Bodyshop October 2012

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

October 2012

Plus: Labour-Saving Abrasives Specialty Paints and Coatings Show Previews: SEMA, NACE

David St-Laurent and his 712-horsepower ‘32 Roadster

Roadster Love 2012 Bodyshop Custom Refinish Award Winner

Visit www.bodyshopbiz.com

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

October 2012 l Volume 42, Issue 5

Features 10

ASRW/NACE Preview

14

Abrasives

24

Specialty Paints and Coatings

32

I-CAR Update

33

SEMA Preview

34

ASRW, scheduled for Oct. 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La., includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which makes it the industry’s leading event for dedicated professionals to conduct business, network, and engage in industry issues.

When Bodyshop magazine interviewed three abrasive manufacturers for their thoughts, they all spoke about the bigger picture—in educating shops how to both streamline their processes and reduce their largest expense, the cost of labour.

A number of unique new finishes and formulations have appeared in the last few years at both the custom and OE levels, and begun gathering momentum not just with the street rodders, but increasingly with the larger public as well.

The latest I-CAR news includes assistance in upgrading your shop to “Certified Collision Repair” status.

Highlights of the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Oct. 3-November 2, plus news on other important fall shows.

Cover Story

18

Survey: Parts Procurement

Roadster Love

Our Parts Procurement Survey provided an interesting snapshot of what has become one of the most contentious issues in the collision repair industry.

Bodyshop’s 2012 Custom Refinish Award winner, David StLaurent of Ste-Julie, Quebec, has been restoring and souping up cars since the age of 14. His winning ’32 Roadster, with its 712-hp engine, glossy black finish and red leather interior, is almost as dear to him as his brand-new bride, Sandrine.

14

32

In Every Issue 4

From the Publisher

30

Internet Directory

6

News

32

Advertisers Index

28

Products

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Our ANNUAL CANADIAN COLLISION INDUSTRY GUIDE AND DIRECTORY, plus: NACE report; SEMA review; Aftermarket Parts Outlook; Spray guns; Software and business systems, and more. www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2012 l Bodyshop 3

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

from the publisher

PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com

Go ask Alex

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Martha Uniacke Breen MUBREEN@BODYSHOPBIZ.COM EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Brian Harper

There is, and has been for years, a picture of F1 and Indy Car driver Alex Zanardi in my office. It’s quite a candid shot of Zanardi sharing a laugh with fellow racer Tony Kanaan at the Toronto Indy Car race.

For anyone who has known Zanardi, even from afar as I did as a regular motorsport writer in those days, the scene is a familiar one: his longish hair and infectious, slightly mischievous smile were the same as ever.

What you can’t see, either on his face or on the faces of those around him, is the struggle that brought him to that moment in time. You also can’t see that he’s on two crutches, still getting used to his prosthetic legs.

It was 2002 and he was the official starter of the Toronto race, an honour afforded him by the respect everyone in the racing community had for him, and the way he handled himself after losing his legs in a crash in Germany the year before.

Ever since, the picture has served as a daily reminder to me of the man and the grace and determination through which we should all meet adversity.

I did follow his racing career a bit since his accident. He continued to race competitively in touring cars using hand controls for several years—he actually won a few—but I had lost touch in the same way as I had stopped paying quite so much attention to the sport.

And then, last month, at age 45, Alex Zanardi became my hero all over again. The man, it seems, had won himself an Olympic gold medal.

The story is that when a good touring car ride didn’t turn up a couple of years back, he had turned his attention to cycle racing, hand cycle racing to be precise—a Paralympic sport. He first set his sights on making the Italian Paralympic team for London. That accomplished, he wanted to win a medal. And then he proceeded not just to win gold in the time trial, but do so with a definitive margin of half a minute.

He is an incredible person.

So, you might ask, what does this have to do with our industry?

Well, nothing and everything.

Listening to Zanardi talk about his gold medal, he’s very matter of fact: bring the passion, bring the effort, results will happen.

So, whether you’re talking about getting a business running more efficiently, running down solutions for the insurance-collision industry issues, or just working on your life, bring your passion, put in the effort and you will accomplish your goals.

And if you don’t want to take it from me, maybe you should ask Alex.

B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

CONTRIBUTORS Peter Diekmeyer Tony Palermo SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@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. 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 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, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 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, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 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

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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 2012 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

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news

The Carlyle Group to Buy DuPont Performance Coatings Business for $4.9 Billion G

lobal alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and DuPont have signed a definitive agreement whereby Carlyle will purchase DuPont Performance Coatings for $4.9 billion in cash.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2013, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

DPC is a global supplier of vehicle and industrial coating systems with 2012 expected sales of more than $4 billion and more than 11,000 employees. The investment will be funded with equity from Carlyle Partners V and Carlyle Europe Partners III. “DuPont Performance Coatings is a leader in the automotive and industrial coatings sectors with world-class products and customer service. The business continues to grow and deliver solid results. After a careful review, however, we have determined that DPC’s full growth

potential would be best realized outside DuPont and through the sale to Carlyle,” said DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman in a statement. “This transaction is consistent with our vision to be the world’s most dynamic science company and long-term strategy of driving competitive advantages in agriculture and nutrition, advanced materials and biotechnology, which represent highgrowth, high-margin opportunities.”

Greg Ledford, Carlyle managing director and head of the Industrial and Transportation team, said, “DuPont Performance Coatings is a successful business with attractive market positions, next-generation technology and established brands. Through targeted investments we will support DPC’s product development and growth objectives as it transitions to a stand-alone company. We look forward to working with management to fully realize DPC’s great potential.”

Kullman stressed that DuPont remains committed to serving the automotive industry. Following the closing of this transaction, DuPont will generate more than $3 billion in sales of advanced materials to the auto industry.

“We will continue to work closely with automotive customers to apply our science-powered innovations related to light weighting of vehicles, revolutionary and environmentally friendly refrigerants, biobased seat fabrics and headliners, and next-generation biofuels,” Kullman said.

Carlyle’s industrial and automotive investments include Allison Transmission, Hertz, and PQ Corporation, as well as recent commitments to invest in Hamilton Sundstrand Industrial, Sunoco’s Philadelphia refinery, and regional rail freight operator Genesee & Wyoming.

CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge now a Toyota Certified Collision Centre C

ARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres is proud to announce that CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge, located at 2601 – 29th Street NE in Calgary, Alberta, is now a Toyota Certified Collision Centre, as presented by Stampede Toyota.

The Toyota Certified Collision Centre program recognizes affiliated collision centres, their staff, managers, customer service personnel and technicians as being able to serve their customers at the level expected by Toyota owners.

The Toyota Certified Collision Centre program is similar to the Toyota Production process used currently in Toyota factories. Based on the philosophy of continuous improvement, the program continually monitors the facilities equipment, work process, the technician’s skills and customer satisfaction.

This, in turn, translates to a guaranteed quality repair and a high level of customer service.

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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

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news

Continued from page 6

Dundas Valley Collision Centre participates in annual Cactus Festival Parade D

undas Valley Collision Centre recently took part in the annual Cactus Festival Parade in Dundas, Ontario.

Among the attendees were Krys Hines, owner of Domestique Cyclo Cafe Sportif, Dundas Business of the Year; Miranda Jurilj, Dundas Valley Collision Centre Youth Volunteer of the Year; Jordan Egan, Domestique Cafe Cyclo Sportif; Alex Szabo, owner, Dundas Valley Collision Centre; and Darlyne Mills, Royal Bank Citizen of the Year.

Dundas Valley Collision Centre takes part in the annual Cactus Festival Parade in Dundas. Left to right: Krys Hines, owner of Domestique Cyclo Cafe Sportif, Dundas Business of the Year, Miranda Jurilj, Dundas Valley Collision Centre Youth Volunteer of the Year, Jordan Egan, Domestique Cafe Cyclo Sportif, Alex Szabo, owner, Dundas Valley Collision Centre, Darlyne Mills, Royal Bank Citizen of the Year.

Saskatoon Auto Body Group to Help Inner City Youth

T

he Saskatoon Auto Body community has begun working in conjunction with a local organization called Hands On Street Ministries whereby local collision shops will provide finances, tools, and most importantly, volunteers to help teach auto body skills to underprivileged Saskatoon teens. According to Tom Bissonnette of Parr AutoBody, one of the organizers, the program has the potential to be mutually beneficial, since these children are looking for an opportunity for a better future and the bodyshop industry is looking for new entry-level employees, now and in the future.

The project will involve the restoration of a 1970 Chevy Nova, though as Bissonnette says, “We still need to have a planning meeting to decide what we are going to do with the 1970 Chev Nova— do we juice it up or restore it to original?”

The association has been soliciting donations from local businesses to help build and supply the shop, and the

grand opening was planned for Tuesday Sept. 22nd at 10 a.m., with the Mayor of Saskatoon officially cutting the ribbon on this great project. As of press time, several important products and services ranging from wiring to construction had been installed, but the group is still awaiting word on heating facilities for

the shop and adjoining classroom. In addition, shop tools and supplies are being solicited from the community. For further information or info on how to donate to this worthy effort, check out the Saskatoon Autobody’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SaskatoonAutobodyAssociation.

Mazda Expands Canadian Presence with New Parts Distribution Centre

M

azda Canada Inc. has announced the opening of its new Western Regional Operations and Parts Distribution Centre located in Langley, British Columbia, to supply Mazda automotive parts to Canadian Mazda dealers in four provinces in Western Canada. It also hosts a dealer training centre for service technicians and is the new home of Mazda Canada’s Western Regional office.

The launch of the Langley PDC is the final milestone in a $20 million Parts Distribution Center Network expansion project that Mazda North American Operations announced in July 2010. The expansion creates a network of seven Parts Distribution Centers in North America—five in the U.S. and two in Canada—and reinforces the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

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Summer Storms Cause Millions in Damage

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ver a two-day period (July 22 and 23) a band of powerful thunderstorms left a path of damage across parts of Ontario. The damage stretched from Hamilton and its surrounding areas to the Ottawa region. The storm spawned fierce winds, heavy rains, flash flooding, up to golf ball-sized hail, and a couple of unconfirmed reports of tornadoes touching down.

Insured damages incurred from the path of the storm are estimated at $80 million. This is a preliminary estimate reported by Property Claim Services Canada (PCS-Canada), a service that tracks insured losses arising from catastrophic events in Canada.

The storm caused power outages south west of Ottawa and Nepean, there were also fallen trees, downed traffic lights and power lines, and property damage to homes and businesses. There are reports of homes sustaining roof damage, hail damaging automobiles, broken windows and trees falling on homes and businesses.

Meanwhile, IBC reports that the estimated insured damage caused by the recent severe thunderstorm event that hit the Edmonton area in July amounts to more than $100 million.

The storm’s path of destruction made its way through the greater Edmonton area, flooding streets, basements, businesses, automobiles and construction sites. In addition to the flooding, this storm also brought with it strong winds and golf-ball sized hail.

In June, IBC released Telling the Weather Story: Can Canada Manage the Storms Ahead?, a research report which projects future weather trends across Canada.

The report projected that between now and 2050, there would be warmer summers, more heavy precipitation, more flash flooding, and warming conditions, which will lead to very large increases in the occurrence of wildfires, from 50% - 500%.

ns a Evgner h ic Desiinter R e d a

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Attend Car Unveiling on Tuesday at 1:00 PM

by Rich Evans with Curtis Customs

Custom Tapes & Sprayers SEMA Show, Las Vegas

Booth #11177

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asrw show

Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) Oct. 10 – 13 Morial Convention Center, New Orleans

A

SRW is the premier event dedicated to the automotive service and repair industries.

ASRW, scheduled for Oct. 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La., includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which makes it the industry’s leading event for dedicated professionals to conduct business, network, and engage in industry issues. Online housing and attendee registration are open, and provide a variety of hotel options within the vicinity of the Morial Convention Center. For more information, visit wwwASRWevents.com.

NACE—the world’s collision repair event—represents the only B2B event of its kind specifically designed for collision repair featured guests at the ASRW Awards ceremony and Opening General Session.

The winners and their instructors will be recognized at the Opening General Session Thursday, Oct. 11, as well as the ASRW Awards event Friday, Oct. 12, held off-site at the National WWII Museum. Tickets for each event are $35.

“The SkillsUSA winners represent the next generation of collision repairers, and we consider it a great honour to be able to recognize their outstanding work among the industry at ASRW. We are thrilled to welcome the SkillsUSA gold medal winners and instructors back to the show,” says Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive.

industry professionals from around the globe.

NACE features a comprehensive educational conference and exposition, with hundreds of diverse exhibiting companies displaying the latest equipment, products, services, and technology available to today’s collision repair industry.

CARS—the premier event for automotive service professionals—features a high-quality education lineup led by industry leaders,

along with an exhibitor showcase of automotive service and repair-related equipment, products, and services.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS SkillsUSA returns to ASRW The winners of this year’s SkillsUSA Championships in Collision Repair Technology and their instructors will attend the event as

Major Exhibitors Commit to ASRW Returning paint companies highlight the list of exhibitors at this year’s show.

Confirmed paint companies that will exhibit at ASRW include: • DuPont Performance Coatings • BASF – The Chemical Company • Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation • Valspar • Matrix System Automotive Finishes, LLC

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a vehicle and steps to discover hidden damage.

The blueprinting course will take place Thursday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the ASRW show floor, and will have a maximum of 15 students per session. The course costs $100/student and registration is available online.

• Axis Performance Coatings/Vogel Automotive Coatings • Fashion Paint • Silver Sails Paints Additional coatings companies exhibiting at ASRW include: • Beta Color • Chemicar • ChemSpec USA Inc. • Lusid Technologies Inc. • Roberlo, S.A. In addition to exhibiting, DuPont Performance Coatings will again sponsor the Opening General Session/Keynote on Thursday, Oct. 11, as well as the MSO Symposium, and will exhibit in booth #1001. BASF is also sponsoring the MSO Symposium and will exhibit in booth #1229.

I-CAR Announces Training Schedule at ASRW I-CAR has released its training schedule for this year’s event, and will provide 11 training classes beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10, through Friday, Oct. 12. Each instructor-led (live) class will be four hours in duration.

Online registration is available for $93/ course at www.ASRWevents.com.

A long-standing supporter of ASRW, I-CAR will return to the event this year with some of its newest training, such as the premiere of its Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery (BLU01) course. During this “livedemo” course, students will learn how blueprinting can lead to more accurate damage assessments and gain insights into applying the blueprinting process in their own shop environments. The live demo will include the disassembly of

Six sessions within the ASRW Conference Program to be led by CTI Six technical training sessions within the ASRW Conference Program will be powered

by CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI).

“CARQUEST Technical Institute is thrilled to again participate in the ASRW Conference Program. The high-quality education ASRW provides complements our philosophy and reputation of delivering first-rate instruction, and ASRW is the perfect place for us to reach our target audience,” says George Lesniak, CARQUEST Technical Institute director of training.

The conference sessions powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute that will be offered at ASRW 2012 are: • The Problem with Reprogramming • Navigating the Electrical Roadmap • Electronic Power Steering • Modern Misfire Diagnosis – Part 1 • Modern Misfire Diagnosis – Part 2 • New Vehicle Technologies “Providing CARQUEST Technical Institute sessions at ASRW is an excellent value for our mechanical service/repair attendees. CTI has an outstanding reputation for providing practical and useful information, from the best instructors in the industry. We’re so pleased to include their sessions in the ASRW Conference Program again this year,” says Lindsay Roberts, ASRW show director.

Conference sessions powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute are offered as part of the ASRW Conference Program beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10. Early bird pricing for conference sessions is available and an all-access Super Pass is only $335 through Aug. 16; individual sessions are $70 (90-minute) and $130 (3-hour), and all exhibitors are offering a discount of $50 off any conference purchase. For detailed information on the CTI conference sessions, including length, time, and instructor, as well as the entire conference program schedule, please visit www.

ASRWevents.com.

Did you know that when you are spraying a catalyzed paint product in a spray booth or prep deck, the proper personal protection equipment is an air-supplied respirator?

Air supplied respirators must be supplied with Grade “D” Breathable Air. Quality Air Breathing Systems are designed to provide Grade “D” Breathable Air from your existing compressed air system, for compliance with current CSA Standards when using an air supplied respirator.

Systems sized from one person to twelve persons at the same time. We offer complete systems, with proper filtration and carbon monoxide monitors, panel mounted, and ready to use. Available in belt mounted, wall mount, and portable versions.

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advertisement

EZpartordEr.com: It Works for You. Collision repair shops are under increasing pressure to improve their efficiencies, but they also want to ensure that they are producing the best quality work possible. accomplishing both means using trusted suppliers that can provide high quality parts at the right price. it also means not spending hours on the phone tracking down the parts you need.

You want to maintain the supplier relationships you have spent years developing, but you want to spend less time doing it.

What you really want is to streamline the ordering process so you can save time and spend more time dealing with customers without losing control of the purchasing process. save time. save money.

This is what makes EZpartorder.com such a valuable asset to your business. it’s your electronic purchasing agent. and because EZpartorder.com was designed with the collision repair shop owner in mind, it put the needs of the shop first.

With EZpartorder.com you use your supplier list. You generate orders from your estimating system or enter them manually. process multiple orders with the click of a mouse. request quotes from your suppliers. send instant messages. attach images to ensure accurate order fill. review pending orders. Check the status of parts.

Confirm orders. Confirm pricing. Confirm delivery dates. schedule jobs when you want to. improve cycle time and keep costs down. and, because it’s a web based application and the data resides on the secure EZpartorder.com server, it doesn’t burden your shop system, and you never have to worry about losing data if your system crashes. so it makes it more secure too.

EZpartorder.com lets you control your purchasing process. it just makes it easier, faster, more accurate and more flexible.

EZpartorder.com. it works for you.

Just ask some of our satisfied users: “EZpartorder.com: the name just suits the program. using EZpartorder.com has improved parts ordering because it allows the staff to spend less time on the phone and waiting on hold and more time with the customer, building customer relations. “uploading through the program allows for better tracking and provides documentation from the supplier of any parts delays, back ordered items, and any changes in delivery status.

“The Tech support Team works well and efficiently, too, with answers to any questions or any technical issues.

When you need help, they are right there to assist you with the matter at hand with no delays and no waiting. “i feel that having this tool has improved the time we can spend with customers on concerns about their vehicle.

“We are pleased to have the access to this program and recommend that others take advantage of it as well.”

-- Chris Yates, Keizer’s Collision ~CSN AND Automotive Sackville, N.S. “EZpartorder.com is like a dream come true: clean, precise, and fast. it is the best i have seen to date. if all our clients would use EZpartorder.com they would surely save time and money.”

-- Michel Dufresne, Parts Manager, St-Leonard Nissan “From my point of view, EZpartorder.com simplifies the part ordering process with accurate serial numbers and complete part orders. With one click i can confirm parts to ship in a fraction of the time needed to process a phone order.”

-- Sylvain Fullum, Parts and Service Manager, Mitsubishi Laval “all information is there: serial number, part number, etc. it’s not possible to make a mistake and there’s no need to use the phone. i can write notes and advise a customer of a back order right from the site.”

-- Doug Durrant, Parts Manager, Des Sources Dodge Chrysler

all you need is an internet connection. users of EZpartorder.com are secure in knowing that all data remains their own property and can be reviewed at any time without restrictions.

“EZpartorder.com is very fast and precise. it is a pleasure to use.”

-- Pascal Arpin, Parts Dept., BMC Pieces D’auto

VISIT EZPARTORDER.COM AT NACE BOOTH #N1907

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abrasives

Abrasives: Taking the Edge off Your Bottom Line

By Tony Palermo

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the refinish area with trying to put a scratch in it for blends and whatever else.”

He also points to e-coat as another focus area, noting replacement parts are often shipped with an e-coat finish.

“Before being primed and painted, these parts need to be scuffed as well,” says Suzuki. “So, we definitely have to follow the lead of the paints and other coatings that are being put on the vehicles.”

A few months ago, 3M launched a premium ceramic clearcoat and hard e-coat disc, both specifically designed to take care of those harder finishes.

Always evolving A magnified picture of the Mirka NET disc surface’s rough side.

The 3M E-Coat and 3M Ceramic Clearcoat are made with special “Paint companies, both at the OEM and aftermarket level, are changing their Technical Service. “For instance, scratch-re- diamond minerals, giving them the ability to products, so naturally the abrasives have to sistant clearcoating is becoming more cut through those hard surfaces faster. The evolve and change as well,” says Bill Suzuki, prominent. It’s great for keeping a car shiny discs are also designed to last longer than of 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division – longer, but it certainly poses a problem in conventional sanding discs. So, although

ike any business, bodyshop owners are always looking for ways to reduce their expenses and increase their bottom line.

When Bodyshop magazine interviewed three abrasive manufacturers for their thoughts, we were a little surprised by their answers. While all three had innovative, premium products to offer their customers, they all spoke about the bigger picture— in educating shops how to both streamline their processes and reduce their largest expense, the cost of labour.

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abrasives

they cost more, Suzuki says shops will realize a savings in terms of both productivity and time, and because fewer materials will be used.

Understandably, abrasives companies put a lot of time and research into understanding the needs and pain-points of shop owners in order to develop their products. And while some of these premium products may cost more, the overall cost doesn’t have as much of an impact on the bottom line as many owners would believe.

“The most expensive part of a repair is the labour,” says Suzuki. “And shop owners need to understand that.”

Better products, better processes According to John Booth, president and managing director for Mirka Abrasives Canada Ltd., the quoted industry standard for a shop’s abrasives and compounds costs are only about 1 to 2% of their total sales volume.

Sanding body filler with Mirka 2 3/4 x 7 1/2 pneumatic vacuum sander

On the other hand, labour accounts for about 50% of a shop’s expenses. As Booth says, when you consider this, it quickly becomes apparent that shop owners should be looking at innovative ways to reduce their labour costs, and not necessarily just trying to find lower-cost abrasives.

“If I walk into a bodyshop today and tell them that I’m going to double the cost of their sandpaper, they’ll immediately think I’m crazy,” he says. “But when I tell them I’ll

Pictured are the 115mm Dust Free Sanding Block and the 115mm-180 grit Purple Clean Sanding Sheet Roll.

also reduce their labour costs, well, now I’ve got their ear.”

Although premium products can save a shop money in both productivity and materials, Booth says not all of those savings will be realized through the premium products alone.

Rather, the shop needs to look at improving processes as well. Mirka spends a lot of time helping its customers become more efficient. Mirka MR series 3” sander sanding to bare metal.

Booth notes that while doing so probably reduces the amount the hand-in-hand. The price of each disc or roll customer spends on abrasives, Mirka firmly of sandpaper is not their most important believes that helping its customers increase consideration. Even if they double the productivity through better processes fos- amount they spend on abrasives, it’s not going to have a huge effect on their bottom ters loyalty and long-term relationships.

As an example, one simple way a shop can line. However, reducing their labour costs reduce its labour costs is to focus on a smaller by improving efficiency and getting more repair area. Quite simply, a smaller repair cars out faster most certainly will.” area involves less work, which translates into less time and materials. And, for example, if Implementing best practices shop personnel can get an extra three cars a week through the shop just by implementing Biagio Pellegrino, a senior product / market this process, then they’re just doing that manager automotive aftermarket for Saintmuch better.

Gobain Abrasives (the parent company of “A shop can reduce its labour costs by Norton), agrees. “It’s about being as lean as making better use of its materials and imContinued on page 16 proving processes,” says Booth. “They go www.bodyshopbiz.com l October 2012 l Bodyshop 15

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abrasives

Continued from page 15

possible,” says Pellegrino. “Bodyshop owners need to recognize that labour costs are one of their top expenses.”

To reduce labour costs, Pellegrino says that it’s key for the bodyshop to follow a set of best practices not only for the shop, but for each stage of the repair process. Norton spends a lot of time educating shops about best practices, and the company has pro-

duced several posters and videos that can be viewed online. As Pellegrino says, it’s about standardization, consistency, and getting everyone—manufacturers, suppliers, and bodyshops—all on the same page.

The advantages to following standardized best practices are many, including consistent employee training and knowledge, streamlined operations, increased productivity, and

an overall reduction of waste in terms of time and resources. All of these not only reduce labour costs, but also have a direct impact on increasing customer satisfaction and eliminating callbacks.

“It’s all about doing it right the first time,” says Pellegrino. “That’s critical for bodyshop personnel to understand if they want to reduce their labour costs.”

A quick look at three products people are talking about 3M Ceramic Clearcoat Disc The 3M Ceramic Clearcoat disk lets you scuff and blend hard OEM clearcoats, while giving you improved cut and disc life to improve productivity. To prevent loading and prolong the life of the discs, the discs should be used damp.

“This is an extremely efficient product,” says Denyse Mantha, a marketing supervisor with 3M Canada. “The improved formulation may significantly reduce disc quantity usage.” www.3mcollision.com

Mirka Autonet Although it’s been on the market for approximately two years, the Mirka Autonet product line is really starting to take off. It uses a patented, open weave, net construction based on the Abranet range, and features thicker, heavier fibres coated with extra abrasive grit.

“It’s done very well for us,” says John Booth, president / managing director for Mirka Abrasives Canada Ltd. “Sales on this product are up 80% over last year.” www.mirka.com

Norton Ice 3000 Used moist, the Norton Ice 3000 Norgrip Foam Finishing Disc features an integrated foam backing which eliminates pigtails and costly rework.

“It leaves a surface that’s quicker to buff out,” says Biagio Pellegrino, a senior product / market manager automotive aftermarket for Saint-Gobain Abrasives. www.nortonautomotive.com

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David St-Laurent got into the car business at just 14. This year he is being recognized for his

Ro

exceptional work in rebuilding a 1932 Ford Roadster.

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Roadster Love 2012 Bodyshop Custom Refinish Award Winner

By Peter Diekmeyer

Y

ou have to wonder about David St-Laurent’s priorities. A reporter who tried to interview the bodyshop manager at Deschamps Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC,

in early September, found this out the hard way. “I can’t talk right now,” said St-Laurent.

“I am getting married this weekend and am really busy…”

The slight was understandable. So St-Laurent was offered apologies and a chance to meet another time. “Wait a minute,” said the 52-yearold Quebecer, his voice suddenly turning friendly.

“You want to interview me about hot rods? Why didn’t you say so? Come on over!”

The upshot was that on the Friday before the most important day in his life, when most men would have been out taking care of wedding details, St-Laurent, Bodyshop’s 2012 Custom Refinish Award winner for his work rebuilding a 1932 Ford Roadster, was talking shop.

Continued on page 20

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Continued from page 19

The plain fact is that longtime industry veteran St-Laurent is car crazy, something he says his wife-to-be Sandrine Savaria, 39, understood from the get-go. During the 18 months after St-Laurent bought the old Roadster (and a second identical vehicle to use for parts) in January 2011, he spent more than 2,000 hours of his free time working on it—almost as much as he spent in his day job. “[Sandrine] loves driving around with me in the hot rod, so she really does not mind my hobby,” St-Laurent says with a smile. “It really is a blast to take it out to go for an ice cream on a summer night. We get looks everywhere we go.”

That attention isn’t surprising. The 712-horsepower jet-black Roadster, its fire-engine red interior and shiny chrome motor parts (which also won a prize at the Granby International classic car exhibition) impressed us too. The vehicle has a je ne sais quoi visual appeal that makes it irresistible for a car enthusiast.

A longtime car lover St-Laurent realized the Roadster’s potential immediately. “It’s a classic, driven by celebrities and enthusiasts, and is much in demand,” says StLaurent. “I have been driving fast cars all my life so I know what to look for. I got my first—a 1971 Dodge Charger with a 383 Magnum engine—when I was just 15 and a half. I had to wait six months until I was old enough to drive it. But when I did, I was hooked, and have been changing cars constantly ever since.”

St-Laurent soon picked up a 1973 Dodge Dart 340, and then a

couple of years later landed a 1969 Corvette. On each occasion StLaurent did considerable work on the cars himself before moving along.

It was St-Laurent’s association with a local entrepreneur, real estate developer, and hot rod fan called Maryo Lamothe that really got him interested in refurbishing classic cars. “Maryo has his own racing team and has had close to 50 cars, including at one time a Porsche, Ferrari, Continued on page 22

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Continued from page 20

Lamborghini and Corvette, and I worked with him for more than 20 years in my free time,” says St-Laurent. “The experience really opened my eyes, and gave me good insights into what was possible.”

Rebuilt Roadster a Powerhouse St-Laurent’s rebuild Roadster is a bit of a bastard vehicle, with the parts in it coming from all over the place. The motor is a late 1960s 350-cubic-inch four-barrel Chevrolet model that was re-bored and re-stroked to 408 cubic inches and then blueprinted, with all of the sub-components rechecked from top to bottom. The motor is fed by a BDS Supercharger and two carburetors that pump in air and fuel at an accelerated pace, substantially boosting performance. According to St-Laurent, the Roadster’s re-bored and re-stroked engine has 712 horsepower and can push the car from zero to sixty miles per hour in under three seconds.

As noted above, St-Laurent measured the motor’s strength at 712 horsepower, which he says enables the vehicle to get from zero to 60 miles per hour in Support from the dealer less than three seconds and to do the quarter-mile in under nine.

The transmission is a Power Glide two-speed with a 4,000 stall torque St-Laurent credits his boss, Eric Deschamps, president of Deschamps converter.

Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC, a busy dealership in St-Julie, Quebec, Of course the data don’t tell everything. The fact is that the Roadfor his support and patience. Although St-Laurent is well set up in a ster is a pack of fun to drive. During a quick test with this journalist, two-storey home garage, Deschamps lets him use the dealer garage St-Laurent pushed the accelerator slowly down just halfway and the and tooling when needed. vehicle felt like an airplane taking off, with plenty of power left. It was “We don’t see him as much around here when he is involved with like driving a motorcycle without a helmet. a project like that,” says Deschamps, who operates the largest GM However the Roadster was also built tough. According to Stdealership in Montreal’s south shore, with a laugh. “But he pays us Laurent, the workmanship and vehicle components were combined back by bringing the Roadster around once in a while…our customers to ensure that the car could aclove to look at it.” commodate a 1,000 horsepower Contributions by St-Laurent’s engine. “Although I drive careclose friend Stephan Barcelo, a fully now that I am older, when manager at ADF Diesel in CanI was young I could be hard on diac and a long-time drag scene cars sometimes, so I am used to veteran, were also a big help. building them to last,” says StThe two have been pals since Laurent. “I find it is better to err they were sixteen and grew up in on the side of caution.” the industry together. According Rebuilding the Roadster to St-Laurent, Barcelo, who will called for a huge investment in be the best man at his wedding, time and money. In all, St-Lauput in 500 hours of his own time rent figures that in addition to into the vehicle at no charge. the time invested he also put However it looks like St-Lauclose to $50,000 in parts into the rent is about to return the favehicle, which he estimates is vour. Barcelo recently bought a now worth $65,000. However to 1934 Roadster and the two will be sure, he had the vehicle inbe getting started refurbishing sured for much more. the vehicle in November. Less St-Laurent brushes aside questions about whether the time he inclear is whether St-Laurent told Savaria about his new plans. vested in the vehicle (which works out to $7 per hour, if the Roadster No matter how patient his wife-to-be is about his hobby, if Stis valued at $65,000 and cost him $50,000, leaving him with a $15,000 Laurent hopes to spend as many of his nights in the garage during profit for 2,000 hours of work) was worth it. “You don’t put in that kind the coming year as he has during the last, he had better make sure of time for an economic return,” he says. “You do it for the love of the that the ring is solidly on her finger before he breaks the news. vehicle. I enjoyed every minute. So of course it was worth it.”

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Universal Clear 1:1 Mix High solids yet easy to spray

Whether your specialty is restoring a record setting 1 of 10 GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible or everyday insurance work Southern Polyurethanes has a first rate product for you.

• Would you like to buy proven high quality products for a reasonable price for a change?

• Do you enjoy paying inflated prices to cover your competition’s big contract?

• Do you enjoy paying extra for products only to see that money spent on a NASCAR driver you probably don’t even like?

2K regular Build Primer 4:1 Mix Sand in 30-40 minutes!

While we might not be a household name, Southern Polyurethanes has made a name for itself by manufacturing high quality products which have been proven time and time again from Pebble Beach to Barrett-Jackson not to mention in 1000s of body shops. If this sounds too good to be true, type “Southern Polyurethanes. aka SPI” into your favourite search engine and see for yourself.

If our lower prices scare you, then let us apologize for not being greedy, not offering your competitor a $100,000 contract and not sponsoring race cars.

While we no longer manufacture base colours, we do • Are the insurance companies adjusting your paint material manufacture an array of clears and primers to fit any body rates up to go along with the 7 - 12% price increases that shop whether your shop uses waterborne or solvent-borne your paint supplier slaps you with every year? basecoats.

Now Available in Canada from

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specialty refinishing

A two-tone (white/blue metallic) vintage Chevrolet from VC Customs, Medicine Hat, Alta.

Automotive Art:

New-look Specialty

Finishes

New formulations and paints, from metallics to mattes, have brought the automotive painter’s work to the point of high art, with all the finickiness and talent that involves.

By Martha Uniacke Breen

I

t’s an exciting time for shops that are interested in more than the usual bread-andbutter collision and cosmetic repair work. A number of unique new finishes and formulations have appeared in the last few years at both the custom and OE levels, and begun gathering momentum not just with the street rodders, but increasingly with the larger public as well.

Some finishes, such as mattes and other low-gloss sheens, require considerably more skill than your average one-dimensional high gloss paints. Apply too much at once, or overspray even slightly in one area, and you’re back

where you started. And don’t even think about spot repairs. According to Antonio Leandras of BASF, “It’s difficult, even impossible to do any blending with a matte finish; often you have to do the whole panel, even for a small repair, or in some cases the whole car.”

Such close attention to detail means two things. First, these specialty finishes are unlikely to achieve widespread acclaim; even maintenance on them is a challenge for the average consumer. And it does mean increased opportunity for profit when they come into your shop—as long as you know how to work with them.

One of the biggest changes to hit the industry in recent memory, the switch to waterborne from solvent-borne, took its toll on the custom market, since the most popular hot rod finishes, from metallics to candies, relied on solvent-borne to create the special effects that made these finishes beautiful. Now, however, says Debbie Nucciarone of PPG, manufacturers are starting to make progress with replacement products. “Custom paint jobs were once the sole domain of solvent-borne, but now with [our] PPG Vibrance collection, any of the Continued on page 26

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unforgettable CARSTAR is proud to have been awarded the unforgettable honour of being named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.

Thank you to our Employees, Customers, Franchise, Insurance and Vendor Partners!

Over 160 locations in 10 provinces.

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Continued from page 24

dry pearls and ‘xrylics’ can be used with our unique waterborne blender, VWM 5556, to achieve a truly customized look. Today, PPG waterborne systems can compete head-tohead with any solvent-based product.”

According to BASF’s Leandras, metallics are back in a big way over the last couple of years, with enthusiasts and everyday motorists alike. “One thing we have noticed in the last 12 to 18 months is a rise in metallic colours, like copper and metallic greens—there’s been an amazing response, even though these finishes are not cheap to produce.” He has also observed a resurgence in classics like candy apple red.

But the biggest news in the specialty finish market is, of course, matte. It’s not a look for every taste—at the recent Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, a display of matte-finish cars elicited a range of comments from viewers that ranged from “cool” to “it looks like the car is coated with primer”— but like it or not, they are becoming more and more popular not just with custom clients but with some OEMs as well.

“Matte finish is becoming a general term for any non-shiny finish,” explains Russell Mellson of Cowichan Collision in Duncan, B.C., whose shop does a range of services from general collision and cosmetic repair to luxury, custom and service/emergency vehicle work. “When the finishes first came out, it was a very labour-intensive process to get a good result. But now there are certain additives that have made it easier. The real difficulty is keeping it consistent: with gloss finishes, it’s relatively easy to get a uniform gloss, but mattes are much harder.”

One popular variation mentioned by several sources consulted is the application of multiple sheen levels on the same car, such as gloss with satin (semi-gloss), or satin with matte. While this can produce some very sharp effects, these require a very high degree of precision and little room for error. Along with increased care on the part of the car owner—as even everyday insults like rain, car washes and sunlight can produce variations in the sheen—spot repairs are a thing of the past. Even for small areas of damage, often a whole panel or in extreme cases, the whole car, may have to be redone.

If you don’t do a large amount of custom work, your interest in the new-style finishes may be academic, but don’t get comfortable. A number of OEMs have started offering them

High End Performance Mini in BASF R-M Carizzma Candy Blue.

Photo courtesy of BASF.

as options from the factory, meaning there’s some likelihood one of them may end up in your shop. Some manufacturers, such as PPG, have introduced products that make it easier to match a range of sheen levels from flat matte to mid-sheen or higher, while several other manufacturers are now standardizing sheen levels so that it’s easier to produce a consistent result.

Also, training from both paint manufacturers and in some cases, OEMs have helped bring the application skills of the finishes to a wider cross section of the industry; and some, such as BASF, also offer detailed technical data sheets on their websites, providing information on how to achieve consistently professional results.

Matte finishes may be the news in the world of custom and specialty work, but

fortunately, classic favourites like candies, dimensional metallics and high gloss finishes will never lose favour with the enthusiast. A perfect example of the timelessness of a classic candy finish is in one of Cowichan’s recent works of art: a cherried-out ’63 Nova that belongs to the pinstriping specialist on the team at Cowichan Collision. According to Russ Mellson, “He came to us with his own car, a full-blown race car in the Door-slammer class here in B.C.—that’s another name for Pro Stock racing, because it has to have fully functional doors. It’s a really sharp car, and it’s just blisteringly fast—it has a 1300 hp motor.”

And that’s something you’ll never see on an assembly line.

A ‘63 Candy Orange Chevy Nova with a racer‘s heart.

Photo courtesy of Cowichan Collision.

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ASRW is the industry’s leading resource for comprehensive knowledge, networking & trends.

With something for everyone, it’s the only place where automotive service & repair professionals will find everything they need to accomplish their business goals for the next year: 200+ hours of education, opportunities to meet with the brightest minds and a wide array of products/ services – all while enjoying life in the Big Easy. We provide the resources. You decide where they will take you in the next year.

OULER! L AISSEZ LE BON TEMPS R Exhibits: October 11–13 Conference: October 10–13 Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA USA Held During:

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Co-located with:

3/23/12 1:51 PM 12-09-21 2:16 PM

products

Breathable Air Unit Compliance with the OSHA requirement for Grade “D” Breathable Air can be accomplished with the use of a Personal Air Breathing Unit - Model P-20, manufactured by Martech Services Company. The Personal Air Breathing Unit will provide Grade “D” Breathable Air for a proper NIOSH approved respirator, and with the provided 54” tool air hose assembly, it will allow for a bypass of air for a paint spray gun. The unit is a 20 SCFM system that allows for use with full hoods equipped with vortex cooling tubes. It works with the existing filter compressed air supply, which must provide air quality equal to that required for a flawless paint finish. The Personal Air Breathing Unit is a complete, belt-mounted system, with a built-in filter with filter monitor, and a carbon monoxide monitor with both audible and visual alarms, and runs on a single battery.

Martech Services Company www.breathingsystems.com

DIY Paint Solution

Premium Waterborne System

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes announces the new AWX Performance Plus™ 3.5 VOC Waterborne Refinish System. The new system utilizes a proprietary waterborne resin that achieves 3.5 VOC compliance in all regulated areas.

The new system formulation provides excellent colour match as well as blending and application characteristics. It also exhibits superior product performance in areas where high or low humidity is an issue. In addition, it features new inventoryfriendly packaging and labelling designed to minimize ordering and maximize productivity. The AWX Performance Plus Waterborne Refinish System is available with two reducers to accommodate various ranges in humidity, helping to ensure proper application and superior product performance. These are key attributes, as humidity variance is typically one of the key challenges to waterborne refinish system application.

Sherwin-Williams www.sherwin-automotive.com

Two-Product Combination Shine System

The fusion of innovative ultra-thin adhesive film technology and superior colour match capabilities of AkzoNobel premium refinish coatings has come to life as stickerfix, an innovative DIY paint solution developed by Automotive & Aerospace Coatings that helps preserve the lustre of customer car refinishes long after the repair is completed. stickerfix harnesses the quality of the Sikkens and Lesonal brand waterborne and solvent-based coatings used during the car repair, with a quick, clean, and easy method for bodyshop customers to touch up minor paint damage any time they need it. Tested in a variety of extreme conditions for durability and with unlimited shelf life, the product surpasses other DIY options on the market today.

AkzoNobel www.akzonobel.com

Removing oxidation from a vehicle’s shiny surface can be as easy as working with the right products. When paired with Shurhold Industries’ Dual Action Polisher, Buff Magic and the Buff Magic Compounding Pad provide exceptional results. Buff Magic is scientifically formulated with jeweller’s rouge to act as a metal polish, as well as a buffing and polishing cream. With each pass of a buffer, the proprietary abrasives in this compound break down smaller and smaller. This effectively creates a compound that can work a vehicle’s finish from very dull to ultra glossy with just one product. The Buff Magic Compounding Pad is a general purpose, light cutting pad 6-1/2” in diameter and is made of 100% twisted wool. This pad was designed to work with the Shurhold Dual Action Polisher and Shurhold’s Buff Magic compound and is perfect for removing oxidation.

Western Marine Company www.westernmarine.com Continued on page 30

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, e s i t r e p Ex th i w s e m it co t c u d o r p every we sell.

Expertise — it shows in our service and knowledge. We bring it early and often. From our patented products, built in our world-class development labs, to our state-of-the-art manufacturing and hundreds of locations... it’s all of us, doing it just for you. So, when it’s time to deliver to your customers, you know that Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes has already delivered for you. Paint – it’s what you do. It’s all we do.

Visit a store, give us a call, learn more or share ideas: 800-798-5872 | sherwin-automotive.com |

© 2011 The Sherwin-Williams Company

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products

Continued from page 28

Low-VOC Quick Cure Clearcoat

Sprayer Approved for WD-40, Mineral-Oil Based Liquids

Matrix System Automotive Finishes has released MSV‐25 Low VOC Quick Cure Clearcoat, to be used with the MPB‐LV Premium Low VOC Basecoat system. This fast cure, highly productive clearcoat was designed for use on one- or twopanel jobs when quick delivery is of great importance. MSV‐25 is ideal for collision centres looking to reduce cycle times while at the same time offering a superior finish. According to Matrix System Application Manager, Brian Lynch, “MSV‐25 provides many benefits such as high production which results in the painter spending less effort and time on a job, and fast cure and easy application in any temperature, which results in consistent performance and a beautiful finish.”

Matrix System Automotive Finishes www.matrixsystem.com

The Super McProper Plus 50040 sprayer is the world’s first sprayer specialized for mineral-oil-based lubricants and solvents.

Other products may be used with approved specifications. The handy impact-resistant bottle works with WD-40, oils and lubricants, rust and corrosion inhibitors, degreasing and cleaning agents, and surface coatings. It features a 360° spray function that works equally well upside down, allowing you to get into tight corners, piston pressure of up to 15 bar (218 psi), an adjustable nozzle and robust spray head.

FBS Distribution Co. Inc. www.fbs-online.com

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 ELECTRONICS Allan’s Automotive Electronics Ltd.

www.allansautomotive.com Phone: 780-469-8060 Your Automotive Test Equipment Repair Specialist Tool Sales and Service.

We provide service and warranty for most makes of automotive test equipment.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Aisin World Corp. of America, Inc. (AWA), a leading Tier One automotive components supplier and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aftermarket parts. AISIN’s original equipment technology and know-how is used to ensure product quality and reliability.

To learn more about our products, request a catalogue today. www.aisinaftermarket.com 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.

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

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

Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd www.aaec.ca AAEC - BEST - Business Evaluation Support & Training - Instructing and Coaching with the Proven Business Management Tools that drives a shop’s Bottom Line, Team Culture and Marketplace Credibility.

HAND CLEANERS 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.

REFRIGERANT 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”.

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.

30 Bodyshop l October 2012 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Company

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Company

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12-09-21 8:15 AM

BE BLUE

Don’t think in black and white. Use an entire paint box of opportunities.

When practising the art of refinishing trust your eyes and show-off your creative talents. It’s great that you can rely on your paint system; that you can rely on blue; that you can rely on Standox.

Standox® is a registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. DuPont Canada is a licensee.

Copyright © 2012 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

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i-car

The Next Step in Collision Repair I-CAR Facilitates Shops’ Move to Certified OEM Repair Status

By Martha Uniacke Breen

S

imilar to the logical next step of elevating the status of secondhand cars to “certified pre-owned vehicles,” one way of guaranteeing to consumers that their repair meets the highest OEM standards is to acquire Certified Collision Repair status. I-CAR in the U.S., and increasingly here in Canada, is helping shops to achieve this through OE-generated courses and by acting as a facilitator between OEMs and the bodyshops that repair their customers’ cars.

The concept has been in place for years among specific marques, particularly high-end manufacturers such as Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes and others. “These programs have been successful because many of these customers are ‘captured’ clients, i.e., customers who would bring their cars to the dealership anyway,” observes I-CAR’s Andrew Shepherd. “But once you get into the most popular makes, the logistics become more difficult. Toyota is a leader in this, but in the U.S., Chrysler, Ford and others have also started to roll out programs, and Canada is not far behind.”

In the case of Toyota, for example, the OEM itself supplies extensive training and standards to award selected independent shops with “certified” repair facility status. But in some other cases, I-CAR is offering the required training itself.

“But the other important point is that 20 years ago, there were often strong similarities among different vehicles: if you were making a weld on a B-pillar, it was pretty much the same as every other Bpillar, regardless of the kind of car. But nowadays, this idea is changing, as more and more vehicles use unique materials, different electrics, and so on.”

Another I-CAR initiative, called The “Conceptual Solution Set,” is designed to help the industry work more closely with OEMs to

strive for uniformity and effectiveness of OEM procedures, and to make proprietary information easier for collision repair shops to access. The initiative is designed so that I-CAR can act as a liaison between the shop and the OEM more easily, and obtain needed proprietary and other information to do a complex repair more quickly.

Shepherd is careful to note the concept of certified repair facility only has partial parallels with the certified preowned car. “This term can be effective as a marketing ploy, but in reality most collision repair shops are already very strong partners with insurers, in that the repairs they perform are up to the standards of the industry and the carmakers.” Certification to OEM standards ups the ante, however, not only by providing the shop with training and resources directly from the OEM, but by adding an extra layer of assurance to the consumer and to insurer partners that the shop is able to return the vehicle to a state that meets or exceeds the standards of the OEM itself.

advertiser index BMW Canada

36

www.bmw.ca

CARSTAR Automotive

25

www.carstar.ca

Classic Bumper and Fenders

2

DuPont Performance Coatings

5

www.cromax.dupont.com

Extractor Chrystal Glass Canada

16

www.extractortools.com

FBS Distribution

9

www.fbs-online.com

First Choice Auto Repair Systems

12,13

www.eZpartorder.com

Kennedy Paint

23

www.southernpolyurethanes.com

Martech Services Company

11

www.breathingsystems.com

Mirka Canada

20

www.mirka.com

NACE

27

www.asrwevents.com

PPG Industries

17

www.ppgmvp.com

Pro-Spray Automotive Refinishes

7

www.ProSprayFinishes.com

Sherwin Williams Canada

29

www.sherwin-automotive.com

Standox

31

www.standox.com

Valspar Automtive

35

www.valsparautomotive.com

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12-09-19 8:32 AM

sema show

The 2012 SEMA Show

October 30 - November 2, 2012 • Las Vegas Convention Center

A scene from the 2011 edition of SEMA. Far left: A ‘32 Ford Coupé, exhibited by BarrettJackson Auction Co. LLC at last yeqr’s SEMA. Above: A member of the SEMA Mustang Powered

by Women team works on a fully customized 2013 Ford Mustang GT vehicle, which will be unveiled at this year’s show.

T

he SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, SEMA provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

SEMA Show 2011 drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 1,500 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product

demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities, and more.

Among the highlights of this year’s event, the SEMA Awards recongnize the industry’s hottest vehicle platforms, in which SEMA exhibitors that make products for those trend-setting vehicles will identify the vehicle platforms that they believe are best for accessorizing, and best for showcasing the industry’s coolest products.

Also on hand will be the all-female vehicle customization project known as the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, featuring a 2013 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Company. The customized vehicle, which was built at Source Interlink Media’s headquarters in El Segundo, Cal., will be auctioned on eBay immediately following the reveal with proceeds slated for the SEMA

Memorial Scholarship Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

Thirty aftermarket manufacturers, retailers and suppliers provided over 50 high-performance components for this historic all-female SEMA Mustang Build. Custom installations and vehicle modifications include an E-Force Supercharger System from Edelbrock, front and rear brakes from Wilwood, lowering springs from H&R, suspension system from Whiteline USA, exhaust system from MagnaFlow, stereo system from Kicker, P Zero tires from Pirelli, and Forgeline GA1R wheels with a custom finish. In addition to the customization of a Ford Mustang GT by an all-female build team, many of the products donated to the build came from companies that are owned by women.

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12-09-18 11:45 AM

survey

PARTS PROCUREMENT SURVEY

O

ur Parts Procurement Survey provided an interesting snapshot of what has become one of the most contentious issues in the collision repair industry.

Aside from concerns surrounding insurerled purchasing programs, the simple issue of being able to streamline the parts purchasing process and build efficiencies there continues to be a concern.

Those bodyshops using software programs for purchasing reported average time per job spent of somewhat lower, on average, than those who did not, but the spread was not large. Most shops said they spend 30 minutes per job, with about half again as many spending an hour sourcing parts.

Some 63.3% of shops responding did rate the parts procurement programs as somewhat effective to effective, but some 30% said they were not effective. So perhaps the lack of big differences in time spent procuring parts between those with and those without programs is related to the systems in place and how well shops use them.

Certainly the biggest controversy is over insurer-led procurement programs. Here are some of the comments we received (some were simply unprintable): What is the biggest issue regarding parts procurement for your business?

“I like to choose whom I do business with, and also support local business and negotiate my own discounts.”

“The additional time/administration caused by insurer-led parts procurement programs.”

“Administration of program; sometimes it will slow down cycle time by up to 3-4 days.”

“I feel insurance companies are trying to control my business without proper compensation; they dictate everything. If they want me as an employee, why not just buy me out?”

Not all comments related to the insurer program issue, though. There were many complaining about quality, pricing, and service issues of suppliers.

“Ties up a lot of time. Wrong parts take days to correct. Getting credits takes forever.”

And finally: “Too many cooks in the kitchen! Having to deal with too many people on multiple levels of the purchasing process.”

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12-09-21 8:22 AM

Color.

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From high-quality, low-VOC refinish solutions—such as our De Beer 900+ waterbase system and Valspar Refinish Low VOC solvent-based intermix system—to a full complement of clears and primers, Valspar Automotive is your one-stop provider for all of your automotive coating refinishing needs.

Coming to NACE?

Coming to SEMA?

Visit us at booth

Visit us at booth

N801

23513

Contact Valspar Automotive today for more information and details on distribution opportunities. www.valsparautomotive.com

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12-09-14 7:01 AM