the myriad opportunities that exist out there to sell the services you can provide, and perhaps also realize some new business goals along the way.

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

PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@bodyshopbiz.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Jim Petsis 416-510-6842 jpetsis@bodyshopbiz.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven Hofmann 416-510-6757 shofmann@bizinfogroup.ca ART DIRECTOR Choo Hwee Kuan PRINT MANAGER Phyllis Wright CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman 416-442-5600 ext.3528 CUSTOMER SERVICE Roshni Thava 416-442-5600 ext 3555 VICE-PRESIDENT Alex Papanou PRESIDENT Bruce Creighton

BODYSHOP is published by BIG Magazines LP, a div. of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 Phone 416-442-5600 Fax 416-510-5140 Subscription rates: Canada – $39.95 (add applicable taxes) per year, $62.95 (add applicable taxes) for 2 years, single copy $7.00. USA and all other foreign – US$61.95 per year. U.S. single copy US$10.00.

All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, either in part or full, including photocopying and recording, without the written consent of the copyright owner.

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From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 1-800-268-7742 Fax: 416-4422191 E-Mail: privacyofficer@bizinfogroup.ca Mail to: Privacy Officer, Business Information Group, 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800 Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 ISSN 0045-2319 Online 1923-354X Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 Return postage guaranteed. Send change of address notices, undeliverable copies and subscription orders to: Circulation Dept. — Bodyshop Magazine, 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Member of Member of Inc. Inc.

4 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Association of Association of Business Publishers Business 205 East 42ndPublishers Street East 42nd Street New205 York, NY 10017 New York, NY 10017

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Products Change High Standards Don’t DuPont provides the full Low VOC system to meet all of your refinishing needs.

DuPont™ Cromax® Pro waterborne basecoat can speed up your operations and increase productivity, without compromising the quality of work you demand.

With 1.5 coat coverage, wet-on-wet application and no flash time between coats, DuPont™ Cromax® Pro can help you reach your operational goals. It’s part of a proven integrated range of DuPont Refinish products.

A full range of primer and clear coats are available to complement Cromax® Pro for excellent results. Each of the new products has been designed to meet the challenges you face everyday in your shop.

To learn more about increasing your productivity, call your local DuPont Representative or speak with a DuPont Customer Care Representative at 1.800.668.6945.

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

DuPont Canada is a licensee. © Copyright 2011 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

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news

Do The Egyptian C

entennial College has won a contract to develop and manage a one-of-akind automotive training academy in Egypt. The Toronto-based public college has an eight-year track record of supporting local skilled labour development in Middle East and North African countries.

Centennial will develop and implement a corporate training academy for Ghabbour Auto (GB Auto), which will serve the career development needs of more than 5,000 employees in the manufacturing, distribution, sales, service, and corporate administration divisions of this well-regarded international automotive company.

“The development of skilled labour can help address the chronic unemployment endured by young people in Egypt and in neighbouring states by providing them with clear career paths in automotive-related fields,” says Mike Winkfein, Centennial’s director of business development, Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Over the next four years, Centennial will manage the construction of the 4,000-square-metre GB Academy in Cairo, develop training paths for all employee

groups, implement a corporate learning management system, develop a curriculum, train faculty, and deliver approximately 2,000 training days annually.

GB Auto employees who successfully complete the training will earn certification. In addition, Centennial will train a GB Auto team to assume management and support services for the academy in order to turn over its operations to Ghabbour Auto at the conclusion of the fouryear implementation phase.

GB Auto is a publicly traded company and Egypt’s national distributor for

The Latest Fix F

ix Auto has announced the signing of a new insurance partnership with The Economical Insurance Group effective March 1st, 2011. The Economical Insurance Group (TEIG) is one of Canada’s leading property and casualty insurers, with $4.6 billion in assets. Canadian owned and operated, TEIG provides a wide range of insurance products throughout North America. TEIG Member Companies include The Economical Insurance Company (including Western General Farm Division), Waterloo Insurance Company, Perth Insurance Company, The Missisquoi Insurance Company, Federation Insurance Company of Canada, and Family Insurance.

“We look forward to our new relationship with Fix Auto, and feel the terms of the service level agreement will greatly benefit Economical, our policy holders and the Fix Auto organization,” says Keith Hudd, national vendor manager, The Economical Insurance Group.

“Fix Auto network’s ability to cen-

Hyundai, Mazda, Volvo Truck, Mitsubishi Bus, and Bajaj Motorcycle. It is the largest automotive/commercial vehicle retailer in Egypt, with operations in Jordan and Iraq.

Centennial College, which operates Canada’s largest transportation technology training centre at its Ashtonbee campus in Toronto, won the international contract based on its ongoing success at managing and delivering automotive industry training and upgrading on behalf of manufacturers and their dealers in the Middle East and North Africa. tralize and manage all internal and external processes is a very nice fit for Economical, especially from a national prospective. These benefits will allow us to develop and deploy future strategic service programs in all regions where we do business and that the level of quality and service from the Fix Auto repair facilities will be consistent throughout Canada,” adds Hudd.

“Fix Auto is excited about this new strategic partnership and looks forward to working with The Economical Insurance Group,” says Steve Leal, chief operating officer, Fix Auto Canada. “I would also like to thank The Economical Insurance Group for recognizing Fix Auto’s ability to effectively measure and benchmark our network’s KPIs. We look forward to this prosperous relationship.”

6 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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news

Concours Breaks Ground In Royal Oak

C

oncours Collision Centres ~ CSN in Calgary, Alberta has announced the groundbreaking of a new state-of-theart collision repair facility. Located in the northwest district of Royal Oak, the collision centre will operate adjacent to existing automobile dealerships with convenient access for customers who live or work in the northern section of the city.

O

Ken Friesen, president and CEO of Concours Collision Centres ~ CSN, felt it was necessary to expand the firm’s operations to better serve the growing needs of the area.

Friesen says, “In the Alberta market, we have been blessed with a steady flow of work for the past few years, causing a backlog in production.

This new facility will offer our customers quicker turnaround and better service.”

Concours Collision Centres operates two existing facilities in Calgary, both following a lean approach to collision repair. The new location, Concours Collision Centre – Royal Oak, will embody this as well. Friesen says, “I am very excited about this new location. It has been specifically designed to ac-

commodate our production line style, offering the greatest level of operating efficiencies in collision repair.”

Concours Collision Centres has also formed a strategic partnership joining CSN Collision & Glass (CSN), a network of top-rated, independently owned and operated collision repair facilities located throughout Canada. Friesen states, “I wanted to be associated with some of the best-operated shops in Canada, which will help us maintain a leadership position in the Alberta marketplace. I believe CSN will bring new and innovative ways to work together with the insurance industry and promote our new facility.”

Flavio Battilana, CSN’s chief operating officer, states, “As CSN expands in Western Canada, we are not only excited that Concours is a part of our growth, but that CSN is part of Concours’ growth.

Through his innovative processes and continual improvement efforts, Ken has demonstrated commitment and leadership to the Calgary community and the Canadian collision industry.”

Paint for Prizes

wners of vehicles painted with DuPont Refinish or DuPont Cromax Pro products can compete for cash prizes and to have their cars or trucks appear in the 2012 DuPont calendar. There is no entry fee and entries can be submitted using a Webbased submission process.

Entrants must be at least 18 years of age at time of entry and a legal resident of Canada or the United States. Entries may be motorized passenger automobiles (import or domestic), trucks, or motorcycles, provided they are finished exclusively with DuPont Refinish or DuPont Cromax Pro. Entrants must own or have finished the vehicle entered into the competition.

Judging will be based on “best use of colour,” including finish quality, technical difficulty, and design originality.

Winners will be notified by May 20, 2011 from among all eligible entries received.

There will be 12 winners selected, with each winner receiving a cash prize of $500. There will be one grand prize winner selected from the 12 winners, who will receive an additional $2,000 cash prize. All winners will have a professional photo shoot of their vehicle and receive 35 copies of the 2012 DuPont Refinish calendar. The grand prize winner also will be featured on the cover of the calendar.

Entries must be made online by visiting www.hothuescalendar.dupont. com, completing the competition registration form in its entirety and uploading two photos of the vehicle.

More than one vehicle may be submitted per entrant, but each vehicle must be entered as a separate competition

entry. Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM ET on April 30, 2011.

Complete competition rules and entry requirements can be found on the website www.hothuescalendar.dupont.com or at www.hothues.dupont. com. Some restrictions apply.

8 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Mitchell Releases First Quarter Report M

itchell International, Inc., has released the first-quarter 2011 edition of its Industry Trends Report (ITR).

This edition’s Quarterly Feature, “Paint by Numbers: A Deep Dive Into Refinish Data,” by Mitchell’svice-president of industry relations, Greg Horn, explores whether all vehicles are treated equally in the refinish process by comprehensively examining refinish data for one year of appraisals, comparing vehicle age, type, and origin.

The aim of this analysis of paint refinish data is to identify significant differences in average paint blend and masking for overspray hours in estimates, rather than to advocate or refute any OEM refinish procedure or recommendation. Every damaged vehicle is unique, and the proper repair procedure must be done on an individual basis.

“Contrary to what you might think, recent Mitchell data shows that older vehicles—surprisingly, including larger trucks and SUVs—may receive lower hourly additional paint operations compared to newer cars, newer being one year old or less in this case. In contrast, these new vehicles, again those one year old and less, may require more blend time than a two-year-old vehicle,” writes Horn.

He adds, “There is a good reason behind these differences in paint refinish estimate hours. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks feature ample panels with enough area to allow shops to effectively blend the base colour within the damaged panel.

“Our study also took country-of-origin vehicle mix into account to determine paint refinish hours. In estimates where blending was specified, we found that when we compared blend times by vehicle country of origin, age, and type, we saw higher blend hours for European and

Asian nameplates compared to U.S. -manufactured vehicles—including estimates where masking for overspray was specified.”

Other valuable points of interest in the current issue of Mitchell’s ITR include: • Mitchell’s Q4-2010 data reflect an average gross initial collision appraisal value of $2,864, $137 less than this same period last year. Applying the indicated development factor suggests a final Q4-2010 average gross collision appraisal value of $2,935, a value $66 less than the same quarter in 2009. At $13,567, the average actual cash value (ACV) of vehicles appraised for collision losses during Q4-2010 reflects strong recovery in used car values.

• In Q4-2010, the initial comprehensive average severity was $2,536, $22 less than the same quarter in the previous year. Applying the prescribed development factor for this data sets an anticipated final value of $2,591, $33 higher than the Q4-2009 performance.

Complete content is available in the latest Industry Trends Report, which may be downloaded in PDF format by visiting www.mitchell.com.

CANADA HAS CHOSEN ITS BODY SHOP Why Should I Convert My Body Shop To A Maaco?

Maaco is ranked #1 in its category

by Entreperneur Magazine in its Franchise 500 List Maaco has a canada-wide 97.4% customer satisfaction rating [measured by CSI Complete]

Maaco receives 75% of its business through retail out-of-pocket customer pay Ma aco service more than 500,000 customers / year in North America [572 more costomers / year per shop on average than a traditional body shop]

Maaco Canada average store volume = $1 Million PLUS Half of Maaco Canada’s shops achieve average sales of over $1.4 million annually with a 12% average net profit

Canada Has Chosen Maaco,

Appointments U.S. Chemical & Plastics, a division of Alco Industries and a leader in repair, refinish, appearance, and maintenance products for the automotive aftermarket, is excited to announce that Matt LaGuardia has been promoted to director – business development, effective March 1.

Now It’s Your Turn.

CALL

today to learn how you can convert your body shop into a high-volume Maaco franchise.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l April 2011 l Bodyshop 9

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ppg mvp conference

INSPIRATION AND ACTION PPG MVP Business Solutions Conference Focuses on Teamwork

T

he PPG MVP Spring Conference may have been billed with the theme “Journey to Excellence,” but it would have been just as accurate to hang the tag “Getting Your Head Out of the Box” on it.

For two days, some 250 PPG MVP conference attendees—including 20 from Canada—had the opportunity to have their minds opened to new ideas and a new way of thinking about how problems and challenges present themselves, and then to work on real-world solutions for their businesses.

It is a challenging business environment, where the old paths to success just don’t work anymore, said PPG’s Jim Berkey, director of business solutions for PPG Automotive Refinish, in his opening address.

“When the paradigm shifts, when the rules of the game change, it doesn’t matter how big you were or how good you were under the old rules. In the new paradigm, everyone starts from zero.”

And with that, day one opened with noted speaker, former military man, and Eagle Scout Greg Smith, CEO of Chart Your Course International. His focus was on charting a course for your business that would address the need for change.

“Your industry has gone through more change than just about any other industry,” he said. Those qualities that made a businessperson successful before may well lead to their downfall today, he warned.

There is a new set of “Three Rs” to employ.

• Readjust: to all the changing situations.

• Redirect: You have to change the culture and habits of your organization.

• Reignite your people: “We call it employee engagement.”

To Smith, having a bad-influence employee in a company can damage all your efforts; you are better off without. He related the story of one company, focused on building a great culture, which offered to pay new-hire employees $2,000 at the end of their training program if they chose to leave. The point, he

The PPG MVP Spring Conference attracted some 250 bodyshop personnel, including 20 from Canada.

went on to say, “is that this is a cheap price to pay relative to having the wrong person stay and bring down the whole organization.”

Coincidentally, the cover of USA Today the morning of his presentation included a story

PPG’s Jim Berkey set the stage for the Palm Springs event with a warning that yesterday’s strategies will no longer lead to success in the market.

about how worker morale is plunging, but employers “think everything is just fine.”

“People are not in businesses because they get a paycheque. As the economy improves, a lot of you are going to be faced with a mass exodus.” And he offered this little tidbit: Some 45% of people quit not because of the company, but because of the manager.

Norm Angrove, PPG senior business solutions manager, and John Martin, PPG manager, performance learning, value-added programs, partnered up for the 360 Degree Marketing Systems seminar and workshop that allowed shop owners the opportunity to consider the many facets of generational marketing, and how it affects what they should focus on.

“Canada has the second-highest Internet user population,” said Angrove. Internet searches and information-gathering are what drive more and more business decisions. Consumer rating sites like Yelp! are becoming increasingly important. Technology and speed are the drivers, not relationships as in the past.

For example, young adults—known as Gen Y—won’t answer the phone, but they will respond to a text in seconds, and at length.

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ppg mvp conference

N Speaker Greg Smith had a little fun with Greg Mario, Regina Auto Body, Regina, Sask., who was a good sport throughout.

“What we know as a traditional relationship is not logical to them.

“If you’re not willing to change, it’s going to be a difficult haul. Ask yourself what your business is doing to get into this space.”

Angrove offered five steps to getting there: 1. Create your social media strategy.

2. Engage your customers and prospects.

3. Get your message across about all you offer.

4. Build and manage your relationships.

5. Ensure you are staying visible.

Martin offered that it is important to understand where the market is going to be.

Quoting Wayne Gretzky, he offered this wisdom: “A good player is where the puck is; a great player is where the puck is going to be.”

And once you know where you want your business to be, will you be able to get your staff to go there with you?

Tom Heck’s presentation on leadership was more workshop than seminar, but there were some important universal takeaways of note. As the president and founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, his message of the need to change leadership styles is particularly critical in an industry dominated by so many strong-willed entrepreneurs. “We are living in the information age.

My prosperity is connected to my ability to inspire. Your prosperity depends on your ability to be inspired.”

It is, he says, the difference between motivation and inspiration that defines the change.

Building a team that can operate in an environment where rules and dynamics are

constantly changing—as demonstrated through a game-play exercise—is in keeping with the theme of both the conference and of the challenges to the industry.

In this environment, it is no longer possible to have top-down direction only; rank-and-file personnel must also feel inspired to lead with ideas and change.

Day one of the conference served to open up the eyes of attendees to the possibility of change; like warming up before a game, it created the possibility of greater performance. It prepared participants for day two of the conference, which was all about taking that open-minded attitude and bringing it to bear on real shop-floor issues associated with implementing lean in collision. Topics included load levelling, value stream mapping, and of course, “The Journey to Lean.”

PPG’s John Martin (front) and Norm Angrove (in background) partnered on “360 Degree Marketing” sessions that put clear strategies in place for reaching a changed customer environment.

In a session headed up by PPG’s Berkey, the “Journey to Lean” was characterized as tough. “Lean has become a buzzword in our industry, and many are looking for the magic bullet, the magic pill that will transform them to where they need to be without the hard work that characterizes this journey.” It was also portrayed as an individual journey; though similar guiding principles and solutions apply across most shops, the implementation path is different for every shop.

Lean, he explained, is about making our product flow more continuously to the customer; in the case of collision repair, having vehicles flow more quickly through the shop

to the customer. The ultimate goal is to reduce cycle time. Cycle time in any process is driven by the amount of work in process divided by the output rate of the process (Little’s Law). Learning to maintain or gain output while having fewer vehicles in process will improve cycle time, and at the same time create more capacity.

In many shops, he said, the ratio of vehicles in the system relative to the number of technicians is six or eight to one. “A technician can only touch one car at a time; for every car that is being touched, there are five to seven sitting. This has evolved from our inability to work continuously on any vehicle due to the hundreds of process issues that cause the need to shift work to another vehicle. We need to refocus our resources on fewer vehicles at a time, to get them moving through the process.

This requires us to solve the problems that cause us to move from car to car. This is what makes implementation difficult: the fact that we have to finally solve the problems that have plagued us for years. Engaging everyone in the organization is critical.”

The failure rate for Lean implementation is around 80% across all industries, he continued, driven by the fact that it affects the entire organization and requires a fundamental culture change to be successful. Those in the room who are on the road to Lean agreed on the need to stay committed to the process. And they also agreed on the fact that, as hard as it was, the benefits far outweighed any pain experienced during implementation.

In the hands-on Value Stream Mapping workshop led by Mike Gunnells, senior business solutions manager, PPG, participants learned the value of this specific style of process mapping that is used to help “see” where cars build up in the system and where the largest portions of overall cycle time are spent. Gunnells said, “The map shows all the places to start when reducing cycle time. If you have a preponderance of cars stacked up in the metal shop, this should be the first focus.”

In the Load Levelling workshop, participants played a game meant to show the harmful effect that variations in incoming work have on any process, including collision repair. PPG business solutions manager Mark Continued on page 12 www.bodyshopbiz.com l April 2011 l Bodyshop 11

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ppg mvp conference

Rat Pack impersonators “Dry Martini” engaged the attendees with song and light humour during the gala dinner event.

Tom Heck put Ken Friesen (willingly) on the spot on management and teamwork strategies. Friesen is owner of Concours Collision Centres~CSN in Calgary, Alta.

Mueller referenced a jingle that has been pick up one or two things, it can help you get different facilities, different people, different outside forces. There is no one size fits all, around a long time in the industry that goes, to the next level with your business.”

What you would not have seen in the PPG that’s a guarantee.

“They don’t wreck ’em when I need ’em, so I “The attendees that we have here are MVP conference is a set of off-the-shelf solutake ’em when they wreck ’em.”

“This policy worked fine when cycle time tions. As Berkey said in his “Journey to Lean” predominantly the best of the best PPG cuswas not as critical as today. Taking the wrong workshop, there is no “lean pill,” no magic tomers in North America. Most of these shops are well down the path of performix or volume of cars can be very detrimental bullet.

“In the collision centre model, there is no mance excellence, but they also understand to cycle time and overall process performance, so it is important for shops today to under- off-the-shelf, cookie-cutter solution. You have that they can take it to the next level.” stand and do whatever possible to smooth the flow of work.”

“The workshops are very interactive,” said Norm Angrove of the conference struco, the Pink Bat is not a new take on a way to threaten ture. “What we do is facilitaemployees to get them to do what you want: The Pink Bat tion. It is their opportunity to is the term used to see a solution in what had appeared to be a talk about what’s working, problem. where they are at, and where Keynote speaker Michael McMillan, author of The Pink Bat, they want to go. And because says that the solutions are often so simple that upon their realthey are not direct competiization, others will declare them obvious—or not a solution at all. tors, they really do open up John Deere, in his bid to find a plough that would cut about what is working for through Midwest soil, used a saw-blade construction rather them.” than a reshaped plough; impatient workers were appeased in Angrove said that noted their long elevator waits not by the installation of more elevators, shop owners like Ken Friesen, but by adding monitors in the elevator area so that they could whose Concours Collision check stock prices and news and not mind the wait.

Solutions calling. Keynote speaker Centres~CSN are regularly Though he didn’t say so, McMillan is clearly a strong believer Michael McMillan showed attendees held up as leading examples in the power of serendipity: those moments of pure, inspired how to see problems in a different way. of Lean principles implementhought. tation, do as much informa“If we simply write these ideas down when they occur—they don’t even have to make sense, they tion sharing as they do learnare fragments, clues—eventually, together, they can form real solutions.” ing. And that, too, is part of Of course, ideas without action are only part of the story. the benefits of the conference.

Above all, he says, people should ask themselves—in the context of the individual and the business— “They are very good at a simple question: Is what I am doing, right now, taking me closer to or farther from my purpose? understanding that if you can

The Pink Bat, and Other Tales N

12 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

PPG p10,11,12.indd 12

08/04/11 1:12 PM

Take your business to the next level.

With PPG Technology and Expert Guidance.

Looking to achieve a competitive edge in today’s demanding collision repair marketplace? Then take advantage of PPG’s highly-acclaimed MVP Throughput Performance training and industry-leading waterborne basecoat technology offering the latest advance in color matching accuracy. Two proven examples of how PPG is helping today’s progressive collision centers gain the competitive advantage in quality, speed and cost.

Aim high. PPG will help you get there.

©2011 PPG Industries All rights reserved. www.ppgrefinish.com

10230_PPG-BSB State of Industry Report_AdNew.indd 2 PPG P13.indd 13

2/3/11 3:15 PM 06/04/11 2:12 PM

I-CAR Tech Tip

Working With M

any vehicle makers use aluminum for various exterior body panels, while others use aluminum for the entire structure on some vehicles. Recently, new vehicles with a performance-based attitude have been introduced with aluminum used for the structure.

But how should collision repair technicians deal with these vehicles, and how and when should they ignite the welding torches? We look to the technical pros at I-CAR for some tips.

Why Use Aluminum?

There are several reasons vehicle makers use aluminum. Some of the more common reasons are that aluminum: • is lightweight. Lighter-weight material can help contribute to quicker vehicle acceleration and shorter stopping distances.

• has excellent corrosion resistance.

• is almost 100% recyclable.

• can be formed in multiple ways for part construction.

Aluminum also has excellent strength for being a lighter-weight metal. Part of the strength bonus of aluminum is that it has high torsional rigidity, or more resistance to twisting. This quality is even further enhanced in a multi-celled aluminum extrusion. A multi-

Aluminum

celled extrusion with inner reinforcements designed into the part greatly increases the part’s strength and rigidity. This can contribute to better cornering stability and better wheelto-road power distribution.

But, despite all of that, one of the main reasons for using aluminum in performance vehicles is safety. Performance vehicles are designed to perform at higher rates of speed, which may lead to more severe damage to the vehicle in the event of a collision. Aluminum is very predictable in the way it reacts to collision forces. Vehicle designers can use this predictability for designing vehicles that absorb collision energy and transfer it around and away from the vehicle occupants. Certain vehicle parts, such as front crush tubes or single-cell, extruded lower rails, are designed to compress and absorb collision energy, while larger, multi-celled extruded inner rockers will

transfer collision energy around the occupants.

There is one common thread with these types of designs. Parts that are damaged from a collision are often replaced to restore the structural integrity and safety of these vehicles.

2008 Audi R8 Audi released the new R8 with a space frame structure built of 69% extruded aluminum.

Some of these extrusions are multi-celled, including a five-celled inner rocker and an eight-celled inner B-pillar. In contrast to previous Audi space frame vehicles, the R8 only uses six castings for construction. Parts that would typically be made of cast aluminum are made from extruded 6000 series aluminum to streamline production.

The R8 has a rear-mounted, 4.2-litre V8 engine, capable of producing 420 horsepower.

Continued on page 16

14 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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08/04/11 12:40 PM

Wanda Makes a Splash.

With Wanda Waterbase, VOC compliance is made easy.

When Wanda makes an entrance, everyone takes notice – and that’s especially true with our new water-based product. Wanda Waterbase is a VOC compliant basecoat system that gives you segment leading comprehensive color documentation, simple mixing ratios and “right-the-first-time” color matching. You get the look and performance you want at an unbelievable value – making Wanda Waterbase a “green” choice in more ways than one. No wonder Wanda is one of North America’s fastest growing car refinish brands!

Wanda Waterbase — Smart Look. Smart Choice!

For additional information and availability in your area, visit us at www.wandarefinish.com

01/04/11 Wanda Waterbase_Single Page Ad_Bodyshop Professional (April_May 2011)_Trim Size: 8.375”w x 11.125”h_with Bleed_4CP

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I-CAR Tech Tip

Continued from page 14

Also noteworthy, Audi uses an aluminum/ steel hybrid structure for the 2007-current TT coupe and roadster. Audi offers specialized, vehicle-specific training on both the R8 and the TT.

2006-Current Jaguar XK Jaguar released the redesigned XK with a new aluminum-intensive structure, replacing the outgoing steel unibody design. The new adThe R8 engine uses a dry sump oil system with vanced monocoque construction of the XK an external oil tank, similar to conventional consists of twice as many castings as the Jaguar racecar applications, that holds 15 quarts of flagship model, the XJ sedan, and three times the extruded parts. The use of more castings engine oil.

The R8 structure is primarily GMA and extrusions led to building a vehicle with a (MIG)-welded together, but does use some more torsionally rigid structure, with fewer parts. The rocker rivet-bonding and threaded fasteners for panels are an open joining. Audi has complete front and rear extrusion design, structural assemblies available for collision which makes them a damage repairs.

C-channel shape with When replacing damaged structural parts, mating flanges. the factory joining method is typically dupliThe XK does use cated. Welded sectioning is only allowed in a few areas, such as the outer A-pillar, the outer a combination of 5000 and 6000 series alumirocker panel, and select extruded parts num, similar to the current XJ design. The XK pointed out in the body repair manual. All has two engine options available, a 4.2-litre V8 sectioning joints are made using inserts. All capable of 300 horsepower, or a 4.2-litre superwelding is done using GMA (MIG) welding, charged V8 capable of 420 horsepower. The XK is also available as a coupe or a convertible using pulsed-spray arc transfer. body style.

The XK has a unique structural design, which mostly uses rivet bonding and threaded fasteners for joining. The front structure has a Shop Managers needed for our busy bolted-on front crush collision repair centres in Vancouver and Calgary tube for low-speed impacts. If damage transDo you have the confidence and experience (5+ yrs.) to fers past the front crush run a shop with 30+ employees and $5 million in sales? tube, the lower front rail Are you attentive to details? A good communicator? Able to multi-task and meet high performance metrics? As BC's is also attached with largest collision repair chain, we offer: bolts near the cowl.

Other than thread• A leading-edge organization; ed connections, the XK • Excellent base salary; coupes and convertible • Regular performance bonuses; use mostly rivet bond• Company vehicle with gas allowance; ing for part replace• Extended benefits including LTD and MSP. ment procedures, while limiting the amount of E-mail us your résumé and a letter describing how your welding and sectioning. qualifications and experience fit the job. Only those Rivets used for repairs selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone include self-piercing calls, please. Send to: info@craftsmancollision.com rivets, blind rivets, and monobolts. Monobolts differ from blind rivets in that, rather than compressing the rivet body down onto the

CAN YOU MANAGE TO MEET OUR STANDARDS?

backside panel, the stem of the monobolt flares the body out, creating a wedge effect.

The body repair manual will indicate which rivet type to use for specific locations.

Jaguar Cars offers specialized, vehiclespecific training on both the XK and the XJ.

2006-Current Chevrolet Corvette Z06 The Corvette Z06 uses an aluminum frame that consists of two 6000 series extruded main side rails, final-shaped using a hydroforming process. The main side rails measure 4 mm thick in most locations. Extrusions are also used for bumper reinforcements, A-pillars, and the roof reinforcement bar. Stamped aluminum is used for B-pillar construction, inner floor, and tunnel construction. Castings are used for front and rear suspensionmounting locations.

The Z06 comes with a 7.0-litre V8 engine, capable of producing 505 horsepower. The Z06 also uses a dry sump oil system.

The Z06 aluminum structure is primarily GMA (MIG)-welded. Self-piercing rivets are used for assembling some stamped pieces together, for example the B-pillar.

The Z06 side frame rails can be sectioned in five locations. General Motors recommends that Z06 repairs involving GMA (MIG) aluminum welding be done using pulsed-spray arc welding equipment.

16 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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advertorial

Virtual Purchasing Agent Free to the Shop H

ow much time do you spend sourcing, pricing, and repricing parts?

Far more than necessary in today’s computerized world, says Pablo Nieto, chief operating officer of First Choice Auto Repair Systems, which develops systems for different verticals, but has strong roots in the collision repair industry.

“You don’t know what car will show up or how it will be damaged,” he says. “Sure, if you’re taking care of a fleet, you will see some repeated types, but normally you never know. That leaves you having to work the phone or go to somebody’s website to search every time, and to different websites for different parts.”

That means every order is new. Every order is looking for parts in a world where inventory and pricing of OE, used, and aftermarket parts changes constantly. You send out requests, quotes come back, and then the phone calls start.

Even though the cost of parts is recognized as the single largest variable in creating an estimate, it also remains one of the most time-consuming. Estimating systems can’t know all the variables, so only about 30% of estimates can be verified without further work.

“The guy on the order desk is the indispensible guy. So how much time do you spend ordering your parts manually?”

Yes, there are systems that can help automate the ordering process, but what about your relationships? Do you really want a piece of software that will tell you who you have relationships with?

It doesn’t have to be this way, though.

Nieto says that the newly launched version of EZ Part Order.com allows shops to determine who they want to buy from, but streamlines the process significantly. You add your suppliers, and the order screens become selfbuilding from that point on.

“The way it all comes down is you waste a lot of time on the phone getting the right information. A purchasing agent has a lot of functions that permit a company to document purchases, budget, and determine the cost of acquisition.”

EZ Part Order handles those functions. “It’s like a virtual purchasing agent,” says Nieto.

“It is functioning now and has huge capacity. It is firewalled and secure. Each business has its own user name and password and has complete control over its destination.”

And it’s free to the shop, he adds.

The whole goal in developing the system was to provide shops with the ability to get accurate parts pricing, maintain their supplier relationships, and to get the estimate out in the same day with accurate information so that additions will be minimized.

“Additions always slow down the cheque,” he adds.

“The guy at the end of the food chain has the VIN and knows the parts for the vehicle. The key is to be able to close the estimate the same day, and with a cost of parts that agrees with your estimate. EZ Part Order makes that easy.”

18 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

april First Choice p18.indd 18

08/04/11 1:14 PM

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06/04/11 2:16 PM

waterborne supplement

How Low-VOC

Can You Go? U.S. company may have a solvent solution

By J.D. Ney

F

or years, the conventional wisdom in the industry has been that in order to meet the latest raft of governmental legislation concerning the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in automotive refinish paint, the solution was waterborne. Unfortunately for many, that solution has been expensive, time-consuming, and troublesome. Not only was new equipment required, but many have reported cost increases and efficiency struggles along the way. In fact, in our most recent waterborne conversion survey, 61% of respondents told us their overall operating costs have increased since their conversion, and over 68% of those who took the survey said their material costs have increased as well.

For those who may long for the days of solvent-based paint, with its low cost, well-known predictable characteristics and quick drying time, there is at least one company about to launch its product in Canada that says, despite what you may have heard, solvent isn’t the four-letter word it’s been made out to be.

“The larger paint companies have created this impression, and driven home the point that waterborne is the only solution to the low-VOC legislation,” says Albert Banoun, president of Alsa Corporation, based in Los Angeles, California. “That’s just not the case.”

According to Banoun, the conversation has been shifted by these larger companies from one where low-VOC is the standard—which is what the legislation that both California and Canada WB

20 THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO WATERBORNE CONVERSION

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have actually put limits on—to one in which waterborne paints are seen as the new requirement. “Most of the big European companies have been making only waterborne paint in Europe for years, and so when the legislation was passed in California, they already had a product to sell. So, rather than engineer a new, low-VOC solvent-based product, they simply used the product and the equipment they already had in place.”

And that, says Banoun, is where his smaller paint company comes in. “We’ve spent the last five years developing our line of low-VOC solvent-based paints, and I can’t describe the positive feedback we’re receiving,” he says. “There’s no doubt that most shops would rather be spraying solvent-based paint. They know how to use it, they’re used to it, and so our product gives the exact same functionality as the paint they’re used

to, and more importantly, provides the same throughput ability.”

The secret, according to Alsa Corp., is its use of what Banoun says are “exempt solvents” that the legislation has cited as being low- or zeroVOC, such as methylacetate, acetone, and a proprietary solvent called oxo-100. “With our own additive packages, we’ve achieved low- or zeroVOC in the vast majority of our product line, and in fact, by the end of the year, we’re looking to get to zero-VOC across the board,” he says.

The other good news, according to Alsa, is that its line of solventbased low-VOC paint comes in much closer to the cost of the old stuff, which as many owners know, can be anywhere from 20 to 70% cheaper than waterborne. Plus, shops won’t have to re-tool. “Everything stays the same,” says Banoun. “But if you’ve already bought new equipment like new spray guns, our product will work with them too.”

While it may be several months yet before owners across the country can start looking into this new option in earnest—Banoun says a shipment is headed to the company’s first Canadian distributor, located in Montreal, soon— it may well be worth investigation, particularly for shops who are struggling with their waterborne conversion.

www.VOCcompliance.com

08/04/11 1:15 PM

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waterborne supplement

Wade In the

Water

Top technical tips for painting with waterborne.

By J.D. Ney

O

ver the last few years, we’ve dedicated a number of pages every year to talking about the conversion to waterborne paints, and challenges associated with that transition. From new regulations to equipment and products, we’ve pretty much had the industry covered since the laws were initially debated years ago.

But now, with the regulations in place, and the vast majority of shops already using the new paint—some for several years now—it’s time to move beyond the logistical details of the conversion, and look instead at the actual product in its application. So, to help provide some technical advice for painters today, WB

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Bodyshop Magazine turned to Robert Hill, training specialist, Ontario with PPG, and Gerry Grenier, Canadian technical manager, AkzoNobel, and here’s what they had to offer.

Equipment Essentials: When spraying with waterborne, you have to make sure you’re using a spray gun specifically designed for the new paint. According to the experts, who’ve both walked dozens of shops through the process and provided troubleshooting for countless more, some spray guns not suited to waterborne have developed corrosion issues over time, and as a result, produce a less-than-stellar finished product.

Cleaning the gun: While cleaning your gear has always been an important part of the job, experts say that when it comes to waterborne paint, that importance is increased dramatically. Because of the way waterborne is formulated, paint left in a gun after a job will dry, and will not necessarily revert back to a liquid when used again. As a result, cleaning specifications from both your gun manufacturer and paint supplier should be followed closely, and be constantly reviewed.

Getting Hot in Here: With waterborne paints, you have to pay much Continued on page 24

www.VOCcompliance.com

08/04/11 12:48 PM

800.776.0933

ProSprayFinishes.com

ProSprayH2O.com

The Ultimate in Refinishing Technology and Value

pro spray p23.indd 23

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waterborne supplement

Continued from page 22

closer attention to control factors like temperature and humidity. While the old solvent stuff could be temperamental when it came to Canada’s humid summer months, waterborne is even more so.

As a result, in the warmer months, you’re going to have to increase airflow. According to the manufacturer’s experts, quad systems can help with this problem.

Feel The Strain: With solvent-based paints, it was common to see filters in the 200-micron range. Today, given that waterborne basecoats are considerably different in their composition, some manufacturers recommend the use of 125-mil filters, for better results. Painters can, however, still use 200s for sealer and clearcoats, so when painting a customer’s vehicle, you just have to be more aware of what you’re doing, and switch to the appropriate filter for the given task.

Compression Congestion: In today’s challenging economy, many shops across the country are having a difficult time justifying the large capital expenditures that can come along with the conversion WB

24 THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO WATERBORNE CONVERSION

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to waterborne paints. While the pros say that having the latest quads and air circulation equipment is ideal, they also note that many shops they visit are trying to make do, for now, with blowers and hand dryers. And while that solution will work for many applications, it’s also important to make sure you’ve got the right compressor. Given all of the extra work compressors are being put through today, regular checks and maintenance—and ensuring the compressor is the right size and capacity—are also of vital importance if you don’t want to experience any dreaded downtime.

If it’s not the right size, you may well avoid downtime for a while, but a failure could be lurking, and more to the point, your everyday cycle time is likely being slowed by a compressor that’s just not sized for the job.

Never-Ending Storing: Welcome to Canada! When it comes to spraying waterborne paint here, we get the worst of both worlds. In summer, the product can suffer from humidity-related drying issues if proper airflow is absent; and in winter, if it’s not stored in a climate-controlled environment, it can freeze. While solventbased paint could always, technically, do the same, it takes a colder day to accomplish the transformation. With waterborne, you simply have to be more careful of your storage area temperature, as the paint will freeze at higher temperatures.

You Can’t Hide: With waterborne, you can’t hide tiny imperfections as well as you could with the first layer of solventbased paint. As a result, there is an increased level of importance placed on the work you do prior to even starting to spray. Steps like cleaning the new surface and, especially, degreasing take on added importance. Skip these steps at your peril.

Stay Active: Because of the various colours and finishes available today, make sure you’re using the recommended amount of activator for the job. If you

assume that the rule for one job is the same as the others because you’re using the same brand, you could end up doing the job twice, as the finish will be rougher and just not as nice.

Clean it Again: Cleaning the guns is one thing, but what about the rest of it?

Experts say that environmental dust and dirt are one of the leading problems for waterborne users. So the cleaner you can keep your booth, your painting gear, and your shop, the better the results. And, because of the added need for airflow, the importance of cleaning just about everything is only increased. Now, any dust or dirt on the car when it rolls into the booth will almost invariably show up in your paint job.

Shaken or Stirred: Some manufacturers today have gone with a no-stir toner.

Make sure you read the instructions from the various manufacturers carefully, to figure out where stirring is still the requirement, or where shaking is the way to go.

Owner’s Bonus: Many owners across the country today seem to think that a young painter is an inexperienced painter, and therefore can’t or won’t do the job very well. However, given the recent switch to waterborne, some trainers are finding that it’s the younger crowd that have adapted to the new shop realities, or rather have simply worked all of their short professional lives with waterborne as their only paint. Without having any of their own “old solvent tricks” that they have used for decades, a young painter may no longer be the risk to quality and efficiency he once was. This isn’t to say that experienced painters are no longer making the grade—quite the opposite, in most cases. It’s just to point out that old habits often die hard, and those for whom waterborne is simply all they’ve ever worked with seem to be doing quite well with the latest technologies and techniques.

www.VOCcompliance.com

08/04/11 12:49 PM

3MTM Perfect-ItTM Denibbing System

The revolutionary NEW system that allows:

A Perfect

Finish

• Fast, Convenient Paint Finishing Repairs • Fewer Sanding and Polishing Steps • Improved Finishes • Minimal Compound or Polish Residue

For more information visit our website: www.3m.com/denib

3

3M and Perfect-It are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 2010, 3M. All rights reserved.1011-03902

3M™ Accuspray™ System HVLP Primer Gun

1. Reduces Primer Consumption – Minimizes overspray 2. Boosts Productivity – Lowers primer spraying time – Decreases primer sanding time – Reduces clean-up 3. Maximizes Benefits of the 3MTM PPSTM System – Reduces gun cleaning time – Uses less solvent for clean up – Decreases hazardous disposal cost – Improves productivity and profitability

For more information visit our website: www.3m.com/accuspraysystem 3M, PPS and Accuspray are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 2010, 3M. All rights reserved.1011-03901

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products

Urethane Ground Effects, 1982-1992 Camaro and I-ROC

Third-generation Camaro owners and enthusiasts have something to celebrate: restoring the exterior appearance of 1982-92 Camaro models just got easier. Until now, replacing the notoriously crackand sag-prone original urethane bumper covers and ground effects meant either finding a junkyard replacement or paying through the nose for “New-Old-Stock.” Long discontinued by GM, all-new OERAuthorized urethane reproductions of these highly sought-after bumper covers and ground effects are available once again at Classic Industries.

Carefully reproduced in high-strength urethane with the finest attention to detail, these front and rear bumper covers will replace warped, torn, or missing original bumper covers exactly. Each bumper is manufactured to factory specifications in superior modern urethane materials for good looks that will last, and features all mounting points required for installing ground effects.

In addition to these reproduction bumper covers, the ground effects packages for 1982-92 Z28 and IROC-Z models are also available. Manufactured in durable urethane to factory specifications, these Z28/IROC-Z ground effects are the perfect complement to a set of reproduction bumper covers. These are great alternatives to fixing beat-up junkyard ground effects and are a great way to create a convincing IROC clone.

Classic Industries 1-800-854-1280 www.classicindustries.com

Cordless Impact Wrench It might have the word micro in its name, but the new Snap-on ¼-inch Square Drive Micro Cordless Impact Wrench (CT525) is a big tool for getting jobs done fast and keeping you working longer with less downtime. The CT525 is powerful yet comfortable and can handle most jobs, big or small.

The wrench (CT525) features an over-sized forward/reverse cushion toggle-style trigger, allowing you to quickly toggle from forward to reverse with one-hand operation and less finger stress and strain. The glass-filled nylon housing is durable with highimpact strength for longer tool life. The maximum torque for the CT525 is 50 ft lbs. The CT525 can be used for a variety of repairs.

The tool includes a 7.2-volt cordless screwdriver (CT525DB), two battery packs (CTB5172), battery charger (CTC572) and soft-sided case (CTSC1), and can be used for a broad range of engine applications, such as Ford 4.6 litre, Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, and motorcycle engine applications.

Snap-On Tools 877-SNAPON-2 (877-762-7662) www.snapon.com

Alignment System Hunter’s HawkEye Elite systems bring Hunter customers unprecedented productivity and other profitable advantages. New and patented QuickGrip adaptors and three-dimensional targets accelerate service, with set-up times in seconds instead of minutes. Springloaded clamping arms adjust easily to various wheel sizes, and a simple thumb lever locks the clamp in place. Technicians can quickly attach the adaptors without concern for a perfectly centred target; off-centred positioning has no effect on measurement accuracy.

The system’s patented clamping arms grip the tire tread instead of the rim edge, removing the worry of damaging expensive rims from metal-to-metal contact. Only a protective rubber ring at the base of the adaptor contacts the rim. The entire adaptor and target assembly weighs only six lbs., making it easy to handle and install.

A special shop-tough polymer construction makes the assembly tolerant of accidental drops. The target itself contains no electronics and requires very little maintenance. Additionally, the assembly’s ultra-compact profile easily fits between narrow lift posts and other tight constraints.

New HawkEye Elite consoles include powerful Intel processors, running Hunter’s latest patented version of WinAlign alignment software on a Windows7 operating system. HawkEye Elite systems include Hunter’s CodeLink electronic steering system reset device and a VIN bar code scanner as standard features. The software supports the use of a drive-on camera to assist with positioning the vehicle on the lift, and the TouchRemote feature lets a technician operate the system remotely using an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad device.

Hunter www.hunter.com

Hole Cutter Kit Blair Rotabroach Cutters are available in a 15-piece kit that is perfect for every toolbox. Rotabroach Cutters make holes three times faster and last ten times longer than twist drills or hole saws. Designed for materials up to ¼” thick, these tools are ideal for any type of metal fabrication.

Blair Equipment Company (810) 635-7111 www.blairequipment.com

26 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Mirka_Net_Sep2010.pdf

1

2/9/11

12:06 PM

• • • •

Vac or Non-Vac Aggressive cut rate Extended product life Cleaner environment

C

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Innovative net sanding products for exceptional surface finishing.

Mirka’s family of net products include discs, sheets and rolls.

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Mirka P27.indd 27

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products

LED Work Light

Oil Stain Remover

The Streamlight Knucklehead is a revolutionary new LED work light that is designed to put light where it is needed. With an innovative 360-degree rotating head, a powerful magnet, and retractable hook, the lightweight Knucklehead gives users a variety of ways to target bright white light to assist in any task. The light is both cordless and hands-free, provides a smooth flood light pattern for close-up work, and can be attached to most contoured steel surfaces. The Knucklehead is available in both rechargeable and alkaline battery C4® LED models. Microprocessorcontrolled technology provides multiple modes of operation, including high and low intensity, emergency flash, and a long-running moonlight mode.

Streamlight Inc. www.streamlight.com

Having a clean and bright shop makes it more inviting to customers.

However, keeping your bays clean is a constant challenge.

QUIKRETE’s Oil Stain Remover is the perfect premium product to keep your concrete floors clean and your customers smiling.

QUIKRETE’s Oil Stain Remover absorbs and lifts tough stains from concrete without scrubbing.

Easy to use, it is ideal for service bay floors, garage floors, driveways, patios, and other concrete surfaces, leaving them with a professional look.

Valspar Corp.

866-222-8714 www.quikretecoatings.com

Compressed Air System

WE’RE GROWING FOR THE FUTURE! We are MITEK Fine Automobile Body & Paint and we are building a state of the art 15,000-square-foot facility in Kitchener, Ont. We are looking for all new shop & office equipment, receiving information and taking proposals from suppliers.

Please send pricing and contract offers by e-mail only to info@mitekautobody.com.

Please no phone calls.

The Solution from Martech is a complete compressed air system designed to clean, dry, and heat the atomizing air for today’s spray paint requirements. It is easy to use, simple to install, and affordable to maintain. The Solution is the result of years of experience and testing, to bring to the market the solution to today’s needs for atomizing air that works well with both waterborne and solventbased paint systems.

The four-stage filtration is outfitted with an automatic moisture discharger. Then the clean air is further filtered to remove moisture content for super dry air. A controller, with digital outputs, allows the user to set the temperature of the atomizing air up to 165 degrees F. The Solution is shipped complete with a 3/8” ID x 35 foot spray air hose.

Martech Services Company 1-800-831-1525 www.breathingsystems.com

28 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Automotive Internet Directory

Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com. To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact aross@jobbernews.com

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Standard Auto Wreckers View Our Online Inventory @ www. standardautowreckers. com or call 416-286-8686.

Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

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

HAND CLEANERS

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

Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers

GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming”

REFRIGERANT

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS

Duracool Refrigerants

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

Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing www.carcone.com With over 32 years of experience Carcone’s Auto Recycling & Wheel Refinishing is your one stop for quality recycled products and wheel refinishing needs. Call today at 1-800-263-2022 or visit us on line at www.carcone.com

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

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS Bestbuy Distributors Limited

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

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

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

advertiser index 3M

25

www.3m.com/denib

3M

25

www.3m.com/accuspraysystem

Alsa

14

www.alsarefinish.com

Craftsman Collision

16

info@craftsmancollision.com

DuPont Performance Coatings

5

www.cromax.dupont.com

Evercoat

2

www.evercoat.com

FBS

7

www.fbs-online.com

First Choice Auto Repair Systems

19

www.ezpartorder.com

Lord Fusor

31

www.Fusor.com

Maaco

9

www.maaco.ca

Mirka

27

www.mirka.com

MITEK Fine Automobile Body & Paint

28

mike@mitekautobody.com

Paintline Products Inc

17

www.paintline.ca

PPG Canada

13

www.ppgrefinish.com

Pro-Spray Automotive Refinishes

23

www.ProSprayFinishes.com

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Refinishes

32

www.sherwin-williams.com

Spray-Tech Junair

23

www.spraytech.com

Wanda Waterbase

15

www.wandarefinish.com

JOBBER NEWS / APRIL 2011

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Stay up to date at www. VOCcompliance.com www.bodyshopbiz.com l April 2011 l Bodyshop XX29

08/04/11 12:32 PM 01/04/11 7:44 AM

from the publisher

Fight Inefficiency It is my sincerest hope that with the changeover to low-VOC products now pretty much completed, the industry can put the transition phase behind us and start looking at moving ahead.

There’s a long list of areas that need attention. As important as it has been to acknowledge our environmental responsibility, the process has served as a distraction from other industry issues, not the least of which is improving the profit picture for those who must execute repairs.

Certainly part of that improved bottom line could, and should, come from a modernized arrangement with insurance partners, one that reflects the true picture of repair costs and business realities of today. That is a long-term goal for the industry as a whole, but one battle that you can fight within your four walls is the war on inefficiency.

Few things will muck up the works more than a long list of supplements. It adds time to the whole repair and estimate approval process, holds up your cheque, and does little to build the image of professionalism in the eyes of those all-important insurance partners. The delays that can result don’t do much to help your image in the eyes of the car owner, either.

The start-and-stop effect of supplements is really what kills your process and your profit. To be fair, recent research has shown that the percentage of jobs that have required supplements has dropped of late—by almost one-fifth—and the dollar amounts have also dropped, but coming out of the economic trough that we have leads me to suspect that this may be more a reflection of a reluctance to pursue the matter, rather than an indication that shops have suddenly shifted to a whole new process en masse.

In any case, the percentage of jobs requiring supplements is far from zero. Process solutions come by many names, but what they share is a detailed evaluation of the repair at the outset. This repair process planning arrangement starts with a detailed disassembly, estimating, and ordering process (in place of a haphazard system of partial disassembly, best guesses, and the subsequent raft of supplements when new damage is found).

The most commonly ordered supplements, revealed at a CCIF presentation last year, I found personally startling. Radiators were responsible for nearly one-quarter of all supplements, with rear bumper brackets a close second, responsible for just more than one-fifth of all supplements. Care to guess what came third? Front bumper brackets.

Now, setting aside what would seem to be an obvious fact—that front and rear collisions should spur at least an inspection of these parts—if you had three parts that were continually being added to repairs after the fact, wouldn’t you look into it?

In cases like this, I suspect that shops know full well the probability of these parts being required, but in order to deal with the dynamics of their relationship with the insurance partner and adjuster, opt to make the addition of supplements part of their de-facto operating process.

Whatever the reason, the practice of accepting supplements as an inevitable part of the process for nearly half of all repairs is a large part of what is killing efficiency at the shop level. Even small additions can add as much as a day and a half onto the repair, and even more to the time it takes for you to get your cheque (which costs money, too).

It just makes no sense and it doesn’t have to be this way, but it’s up to you, the owner, to make the change happen and make it stick.

Supplements may be killing your bottom line. It’s time to fight back.

B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

30 Bodyshop l April 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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