Bodyshop October 2011

October 2011

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

2011 Bodyshop Custom Refinish Award Winner

360 Fabrication

Comes Full-Circle PLUS:

New Generation of Abrasives Welding Equipment: Upgrades and Updates Crash Parts Survey: Shops Speak Out CANADA POST CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069240

OCTOBER BODYSHOP COVER 2011.indd 1

Visit www.bodyshopbiz.com

19/10/11 11:50 AM

Paint • People • Performance

Offering More than just a Can of Paint Exceptional sales, service and support have earned Rondex, the elite status of #1 Largest Independent Jobber for DuPont Performance Coatings in Western Canada, the world leader in automotive finishes. This symbol is your quality assurance that we meet the highest standards in the industry. It means you can count on us to provide a lot more than products. You can count on us to supply the complete package (quality product, impeccable service and competitive pricing) in such areas as process improvement, personnel and inventory management, innovative products, and state of the art equipment.

Together, DuPont Performance Coatings and Rondex bring you the products and practices to help your business prosper. We want nothing more than success for our customers. To support this we become a trustworthy partner for your business. We offer reliable and consistent delivery, accurate inventory management, in-house technical assistance, management consulting services, endless amounts of information to keep you abreast of industry trends along with the most experienced staff in the industry.

Talk to a Rondex EXPERT Today www.rondex.ca Toll Free: 1-877-766-3392 RONDEX MANITOBA 177 Isabel St. WINNIPEG MB R3A 1G8 Phone: 204-943-4531 Fax: 204-942-0631

RONDEX P2.indd 2

R O N D E X O N TA R I O 237 Barton E, Unit 101 STONEY CREEK ON L8E 2K4 Phone: 289-649-0123 Fax: 289-649-0120

R O N D E X VA N C O U V E R I S L A N D NANAIMO VICTORIA 3043 Barons Rd. V9T 3Y6 676 Alpha St. V9T 3Y6 Phone: 250-758-2416 Phone: 289-649-0123 Fax: 250-758-2417 Fax: 250-590-7143

05/10/11 10:06 AM

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

October 2011 l Volume 41, Issue 5

Features 4

Automotive Service & Repair Week Gets It Right

10

The New Generation of Abrasives

16

Welding Equipment: Technology Update

24

Bodyshop Crash Parts Survey: Shops Speak Out

First NACE event outside Las Vegas in years goes over well.

New paint technology means new abrasives.

Proliferation of new materials requires a new approach.

Shops are looking for a more balanced approach.

10

24

Cover Story

18

360 Fabrication Comes Full-Circle

2011 Custom Refinish Award Winning Shop

16

In Every Issue 4 27 29

News Products Advertiser Index

29 30

Internet Directory From the publisher

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Annual Collision Industry Directory; Spray Guns In Focus; Business Software Update. www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 3

OCTOBER Contents p3.indd 3

18/10/11 9:10 AM

news

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

ASRW Industry Forums Deliver Valuable Solutions

PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Martha Uniacke Breen SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@bodyshopbiz.com

A

utomotive Service & Repair Week’s first event outside of Las Vegas has proven to be successful.

The Orlando, Fla., event attracted strong East Coast crowds, consistent attendance at the autobody and mechanical educational sessions, and solid interaction at industry forums.

Just over a year ago, when Automotive Service & Repair Week embarked on a separation from Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and the SEMA Show in particular, it was unclear how the change would be perceived.

However, a strong slate of exhibitors, show floor events, and industry forums provided a successful recipe.

Comments from exhibitors and attendees were positive, with most reflecting the sentiment that the tight focus of the show, particularly the NACE portion focused on the autobody sector, provided an efficient experience for both. And many also welcomed the shift from Las Vegas, seeing it as an opportunity to bring the event to businesspeople who would not normally travel to Las Vegas.

This year’s ASRW Industry Forum was a particularly outstanding success for both collision repair and mechanical industry professionals in attendance.

The forums took place Wednesday, October 5th during the fourth annual Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), and were immediately followed by a networking reception sponsored

by Toyota Wholesale Parts at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

The forum and reception concluded the first day of education at ASRW 2011, featuring the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) events.

Designed as a vehicle to discuss relevant, thought-provoking topics, the forums were filled with shop owners, managers, and technicians. Moderator of the Collision Forums and Collision Hub Founder Kristen Felder said, “I was impressed to see the diversity of shop owners and employees coming together to discuss their business in a friendly and appreciative matter.”

The first Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) Symposium also provided strong content to a sold-out crowd of 150. The day-long event, which took place at the Orange County Convention Center, featured educational sessions specific to MSOs, a lunch presentation, and an evening networking reception.

“The MSO Symposium was one of the most highly anticipated events at ASRW 2011, and it far surpassed all expectations we had for our first effort,” said ASA president Ron Pyle. “We received a tremendous response to this event, both from attendees and sponsors. We have a lot of people to thank for the success of the event, and we look forward to making the symposium bigger and better for 2012.”

Pyle continued, “We really took the time to look forward and see what’s on the horizon of everyone’s needs in the industry. These are the topics that are affecting the industry right now and in the years to come.”

The 2012 edition of Automotive Service & Repair Week, including the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress on Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), is scheduled for New Orleans October 10-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.

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.

Nor may any part of this publication be stored in a retrieval system of any nature without prior written consent.

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

From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 1-800-268-7742 Fax: 416-442-2191 E-Mail: privacyofficer@bizinfogroup.ca Mail to: Privacy Officer, Business Information Group, 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.

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

4 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCTOBER News p4,6,8.indd 4

18/10/11 11:13 AM

Stay ahead of the curve in a changing world.

Changes have driven the automotive finishing business in new directions.

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

Make sure your business stays ahead of the curve.

Talk to your local DuPont Representative or call 1.800.668.6945.

Products change. High standards don’t.

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

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

DP1559_BrCar_CoR_A_E_.indd 1

02/08/11 4:49 PM

Dupont p5.indd 5

11/10/11 7:40 AM

news

Continued from page 4

Alldata to Supply Collision Solutions Network R

epair information provider Alldata LLC has entered into an agreement with Collision Solutions Network Inc. (CSN) for its Collision S3500 product.

Alldata Collision S3500 is designed to meet the challenges of today’s technologically advanced vehicles. It offers the most complete information system in the collision industry, allowing users to search Alldata’s vast database of more than 32,000 engine-specific vehicles. It

includes OE procedures such as sectioning and structural repairs, handling of new materials, and panel removal and replacement. Unique to Alldata Collision S3500 are diagnostic testing data and procedures for resetting and reprogramming electronic systems. It also incorporates vehicle-specific mechanical repair procedures and up-to-date technical service bulletins (TSBs).

NSF International Certifies First Distributor N

SF International has certified the first automotive parts distributor under the new NSF International Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program, which certifies distributors who sell automotive collision parts.

The program addresses the needs of collision repair shops, insurers, and ultimately consumers, as it requires distributors to have quality management systems in place that address parts traceability, service, and quality.

The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program helps close the gap in the supply chain between part manufacturers and body shops.

LKQ Corporation, a distributor of collision parts, is the first company to earn this automotive parts distributor certification from NSF International.

The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program complements the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program, which certifies actual automotive collision replacement parts (e.g., steel bumpers, step bumpers, brackets, rebars, sheet metal, lighting, and absorbers).

The latter program certifies that the parts meet rigid quality, safety, and per-

formance standards in terms of form, fit, and function.

“Launched in July as an extension of NSF International’s public health and safety mission, the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program certifies the ability of distributors such as LKQ to meet rigid performance standards, including having an effective system to track orders and parts,” says Bob Frayer, director of NSF International’s Automotive Parts Certification Programs and Engineering Laboratories. “Through its certification, LKQ Corporation has demonstrated its commitment to the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program and its support for the program’s rigid performance standards.”

Says Terry Fortner, LKQ vice-president of industry relations and market development, “LKQ Corporation is proud to be the first NSF-certified distributor under the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program. We believe NSF’s unique program adds another stringent quality assurance process within parts distribution that ultimately benefits our customers.”

Maaco Announces Cambridge, Ont., Location

M

aaco Systems Canada has announced the opening of a new Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting location in Cambridge, Ont. John McCready and his staff opened the 6,500-sq.ft. location at 2200 Eagle Street North, right beside NAPA Auto Parts and Canada Motor Car. McCready is a car enthusiast (he used to own a ’53 Chevy) and has previous experience in the commercial and institutional markets as an owner/operator.

GFS Announces Major Investment in Headquarters

G

lobal Finishing Solutions LLC has announced a $10 million dollar investment in its facilities located at the Osseo, Wisconsin corporate offices.

The expansion is designed to support the company’s ongoing growth and increasing demand for its products. The investment will allow for expansion of manufacturing facilities, offices, and the addition of new equipment and machinery within the manufacturing areas.

Summit Software Launches Social Media Advertising Platform

S

ummit Software and Mobile Solutions has announced the release of DigitalDeals, an advertising, promotions, and e-couponing platform that allows auto bodyshops to create, manage, and measure email, text, Internet, and social media-based advertisements, promotions, and coupons.

According to Summit, this new platform will provide shops with the ability Continued on page 8

6 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCTOBER News p4,6,8.indd 6

18/10/11 11:15 AM

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF SERVICE? THE PARTS. Start the job right with quality Ford collision parts. They’re new Original Equipment parts complete with a lifetime warranty y* and engineered g specifi p cally y for all Ford and Lincoln vehicles. So the vehicle maintains tains its earned safety rating. And looks and performs like it did before the accident. t. For the best fit and more satisfied customers, choose Ford collision parts from your local cal Ford Store. See dealer for details.

*Ford Protection Plan is only available for non-commercial cars and light trucks. If an eligible Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-approved part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, wear out or rust through, it will be replaced at no charge as long as the original purchaser of the part owns the vehicle on which the part was installed. Labour is covered for the first 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever occurs first) after the date of installation. Emergency brake pads are not eligible under this plan. See Service Advisor for complete details and limitations.

13899_A_R2_PSACollision_8.125x10.875.indd 1 FORD P7.indd 7

9/22/11 11:06 AM 05/10/11 10:08 AM

news

Continued from page 6

to create an unlimited number of digital advertisements, special promotions, and digital coupons whereby they can manage content, images, and pricing, as well as how many units can be purchased by the consumer. The DigitalDeals platform also allows shops to create and distribute coupons vie email, text message, or their website or Facebook page, while tracking how well their digital advertising, promotions, and coupons perform

through a simple but powerful tracking and reporting system. Summit states that all existing Help I Crashed My Car customers will receive the DigitalDeals platform at no charge.

Frank Terlep, Summit’s CEO and the creator of DigitalDeals, states, “All small businesses need to advertise and market their businesses digitally. Print, TV, and radio advertising are relatively expensive and their results continue to decline. At

APPOINTMENTS BASF Automotive Refinish has announced that Vitor Margaronis, who started his BASF career in Canada, has been named marketing director for BASF Coatings, North America. In his new role, Vitor is responsible for directing the marketing activities of the BASF Automotive Refinish, OEM, Industrial, and Commercial Transport Systems businesses. Vitor comes to the BASF North America Coatings team after a 10-year history that began at BASF in Canada. During his tenure, Vitor has held several managementlevel positions with increasing responsibility in the areas of marketing, finance, logistics operations, and project management. Vitor has a bachelor of commerce degree and an MBA in marketing from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. “With his deep understanding of BASF businesses, customers, and markets, Vitor is an excellent addition to our team. His varied and diverse experiences across BASF position him well for continued success,” says Juan Carlos Ordonez, senior vice-president, BASF Coatings North America.

AkzoNobel has appointed Margret Kleinsman as general manager for Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas (A&AC). Kleinsman, an AkzoNobel veteran, has held key management positions in multiple units throughout AkzoNobel. In this assignment, she will lead the A&AC Vehicle Refinishes and Commercial vehicle business operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America. “Margret has a proven leadership track record and brings an unprecedented perspective to our businesses in the Americas,” says Jim Rees, global general manager for Automotive & Aerospace Coatings. “The collision repair market in the Americas is constantly evolving. New automotive technologies, a growing interest in sustainable business practices, and the need to develop a more knowledgeable and diverse workforce, each are key issues that AkzoNobel must embrace. Margret’s background and experience will be extremely beneficial as our industry evolves and we work to bring new innovations to help our customers in these areas.” In commenting on her appointment, Kleinsman says, “The Americas are considered to be a key strategic sector for AkzoNobel. A&AC has earned a leadership position within the Americas by delivering superior products and services that enable our distribution partners and collision repair customers to build and maintain sustainable businesses. I look forward to continuing to be an agent for change that will aid all stakeholders in advancing our mutual interests.” Kleinsman is preceded as general manager of A&AC Americas by A.B. Ghosh. Ghosh will assume the position of global general manager for AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, headquartered in Sassenheim, The Netherlands.

the same time, online, email, text, and social media advertising, promotions, and coupons are very inexpensive and consumer interest in this media is growing exponentially. Shops can use DigitalDeals to advertise and promote their businesses via email, text message, or their website and Facebook pages for about $2 per day.”

“King Richard” Goes Green

B

ASF Automotive Refinish has announced that Richard Petty, famed NASCAR driver and one of the most respected figures in motorsports, has converted Petty’s Garage to BASF R-M Onyx HD waterborne paint.

“King Richard” Petty is known in racecar circles for a trademark shade of light blue that is prominent on his racing cars.

“Petty Blue” was born out of necessity when he ran out of paint and mixed two different colours to finish a job.

“As a longtime user of BASF, I trust the R-M line of paints and coatings for my cars. I am proud to offer Petty’s Garage customers and employees a lower-VOC option in the Onyx HD waterborne,” states Petty.

A customer of BASF since 1969, Bunk Long, Richard Petty’s longtime master painter and BASF R-M certified refinishing specialist, recalls first spraying BASF R-M Diamont solventborne. “I have used other paints from time to time, but I always came back to R-M,” says Long. When asked about converting to waterborne paints for the good of the shop, inside and out, he readily agreed.

The first car to be painted with Onyx HD waterborne at Petty’s Garage is another first: the first Richard Petty Signature Series Mustang.

“The Ford Mustang from Petty’s Garage is a natural progression in the line of performance vehicles tuned by racing’s first family,” says Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs, designers of the Richard Petty Signature Series Mustang. “I am proud and honoured to create the visual direction for what will undoubtedly be a new legacy for years to come.”

The Mustang will be on display in the BASF booth at SEMA 2011, Nov. 1-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

8 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCTOBER News p4,6,8.indd 8

18/10/11 11:17 AM

Behind every great bodyshop owner stands a great paint brand.

Making a strong organization even stronger, that’s what Process Center Environments (PCE) from AkzoNobel is all about. A set of operational practices uniquely designed and structured for the collision repair industry; PCE has enabled Brandywine Coach Works to see true bottom line benefits. “Akzo has been very good to us in terms of showing us new ideas, says David Schiltz, the owner of Brandywine. “We can process vehicles through much faster today,” said Schiltz, sighting a specific example of improvements resulting from PCE. In the past it sometimes took five days before we got started on a car. Today, we start working on every car within 24 hours.”

To find out more about how to speed up your operations and increase your profits, visit us on the web at www.paintitwithwater.com.

CREATING TOGETHER

Akzo_BSPcan_ad2a.indd 1 AKZO P9.indd 9

9/15/11 2:29 PM 05/10/11 10:09 AM

abrasives

NEW GENERATION OF ABRASIVES

Getting the Job Done Faster an

Waterborne transition makes prep quality even mo

10 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT Abrasives p10,11,12,14.indd 10

11/10/11 7:43 AM

abrasives

by Martha Uniacke Breen

T

ES

er and Better

ven more critical.

o the average layperson, abrasives may seem like fairly low-tech, simple tools, with a simple function: to abrade and polish paint coatings and fillers till the surface is smooth and ready for painting.

But in fact, it’s one of the critical keys to a professional job, and the wrong abrasive, wrongly applied, can lead to all sorts of problems – ranging from increased labour time to, in the worst case, a comeback that can cost a shop much more than investing in the right product the first time.

There’s no question that the modern bodyshop faces a number of crucial issues, one of the biggest being how to maximize efficiencies and trim costs wherever possible.

As Peter Stein of Indasa USA says, “Money, time, and results are the three critical ingredients [for a successful shop]. Given advances in paints, the issue of insurance allowances, and overall productivity of any bodyshop, the decisions made on prep materials have to maximize all three, allowing the shop to finish a job to the satisfaction of a customer and still make money. The owner must determine at what level he will operate on – and the choice of prep materials, and for that matter, all the materials needed to complete a job, will follow suit.”

When you’re looking at every aspect of the shop to trim costs and maximize throughput, the temptation to cut corners on a small-ticket item that customers will never see, or to stick with the same old product you’ve been using for years, is understandable. But, as John Booth of Mirka Abrasives observes, going with a lower-quality paper just to shave a few pennies off the bottom line is a fool’s game.

“Compare it to paint,” he says. “You’d never compromise on quality there; but your prep materials are just as crucial. In a $2 million shop, you should be spending maybe $20 thousand on paper; but just to save a few pennies, you could end up sacrificing a lot more in quality and productivity.”

Indasa’s Stein explains why. “Advances in paint today have greatly affected the industry,” he says. “Coupled with overall better-quality cars, the replacement parts now offered, and the continuing expansion of tools and products for the bodyshop owner to choose from, have all raised expectations for the consumer.”

Just as paint itself has changed considerably over the last few years, abrasive technology itself has had to keep pace with new formulations and advances in other materials – as well as improvements that enhance the overall shop environment itself, which may be the next major frontier for the bodyshop industry, after the introduction of waterborne paints a few years ago.

Continued on page 12

Mirka upgraded its Gold abrasive product to perform faster and with less clogging using extra strong aluminium oxide and optimized grain distribution. www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 11

OCT Abrasives p10,11,12,14.indd 11

11/10/11 7:44 AM

abrasives

Continued from page 11

Part of the problem, as 3M’s Leanne Hayward explains, is that waterborne paints are less forgiving and have considerably closer tolerances than older solvent-borne formulations, requiring the use of finer grits for a truly smooth finish. In fact, the introduction of waterborne has forced technicians to pay much closer attention to each finishing step.

“These coatings aren’t as forgiving as their predecessors and require proper prep procedures, as outlined by the paint companies, to deliver a rewarding end result,” she says. “In some instances, the paint manufacturers are recommending that higher-grade abrasives be used.”

The trouble is, a finer grit presents several problems: faster clogging and dulling of the paper surface, shortening paper life and reducing efficiency; and of course, the need to take extra care to prevent the very fine dust that results from pervading the atmosphere.

(Waterborne, by its very nature, is also much less tolerant of stray dust particles in the air, partly due to its longer drying times.)

Some of the new generation of products, like 3M’s Clean Sand, are designed to provide

better management of sanding dust in a better, longer-lasting abrasive, without sacrificing cut rate. “Developing hole configurations that allow for the most effective dust extraction, with or without a vacuum system, has been a key advancement in creating fast-cutting, long-

lasting abrasives,” Hayward says. “Enabling the dust to evacuate the surface of the abrasive keeps more mineral on the surface to do the work; this also helps to prevent errant scratches caused by paper loading. When combined Continued on page 14

Some of the new generation of products, like 3M’s Clean Sand, are designed to provide better management of sanding dust in a better, longer-lasting abrasive, without sacrificing cut rate.

12 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT Abrasives p10,11,12,14.indd 12

19/10/11 11:38 AM

Embrace Simplicity. Excel in Color.

Demand Value.

When you choose the Wanda complete refinish system, you enjoy three solid advantages. The first is simplicity. Wanda’s uncomplicated approach dramatically streamlines your day-to-day operation. The second is color. Wanda’s advanced “right-the-first-time” system eliminates costly mistakes in color matching and retrieval. And the third is value.

Wanda is priced to keep your shop competitive, while still delivering quality. And now with the addition of our all new Wanda Waterbase system, the Wanda 3-point advantage makes more sense than ever.

Simplicity. Color. Value. Expect the best of all three with Wanda.

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

Visit us at Nov.1-4 at Booth 24929

Wanda Simplicity, Color, Value_Brand Ad_Bodyshop Professional (Oct/Nov 2011)_Trim Size: 8.375”w x 11.125”h_with Bleed_4CP

AKZO wanda P13.indd 13

05/10/11 10:11 AM

abrasives

Continued from page 12

with a central or self-generated vacuum system, a cleaner shop will produce a better work environment, less paint contamination, and therefore cleaner results, with less time spent buffing.”

A key challenge has also been in moving from wet sanding to dry, which produces a better and faster result, but exacerbates both dust and clogging problems.

Sammy Yu of Eagle Abrasives points out that products like Kovax’s new generation of abrasives, distributed by Eagle, feature a special dry lubricant coating technology, designed specifically to reduce clogging and prevent deep scratches even at the finest grits, by exposing only the tip of the abrasive stone a little at a time.

Yu also touts the benefits of using vacuumassist systems as much as possible. “These systems not only improve productivity,” he observes, “but [lead to] a better and healthier working environment,” an ongoing issue both within the industry and from outside, both on the part of consumers and increasingly, government.

Stein points out that, logically, the end

✂

result is only as good as the prep. So along with higher grits, mesh backings and a means of controlling dust, other technologies include filmbacked and sponge-backed products that allow more manual control over pressure and bite, ceramic products, and other innovations, all designed to bring the process to the final stages and a beautiful finished product.

Sandpaper, in short, is no longer just sandpaper. The newest generation of abrasives is not like the older papers a tech may be used to using; they have different properties and are designed to be used in different ways. For this reason, all the major suppliers offer training in their special properties and proper usage, and encourage shops to consult their reps to arrange a session.

Some, like Mirka, also offer useful tools such as a wall chart to guide techs to the proper abrasives for a range of different tasks.

According to John Booth, the company

Sign Up Today!

Eagle’s Super Assilex is an example of the kind of dry sanding products that are becoming more popular.

also offers a number of unique services, including “benchmarking,” to help you see where to improve efficiency in the use of consumables such as abrasives.

“We measure what you’re doing, the cost breakdown per job, perpanel, etc., then show you how to maximize efficiencies and bring down the final costs.”

Overall, says 3M’s Hayward, “Being that consumables and allied costs are about 2-3% of a shop’s cost per repair, using top-quality materials that emphasize productivity while being long-lasting will produce savings. A higher-quality material will last longer and deliver more consistent results than a lesser product.”

Eagle’s Yu puts it more simply. “Look for the best products that are suitable for the job, not just the cheapest, since the wrong products will cost extra labour time – which is the most expensive portion of the total cost.”

Bodyshop Canada’s magazine for Collision repair professionals sinCe 1970

Fax us at (416) 510-6875 in Canada

In Toronto area, please phone (416) 510-6829 • Others 1-800-268-7742 • U.S.A. 1-800-387-0273

On-line: www.bodyshopbiz.com

3 q

Yes I want to subscribe/renew to Bodyshop Magazine for 1 year.

That’s only $39.95 plus GST USA: $61.95 (US funds only)

Please Print Clearly Name Job/Title Company Address

Payment terms

City

q Cheque enclosed, payable to Bodyshop

E-mail

q Visa

q Mastercard

q Amex

Tel:

Fax:

Account # Expiry Date

q Bill me at the regular price

Signature

Date Y

Y

M M

Get 6 issues of Bodyshop. Order today!

q q q q q q q q

OR UR X YOLABEL AFFIIN G L I A M Prov. HERE Postal Code

001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008

Publisher reserves the right to determine qualification my comPany’s main business activity at this location is: Bodyshops: Independent, Franchise and Chain Operations New Car Dealers Claims Manager/Claims Adjuster Company & Independent Fleet Service/Maintenance Shops (with body repair facilities) Specialized Repairs (Trim, Glass, Upholstery) Wholesalers of Bodyshop Supplies Manufactures, Sales Agents, Distributors Schools q 009 Others Allied to the Field

14 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

ReadReply.indd 42 OCT Abrasives p10,11,12,14.indd 14

2/10/09 10:43:14 AM 11/10/11 7:47 AM

LORD P15.indd 15

05/10/11 10:12 AM

welding

New Welding Equipment Safer,

Eliminates Guesswork

by Martha Uniacke Breen

T

he simple task of performing repairs that require welding has become much more complicated in the last few years, requiring smarter and more flexible equipment to produce a perfect result.

Ever more stringent demands on the part of both government and consumers to produce cars that are lighter and more fuel-efficient, while also being safer and corrosion-resistant, has led to a proliferation of new materials in auto manufacturing: everything from highstrength, low alloy (HSLA) steel to aluminum, stainless, silicon bronze, and even more exotic materials such as magnesium, boron, and carbon fibre. All have very different temperature, cutting, and joining requirements than traditional steels.

As Greg Coleman of Lincoln Electric observes, “All of these materials make correct repairs much harder to perform than in the past. [Also], joining methods at the manufacturer are moving in the direction of laser welding, new high-tech forms of brazing, and various adhesives.

These changes in materials and joining methods make it difficult for bodyshops to keep up with technical developments and required changes in repair equipment and techniques.”

As a result, the newest equipment must be able not only to address a variety of different welding challenges, but also allow the shop much

greater flexibility, ease of use, and more precise control. One option is machines that can “read” the material and set themselves up automatically. Says Carol Gosselin of AMH Canada, “Sometimes the operator doesn’t know what kind of steel he is working with, so [some of] our welders are ‘user-friendly’ in this way. They determine the type and thickness of the material, then set themselves up automatically, so you can just start welding.” Alternatively, AMH’s Synergistic MIG welders allow the user to manually select the metal type, and the unit automatically adjusts the wire feed accordingly.

Along with easy dial-in setups, Coleman adds, “New inverter-based machines provide greater control over the heat input in the arc. These advances, along with advances in pulsed welding waveform control, offer much more control over warping and burnthrough on thin materials and greater flexibility in handling a wider variety of alloys.”

Recognizing that costs are always an important consideration in today’s shop, the two sister companies Hobart Welding and Miller Welding offer a variety of features at different price points, making them the Toyota and Lexus, respectively, of the welding world. “[With these two brands], we offer a selection of models for different needs and price levels while maintaining a high degree of quality,” explains Scott Rozmarynowski, who represents the Hobart brand. “For example,

16 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT welding p16,17.indd 16

11/10/11 7:36 AM

r,

k

welding

the Hobart models have stepped or tapped voltage control that is easier to use, whereas the higher-end Miller unit offers infinite control along with the auto-set feature, so you have much greater flexibility and ease of use.”

Gosselin explains that too much heat can damage the newer metals, so you need high-frequency spot welders that will deliver the power to effect a precise weld quickly at a lower temperature. For example, “The melting point of silicon bronze is about 900 degrees, instead of the 1,600 degrees for steel, so you need spot welders that can deliver high-frequency power in a short time and prevent heat-treating the metal.” Several of AMH’s models, such as the CompuSpot 900HF, are designed for this capability. Additionally, different metals require different feed rates and types of wire. Units like Hobart’s new-generation MIG units are spool-gun ready, while AMH’s models adjust easily according to the wire type and metal being welded.

In certain cases, versatility in power requirements can be an advantage. Most shops will have 220-volt capability within the shop, which is sufficient to power most high-performance welders, but an operator may need to weld where a 220V outlet is not available, such as outside. Some of Miller and Hobart’s latest models (and others) have multi-volt capability that allows you to simply change out the plug, and the unit instantly adjusts for 115-volt output.

The question of safety in the use of the equipment has become very important in recent years. AMH’s Gosselin points out that the hazard of magnetic fields generated by high-output welding amperages is much reduced with modern cables and other features, while Rozmarynowski refers to updated EPA requirements in the U.S., which have led to much more stringent guidelines in control and removal of fumes. Fume removal equipment is now an important part of every shop’s environmental equipment, for both safety and compliance.

All our spokesmen advise that you keep up to date with the latest governmental standards, and if needed, invest in or upgrade your fume removal facilities.

Greg Coleman observes that the welder itself is only part of the new-generation equipment available to the modern shop. “Every bodyshop should look at investing in a plasma cutting system. Plasma cutters can sever any conductive material – steel, stainless, aluminum, and other alloys – with a very clean edge. They move fast, set-up is easy, and travel speeds are quick, so it’s much easier to cut the panels or pieces you need with minimal set-up time. Some units can adapt to multiple voltage, and some carry an internal air compressor, so external air is not even required.”

Also, “Auto-darkening helmets are much more reliable, cost-effective, and uniformly offer a greater number of features than just a few years ago,” he says. “Our Viking helmets offer continuously variable shade from 6 to 13, and a grind mode allows the same helmet to be used as a grind shield. Control over sensitivity and delay fine-tune the helmet to the user’s environment, and magnifying ‘cheater’ lens capability means even the bifocal generation can see the weld without difficulty.”

Faced with the array of new features and capabilities, not to mention price points, it’s no longer a simple matter to replace or upgrade your welding equipment when the need arises.

AMH’s Gosselin advises that the place to start is to analyze the specific needs of the cars your shop encounters most often, and use that as a guide. “If you only do older cars, from 2005 and earlier, for example, you might not need the state-of-the-art equipment,” he says.

“However, many manufacturers have specific specifications for the equipment used on their cars, so you if you work on BMW or Audi, for example, you can only use them – you can’t make substitutions.”

Another consideration is the age and experience level of your techs. More experienced techs will be familiar enough with the new steels and other materials in modern cars and can save time (and therefore cost) with auto set-up units, whereas younger employees may find units that instantly recognize the material and adjust accordingly will help avoid costly mistakes and take the guesswork out of using the welder.

Finally, the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” applies as much to these machines as it does to everything else. “The industry is increasingly faced with competition from offshore manufacturers that offer a price, but may not meet needed requirements in quality and performance,” observes John Swartz of Miller Welding. “The question is, if the unit breaks down, are you able to obtain the warranty service you need, or better still, have it not break down at all?”

Given the proliferation of materials that the modern shop is faced with, finding the right tools to perform the task easily, safely, and with minimal time spent setting up and operating the equipment is critical.

“Shops, as always, are interested in the turnaround speed and flexibility of their equipment,” Coleman concludes. “Upgrading equipment for welding, cutting and personal protection, now offers the ability to increase speed and gain flexibility: more materials, greater arc control, better protection from helmets and even fume control, for compliance and safety.”

CAN YOU MANAGE TO MEET OUR STANDARDS? Shop Managers needed for busy collision repair centres in BC and Alberta Do you have the experience to run a large, busy shop?

Are you attentive to details? A good communicator? Able to multi-task and meet high performance metrics? As Canada's leading independent collision repair chain, we offer: • A leading-edge organization; • Incredibly strong team spirit; • Company vehicle with gas allowance; • Extended benefits including LTD and MSP. • Excellent base salary plus performance bonuses; E-mail us your résumé and a letter describing how your qualifications and experience fit the job. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Send to: info@craftsmancollision.com

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 17

OCT welding p16,17.indd 17

11/10/11 7:38 AM

cover

Daryl (left) and Rick Francoeur in front of their Abbotsford shop.

Behind them is the motorcycle Daryl built for Rick, and a ’67 Mustang fully customized for a client enthusiast.

360 Fabrication

Comes F

18 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT cover story p18,19,20,21,22.indd 18

18/10/11 1:34 PM

cover

2011 Bodyshop Custom Refinish Award Winner

by Martha Uniacke Breen

G

iven the high quality standards of the vehicles that 2011 Bodyshop Refinish Award winner 360 Fabrication produces at its Abbotsford, B.C. facility, you’d think the cars that co-owners (and brothers) Rick and Daryl Francoeur own themselves would be sweet rides indeed.

You’d be right about the sweet rides, but wrong about the mode of transportation. In fact, neither of them even owns a car. “Daryl’s into planes, and I’m into boats,” Rick admits.

Just as the cars they build are hardly ordinary cars, neither are the Francoeurs’ weekend toys. Daryl has owned and piloted several planes, including the Martin JRM Mars water bombers he used to watch in awe when the boys were kids on Sproat Lake, and currently has his eye on a Widgeon, a vintage World War

n

II twin-engine aircraft. As for Rick, he drives a slick 2010 Tigé RZ2 speedboat – and of course, “With an audio division like we have at the shop, I have the loudest boat on the lake.”

s Full-Circle Continued on page 20

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 19

OCT cover story p18,19,20,21,22.indd 19

18/10/11 1:35 PM

cover

Continued from page 19

Above and right: A ’48 Plymouth in foreground, while a ’51 five-window Chevy truck, a ’65 Barracuda and the ’67 Mustang are shown in various stages of the customizing process. Far right: 360’s reception area and offices are clean and elegantly designed.

It’s not that they don’t love cars; you have to, in order to have standards were higher than others’, and we’re perfectionists.” the patience and perfectionism they devote to their livelihood.

Still, each expansion was deliberate and carefully considIt’s just that when you work that hard, on your down time you ered, he recalls. “We started with a very small shop – we weren’t need to get away from it all. even sure we were going to do paint. We considered sending the Today, 360 Fabrication has grown from the small shop jobs out just to do that, but we weren’t satisfied with the results, they opened just five years ago into the largest custom shop so we bought one booth. Then we hired a spray man – our first in Western Canada and the second-largest in the country, employee.” with revenues in the multi-millions and customers all over the A year later, they brought in a bender, then added upholcontinent, from corporations to rock stars and hockey players. stery, and after that, things began to mushroom: audio, glass, Rick has been a bodyman all his life – he’s never had any mechanics, and eventually, joining forces with Carstar to faother job. “I started out in junior high helping my dad, who cilitate their collision repair services. Nowadays, 360 employs worked at the local bodyshop, and I kept at it; it’s been 27 years 30 full-time staff in the office and on the shop floor, and does now.” Something about the instant satisfaction of being able to everything except realignments. “I figure we’ll let the specialfix something, to go at it 500 different ways and make it perfect, ists do that,” he grins. appealed to him, he says. “The money was pretty good, too.”

Last year, they bought a 22,000 sq.ft. building in the heart After he graduated of Abbotsford, making from high school, he them the largest full-serworked for several difvice custom bodyshop ferent shops, honing in western Canada and his skills, while younger the second-largest in the brother Daryl pursued country, with an average his passion for aviation. of 40 vehicles in various But cherrying out cars stages of progress at any was in their blood, and given time. The custhey began doing custom work provides the tom work on the side glamour, but they’ll do – a kind of busman’s everything from fixing holiday, if you will. Word up a fender-bender to A classic hot rod: a ’32 Gasser. got around about the a complete restoration. quality of their work, and one day a customer suggested that “We apply all the same requirements of custom work to they should be doing this full-time. “We hesitated at first – we collision repair,” he says. “We use Carstar’s CQ8 quality control had young families to support – but after the 18-hour days we’d standards, fast cycle times, piecework – and nothing but BASF been putting in, we decided to give it a try.” paint. It truly is superior and I don’t mind giving them a plug: They rented a 3,400 sq.ft. space and quit their jobs, a move if I’m at a custom car show and all the cars are lined up, I can that Rick says was pretty scary at the time. But they needn’t have tell which one has Glasurit on it right away.” worried. They were successful from the first day, and within a How does a shop that size, and with a throughput rate that year or two, had taken over all the other units in their building. averages a completed job every three weeks, manage to produce “Something just clicked,” says Rick. “It’s the way we operate; our work that consistently beats much smaller, hands-on operations, 20 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT cover story p18,19,20,21,22.indd 20

14/10/11 2:30 PM

Co

where there’s maybe only one or two guys putting their hearts into every detail? “It’s done on volume,” he says. “I hate to put it that way, since it doesn’t imply that our work is high quality, but we really have it down to a science. Whether it’s a quick overhaul or a complete, top-to-bottom custom job, we treat them exactly the same.”

The Francoeurs’ obsessiveness with perfection extends even to things that a custom-car fanatic – let alone the average citizen, with a dented fender or a little rust on a quarter-panel – might never notice. “Every custom job we do is completely unique to that vehicle, right down to the paint. We’ll spray it Continued on page 22

Congratulations!

CARSTAR Automotive Canada would like to congratulate 360 Fabrication on being named Bodyshop Magazine’s 2011 Custom Refinish and Bodywork Award winner.

CARSTAR Abbotsford is owned and operated by 360 Fabrication.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 21

OCT cover story p18,19,20,21,22.indd 21

14/10/11 2:31 PM

cover

Continued from page 21

360’s midtown Abbotsford location will soon be doubling to 46,000 sq.ft. when it takes over the space next door.

all red-leather interior. The sheetwork on it is just impeccable. The customer wanted something really unique; it’s not easy to do something that hasn’t been done before with a Mustang, but this comes close.”

The custom and hot-rod work may get the headlines, but insurance repairs, piecework and the various supplemental divisions are equally important, not to mention profitable enough that they have a realistic goal of increasing revenues as much as 50% year over year. Along with collision repair, some divisions, such as the audio shop, are so successful that the brothers are looking to spin them off as a coast-to-coast, standalone chain.

And the core business has continued to grow at such an exponential rate that they’re preparing to buy the building next to theirs, doubling their size from 22,000 to 46,000 sq.ft. “And I wouldn’t The Francoeur brothers pose near the audio department, one of 360’s most successful divisions. be shocked to see a second location opening in Calgary soon,” he adds.

“So many shops across North America are hobbyists who that colour, and then we get rid of the paint. We will never do got into the business because they love cars – and we do too, another car in that exact same colour again.” of course, but we are mainly businessmen. We do big busiTheir reputation for creativity and perfectionism combined ness and deal with big companies. In our custom work, our with business smarts has also led to a growing amount of philosophy is that good is never good enough. Daryl and I custom work for corporations and charity. One of the most just don’t stop, which is why we’re such fierce competitors. popular is a VW New Beetle painted to exactly resemble We’re willing to put in the hours and take care of an Abbotsford Fire vehicle, used to visit high schools in the details. There’s no grey area about that.” order to promote fire safety. “My dad was a volunteer firefighter, so that was kind of in honour of him.”

Right now, they’re putting the finishing touches on a ’67 Mustang for a private customer, a custom restoration that will top out at $500,000 The gullwing when it’s done. “It’s a complete gut and Open Road Group rebuild, inside and out, handmade in XB, one of many every detail: 150 shot of NOS, a $40,000 one-off corporate sound system, lips raised 2-/2 inches to vehicles the shop allow it to sit lower, complete air-ride has built. suspension, and black exterior with 22 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT cover story p18,19,20,21,22.indd 22

14/10/11 2:32 PM

MORE THAN A PAINT COMPANY.

The Transtar Advantage: • Full Line of Compliant, High Performing Product Solutions • Local Sales Support • Lifetime Warranty Program • Technical Training and Support Experienced. Innovative. Committed To Your Success.

TRANSTAR IS THE AUTOBODY SOLUTIONS COMPANY.

Registered to ISO 9001:2008

2040 HEISERMAN DRIVE • BRIGHTON, MI 48114 • 1.800.824.2843 • WWW.TAT-CO.COM

Transtar p23.indd 23

07/10/11 8:38 AM

crash parts survey

Shops Want More Balanced Approach to

Sourcing

By Andrew Ross

I

n a recent survey by Bodyshop Magazine, it is clear that shops continue to struggle with the forces affecting their choice of parts.

And, while nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated that they were happy with the current mix of OEM, recycled, and aftermarket parts available to them, there are

some contentious points.

Many are unhappy with the way they feel forced into using parts they would not themselves choose; 43.1% listed their insurance partners’ directives as the number-one driving force in which parts get used. But it doesn’t end there.

The survey received 346 responses, including 278 from collision repair facility managers, plus 68 from managers of dealer bodyshops.

Overall, the largest number of respondents put their OEM/recycled/aftermarket parts mix at 60%/10%/30%, though there

24 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT survey p24,25,26.indd 24

19/10/11 11:32 AM

o

g

were a number of responses outside this range.

In many comments added by the respondents, it wasn’t just that insurance companies were forcing their hand; it was also the lack of available options.

Mostly, the most stinging comments were reserved for aftermarket parts.

“Takes too long to get parts and they don’t always fit or work,” was one key comment, echoed in a similar tone by many others, such as “Substandard parts are for insurance pocketbooks, not in the best interest of consumers unless price matters,” to keep the job from being written off.

Comments ranged from the resigned – “I would like to have more input as far as the parts we put on vehicles” – to those that challenged insurance company reps to find out for themselves: “I would like the insurance company to come in and work with the aftermarket or recycled parts.”

There also seems to be only limited confidence that certifications such as CAPA ensure quality. After decades of existence, it would seem that all aftermarket parts are being lumped into the same category.

Clearly there is some work to be done here to separate the quality aftermarket parts from the rest in the minds of bodyshop personnel.

It’s not all just a superficial desire not to have to fiddle with parts fitting, either. It goes deeper.

“Poor-quality aftermarket parts affect my KPIs with insurance companies,” said one respondent, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many shops. “Insurance, regardless of age of vehicle, should be multilevel and the option of coverage for OEM parts should be [available] as long as the owner wants to purchase additional coverage. Way less issues,” was another common refrain.

However, it is important to note that not everyone is unhappy with the situation. It seems that the situation can be highly variable, depending on your location and your local supply chain.

“All parties concerned, as far as the ones we deal with here, have stepped up to the plate to offer good-quality parts at a reasonable price and availability,” was a clearly positive response.

A number of respondents indicated that the competitive pricing strategies of dealerships and their OEM suppliers have gone a long way to ensure that repairs can be performed using original equipment

Finding Better

Solutions

Visit our FBS booth #10671 at SEMA to meet with master custom painter NUB and to explore innovative technologies…

Spraying Technology Swiss Quality for 135 years

www.birchmeier.com

www.fbs-online.com

SEMA Booth

#10671

Continued on page 26 www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 25

OCT survey p24,25,26.indd 25

19/10/11 11:33 AM

crash parts survey

Continued from page 25

parts. And a balanced approach works best for the rest.

“Although typically we would profit more and it would make more sense with vehicle age to use more aftermarket and used parts,” indicated one respondent, “the dealers have a good discount system and it’s nice to receive parts that are guaranteed-fit, clean, and ready to use when possible. For the other percentage of parts, it’s good to have a nice used/aft mix, as aftermarket has better profit and used is better for the environment.”

Perhaps the most all-encompassing feedback was the view that everyone can do better to ensure that a strong supply of all options would improve things.

We should do all we can to ensure that all parties involved are receiving value, cost containment, and speed.

Recyclers, an important supplier, were also asked to get more involved.

“Better dialogue with recyclers; they need to understand we cannot pay large dollars for parts, or wait while they locate, pack, ship, and bill. Replacing my current aftermarket usage with used would be the most beneficial, but they have to have value: timely, good quality, at the right price. Getting all three from a recycler is inconsistent. It happens, but I cannot bank on it. Perhaps if every write-off was deemed a non-repair, there would be more availability and better pricing.”

Generally, shops were receptive to the use of different sources of parts as appropriate

– more than 70% were happy with the mix they used, even though they might take exception to how these decisions are made in individual cases.

Still, the number of respondents who indicated they would not change a thing in how the system works was plentiful.

The goal among those who wanted to effect some change was almost exclusively to get the customer, the car owner, a quality repair in a timely fashion, which is hard to refute.

26 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCT survey p24,25,26.indd 26

17/10/11 2:18 PM

products

Extended Life MIG Gun To help companies increase the life of their MIG guns and reduce costs associated with replacements, Tregaskiss offers its unique Double-Life MIG Gun System. Exclusive to Tregaskiss Tough Gun Semi-Automatic Air-Cooled MIG Guns, this system features identical connections on the front and back ends of the MIG gun. When the front end or cable becomes worn, welding operators can remove the trigger switch, trigger housing, and gooseneck, and flip-flop them to the back end.

Welding operators simply remove the power pin, power pin adaptor, and terminal housing at the back end of the gun, and move it to the front of the MIG gun. This change results in new components at the front end of the gun and worn components at the back by the feeder, and it doubles the life of the Tough Gun MIG Gun. The Double-Life MIG Gun System is available on Tough Gun Air-Cooled Semi-Automatic 350- to 650-amp MIG Guns. These MIG guns also feature lifetime warranties on the handles and switches, and include the Tregaskiss Common Consumable Platform, which features the Tough Lock Consumable System. This system consists of Tough Lock Contact Tips and Retaining Heads with Dual Taper Technology, as well as the Quick Load Liner system. The Tough Lock Consumable System operates at cooler temperatures than many competitive consumables, minimizing downtime and cost for changeover and replacements. Additionally, the Tregaskiss Quick Load Liner system allows a new full-length liner to be installed from the front end of the MIG gun, requiring less than half the time of a conventional liner replacement and further reducing costs.

Tregaskiss 1-877-737-3111 www.Tregaskiss.com

Colour Match Tool AkzoNobel’s Automotive & Aerospace Coatings has now made its most advanced colour measurement tools available to selected customers. Previously, A&AC was using its AkzoNobel FDT (formula development tool) software and the six-angle Automatchic 6i spectrophotometer in its own colour formulation laboratories. Now, selected customers in areas like fleet operation and PDI (pre-delivery inspection) centres that often have colour formulation challenges of their own, have access to the same technology. The move is part of a broad-based strategy to provide the best colour capabilities to repair specialists at all levels.

The handheld Automatchic 6i combines a six-angle spectrophotometer with an integrated digital camera that is able to “read” glint and texture. The combination makes it possible to very precisely measure fashionable automotive finishes that shift in colour and appearance as the viewing angle or light conditions change.

AkzoNobel FDT is a specially designed, proprietary software package that interprets data from Automatchic 6i to create colour formulations.

AkzoNobel (604) 215-3799 www.akzonobel.com

Feed Welder

Hobart Welding Products introduces the Handler 210MVP, a new wire-feed welder with a Multi-Voltage Plug (MVP) that provides the flexibility to use either 115V or 230V input power. With a simple twist—no tools required—the MVP allows users to quickly and easily connect to 115V or 230V receptacles. Just choose the correct plug to fit the receptacle, connect it to the Handler 210MVP’s power cord, and start welding. The Handler 210MVP automatically adjusts itself to the correct input power to ensure superior arc performance. In addition to providing 210 amps of welding power packed into a portable case, the Handler 210MVP offers enough output to weld 3/8-inch thick mild steel, as well as the precise control needed for welding 24-gauge material.

The Handler 210MVP offers seven output voltage settings (taps) and infinite wire-feed speed control options, making the unit easy to adjust for different materials, thicknesses, and wires. When plugged into 115V power, the 210MVP utilizes four voltage settings (taps) and has 140 amps of weld output. When plugged into 230V power, it uses all seven taps and 210 amps of weld output. Both offer fine control of the output parameters to provide consistent arc performance with less spatter and better weld bead appearance.

The Handler 210MVP features an integrated spool gun control circuit that allows direct plug-in of the spool gun (sold separately), along with a selector switch that permits a quick and easy changeover between the MIG gun and spool gun.

Included with the Handler 210MVP is a comfortable 10-foot MIG gun and 10-foot work cable with clamp. Other features of the new Handler 210MVP wire-feed welder include a sample spool of 0.030-inch self-shielding flux-cored wire; 0.030 inch contact tips; a spool-hub assembly that accommodates 4- or 8-inch spools; and dual-groove quick-change drive rolls that ease changeover between wire diameters.

Hobart Welding Products backs the Handler 210MVP with its 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty: a five-year warranty on transformers; three-year protection on electronics; and a one-year warranty for guns.

Hobart Welding Products Tel:1-800-626-9420 www.hobartwelders.com

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop 27

OCTOBER PRODUCTS P27,28.indd 27

13/10/11 1:48 PM

products

Upgraded High-Speed Abrasive

Mirka’s classic and durable, all-round Gold abrasive product has been upgraded. The upgraded Gold has extra strong aluminium oxide grains in P80-P800, which gives an excellent cut. Optimized grain distribution along with a combination of calcium or inc base stearate allows the product to perform faster and gives less clogging. The improved backing paper gives more even coating of grains and resin, for a perfect finish. Mirka’s Gold abrasive is very well suited for high-speed sanding in a multitude of applications. The upgraded Gold is launched in renewed packaging with an outstanding informative new yellow label.

Mirka Abrasives (514) 497-1016 www.mirka.com

Versatile Clearcoat Standox has introduced Standocryl Clear PFC 30, a 2.1 clear to meet the most stringent VOC regulations. Specifically designed to deliver a mirror-like finish over Standox basecoats, Standocryl Clear PFC 30 uses a continuous 1.5 application process, is easy to use and provides a high-gloss finish and excellent overnight distinctness of image (DOI). If desired, it is also versatile enough to allow refinishers to use a two-coat application process.

Standocryl Clear PFC 30 is easy to mix and spray, even in high heat conditions. It melts in well and lays down smoothly, enabling painters to achieve excellent results.

Standox 1-800-551-9296 www.standox.com

Retractable Paint Booths

Pneumatic Spotweld Drill Blair Equipment Co., Inc., introduces the Enforcer Spotweld Drill, a pneumatic powered spotweld drill that removes spotwelds in seconds with minimal effort. The tool can remove spotwelds in all types of automotive materials, and features a lower drill bit speed of 800 rpm, which is more effective on today’s ultra-high strength steels and boron materials. The Enforcer lever is manually operated to feed the spotweld cutter into and through the spotweld, to maximize drill bit torque with no reduction in air flow and improved spotweld removal rates.

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

Chamtech Systems’s retractable enclosures meet the growing demand for safe, cost-effective and flexible workspace solutions for paint and sandblast applications. In space-sensitive settings such as auto bodyshops, valuable floor space is kept available for other work. The booths retract to a fraction of their extended lengths and are composed of a translucent, fire-retardant shell mounted to a light-weight, high-strength structure. The front door is designed for incoming air flow filtration requirements and the rear door is custom fitted to any filtration system. The translucent material allows exterior lighting to shine in, eliminating the need for specialized explosion-proof lighting.

Chamtech Systems 1-866-209-1629 www.retractablepaintbooths.com

28 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCTOBER PRODUCTS P27,28.indd 28

13/10/11 1:50 PM

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

Akzo Sikkens

9

www.paintwithwater.com

Akzo (Wanda)

13

www.wandarefinish.com

Carquest Auto Parts

31

www.carquest.com

CARSTAR

21

www.carstar.ca

Craftsman Collision

17

info@craftsmancollision.com

DuPont Perfromance Coatings

5

FBS

25

Ford Motor Company

7

Lord Fusor

15

www.Fusor.com

Mirka

12

www.mirka.ca

Rondex

2

www.rondex.ca

Pro-Spray Automotive Refinishes

32

www.ProSprayFinishes.com

Transtar

23

www.tat-co.com

OCTOBER Internet p29.indd 29 APRIL INTERNET p.indd 29

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

JOBBER NEWS / APRIL 2011

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

www.cromax.dupont.com www.fbs-online.com www.ford.ca

Stay up to date at www. VOCcompliance.com

www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2011 l Bodyshop XX29

07/10/11 8:45 AM 01/04/11 7:44 AM

from the publisher

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT’S DUE If there is one thing that persists in this industry, it’s the desire to provide the consumer with a solid, high-quality repair.

And equally as constant is the upset that many feel at any force that stands in the way of that goal. Whether that is dissatisfaction with the insurance dictate about which parts to use for a repair, or the drive for better efficiency that allows more of a shop’s financial inflow to end up in the finished product, it all has the same goal: the best repair reasonably possible.

There is, however, much variation in what is deemed “reasonable.”

Contrary to much of the commentary in our Crash Parts Survey (a review of which is published in this issue), I believe that insurance companies do have the interests of their customers in mind, but it is the negotiation over that “reasonable” result that causes so many of you – and I’m more than a few insurance representatives – fits.

It would be great to see shops being able to decide which parts to use, from which suppliers, with their insurance partners leaving it up to them to decide where to spend the cheque from the insurance company, the consumer, or both.

However, the trend seems to be in the opposite direction these days, with insurance partners becoming increasingly involved not only in recommending and dictating parts decisions, but in the actual procurement process.

I’m sure you know what I’m talking about – and you may actually be welcoming this development, as it saves you having to spend time and money sourcing parts. I’m sure there are many benefits, and far be it from me to tell anyone what suits their business best. However, aside from the fact that I believe it unwise to relinquish control over such an important part of a business, one of the motivators for rushing into these kinds of deals concerns me more.

The murmurings that I hear from the industry are that many of the shops opting into these programs are doing so because it frees them up from having to pay upfront for parts. But many of these shops aren’t able to obtain payment terms; they are deemed a credit risk, and this is a shame. It is a shame because many of the businesses have been in operation for many years, faithfully providing high-quality repairs to their clientele.

Still, the reputation of being a bad risk can persist.

A recent conversation with a Toronto auto parts jobber captured a widespread impression: that too many bodyshops can’t be trusted to pay their accounts, so they don’t get them. Cash on delivery only.

While I am sure that the vast majority of shops are honest (and also that sometimes businesses get into a tight space), when an entire sector is painted with the same brush, it is a very big problem.

I could go into the reasons why I believe it to be true – too much cash business, too many shops with loose bookkeeping, poor cost accounting – the fact is that shops don’t always know just how much they are making from jobs they are performing, and subsequently end up with financial challenges at the end of the day.

But having a thin profit margin is one thing; losing, or not winning, the trust of your suppliers is another.

You need your suppliers, and they need you. If you don’t have a relationship built on trust, you need to find out why.

You should be able to sign for your orders and have suppliers accept that pledge as a promise to pay; if your signature is not enough, you need to address it.

Without that trust, you will continue to lose more control over your business.

Haven’t you lost enough already?

B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

30 Bodyshop l October 2011 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OCTOBER PUBLISHER p30.indd 30

17/10/11 11:50 AM

We’ve Got You Covered Becoming a TECH-NET Professional Collision Center provides your business with the right brands along with the right marketing and business solutions designed to allow you to exceed your customers’ expectations. Join with other successful independent collision center owners who have chosen to partner with CARQUEST for success in today’s competitive environment. We’ve got you covered!

CARQUEST P31.indd 31

05/10/11 10:13 AM

Meet Navigator™, the industry’s newest color matching tool. It’s the culmination of putting ourselves in your shoes and asking, “How can my job be made easier and more accurate?” What we came up with is a new generation of tool that is setting the standard for confidently selecting and matching color in any situation.

Features more than 5100 popular domestic and import colors.

Sprayed in actual Pro-Spray paint and arranged in chromatic order.

Matched in Pro-Spray H2O Waterborne and Solventborne colors.

Combine the Navigator™ with over 282,000 formulas in the included Pro-Spray PaintXpert™ software and you’ve got a powerful set of tools to work with.

Navigator™ by

For more information: NavigatorColor.com

Pro-spray p32.indd 32

AUTOMOTIVE

FINISHES

13/10/11 7:32 AM