Bodyworx 7#1 by Media Matters

SPECIAL EDITION OF

COVID-19 CONCERNS? SAFETY TIPS INSIDE

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL Inner City

RATical

Involvement

Restorations

Local youth get hands-on Sask Polytech bodyshop

Len Boschman’s Mystery Machine SEMA build!

A Capital Tech Tyler St. Martin was raised in the bodyshop— and has yet to venture elsewhere

+Plus SKILLSCANADA’S REGIONAL COMPETITIONS /

GEORGIAN COLLEGE’S NEW AUTOMOTIVE HUB / AN ALL-CANADIAN SUPERCAR Visit bodyworxmag.com Spring 2020 l $7.95 l Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40841632 l 86 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

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CONTENTS

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CONTINUING THE LEGACY Assured Allard’s Tyler St. Martin has come a long way since working in his grandfather’s bodyshop.

SCOOBY-DOO AT SEMA Len Boschman’s 1961 Ford Econoline restoration for the 2020 SEMA Show!

18 ALL-CANADIAN SUPERCAR Former Canadian racing champ Antoine Bessette has taken his talents to manufacturing!

SPECIAL EDITION OF

COVID-19 CONCERNS? SAFETY TIPS INSIDE

BODYWORX

THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL Inner City

RATical

Restorations

Involvement

Local youth get hands-on Sask Polytech bodyshop

Len Boschman’s Mystery Machine SEMA build!

A Capital Tech Tyler St. Martin was raised in the bodyshop-and has yet to venture elsewhere

+Plus SKILLSCANADA’S REGIONAL COMPETITIONS / GEORGIAN COLLEGE’S NEW AUTOMOTIVE HUB / AN ALL-CANADIAN SUPERCAR Visit bodyworxmag.com Spring 2020 l $7.95 l Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40841632 l 86 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

ON THE COVER Assured Allard’s Tyler St. Martin Photos by: Ian Holmes, Creative Captures

SPRING 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 3

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CONTENTS

12 COVID-19 COVERAGE Tips on protecting yourself from pandemic.

32 45-YEAR CAREER Whitby Collision and Glass’ GM has seen it all—and knows what to expect.

REGULARS 06 PUBLISHER’S PAGE by Darryl Simmons

17 WOMEN IN TRADES by Ben Hart

24 THE FUTURE IS NOW by ‘Forty’; A Progressive Estimator

28 PANE IN THE ADAS by Howard Berg

44 WRITE IT RIGHT... FROM THE START by Kelly Roberts

22 Y OUNG GUN RESTORATIONS How Saskatoon youth are getting hands-on in the Sask Polytech bodyshop!

4 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

46 FINAL DETAIL by Allison Rogers

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PUBLISHER’S PAGE

BODYWORX

CELEBRATING THE SECTOR A world of opportunity awaits you in auto repair

THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHER Darryl Simmons 647.409.7070 publisher@collisionrepairmag.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Gideon Scanlon 905.370.0101 gideon@mediamatters.ca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Allison Rogers allison@mediamatters.ca

BY DARRYL SIMMONS

ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Corvers yvonne@mediamatters.ca

he Alberta Trades Hall of Fame recently approached our editorial team with a message it wanted to share with our readers. It asked for members of the auto repair sector to forward the names of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinar y dedication and commitment to the trade and who advanced apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta. I was delighted. Finally, the amazing work of the technicians, painters, preppers, detailers and anyone else in the industry who makes the magic happen would be officially recognized. This news is a big deal. The people in this industry are true problem solvers. For every job that they work on, they have to thinkthrough their approach and be precise in their execution of it. They deserve far more praise than they get. I hope other provinces soon follow in Alberta’s footsteps. I also like to think that Bodyworx Professional played a small role in bringing the public’s understanding of the work done by auto repair industry professionals to light. Seven years ago, when the magazine was launched, we sought to promote a positive image of the industry. At the time, there was no publication devoted to the tradespeople in the automotive aftermarket. In the years since, the magazine has been proud to share the amazing work of so many passionate people. In each issue, we highlight their stories in the hope that young people considering their futures might stumble upon the magazine and consider a rewarding career in the collision sector. Opportunities are everywhere for young people in this business, and more of them will realize that if we point them in the right direction.

Auto repair facilities offer a world of opportunity for young people, and not just in roles as technicians and painters. There is room for innovative customer service professionals, web-designers and managerial positions too. If you are interested in sinking your teeth into the world of auto repair, read on. Let this magazine show you how rewarding a life in the field can be!

66 BODYWORXMAG.COM BODYWORXMAG.COM || BODYWORX BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katherine Stevens katie@mediamatters.ca VP OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS & ADVERTISING Gloria Mann 647.998.5677 advertising@collisionrepairmag.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Ellen Smith 416.312.7446 ellen@mediamatters.ca DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Cassie Doyle cassie@mediamatters.ca CONTRIBUTORS Howard Berg, Rick Francouer, Ben Hart, Kelly Roberts, Bill Speed, ‘Forty’; A Progressive Estimator

SUBSCRIPTION One-year $25 / Student Discount is 10%

Bodyworx Professional™ is published quartely, and is

dedicated to serving the professionals of the collision repair industry. It is published by Media Matters Inc. Material in Bodyworx Professional™ may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions, statements appearing in this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by the publisher. PRINTED IN CANADA ISSN 1707-6072 CANADA POST CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT No. 40841632 RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to: 317 Reid St., Peterborugh ON K9J 3R2

“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.”

Bodyworx Professional is published by Media Matters Inc., publishers of:

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ON THE COVER

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK Tyler St. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got the bodyshop in his blood BY ALLISON ROGERS

8 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

>>> FINAL DETAIL

ON THE COVER

“Honestly, I just love fixing cars. I love to take something that’s smashed up and make it look beautiful again–even better than factory standards. The money, of course is good, but the finished product is what really drives me.” – Tyler St. Martin

Tyler St. Martin is continuing his family’s technician tradition by working as a tech at Assured Allards in Kanata, Ont.

rowing up, Tyler St. Martin had an entire bodyshop as his playground. He spent his childhood around totalled trucks, smashedup sedans and every bit of glitz and glamour his family’s bodyshop had to offer—so it’s really no wonder Tyler became an automotive technician himself. St. Martin Auto Body opened in North Bay, Ontario in the 1970s. Tyler’s grandfather, Henry ‘Chick’ St. Martin headed the operation, and his father worked as a technician there—and, as a young auto enthusiast, Tyler often tagged along. “I’ve basically been in the bodyshop since I could walk,” Tyler told Bodyworx Professional. “And have been doing it ever since.” Some of Tyler’s fondest memories come from Saturday mornings in the bodyshop, when Papa St. Martin would arrive with a fresh box of Timbits in tow. These mornings would be spent washing cars, snacking on sweets and joking around with the rest of the family working in the shop. When he was old enough to get his hands on the cars at St. Martin Auto Body, Tyler took full advantage and began helping out more on the floor. It was during these years that Tyler began to consider collision repair as a career, but he ultimately opted to pursue a different trade. Fate, however, quickly brought him back to the bodyshop. “At that point, I was finally ready to buckle down and said, ‘alright, let’s go all-in and get your license.’ I went through the stages of schooling—Levels 1, 2 and 3—wrote my test and went flat-rate,” said Tyler. “That was eight or nine years ago.”

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ON THE COVER

Tyler briefly left the field to pursue another trade, but fate brought him back. He then attended Ottawa’s Algonquin College and completed his apprenticeship under his father.

There’s always something to do in the Allards bodyshop—Tyler says it’s the busiest shop in town!

Already equipped with experience in his youth, Tyler attended Algonquin College’s Auto Body Repairer program and completed an apprenticeship under his father at a facility in Oshawa, Ontario. He later returned to Parliament Hill when his wife secured a job in the medical field, and soon began working at Assured Allards. “This was the first shop I came to when I moved to Ottawa, and it’s where I’ve been since,” he said. “As the biggest shop in the area, it’s always super busy. We’ve got high production rates and the management staff are always supportive and ensure we have the proper equipment for the job. That’s what really stands out about working here.” Like many techs, Tyler recognizes the challenges presented by technological advancements. With new metal compositions and advanced technology systems onboard modern vehicles, keeping up with the most up to date of collision

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>>> FINAL DETAIL

ON THE COVER

Tyler says he’s seen a shift in customer service as consumers become more knowledgeable about their vehicles.

repair procedures can be taxing—but he says the availability of high-tech tools at Assured is his saving grace and makes it slightly easier to adapt. Conversely, Tyler has noticed that customers are becoming increasingly pickier with their before-and-after results. “Everyone is a little savvier nowadays and has a particular vision of how things should look when the job is done,” he said. “People are paying huge money for these cars, so it’s more than a method of transportation to them—they’re their babies.” Regardless, Tyler can’t help but grin after completing a job.

“Honestly, I just love fixing cars. I love to take something that’s smashed up and make it look beautiful again—even better than factory standards. The money, of course, is good, but the finished product is what really drives me.” While he is passionate about his trade, Tyler questions why other young people aren’t as interested in auto body repairs. He says, in recent years, it’s been tough attracting youth to collision repair careers, and having the help you need, when you need it, can be tricky. “Maybe it’s that kids are more into different things, like technology and computers, as they grow up—maybe they don’t see the point of physical labour as much nowadays,” said Ty-

ler. “I feel like a lot of them just want to use their brains and don’t recognize the pride that comes with hard work and getting your hands a little bit dirty.” But, for those that are ready to pursue the tricks of the trades, Tyler has some words of wisdom: “Put in the hard work, stick it out, finish your apprenticeship and get your license—it’ll pay off in the end.” And, for his fellow tradespeople, Tyler has some additional advice: “Always wear your safety stuff—your masks, your gloves and your PPE,” scolds Tyler. “Because you never know what could happen.”

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

PANDEMIC PROCEDURES

Bodyshops across North America are taking extra precautions to avoid the highly contagious virus.

Avoiding COVID-19 in the bodyshop BY ALLISON ROGERS

s the coronavirus continues to grip the globe, bodyshops across North America are taking extra precautions to avoid the highly contagious virus. All businesses are adding precautions to their list of daily duties. Step one in avoiding COVID-19 should come naturally to most—more frequent handwashing and sanitization. According to a recent survey conducted by more than 80 percent of shops have introduced new handwashing procedures to do their part in combatting COVID-19. Feeling queasy? Quarantine! If any of your employees show flu-like symptoms—such as a nasty cough, fever or severe headache— you shouldn’t wait for things to get worse. Send them home with strict instructions to rest and recuperate. Another simple precaution suggested by business owners is wearing gloves when inspecting customer vehicles. As one owner pointed out, people tend to be far more comfortable

sneezing and coughing in the comfort of their own vehicles—therefore, techs should be extra careful and wear protection when opening door handles, touching steering wheels or checking mileage during the estimation process. And, if business does start to lag, consider some compromises. Several shops are combatting slow business amid the virus by offering customers the option of interacting with estimators via video chat or take photos of vehicle damage themselves. There is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes down to how the ongoing pandemic could affect business in the bodyshop. With China’s automotive hub of Wuhan shut down for over a month, parts delays are pending. Several sources say contingency plans are in effect for industries that use Chinese suppliers—and the list is extensive. According to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, members are already experiencing supply chain disruptions. Flavio Volpe, president of

12 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association, says his organization is exploring alternative plans for sourcing parts.

the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association, says his organization is now exploring alternative plans for sourcing parts. “We’ve tipped into our contingency planning— where can you re-source?” said Volpe. Ferrari has shut down two of its Italian factories as the country battles the outbreak. The company had expected to continue production through the week—albeit at a much slower rate—though ultimately was forced to close due to parts shortages.

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IN THE HEADLIGHTS

INDUSTRY BODYSHOP BIDDING When Iouri Ovtchinnikov was working in his own bodyshop, he developed a bright idea for an app that could make autobody repairs easier—and cheaper—for drivers. He developed AutoBuddy Technologies, an app where drivers upload images of their vehicle damage and bodyshops in the area can respond with estimates. Ovtchinnikov got the idea for AutoBuddy when he owned his own repair centre and decided to drive around the area with his own lightly scratched car, visiting his competitors to see how their rates compared to his.He said he would have charged between $700 and $800 for the job, but received a range of estimates, from $400 to $1,700. A facility in Richmond, B.C. has used the software and calls it a “win-win,” while ICBC has also preached support for “any app that helps make more informed decisions” when it comes to auto repairs. Louri Ovtchinnikov has developed an app that “helps keep bodyshops honest,” he says.

RAISING RELIABILITY

ELECTRIFYING INSIGHTS

According to J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability study, overall vehicle dependability has improved 1.5 percent from 2019. The study, which is in its 31st year, measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles experienced in the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problems that have been grouped into eight major vehicle categories.Key findings of the study said dependability is improving, though at a slow rate; crossovers and SUVs have become more dependable and in-vehicle technology has shown significant strides toward improvement. For overall vehicle dependability, the 2020 industry average came in at 134 diagnosable issues per 100 vehicles— an improvement of two problems per 100 vehicles when compared to 2019’s results.

Collision repairers who have not invested in preparing for the arrival of electric vehicles may be in for a shock, according to Mitchell International’s latest Industry Trends Casualty Report. The company said the difficulty of repairing EVs—which make use of lightweight materials—is leading to a significant increase in the severity of repairs. The report also showed that, comparatively, other areas of the broader automotive sector are increasingly prepared for the widespread arrival of EVs. Automakers are pushing electric models, and even late adopters of EV trends like Subaru have plans to offer hybrid or electric variants of every model by the mid-2030s. Governments are also actively supporting electric infrastructure and, according to Mitchell’s report, 41 percent of the general public is looking toward an EV for their next vehicle purchase.

J.D. Power’s recent report, vehicle dependability is improving at a slow rate.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CRACKDOWN According to a recent report detailing legal issues facing the automotive industry in 2020, consumers are becoming more aware of their data and are demanding greater transparency when it comes to choosing repair centres. As smart technology increases in vehicles, so does the amount of personal information they collect. Just as a cybersecurity breach may signal to consumers that their data is not safe, and a company’s breach of applicable privacy regulations could send a similar message. Making privacy a priority is crucial for businesses, says the report. It reads, “With this shared interest as a foundation, companies should additionally be transparent about their privacy policies and practices and should engage with consumers’ questions or concerns. Cultivating this kind of trust is crucial as connective and autonomous innovations and privacy concerns continue to grow.” The full report, published by Wisconsin law firm Foley and Lardner, discusses further risks, such as cybersecurity and supply chain protection as two chief challenges in 2020’s automotive industry.

TICK TOCK At January’s Canadian Collision Industry Conference (CCIF) Toronto, CCIF chair Paul Prochilo took to the stage to discuss increasing cycle times in the bodyshop. Armed with data from AutoHouse technologies, Prochilo outlined how cycle times have increased from 33.6 days between the first notice of loss and final vehicle delivery in 2016 to an average of 41.5 days in 2019. Prochilo used the data as a launching pad for his discussion on CCIF’s new conference workshop sessions, of which the first was held on Jan. 30 at CCIF Toronto when Axalta’s Steve Trapp discussed profitability and optimizing gross profit in a comprehensive three-hour session. The next sesArmed with data from AutoHouse sion—targeting increased Technologies, CCIF chair Paul Prochilo cycle times—will be held said Canadian collision cycle times have been on the rise since 2016. at CCIF Montreal in May.

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IN THE HEADLIGHTS

TECH TRENDS SNOWY STRIDES

RUGGED REVAMPING

Self-driving vehicles are constantly undergoing development tests—even as Canada continues to experience its typical winter weather. Recent data from the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo will help train self-driving cars to handle the challenges of winter driving, say Steven Waslander and Kyzysztof Czarnecki, professors at U of T and UWaterloo, respectively. The dataset was created with Autonomoose, a Lincoln MKZ hybrid equipped with a full suite of sensors, including eight onboard cameras, a lidar (light detection and ranging) scanner and a GPS tracker. Over the past two winters, the teams have taken the Autonomoose around southwestern Ontario, recording data from more than 1,000 kilometres of driving. Of this, approximately 33 kilometres in harsh, snowy conditions were selected to form the basis of the dataset.

General Motors is working on reviving the Hummer name—but with a sustainable twist. The Hummer EV was teased during a Super Bowl commercial featuring basketball superstar LeBron James, and is said to feature the brand’s Ultium battery system, which claims to boast a 644-kilometre range. Keeping with the environmentally-friendly wave, the new Hummer will not have a leather interior—just synthetic, renewable or recyclable materials. And for brand fanatics, don’t fret—the boxy vehicle seems to have retained its shape and is wide as ever.

GM’s Hummer EV prototype was teased during a Super Bowl commercial featuring basketball superstar LeBron James.

CANADIAN TIRE CONTRIBUTION

Recent data from the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo will help train self-driving cars to handle the challenges of winter driving.

Canadian Tire will be adding nearly 300 EV chargers at retail locations across the country by the end of 2020. Working alongside FLO, Volkswagen Canada subsidiary Electrify Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Tesla, the retail giant will be installing 240 fast chargers and 55 Level 2 chargers at 90 locations nationwide. The federal government will be spending $2.7 million to build 54 of the chargers in the westernmost provinces in an effort to push further EV sales,. Once completed, Canadian Tire’s network will reportedly be one of the largest in the country.

REBATE RECONSIDERATION The federal government may need to rethink its federal EV incentive plan after issuing more than $134 million in rebates in the last ten months, says Transport Canada. The program initially intended to allocate $300 million over the next three years to the program but, thanks to Canada’s over-eager car purchasers, those funds may be entirely gobbled up by the end of this year. The program, launched last May, offers up to $5,000 off the price of buying a new electric or hybrid passenger vehicle.

MACH-E MISS Pricing for Ford’s anticipated EV, the Mustang Mach-E is set at $50,495, prior to delivery and additional fees, making the EV ineligible for Canada’s federal rebate program. In Canada, federal rebate-eligible vehicles must have six seats or fewer and a base-model trim with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000—thus, the Mach-E misses the mark for the $5,000 rebate. The car will still qualify for rebates in B.C. and Quebec, where owners can receive $3,000 and $8,000, respectively—but the rest of Canada is left to cover the full cost. The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s answer to the waves of automaker electrification. It is said to feature both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, be built in Mexico and boast a 480-kilometre range. 14 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

Ford’s anticipated Mustang Mach-E will not qualify for Canada’s federal EV incentive.

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IN THE HEADLIGHTS

TRAINING FUNDING FEMALE FUTURES

EQUIPMENT UPLIFT

The Canadian government recently launched support for Build a Dream Canada, a Windsor, Ontario organization designed to encourage young Canadians to explore careers in the trades. With $728,000 in funding, highschool-age women will benefit through career expos and exploratory workshops where they can ‘try a trade’ and have access to online resources. The program also allows young women to connect with professional skilled tradeswomen and explore supports to help them launch their careers.

Two high schools in Maple Ridge, B.C., are getting a $25,000 boost to their automotive trades programs, thanks to Lordco’s Ed Coates Memorial Foundation. The foundation, established in memory of Lorco Auto Parts’ founder Ed Coates, donated an automotive hoist to Maple Ridge secondary, while a metal lathe was donated to Samuel Robertson Technical. Both pieces of equipment are brand new and valued at around $25,000. The trades programs at Maple Ridge and Samuel Robertson allow high school students to earn post-secondary credits, certifications and career skills prior to graduation. In financial assistance alone, Lordco now provides more than $30,000 annually to students pursuing studies in automotive Lordco’s Ed Coates Foundation recently donated an automotive hoist to Maple Ridge secondary, trades programs.

The Canadian government recently launched support for Build a Dream Canada with $728,000 in funding.

and a metal lathe to Samuel Robertson Technical.

CLASSROOM CONTRIBUTION Audatex recently donated more than US$2 million worth of software subscriptions to schools in the U.S. and Canada offering collision repair training programs. The donation is in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and serves as part of an initiative to train future repair workers on the same software used in collision repair facilities. As of now, the two groups have brought Audatex software to upwards of 300 collision repair programs across North America. Audatex also donated $25,000 in an effort to support collision repair students. The funds come after a five-year commitment the company made in 2018 to ensure industry training programs were provided with the tools and equipment needed to run.

PROJECT ARROW FOR TAKEOFF The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association is officially kicking off its design competition for the Project Arrow concept car initiative. The design contest is open to eligible students at colleges and universities across Canada, said APMA president Flavio Volpe. The finalists and their design submissions will be unveiled at the APMA’s annual conference on June 11 in Windsor, Ontario. The project will consist of three stages: design, a virtual concept and construction. Suppliers will bid on the project in the fall and a ‘virtual concept’ will be unveiled next year. The fully-built zero-emissions concept vehicle, comprised of parts entirely sourced from Canada’s supply chain will be unveiled in 2022.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association is officially kicking off its design competition for the Project Arrow concept car initiative.

FOUR YEARS RUNNING As automotive technology students from across Ontario went head-to-head at the 21st annual Toronto Automotive Technology competition in February, St. Brother Andre Catholic School came out on top, claiming the crown for the fourth-straight year. Anthony Vecchiarelli and Alexander Liao, students at the Markham, Ontario high school, reigned victorious, thanks to always-stellar coaching from their teacher and cover star for last issue of Bodyworx Professional, Jason Rehel. The competition—presented by Centennial College and the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) in partnership with Cars and Jobs—tested analytical skills and knowledge regarding electrical suspension and brakes, engine mechanical, waveform analysis and a virtual engine management simulator. With 120 minutes to complete five working stations, the pressure was on. Vecchiarelli and Liao will go on to represent their school at the National Automotive Technology Competition in New York City this April.

St. Brother Andre Catholic High School Anthony Vecchiarelli and Alexander Liao reigned victorious at the Toronto Automotive Technology Competition in February.

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IN THE HEADLIGHTS

BELIEVE IT OR NOT LARGE AND IN CHARGE After discovering an old military firetruck in a local wrecking yard, auto enthusiast Kirk Strawn had a wild idea–built the biggest Volkswagen Bus the world has ever seen. The massive masterpiece was built on the chassis of a 1963 military firetruck and is outfitted with two floors, 85 speakers and neon lights. The Bus, affectionately named Walter, is exactly twice the size of an original VW Bus, standing at a whopping 13 ft. 2 in. It also contains absolutely no VW parts. To achieve the build, Strawn cleared out the interior and assembled a custom body using the old roof of the truck as the floor for the upper level. The driving position was also moved to the roof by extending the controls up, and the sides were built up to close in the upper and lower sections. Strawn has taken Walter to the Burning Man music festival and various special events, but mostly it seems he just gets a kick out of driving it around. With a very commanding view of the road and a sound system worthy of a dance club, we can definitely see this being the ultimate party bus.

This double-deck VW bus was built on the chassis of a 1963 military firetruck and is outfitted with two floors, 85 speakers and neon lights.

CLOGGED CAUSEWAY

TRANS-CANADA TOPPLE

Ontario’s Highway 401 had quite the clog when two trucks collided and unleashed thousands of rolls of toilet paper onto the busy roadway. The incident occurred near the Thousand Islands U.S. Bridge. One of the trucks hilariously happened to be carrying a lifetime supply of toilet paper rolls, which exploded onto the highway post-crash. Once the internet got ahold of the strange news, the puns started pouring in. “They’ll just have to roll with it,” joked one Twitter user. “This mess should be wiped up pretty quickly,” wrote another.

A car hauler recently took a nasty tumble along the Trans-Canada Highway when it rolled over, taking the seven vehicles it was carrying for a rowdy ride. The incident occurred just west of Swift Current, Sask. and police blamed “large ice buildup” for the crash. The vehicle had hit an icy patch and came to rest in the middle of the two-lane highway. The semi was originally travelling east but, after hitting the icy terrain, it ended up facing west.

EMOJI ROAD RAGE Lawmakers in Vermont are currently engaged in a rigorous debate involving the state’s license plates—should it allow its motorists to request plates with emojis plastered on them? Democratic representative Rebecca White introduced the draft bill in January and, if approved, could create a license plate that adds an emoji to the random numerical sequence assigned. Drivers would be allowed to choose from six pre-approved emojis—though the state has yet to reveal which six it has in mind. The move wouldn’t be unprecedented, either—drivers registering a car in the Australian state of Queensland can pay about AU$340 for the right to put one of five emojis on their custom plates. Drivers can choose between the laughing out loud emoji, the sunglasses emoji, the heart eyes emoji, the winking emoji or the simple smiley face emoji.

Highway 401 got TP’d in January after a transport truck filled with toilet paper was involved in a collision. Emojis could be coming to license plates sooner than you think.

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INSTRUCTOR INSIGHT

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WOMEN IN TRADES A different perspective

BY BEN HART

When interviewing potential candidates for a job, hire the best person for the job: race, gender, religious beliefs should have no more bearing on the final selection than the individual’s preference of breakfast cereal.

he topic of women entering the world of trades is nothing new in 2020; the transition of women from “traditional roles” to tradespeople is now decades old. Unfortunately, most trades still see the percentage of women in the single digits. With International Women’s Day approaching at the time I write this on March 8th, I’d like to take a few moments to reflect on what this means to me as not only a male tradesperson, but as an educator. I have a weak spot for nostalgia and history, so I would like to start by noting that International Woman’s Day saw its origins at the turn of the 19th century largely due to the movements associated with women’s suffrage. March 8th became globally recognized as International (Working) Women’s Day in 1975 as decreed by the United Nations. Since then, many groups and organizations have formed to support women such as Women in Trades and Technologies (WITT) and Women Building Futures. So, where does this leave me, a humble male who wishes nothing but the best for women? What can I do differently? How should

I treat female colleagues, apprentices and students? Should I go the extra mile to offer additional support for the cause? I have learned that human beings are individualistic creatures. We all come from unique backgrounds which can be leveraged for our experiential skills and knowledge. The moment you depict a difference between someone else and yourself then proceed to change your attitude or behaviour based on this assessment, is described as discrimination. Often, discrimination can even be wrapped up beautifully in kind deeds and gestures such as helping a co-worker lift something heavy or unsolicited advice on how to complete a repair. So, STOP! I cannot and should not speak on behalf of women. What I can do is stand on the sidelines, offer support when needed and celebrate the accolades as equals. I can also ask for assistance and support while not needing to feel emasculated. Truly, the only one that can make a man feel emasculated is himself. When interviewing potential candidates for a job, hire the best person for the job: race, gender, religious

beliefs should have no more bearing on the final selection than the individual’s preference of breakfast cereal. When I do interact with fellow trades people, apprentices, or students, I will not provide additional support unless requested or deserved as an individual. I will not qualify success against an attribute: “you did well on that project, for a girl.” I will treat everyone as the unique and valued individuals they are. A final word to women: many of us (men) want you here, unfortunately, some of us are unsure how to proceed. Please do not let dated stereotypes stop you from pursuing your dreams and know that there is a lot of support. Communication is an important tool; let your employer and colleagues know what is and is not acceptable. Also know that the struggles are real and many of the struggles are shared. The trades can be difficult and trying at times-for everyone. Stick with it and prove anyone who has ever displayed an ounce of negativity, wrong. My dream is that one day there will be no need to discuss this topic as equality becomes prevalent.

Ben Hart is a Red Seal autobody technician and refinisher with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. For the past two years, he has instructed apprenticeship programs at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). He can be reached at ben.hart@sait.ca.

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BOSS BUILDS

THE ROAD AND THE RACETRACK Antoine Bessette, CEO of FELINO, takes us inside the cB7r BY ALLISON ROGERS

FELINO’s cB7 was in development for seven years before production commenced. It was unveiled at the 2014 Montreal Auto Show.

“When you’re a racecar driver you’re always looking for that tenth of a second. I love to push the man and the machine, and that was the challenge in the beginning—to create a car with the DNA of a racecar and the ability to go on the public road as well.” — Antoine Bessette, former Canadian racing champion and CEO of FELINO Cars

hat’s a former racecar driver to do after retiring from the racetrack? Create an all-Canadian supercar brand, of course. Antoine Bessette, who was named Canadian Champion Race Driver of the year by the Ontario regional racing sanctioning body back in 2005, has since departed the lanes of the speedway, moving on to start his own sports car brand, FELINO, an entirely Canadian brand that focuses on building luxury sportscars made to drive on public roads and racetracks alike. “When you’re a racecar driver you’re always looking for that tenth of a second,” Bessette told Bodyworx Professional. “I love to push the man and the machine, and that was the challenge in the beginning—to create a car

with the DNA of a racecar and the ability to go on the public road as well.” FELINO recently showcased its models at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. The brand only makes 10 of each sports car model—and purchasing a FELINO car is an extremely customizable and personal experience for hard-core auto enthusiasts. “It’s a pretty niche market—normally, builders will make cars for the road and modify them for the track,” said Bessette. “We did the opposite—built a car to be quick on the racetrack, but also capable of driving on roads.” From the very beginning, FELINO developed its cB7r model around the driver. The car is built on the company’s unique chassis, with the entire vehicle moulded around the driver’s

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Former Canadian racecar champion Antoine Bessette is the face behind Felino.

racing position. According to Bessette, one of the first photographs of the cB7r’s development shows him sitting in the passenger, decked out in his racing gear while the car is built up around him.

BOSS BUILDS

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB INTERVIEW

In 2019, the brand unveiled its 700-horsepower cB7r, which is legal for both road and racetrack use.

Building the car around the driver allows for plenty of customization in terms of engine options, gearboxes, complementary technologies and bodywork without altering the performance that characterizes this unbridled beast. Featuring a V8 engine pushing 700 horsepower, the cB7r can reach speeds of up to 345 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and an optional sequential gearbox, available for both road and track use. Its aerodynamic design, technological engineering and fully customizable features are just a few examples of what sets the cB7r apart. Bessette says his favourite part of the cB7r is its unique driving position. “The driving position is really cool,” said Bessette. “It gives you the feeling of driving in a jet and a racecar in one, because of the curved roof. It reminds me of my racing days.” With only 10 of each model, owning a FELINO car is highly luxurious—and highly personal. The automaker collaborates with its customers on all vehicles. So, if you want a cB7r that’s more catered to the racetrack than that road, or vice versa, FELINO has your back. “We work with our customers from day one,” said Bessette. “We take them out on the track with us for test drives and design the car around their needs. Even after the deal is done, we tell them never to hesitate to reach out if they need something.” Impressively, FELINO was able to build its first supercars without any investor support. The car is also comprised of completely Canadian parts and even utilizes a chassis designed and built by FELINO. The brand has another model—the cB7+—currently in the works, to be unveiled later this year. When asked if he could share any exclusive information with Bodyworx, Bessette said his lips were sealed. “I’m not going to reveal anything just yet,” he told the magazine. “But stay tuned.”

As skilled technicians become increasingly in demand, it is becoming a job seekers market. Owners keep looking for creative ways to attract top talent. The question is, are you taking full advantage of this opportunity? Job interviews are just as much of an opportunity for you to interview employers, as it is the other way around. Knowing if it is a right fit ahead of time, will ensure you start your career off on the right foot and position yourself as an industry leader. Below, are some key questions to help find out if this employer is the right fit for you: What does the training look like? Having regular performance reviews ensures you have a roadmap for success and schedule for apprenticeship completion. Is there cross-departmental training? Ensuring you try out lots of different roles increases the likelihood of you finding your speciality. Is there opportunity for advancement? Even if it is a small facility, let your employer know you want to develop your skills so they can plan for your career development. Is there a benefits package? Some facilities will have robust benefits packages that could include subsidies for your tools, paint guns and more.Prepare for your interview and draft a list of important questions that will help determine what facility is the right fit for you.

1-800-CARSTAR | CARSTAR.ca

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EVENTS

Burlington, Ont. automotive artist Ron Gibbs had a booth at Motorama where he worked on his own pieces, displayed some of his past artworks and collaborated with some other artists on a Panel Jam.

More than a dozen car clubs were in attendance at the show.

MOTORAMA MAYHEM Customs, classics and car-enthusiast culture on the show floor BY ALLISON ROGERS

undreds gathered at Mississauga, Ont.’s International Centre on March 13 and 14 for the sixth annual Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo, which saw plenty of custom builds, classic masterpieces and celebrity guests mingle on the show floor. Originally scheduled for three days, on the Saturday night of the show—under mounting pressure from several sources—the promoters made the decision not to open for Sunday due to the fast-spreading COVID-19 virus. Throughout the show, promoters and the venue had taken all recommended steps to minimize the risk, including adding extra hand-washing stations throughout the five halls that made up the 330,000 square-foot show. As well, signs encouraging proper hand-washing techniques and social distancing were placed in high-traffic areas. And many of the on-stage discussions and awards presentations were cancelled so that showgoers weren’t packed into tight spaces. When the show opened, the public schools were still open, as were many public institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, movie theatres,

Grand Champion Presentation. Builder Marc McCrae of Fast Company Canada (in red) accepts the $5,000 cheque and awards.

the province’s casinos and many other public venues. Aside from the issues related to the coronavirus outbreak, almost 400 vehicles filled the venue. Hall 1 was packed with 28 mostly first time shown vehicles and, on the Saturday morning of the show, judges identified the Canadian 10 finalists. These vehicles were

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eligible for the Motorama Grand Champion Award and the $5,000 winner’s cheque. Nine of the Canadian 10 finalists were located in Hall 1, with the other located in Hall 2. In the end, a 1959 Corvette convertible, owned by Travis and Viv Agresti and built by Marc McCrae of Fast Company Canada, took the Grand Champion prize.

>>> FINAL DETAIL

EVENTS

The centrepiece of the BASF Canada booth was a 1951 cab over engine (COE) truck.

Mike Harrison brought his vintage Monster Truck ‘Big, Bad & Bouncy’ to Motorama. It was one of the first Monster Trucks ever built entirely in Canada.

Hall 1B was dubbed the Inside Track Racing Zone Presented by Stoneridge Specialty Insurance. With more than a dozen booths presented by the region’s racing tracks and series, the Racing Zone also featured a stock car build and dozens of racing vehicles of all kinds in the Racers’ Corral. Hall 2 played host to the majority of the show’s corporate displays as well as the bulk of the car club exhibits, the Pinty’s Stage and the new Truck-O-Rama feature, which was a very popular new addition to Motorama. Watch for this to grow in the future. In Hall 3, Kristine Hill put together the fifth annual Spring Fever: Modified Cars & Culture room. More than 80 tuners, modifieds and imports filled the room, which was sponsored by Oakville’s Burning Rubber Tire & Speed. And in Hall 4, Brandon Roberts—known as the co-promoter of the Jalopy Jam-Up—hosted Mayhem…in the Backroom, for the second year in a row. In addition to more than 60 traditional cars and rat rods, Mayhem hosted barbers, tattoo artists, pinstripe artists, vendors and bands. Suzie Major presented the second annual Miss Motorama Pinup Pageant, on the Saturday of the show. In the end, crowds were down considerably – due to the coronavirus situation and labour issues related to Ontario’s teachers’ unions. Featured guest Chip Foose, from TV’s Overhaulin’, was scheduled to appear at Motorama but informed the promoters, the day before the show, that he wouldn’t be attendance due to travel concerns related to coronavirus.

Viv Agresti’s 1959 Corvette convertible was the Motorama Grand Champion Award winner.

Chad Martin’s truck, dubbed ‘Brutally Sexy’ was one of the featured vehicles. The vehicle, which started life as a ‘36 Chevy Sedan, is a 750 HP dually pickup. Martin hails from North Carolina. Show organizers originally saw the truck at last summer’s Syracuse Nationals.

“We were extremely proud of the quality of vehicles and exhibits at the show. In the face of uncertainty and adversity, we did our best to put on an entertaining and safe show, for as long as we could,” show organizers told Bodyworx Professional. “We thank all the car owners, exhibitors, sponsors as well as our staff and volunteers for their efforts and understanding. We hope everyone’s families and friends get through this challenging time and we look forward to seeing everyone next March, at Motorama.”

Constance Nunes, co-star of the Netflix show Car Masters: Rust to Riches came from southern California to meet fans at Motorama.

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RESTORATION REPORT

GETTING HANDS-ON IN SASKATCHEWAN

The kids really get a hands-on experience—with professional supervision, of course!

Hands On Outreach and Development Centre connects with local youth through classic restorations BY ALLISON ROGERS

ne Saskatchewan not-for-profit is sparking automotive interest through one-on-one mentorship and classic restorations. It all started nine years ago, when Rick Langlais, founder of Saskatoon’s Hands On Outreach and Development Centre, approached Tom Bissonnette at Parr Auto Body to see if some of the children that frequented the program could stop by and learn a thing or two about automotive skills. Bissonnette pointed to a couple of challenges with the original idea. The shop at Parr Auto Body is very busy and it could prove difficult to transport the kids from the inner city core out to Parr Auto Body’s facility. Parr Auto Body is located about 10 kilometers from Saskatoon’s downtown, in an east side business area. Instead, Bissonnette suggested that if Langlais could find a building downtown, he

could see if there were volunteers willing to come down and work with the kids. Over the course of the next year, Langlais found a property downtown, renovated it to house a shop area, got the necessary equipment donated and approached Bissonnette a second time. Before starting the project, Langlais and Bissonette traveled to Vancouver to meet with Mark McKim and check out the Customs for Urban Teens (CUT) program. The CUT Program puts car enthusiasts side-by-side with young people to work on classic and custom car restorations. Langlais and Bissonette returned to Saskatoon with a vision of what was possible, and they set about finding a good car to re-build. With the help of many donors and mem-

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The kids are currently hard at work restoring a 1969 Mustang convertible.

RESTORATION REPORT

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Of course, Hands On and Sask Polytech both hope to spark some interest in the trades along the way!

Hands On’s program aims to foster a one-on-one mentorship experience.

bers of the Saskatoon Auto Body Association, the team raised money and recruited volunteers to work with the kids and rebuild the Nova. “When we were introduced to them, we loved what they were doing,” said Paul Carter, Dean of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Transportation. “We offered up our large, state-of-the-art facility and one of our faculty members for their program.” The partnership began about a year ago. Once a week—sometimes twice—Sask Polytech

The not-for-profit organization also aims to give valuable life skills to the local youth.

faculty and local technicians volunteer their time to suit up to help the kids with their restoration. Through the program, local youth are given a safe, fun and creative activity for the after-school hours—keeping them out of harm’s way and teaching them valuable life lessons in the process. The group is currently working its second build—a 1969 Mustang convertible—which it started under the guidance of Scott Kucharyshen, head of Sask Polytech’s Auto Body Technician program in the fall of 2018. According to Hands On, the Mustang’s original body was in rough shape, so the group practically had to begin from the ground up. A jig was constructed, and the kids began building the frame on top of it. In the fall of 2019, a second evening was

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added to complete more work on the Mustang’s engine and powertrain. The crew removed the manual transmission—sold to a local buyer—in favour of an automatic version. In early February, the Mustang’s floor was installed. “It literally fell right in,” reads a restoration update. “Thanks to good parts, plenty of careful measuring and the kids’ hard work.” Of course, Hands On Outreach and Sask Polytech both hope they can generate some interest in the trades and careers in autobody repair along the way. “There are some students that stand out,” said Carter. “I hope to see some of them at the college in September.” For more information on Hands On Outreach, visit handsonoutreach.ca.

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ANONYMOUS ESTIMATION

THE FUTURE IS NOW How this estimator shoulders disruption

BY ‘FORTY’, A PROGRESSIVE ESTIMATOR

You will be challenged — how the changes are accepted depends solely on your professionalism in this conversation

hances are if you are reading this article you are experiencing daily struggles in three main areas of collision shop management. A lack of skilled staff, a lack of labour rate increase and the resistance to change from insurance ‘partners’ is slowly destroying this industry one retired tech at a time. I’ve been in this industry for my entire life and have always heard from my peers that, “someday there will be nobody skilled enough to fix the cars, what will the insurance companies do then?” paired with, “well if they don’t start paying higher rates, there will be no techs to hire and no shops to send their cars to.” Are these the problems of the future? I think the ‘future’ we have all been talking about isn’t the future anymore, I think it is here and now. The changes that need to be made are up to us, wouldn’t you agree? Challenge yourself with these questions and see if you disagree. 1. Are you having difficulty hiring technicians? 2. Are you having an issue getting paid for the operations that you need, paired with an

unwilling attitude to accept change from your insurance ‘partners?’ 3. Cost of doing business, OEM Certifications, OEM Repair Information. Are these costing the same as they have in the past, or are they all going up at exponential rates? 4. Are the increased costs of sustaining your business being fairly compensated by your insurance partners? Let’s be honest—we are all in the same industry and I most likely already know your answers to each one of the questions. We are each suffering the consequences of a tech shortage. We all struggle to get paid for the correct operations that we need to fix the car properly. I can’t count how many times someone has told me, “they just aren’t going to pay for that.” What can we do about it? The facts are that we are experiencing extreme changes in our industry and we all need to work diligently to solve the so-called ‘future’ problems that haunt us today. With the increased cost of purchasing a product follows with a respective inflation in cost. What happens now that you

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invest in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair cars to the certified level only to be told, “no, we do not pay for that.” Simply put, Progressive Estimating is the answer. Stop thinking that you will only be told “no.” Start asking for the operations required to fix the car. Start asking for ‘OEM Safe Repair Lookup.’ Start being the change that you want to see in the industry. Remember, you lose 100 percent of the dollars you don’t add to your estimate. Most importantly, progressively improve your craft.

Dollars left on the table I was recently told by an insurance partner that “some shops just want to be paid to turn the lights on” and “I can’t pay you to move the car to the next bay—some things are just included in the repairs.” This was his response after I proved an operation as not included by Audatex, but required to complete the repair. What was that operation? Setting up a welder to perform the repair. I couldn’t believe that Audatex does not include setting up your

ANONYMOUS ESTIMATION

welder when replacing a weld on a body panel. Page 44 of the Audatex Reference Manual under Labor Exclusions will express that “setup of welding equipment, welding materials and/ or test welding” is a labour exclusion. Think about this, how many times has your shop used a welder? The answer to that times a .5–Setup Mig Welder or Setup STRS will be the answer to how many dollars you have left on the table. Even worse is that your $20,000 resistance spot welder, that you had to purchase as a result of an OEM Certification, is being used free of charge. Remember what I mentioned earlier about increasing the costs of doing business?

Educate yourself I hate reading, I always have, but when it comes to reading up on my profession and bettering my craft, I will read novel after novel—and you should too! Two exceptional places to start are the Audatex Database Reference Manual and the Mitchell CEG P-Pages. In here you will learn about operations that you have been doing for years without fair compensation. Beyond setting up your welder, it is also not including a two-stage setup when you paint the interior, jambs, edges and undersides in Audatex. Read up further on the two-stage

interior to see the explanation of this. You may think that you understand what these operations are until you read the definitions carefully, then you will see the opportunity that is ahead.

Safe Repair Lookup It is no secret that cars are getting more technology involved, to say the least. If you do not take it upon yourself to search repair information on every car before each repair; you are just leaving the opportunity on the table to make a mistake that could be as simple as a comeback to reprogram, or as serious as a motorist injury or death. The bottom line here is that you are not smarter than the manufacturer and you will not be any time soon. You need to protect yourself, your tech and your business by doing the research and following through that the tech has completed the repairs as per the manufacturer. Only once you invest this time into this area, will you notice the large burden that it puts on your administrative staff. Both Audatex and Mitchell have unofficially shared that the time required to find OEM Repair Procedures is not included in repair times. Therefore you need to charge for your times to do this and rightfully so.

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“We don’t pay for that”’ To insurers: Why don’t you? Do you not care about a safe repair? This is very possibly the reason I wake up in the morning. I am lucky enough to have the personality that provides me with a surge of energy towards ridiculous statements like this, as well as the constitution to see it through. What do you mean you don’t pay for it? As ‘insurance company X,’ you don’t support a safe and proper repair completed to OEM specifications? As ‘insurance company X’ you don’t find it fair to compensate your ‘partners’ with the allotted time to complete the tasks? They can’t have both — it is simply not sustainable. Don’t take no for an answer. Provide insurers with the documentation proving why you need the reimbursement of your time. Send them a copy of the page in the Audatex Reference Manual proving the operation is not included. Prepare to take the time to explain in detail, as well as the liability concerns if you don’t! Be knowledgeable, be respectful and be confident in what you are asking for. You will be challenged — how the changes are accepted depends solely on your professionalism in this conversation.

If you enjoyed this article, please keep an eye on future content by ‘Forty,’ the Progressive Estimator of Canada. We want to hear your feedback, too—Forty wants to hear what issues you are experiencing and what you think of his vision. Most importantly, he wants to create a unified front that works together to change this industry for the better. Please email comments to forty@collisionrepairmag.com

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SKILLED SCHOLARS

CONTINUED COMMITMENT Sam Piercey Foundation announces annual bursary recipients BY GIDEON SCANLON

(Right): Catherine Mathewson won gold in the car painting segment at the 2019 Skills Ontario regional competition, as well as in the 2019 Skills Canada national competition. Nicole Sheetka and Carrie Long claimed silver and bronze, respectively.

he Sam Piercey Foundation recently announced the recipients of its annual bursaries. The prizes are awarded to the winners of Skills Canada competitions to fund post-secondary training in the collision industry. This year’s awards were funded by Consolidated Dealers and Budds’ Collision. Each of the winners above receives an $800 bursary administered by Skills Canada, by way of the Sam Piercey Foundation. “When the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at the chance to contribute on behalf of the CCS Network and Consolidated Dealers,” says Mike Beier, of Consolidated Dealers. “Sam was a friend, mentor and influence in the lives of many in our industry and we are proud to support his continued legacy through the Foundation.” “The foundation and these bursaries demonstrate our continued commitment to developing new people and bringing them in to the industry. We are looking forward to many more years of supporting young talent in collision repair,” says JR Martino of the continued commitment from Budds’ Collision in Oakville, Ontario. The Foundation is named in honour of the late Sam Piercey, the co-owner of Budds’ Collision and Paint Services in Oakville, Ontario and a longtime columnist for Collision Repair.

Both in-person and in his column, Point Blank, Piercey was a passionate advocate of the industry and its tradespeople. The Sam Piercey Foundation is seeking provincial partnerships to fund bursaries in each of the other Canadian Provinces where the competitions are held. In addition to the funds provided by the bursary partners named above the Foundation also raises funds at the annual pig roast held in December at Budds’ Collision in Oakville, Ontario. The date of this year’s BBQ hasn’t been announced yet. The event is open to everyone in the industry. If you would like to be included on the invite list please email J.R. Martino at jrmartino@ buddscollision.com. For inquiries about the foundation or to fund a provincial bursary please email Bing Wong at bwong@hailrepair.ca. To find out more, visit the Sam Piercey Foundation’s website at spfoundation.ca.

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National Skills Competitions: Bursary funded by Consolidated Dealers and Budds’ Collision.

Car Painting winners: • Post Secondary — Gold: Catherine Mathewson, Ont. • Secondary — Gold: Jas Dhillon, Alta.

Auto Body winners: • Post Secondary — Gold: Borden Ylioja, Sask. • Secondary — Gold: Keegan Watkins-McIntyre, Man.

SKILLED SCHOLARS

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(Left): The Foundation is named in honour of the late Sam Piercey, the co-owner of Budds’ Collision and Paint Services in Oakville, Ontario and a long-time columnist for Collision Repair. (Right): Automotive technician Gurdeep Dhaliwal snagged second place in the 2019 Skills Ontario regional competition, earning himself a scholarship.

Ontario Skills Competitions: Bursary Funded by Consolidated Dealers and Budds’ Collision

Car Painting winners: • Post Secondary — Gold — Skills Ontario: Catherine Mathewson • Secondary — Gold — Skills Ontario: Evelyn Torres

Auto Body winners: • Post Secondary — Silver — Skills Ontario: Gurdeep Dhaliwal • Secondary — Silver — Skills Ontario: Jordan Johnson

Automate your HD estimate To learn more, call 1-844-AUDATEX or email sales.canada@audatex.ca

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GLASS REPAIR

PANE IN THE ADAS Windshield replacement in the ADAS era BY HOWARD BERG Howard Berg, regional sales manager— Canada at Fuyao North America Inc.

Ultimately, access to the ADAS requirements and glass specifications is key to making consistent ADAS glass. Different car manufacturers have different approaches to specific ADAS designs for their specific models.

DAS stands for advanced driver assistance system. It refers to any electronic system that assists the driver while driving and is intended to improve vehicle safety. It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of the new vehicles sold in Canada today have some sort of ADAS technology built into them. It is projected that figure could jump to more than 50 percent by 2023. This technology is designed to work together with other systems to automate the vehicle while enhancing its safety.This is done by warning the driver of potential issues and ultimately avoid collisions. Adaptive systems are ones that adapt vehicle settings based on input from the surrounding environment. Automated systems take over certain functions that the driver cannot do safely.Monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, or other means to observe the surrounding area or driving of the vehicle and assess whether a correction needs to be made. Warning systems alert the driver to potential issues in their own driving or the driving of others that could increase the risk of injury to those in the vehicle.

ADAS technology allows the systems in the vehicle to function properly and is built into a vehicle’s windshield. This technology will require more rigorous standards and qualifications for auto glass technicians. Replacing a broken windshield is not as simple as replacing the glass—some ADAS windshields have modules or cameras built into them that need to be calibrated in order to function properly Many features of ADAS are designed to capture external information through the windshields, allowing the vehicle’s computer to quickly analyze and efficiently provide the necessary action. The technology requires the automotive glass to meet or exceed the requirements in order to not reduce, distort or impede the signal, which ultimately may cause the vehicle to react incorrectly. As a result, automotive glass manufacturers must meet the requirements for the ADAS systems. These requirements include choosing the right raw materials, investing in product engineering, and setting up the proper quality inspection standards for production. Every car manufacturer has its own specifications for ADAS calibration. These differences range from manufacturer to manufacturer, and

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in many instances, the same manufacturer will have differences from model to model. Only trust manufacturers who have the proven experience to produce the original specifications of auto glazing, which enable the ADAS system to be recalibrated. Precise calibration ensures correct pitch, yaw and roll of the camera. Ultimately, access to the ADAS requirements and glass specifications is key to making consistent ADAS glass. Different car manufacturers have different approaches to specific ADAS designs for their specific models. ADAS sensors or cameras are most commonly mounted on the glass. Once a windshield has been replaced, the position of the sensor or camera has ultimately changed—even the slightest change will cause the need for calibration. Recalibrating the camera or sensor after the replacement of the windshield is therefore necessary—whether or not OEM glass has been installed. In order to re-calibrate the ADAS windshields, special training, equipment and expertise are required. There are three types of calibrations: static, dynamic and a combination of the two.

GLASS REPAIR

Static Calibration This type of calibration is performed in a shop with specialized calibration tools like electronic devices and laser targets specific to each model. Each vehicle manufacturer requires different target boards and specific predetermined standards set by the vehicle manufacturer. Examples of some requirements for static calibration: • Clean and level floor with minimum 10 m depth from rear bumper to the target board • Walls and floors cannot be black or white and cannot be a checkerboard pattern • Walls must be free of posters • Technician’s clothing cannot be black or white, as it may interfere with the calibration process • Proper lighting

Dynamic Calibration This type of calibration is done with a handheld device connected directly to the vehicle’s computer through the vehicle’s OBD ll port. Once this is done, the vehicle will need to be driven at a designated constant speed over a prescribed distance in proper weather conditions. Additionally, all lines on the road must be clearly visible. This allows the vehicle to be put into ‘learning mode’ and uses reliable benchmarks to use as driving aids, allowing ADAS systems to become familiar to certain road features.

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Combination Calibration

Note

Some vehicle manufacturers require both static and dynamic calibrations. These calibration tools help to duplicate the manufacturer’s settings, ensuring your vehicle maintains the safety features it originally came with. When should calibrations be performed? • When a windshield has been replaced • When the ADAS camera has been disconnected • When the camera is removed partially or develops a fault • After a wheel alignment or changes with the suspension All of the above may affect how well your ADAS system works if it is not calibrated properly. What are some things that can negatively affect the calibration process, causing it to fail? • Not having a full tank of fuel. • Having cargo in the trunk or the back seat. • Not having a proper wheel alignment. • Not having the windshield installed properly. Items that may potentially affect the dynamic calibration process: • Not having proper weather conditions • Not having proper signage and painted lines on the road. • Not maintaining the speed required to perform the dynamic calibration.

While most drivers are not aware of the need to recalibrate the ADAS systems to avoid potential safety risks. Nevertheless, when an ADAS windshield is replaced, the cameras must be recalibrated. This is a critical process to ensure the driver and passengers’ safety. When an ADAS windshield is replaced, the cameras must be recalibrated. This is a critical process to ensure the driver and passengers’ safety. Most drivers are not aware of the need to re-calibrate the ADAS systems to avoid potential safety risks. Every car manufacturer has its own specifications for ADAS calibration. These differences range from manufacturer to manufacturer, and in many instances, the same manufacturer will have differences from model to model. Therefore, only trusted manufacturers, who have the proven experience, can produce the original specifications of auto glazing which enables the ADAS system to be recalibrated. Precise calibration ensures correct pitch, yaw and roll of camera angle. The Fuyao Group is proud to be one of them.

Howard Berg has been involved in the auto parts industry since 1992, specializing in auto glass since 2012. He is now serving as the regional sales manager—Canada at Fuyao North America Inc. He can be reached at hberg@fuyaogroup.com.

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GLASS REPAIR

ADAS TECHNOLOGY FALLS INTO FOUR CATEGORIES:

Some examples of specific ADAS systems:

1. Adaptive: Systems that change/ adapt based on input from the surrounding environment 2. Automated: Systems that take over and perform certain functions that the driver cannot do safely 3. Monitoring: Systems that use sensors, cameras, or other means to observe the surrounding area or driving of the vehicle and assesses whether a correction needs to be made 4. Warning: Systems that alert the driver to potential issues in their own driving or the driving of others that could increase the risk of injury to those in the vehicle

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) Adaptive high beam Glare-free high beam Adaptive light control; swivelling curve lights Automatic parking Automotive navigation system providing up-to-date traffic information. Automotive night vision Blindspot monitor Collision avoidance system Crosswind stabilization Driver drowsiness detection Driver Monitoring System Electric vehicle warning sounds used in hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles Emergency driver assistant Forward Collision Warning Intersection assistant Hill descent control Intelligent speed adaptation or intelligent speed advice (ISA) Lane departure warning system Lane change assistance Pedestrian protection system Traffic sign recognition Turning assistant Vehicular communication systems Wrong way driving warning

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TRAINING MATTERS

INNOVATION STATION Georgian College unveils automotive hub project with township BY ALLISON ROGERS

t the end of February, Georgian College announced that, through its partnership with the township of Oro Station, it will be breaking ground on an innovation hub dedicated to automotive research, engineering and development. Oro Station, Ontario’s new 200-acre automotive hub will be located adjacent to the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro-Medonte. The site will feature 65,032 sq. m. of industrial space, as well as a 4.2 km test track with dynamic driving areas. The facility will blend an automotive business park with a motorsport road course and the Bexley Motor club. It will also be home to extensive automotive engineering, education, supply design and manufacturing businesses that should benefit from the track facility for testing, design, development, marketing, events and tourism. “This project has been more than a decade in the making and having an educational partner like Georgian College has always been a key part of our vision,” said Geoffrey Campbell, managing partner of the Oro Station project. “Providing current curriculum that reflects the needs of the industry is critical to ensuring

Ontario remains competitive in the automotive sector.” In November 2019, several government officials announced a zoning order to clear the way for construction set to begin later in 2020. The hub is set to create 700 full-time jobs within Simcoe County, representing 50 percent of the forecasted employment growth in Oro-Medonte to 2031. “Oro Station will be the ultimate Canadian destination for innovators and educations, racers and restorers, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs,” reads a Georgian College press release. “Oro Station creates connections between individuals and institutions, educators and innovators, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs—all part of a vibrant community with an eye to the future of the automobile in Canada.” Georgian College is home to more than 130 market-driven programs and the Automotive Business School of Canada. “The automotive industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace and this partnership is an incredible opportunity for Georgian, the ABSC and our students to be part of shaping its future,” said Kevin Weaver, vice president of academics at Georgian College. “We look

Providing current curriculum that reflects the needs of the industry is critical to ensuring Ontario remains competitive in the automotive sector

forward to exploring various community and industry collaborations, and working closely with Oro Station through future programming, training and research to meet the innovation needs of the industry and local employers.” For more information on the project, visit orostation.ca.

Georgian College is home to more than 130 market-driven programs and the Automotive Business School of Canada.

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PILLAR OF THE INDUSTRY

THE CONSTANT REPAIRER After more than four decades in the industry, Whitby Collision and Glass’ GM has seen it all—and knows what to expect next BY ALLISON ROGERS

f you’ve walked through the doors of Whitby Collision and Glass in the last 45 years, you’ve likely encountered Walt Sabadin. Walt has been a fixture in the facility since he was 15 years old—but his infatuation with cars and the automotive sector were ignited long before the seasoned repairer acquired his first industry job. Walt—who grew up in Ajax, Ontario—has always loved cars. He recalls “messing around” with the other neighbourhood kids, painting their bicycles and toy cars to pass the time. He continued to cultivate his interest in his youth, tinkering with electronic parts and learning how to drive a manual transmission. “I had a knack for it,” Walt tells Bodyworx Professional. “My dad would always tell me, ‘you’re gonna be a technician when you’re older.’ And that was just when I was a little guy!” When it came time to attend high school, Walt knew he was destined for a career in automotive repair. Ajax High School offered a wealth of trades-related courses in the 1970s—and he took full advantage. “I took just about every class that I could. Engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, electrical diagnosis, small engines, welding, soldering, woodworking, refinishing, machine drafting—absolutely anything that had to do with vehicles.” His dedication paid off. In 1974, a 15-yearold Walt was offered part-time hours cleaning cars at Whitby Collision and Glass. “I used to ride my bike there every day after school, washing cars until the place closed every night. In the summers I was full-time, just doing detailing and cleaning cars at first.” After his first summer, a service manager approached a teenage Walt and asked if he

In addition to growing the business, Walt played a key role in designing Whitby Collision and Glass’ current facility.

could help with some general mechanical work. He obliged, keeping his part-time hours during the school year and returning as a mechanic that summer. The bodyshop manager later asked if he was willing to try his hand at bodywork. Walt accepted and soon began sanding and prepping cars. “When I finished high school, I kept that job and eventually started to get into painting as well. Then I did my apprenticeship, got my license and worked as a flat rate painter until the late 1970s.” Back then, Whitby Collision and Glass was a smaller operation—but business was booming. The shop kept growing—and Walt’s responsibilities on the floor and behind the scenes alongside it. “After I began helping with payroll, I found myself doing more than I could handle, so

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we hired a prepper—he’d prep the cars and I painted them. When we grew again, we hired a painter. After that, I was full-time in the office and management became a two-man operation. I served as assistant manager for a little bit before becoming the bodyshop manager and, eventually, general manager.” At that time, the shop was still writing handwritten estimates—but Walt sensed the incoming waves of technology and wanted to arm himself with computer-based knowledge. So, he enrolled in computer learning courses at Durham College. This was not out of character for Walt, either—he always aims to address industry challenges head-on. In his 45-year career, he says he’s “seen it all,”—and adapting is not a choice. “I’ve seen changes across the board—from basic collision repair to painting to direct repair

PILLAR OF THE INDUSTRY

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Whitby Collision and Glass is the only I-CAR Gold Class certified facility in all of Durham Region!

The facility invests in state-of-the-art equipment and is certified by several OEMs.

“I always say the new young professionals entering this trade should strive to be at the top of their game. I like to see that and enjoy helping the young passionate techs succeed, coaching them and watching them move up in the industry. I’m really proud of the team we have on the floor today.”

programs. But the biggest thing is keeping up with them,” he says. “Take OEM certifications—it’s a huge thing today and will be moving forward,” added Walt. “Or the rise of autonomous technology, or collision avoidance systems and their corresponding repairs and calibrations. All these changes can be called challenges but following them is not a choice. You have to adapt to survive as a business.” That’s what the team at Whitby Collision and Glass has done—adapted to survive. The business outgrew its old location in the early 2000s, moving to its current location in 2003. It boasts a spacious garage, the latest tools and equipment and is OEM certified with Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, Ram, SRT, Dodge and Mopar. On top of that, the shop is the only I-CAR Gold Class Certified facility in Durham Region. “We always want to make sure we’re at the top of our game, assuring that we stay up to date with training and OEM factory standards,” says Walt. Now, like any good manager, Walt wants to

pass on his wisdom and help build the same path for others. “I’ve always held an interest in helping the younger techs build their careers. I always say the new young professionals entering this trade should strive to be at the top of their game. I like to see that and enjoy helping the young passionate techs succeed, coaching them and watching them move up in the industry. I’m really proud of the team we have on the floor today.” One question remains—why has Walt spent his entire career at Whitby Collision and Glass? “That’s easy,” he laughs. “The family-owned atmosphere.” As Walt, who played a key role in designing the current facility and growing the business, that family atmosphere allows him to draw a great sense of satisfaction from the business’s successes. “Watching the company grow throughout my career has made me feel like an owner here. Plus, we’re a family and most of the people I have hired though my career are still with us.” Walt adds. “I’m very proud of that.”

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FAST FACTS Whitby Collision and Glass features: • 3 large vehicle hoists • A paint room with countless colour selections to ensure a perfect match • Welding machines galore—the shop says there’s always one available! • State-of-the-art ventilation system • UV Fast Lane technology to ensure speedy drying times

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HOT RODS

JINKIES! JEEPERS!

Check out Len Boschman’s nostalgic build for the International RATical Rod Build Off Drive Off

The actual Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine

BY ALLISON ROGERS

Len, the owner of MacGregor, Manitoba’s Four Way Motors, is one of three Canadian participants in this year’s International RATical Rod Build Off Drive Off, a competition that sees unique builds from all across the globe travel to SEMA.

Len is the owner of MacGregor, Manitoba’s Four Way Motors.

he build Len Boschman is currently working on is sure to make you scream, “zoinks!” Len, the owner of MacGregor, Manitoba’s Four Way Motors, is one of three Canadian participants in this year’s International RATical Rod Build Off Drive Off, a competition that

sees unique builds from all across the globe travel to SEMA. Len had a friend’s 1961 Ford Econoline sitting on his property since 1996—and he’s converting the classic into the Scooby-Doo gang’s iconic Mystery Machine for the 2020 Build Off. Every year, the Build Off features Rat Rods that can only be described as works of art. From the 1930s-themed custom rod Manitoba’s Jason Groulx snagged first-place with in 2013, which featured authentic antique bullet holes and a tommy-gun shifter, to ‘Big Bandit’, a motorhome-truck hybrid that earned Ontario’s Tyler Turnton the Build Off crown in 2018. There’s two catches in the competition. First, builders only have nine months to build their vehicles—from January 1 to October 25. Second, the vehicles have to make the 1,500 mile (2,414 kilometre) trek from Speedyway Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the SEMA Show Las Vegas.

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The Mystery Machine project started nearly two years ago, after Len built a Chevy Blazer K5 for SEMA 2018. The Blazer started as a four-door Yukon before Len topped it off with a regular truck cab, shortened the box, and sectioned in the floor panel from the Yukon. Finally, he built a removal fibreglass roof from a camper shell. The vehicle sparked buzz at the 2018 SEMA Show and Len was approached by Bryan Dagel, founder of the Build Off, who asked if he was interested in participating in the 2020 competition. From there, Len said yes, and decided to tag along for the 2019 Drive Off ride—“just to see what could be in store,” he said. “And boy, am I glad I did.” Len rode alongside teams from Saskatchewan, Florida, Louisana, England, New Zealand, Australia and more from the 1,500-mile outset. As the lights of Las Vegas drew nearer, the builds began encountering problems.

HOT RODS

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Len’s initial rendering for the build. The 1961 Ford Econoline pre-tear down.

This year’s Build Off participants and staff— Len, along with Tyler Turton from Zombie Body Shop in Selkirk, Manitoba, and Reg Garnett from Asylum Hot Rods in Huntsville, Ontario are the only Canadian teams.

“These vehicles didn’t have any heating, and some of them didn’t even have wipers,” said Len. “And you bet we encountered freezing rain and snow.” But inclement conditions were the least of the group’s worries. “One team ended up blowing a transmission on the way, and another ran into suspension and braking problems on three occasions. Some vehicles needed to drive with oil pan heaters under the cars because the mornings were so chilly.” Still, no matter the problem, the road to Las Vegas rides on. “The biggest thing is that, in order to succeed in the competition, you have to complete the journey. So, even if you have to trailer your vehicle, it has to be taken back to where it broke down and continue the journey from there,” Len told Bodyworx Professional. Another condition of the Build Off is a little more hands-off—the teams can’t have any professional help from all-star builders.

“That’s another part of the competition. You can’t have any professional, high-class help. This is designed for the shop owners, the gearhead guys who don’t really do crazy builds for a living—it’s more of a hobbyist thing. A lot of Vegas builders craft impeccable vehicles—don’t get me wrong. But could they do a 1,500-mile journey like that without any work being done on them? I’d say good luck to some of them.” Len’s business, MacGregor’s Four Way Motors, has been at the same location since its inception in 1967 when his father and uncle started the business. Len acquired it in 2001 and runs the facility alongside his wife, offering the small community of MacGregor, Manitoba autobody and mechanical services, as well as towing and recovery and car sales. The shop is part of a direct repair program and repairs all types of vehicles—from classics to Teslas. Four Way Motors has been home to the 1961 Ford Econoline since 1996—but before that, it

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operated on the Distinct Early Warning (DEW) Line spanning from Alaska to Greenland. The line was constructed on Canadian soil by U.S. authorities in the 1950s to detect any enemy bombers descending over the North Pole, but was shut down in the 1980s. The Econoline was the work vehicle of Len’s friend Dennis Williams. In 1996, Williams’ employers told him to scrap the vehicle in favour of a newer one. Instead, he chugged the van all the way to Four Way Motors, where it’s been ever since. “He told me, ‘I want you to restore this someday.’ He’s since passed away, and when I was offered the opportunity, I decided to approach his family. They donated the van to us and that in itself is a huge honour.” The idea for the Mystery Machine design came from the mind of Mike Hawco, who’s working alongside Len on the build. “He said, ‘this will get people talking,’ and so far he’s been right,” said Len. Despite comments from rotten naysayers preaching that the iconic Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine has been done to death, Len maintains that he’s achieved his first goal—everyone’s talking about it. “You can think that, but hey—you’re talking about it,” said Len. The build has made waves on social media, in local news, and among suppliers. Len says he’s been astounded by the support offered to him so far. “BD Diesel has hopped on and given us a bunch of parts,” said Len. “And I just received confirmation that Axalta’s with us, too. Brett

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HOT RODS

Len has been astounded by sponsor support—NAPA even sent him its whole RADICAL tool line!

Team Four Way has built a custom chassis for the build.

MacNeil from 3M was here a few weeks ago and said they’d help out, and Can Am Auto Glass is giving us all the glass for the build. “NAPA has been supporting us from the get-go. Chris Kinghorn, regional vice president for NAPA Ontario sent us out the RADICAL tool line—the box, the cabinets, the jack stands, creepers, new floor jacks—everything!” said Len. Toyo Tires has also joined the team, providing the Mystery Machine’s dually tires. Since the Econoline was built without side doors, Len plans to open up the side panel and unveil a sort of working display rack for his sponsors. From the side panel, SEMA spectators will be able to view the engine and transmission. GRB Studios is also capturing every step of the build on camera said Len, and all his sponsors will be splashed across the various episodes. So far, Len’s team has gutted the vehicle, cutting out the floor panel and stripping everything from the inside. They’ve custom-built the chassis and mounted the engine, transmission and differential.

“The steering is in it now, and we’re just in the process of building the floor pans,” said Len. “We’re working on the back section and the interior, then we’ll start on the steering column and the brakes. We’ll start on the body mods in mid-to-late April—we’re expecting three weeks for those.” He estimates that, when it’s all said and done, between 2,000 hours and 2,500 hours will have gone into the Econoline’s transformation. “There’s just so much to it. We’ve got nine months, but we obviously have our day jobs to worry about. It’s a nights and weekends project, really.” And time is of the essence. “Time is going to be the deciding factor,” said Len. “Will we be able to wet sand, polish and detail the living snot out of this thing? I really hope so. With Axalta on board, I really want to showcase the materials.” And, with the SEMA Show slowly inching up on the calendar, Len is on the hunt for an indoor sponsor. “Inside is really where we want to be—it’s where you get the most exposure,” he said.

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Now, just over a third of the way through the nine-month timespan, Len is stunned by the support offered by not only his sponsors but the Canadian automotive community. “Everybody has just come together amazingly. I cannot believe the reaction all of this is getting—it’s truly incredible. It’s like an automotive family, really.” Stay tuned to Four Way Motors’ Facebook page for updates on the build, or visit his International RATical Rod Build Off Drive Off builder profile at rodrides.com/user/lenboschman.

The Econoline used to man the DEW Line in the Northwest Territories and sports a gorgeous 60-year old patina.

PAINTER’S PERSPECTIVE Kirk Anderson shares how his past, shaped his future

rom a young age Kirk was always surrounded by some element of the collision repair industry. His dad owned a facility for many years, and his two brothers are licensed technicians. Taking a food services co-op in high school, he initially pursued a career in the culinary arts. However, with his first child being a newborn, he knew he couldn’t balance his time between family and career path which, at this point demanded his focus lean toward work. When he looked at alternate career options, he felt limited in scope, as he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. His parents, being as supportive as they are, persuaded him to join the family business. After becoming a licensed technician, his dad suggested he learn the art of painting and for the last 18 years he hasn’t stopped. Well, that’s not entirely true. During

this time, Kirk lost interest in painting. Not because he didn’t enjoy it—it was the environment around him which didn’t make it ‘fun’ anymore.

Given his expertise, he easily attained a role with MAX Auto Supply as a paint representative. Other than day-to-day duties, he ran seminars, and shared his painting philosophy with others–“you have to get good, before you get fast... and understand your paint job is as only good as your prep work.” One day, Kirk was trouble shooting issues with one of our paint booths

Visit our website: assuredauto.ca ADVERTORIAL

at Brampton North and he ended up painting a few panels, while doing so, he got that ‘feeling’ again. Just like that, Kirk was taken back to a time where he was the master of a canvas, in this case a panel or two. That evening, he shared this experience with his wife - wondering if he should go back to painting. To our benefit, his wife supported him. After a short meeting with Tony Raposo, he was layin’ down base at our North York location, now he works out of our Assured Markham location. One element which makes his experience different now, is the people who surround him. They support him and vice versa –the strength of this relationship can clearly be seen in the morning huddle. Kirk does have aspirations of managing his own facility someday, but for now he is happy helping his team and sharing his skills, experience and philosophy.

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PRODUCTS

PUT YOUR BEST COAT FORWARD All the painting hardware your business needs to complete quality paint jobs while staying safe!

t takes more than a bucket of paint and a quick spit-shine to achieve a quality paint job. In reality, it takes a village of painting hardware and safety equipment specially designed to deliver quality, long-lasting results. If you desire to create truly professional results, the proper automotive paint supplies and equipment are absolutely essential. With recent and rapid technological advancements taking the industry by storm, paint hardware and tools have undergone updates that allow them to adapt to more complex vehicles and paint jobs. Ultraviolet drying technology has made significant improvements recently. As UV drying technology comes of age, devices promising to provide light-speed paint drying times and far more efficient painting procedures have started to hit the collision repair scene. This advanced technology is said to take the waiting out of the painting process, delivering near-instant curing of all three pre-paint steps: body filler, glazing and priming. Ask any collision repair shop owner about how to increase their productivity and you will likely hear about the need to reduce pre-paint wait times.

Recent advancements in curing systems have led to new, compact UV lamps designed to dry body filler, glaze and primer within mere seconds. This new technology could bring revolutionary results to the industry with its aim to eliminate pre-paint wait times and inconsistencies in primer application. Instead of having vehicles sit for several days while you wait for the primer to dry, UV drying lamps promise to achieve complete curing in just 30 minutes. Further, unlike the less efficient UV curing lighting standards of the past decade, new technology involves powerful handheld devices designed to cover larger areas and cure within seconds. Prior generations of UV systems have been known for their bulk and weight, making the units more difficult to operate and hold still for the three to five minutes they take to cure a pre-paint job. New devices are more ergonomically designed, easier to move and handle and are typically about the size of a person’s hand. While increasing the number of vehicles that can be repaired without adding bays is a

“Advancements in UV curing systems have recently resulted in a new mobile solution for collision repair shops that deliver near-instant curing to enable operators to complete their pre-paint steps without costly delays. Some collision repair shops and distributors even find that advanced UV systems can eliminate the pre-paint wait time.” — Stephen Armstrong, automotive trade writer

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huge win for collision repair shops, there are said to be even more additional benefits to completing pre-paint dry times more quickly. Any time a car is not being actively worked on in a shop can potentially impact an insurance company’s evaluation. The longer a car sits in the shop without being worked on, such as during dry times, it could lower a shop’s score and risk diminishing a valuable source of insurance referrals. This year has seen significant updates to colour matching technology, spray booths, spray guns, painting tapes and protective equipment. Find the cure to all your painting problems by flipping through the following pages of paint hardware products!

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PRODUCTS

THE SPANESI SPRAY BOOTH SPANESI

With a diverse and wide range of spray booth, preparation area, aluminum bay and mixing room options, Spanesi is said to provide facility layout services that allow customers to visualize their installations long before work begins. Spanesi spray booths are said to be capable of recycling up to 90 percent of heated air during the bake mode. Utilizing highquality double-wall insulated panels, Spanesi is a leader in the reduction of energy costs associated with your paint department operations, according to the company. Spanesi spray booths are waterborne-ready. spanesi.com

ACQUIRE QUANTUM EFX AXALTA COATING

Axalta Coating Systems’ new fifth-generation spectrophotometer—the Acquire Quantum EFX—is compact, quick, and easy to use. Able to read metallic pearl, effect colours and more, the Acquire Quantum EFX integrates Axalta’s Acquire Color System and is re-engineered to fit comfortably in one hand. The Acquire Quantum EFX includes a top-mounted touchscreen, designed for high visibility as well as a “smart cradle,” designed for charging and making connecting with a PC more simple. Painters who struggle with hardto-reach places may greatly benefit from this compact and easy to use, Wi-Fi enabled tool.

axalta.com

PREMIUM GUNWASH

REXALL LABORATORIES AND CHEMICALS Less flammable than acetone, this gunwash from Rexall Laboratories and Chemicals is said to clean a variety of painting equipment, from spray guns to lacquer painting tools. Comprised of a virgin mixture of solvents, the company says its premium gunwash is ideal for use in body shops and garages. It can be purchased from Rexall via the product code RX590266.

rexalllabs.com

SATA CLEAN RCS SATA CANADA

The SATA Clean RCS is a pneumatically-operated cleaning system designed to allow for quick and effective spray gun cleaning to be performed between jobs when using a disposable cup system, such as SATA RPS. Engineered to clean all material passages in a spray gun, the SATA Clean RCS is said to allow for consecutive colour changes with extremely short cleaning interruptions. Mounting in the spray booth or in the preparation room, the product is suitable for waterborne and solvent-based paint systems. It also boasts low solvent consumption rates, using just 0.1 litre of cleaning solvent per gun. sata.com

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PRODUCTS

IR-B06/IR-B06-T B-TEC SYSTEMS

The IR-B06 and IR-B06-T infrared curing systems from B-Tec Systems feature low base heights and two stage drying with the option of either half or full power bake cycles available. Each cassette on the units feature separate switching so they can be turned on individually and B-Tec says the gas-filled struts make it easy to position them. The units include a 10m power cable, digital memory function that can store up to four drying programs, a visible ultrasonic distance indicator and a two-year warranty. The IR-B06-T also allows for temperature control and a drying area of 1,000x1,500m. Optional cassette covers are also available. bteccleaners.com

SPECTRATEK INSTACURE AMH

The Spectratek InstaCure UVLED is a cordless hand-held curing lamp, usable on all current ultraviolet light curable putties, fillers, base coats, top coats and clear coats. It is said to offer an almost instant full cure with no heat, according to AMH, along with a two hour battery life. This product has been tested on UV paint products from most major paint manufacturers, such as Akzo Nobel and BASF.

amh.ca

UVALEDTRONIC-M1 SYMACH

The UVALEDTronic-M1 from Symach is the result of research from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R&D team to find the exact wavelength for the next generation of UV coatings. According to Symach, the wavelengths found in the UVALEDTronic-M1 are unique from the competition in the UV-A segment to achieve the fastest drying times on the market. Meant for use even between first and second coat, this product strives for greater speed of execution during the paint process with an estimated drying time of 20 seconds after the first coat and 40 seconds after the second coat.

symach.com

IRT RAIL SYSTEMS HEDSON

The IRT Rail Systems from Hedson strive to produce a high-versatility drying system. These infrared dryers are suspended in permanently installed rails, allowing for easy glides through the working area. Said to be able to move laterally and vertically in all directions, this selfstabilizing ray dispenser trails its electric power supply through the rails it is mounted to.

hedson.com

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>>> FINAL DETAIL

TRAINING

SCOPING THE SCENE Provincial skills competitions are ramping up

These programs are what piques the interest of our young people towards a career in the trades. If the industry doesn’t help support and encourage our young people, the skills shortage will only get worse.

BY BILL SPEED

oronto District School Board held its board-wide Skills competitions recently to determine which qualifying students are headed to the Skills Ontario competition to be held from May 4 through 6. For those of you that are having trouble finding skilled technicians, this is your opportunity to get in at the grass roots and start recruiting for the future. As a retired teacher of Auto Body in the TDSB, I saw seven auto body programs disappear over my 27-year career—and once a program is closed, it never comes back. These programs are what piques the interest of our young people towards a career in the trades. If the industry doesn’t help support and encourage our young people, the Skills shortage will only get worse. Many thanks to the industry judges and sponsors for their support in this competition, Provincial Skills and Skills Canada Nationals. Without your support we could not help to guide these students to their successes and possible career paths.

Bill Speed is a retired Danforth CTI teacher and currently works as a road appraiser with Action Appraisals.

TORONTO SKILLS COMPETITION RESULTS: Collision Repair Gold Trent Sherry Silver Siddhant Sane Bronze Sunera Mehrun 4th Place Jordan Johnson

Car Painting Gold Aaron Walker Silver Marcellus Lepage Bronze Joey Webb

Judges/Sponsors Kirk Edwards, BASF Damian Campbell, BASF Justin Sall, Fix Auto Mississauga Central Claudio Chiodo, Fix Auto Mississauga Central Bill Speed, Danforth CTI retired teacher, currently with Action Appraisals

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TRAINING TIME

SCOUTING SUCCESS The auto repair industry is on the hunt for talent—and Centennial’s got it in droves BY ALLISON ROGERS

he air was thick with ambition at Centennial College on March 4 during the eighth annual open house for the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and autobody repair facilities, which gave aspiring apprentices the opportunity to explore the industry and network with potential employers. Students from Centennial College’s Autobody and Collision Damage Repairer program filled the room at Centennial’s Progress Ave. campus, prepped and primed for an afternoon of networking opportunities with notable names in collision repair. Present at the show were several groups from across the GTA scouting to fill apprenticeship opportunities, including Assured Automotive, AWIN Advanced Auto Body Centre, Bramgate Collision Centre, CSN Avenue, CSN 427 Auto Collision, Excellence Auto Collision, Fix Network Canada, Highland GM Chevrolet Buick GMC, MTB Transit Solutions, Ontario Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, Performance Auto Group, Pfaff Auto Group, R Ferri Automotive and Simplicity Car Care, Tropicana Employment Centre and Weins Canada. Assured Automotive was out scanning the scene for potential tech talent, said Carl Mohammed, Assured’s business development manager. “As we are looking to grow our network in size, we can only do this if we have talented employees to help us reach this target,” he told Bodyworx Professional. “The program at Centennial College creates students with the caliber of talent which we are looking for – this is why so many other organizations look forward to these events hosted by Centennial. “What we look for in a potential Apprentice is their knowledge of our company and the industry in general. Do they have a sense in what area of the collision repair process they gravitate toward; prep, paint, body work, etc. Finally, we look to see how they engage us in a conversation. Given how repair processes are evolving, teamwork now plays even a bigger role in getting the job done–effective communication is key.” According to Carina Martinez, Assured’s talent acquisition manager, Centennial’s talent pool proved “very strong.” Martinez was able to interact with students graduating this April—this year’s incoming group of apprentices—as well as students set to start their careers in April 2021. For more information on Centennial’s Autobody and Collision Damage Repairer program, visit centennialcollege.ca.

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Highland GM’s team was all smiles as they attracted new apprentices.

The family-run Zanchin Automotive group was also in attendance.

AWIN was there to win over some A1 talent

TRAINING TIME

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Bramgate Automotive’ collision centre was also there to scan the Centennial scene.

The team from Coventry North Jaguar Land Rover was also scouting the talent pool.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE Four simple steps to help you launch a collision career

Carina Martinez, Assured’s talent acquisition manager, scopes the scene for potential apprentices.

1. Reflect on your goals Take a step back and consider where you are now versus where you want to be. Where do you see yourself after school? What is your career goal? 2. Research and explore The world is your oyster! There is a wealth of career opportunities in the automotive industry, including jobs in autobody repair, manufacturing and general administration. Find your fit and dive in! 3. Develop a plan What strategies and tools will you use in your job search—local training centres? Job boards? Online databases? Word of mouth? A plan will help you prepare and make your job search that much easier. 4. Take action Is your plan specific? Is it realistic? How will you stay motivated toward completing your goal? Ask yourself these questions before taking flight.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

WRITE IT RIGHT… FROM THE START The hidden dangers of rushing through estimations BY KELLY ROBERTS

Industry consultants teach “don’t over-promise and under-deliver.” This is sage advice, yet, who is listening to it?

n this industry, we too often get off to a bad start with our customers. When they ask, “When is my car going to be ready?” we hear, “Please get me my car back as quickly as possible so I don’t have to deal with this anymore.” By trying to provide clients with that answer they think they need as quickly as possible, the collision industry—too frequently—sets itself up for failure. Industry consultants teach “don’t over-promise and under-deliver.” This is sage advice, yet, who is listening to it? In far too many repair shops in Canada, we rush through a haphazard triage process in order to provide vague answers as quickly as possible. Why? I believe most, if not all shops do not agree with how this lack of process is the status quo—we all want better, and our collective clients deserve better. As a result, our only-by-eye assessments tend to be performed under pressure in 10 minutes or less—only enough to determine the most obvious damage, and perhaps whether a temporary repair can be made to let the driver keep their car.

Unfortunately, these cursory inspections are dangerously insufficient. Modern automobiles are engineered to absorb impacts and spread them throughout a vehicle—meaning damage most always isn’t going to be apparent. Sufficient would be keeping any vehicle for a time to allow a proper triage process. Enough time to properly assess mechanical, electronics (avionics), structural and suspension and safety systems. When we don’t, we’re risking our business, our relationship with insurers and our customer’s lives. It is a model being used by more and more top-tier repair facilities—and the reason is quite simple. The benefits of pleasing the customer in the short term are far outweighed by the benefits of correctly assessing the damage, planning all necessary parts and procedures and documenting them all properly—from the start. On the front end, it may cause a customer some disappointment if not delivered legibly and intelligently. On the back end, it measurably speeds the entire repair process, reduces the amount of downtime required—and thus cuts overall repair costs.

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In this industry, repairers tend to encounter undiscovered and undocumented damage in a high percentage of the vehicles they fix— damage missed in the original estimation. It is news that no client—and no insurer— likes hearing. It also causes procedural delays, and it wastes everybody’s time! Had all the damage been appropriately assessed, all vehicle repairs would be scheduled much more tightly, capacity and throughput dramatically improved. It is profit 101. It is, however, better than the alternative situation—allowing unsafe vehicles to go unregistered and uninspected to be driven down the roads. Some studies have found that, after thoroughly reviewing vehicles, the number with unsafe and undocumented hidden damage that is found on, is at least six-out of-10 vehicles leaving bodyshops “deemed” as safe to drive. Of course, that isn’t just money being left on the table, that is unsafe vehicles being let on the road—and possible business-ending legal liability issues too. Don’t get me wrong—in my long career of collision repairs, I fell into the same trap. I also

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

had a ‘holy heck’ moment—not so long ago. A Honda came into a shop where I was coaching, with what looked like light cosmetic damage to the front right side. It had a clean pre-scan, and no dash lights were reporting anything. When we looked under the front cover, however, I could see the driver’s side front impact sensor bracket had been disrupted—and the sensor fully compromised. I hate to think what could have happened if we’d let it roll onto the road. It isn’t like auto insurers are really pushing us on this issue either. In my conversations with insurers about the issues caused by rushing through initial assessments, they have all been hesitant to suggest that it is a pressing matter. As more than one put it: “Nothing is going to change until someone is killed.” Unfortunately, that standard isn’t one repairers should accept. For one thing, we face the most pressing legal risk—and, unlike auto

insurers, very few repair facilities are likely to be able to recover from judgments in the tensof-millions. For another, there is no information available about whether or not missed repair procedures are killing people—or how often. Lastly, I never want to be the mechanism of another person’s untimely end. If, as traffic analysts say, a single driver tapping their brakes on a busy highway can cause a traffic jam, what havoc can thousands of vehicles with undetected damage wreak? At the end of the day, the risks posed by damaged vehicles may be unknowable. I am not sure that matters. As collision repairers, we are legally obliged to provide customers with the expert assessment of vehicle safety and drivability based on our professional capacities. For businesses involved in DRPs, that isn’t just a moral obligation, it is also a contractual one. We cannot give safe and accurate professional opinions without conducting proper and thorough assessments of damage.

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Involved in the collision sector since 1989, Kelly Roberts is a vice president of sales at AirPro Diagnostics. During his career, in which he has been involved in many areas of the collision sector, team member, employee and owner/manager, Roberts been an advocate for the improvement of the collision repair industry and previously served on the Axalta National Business Council.

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SPRING 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 45

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FINAL DETAIL

KEEPING CALM AMID CORONA It’d be pretty easy to panic right now— here’s why you shouldn’t BY ALLISON ROGERS

ith a pandemic gripping the world as I write, panic about the state of the automotive repair sector seems to come as easily to repair professionals as replacing a quarter panel. This is understandable. Just as Unifor president Jer r y Dias said on March 17—“people are nervous.” Nervousness, itself, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Precautions against the virus are no longer an option. Until recently, the problem wasn’t being taken seriously enough. In fact, some people meet discussions about taking necessary precautions against COVID-19 with turnedup noses. As the number of cases began spiralling out-of-control, the countr y reacted by recommending work-from-home protocols, closing dine-in service in Ontario restaurants and recommending staying at home whenever possible. By the time visitors from the United States began to be turned back at the border, Canadian faces were no longer scrunching. Ever yone now knows the meaning of ‘social distancing,’ and almost all of us are embracing it. Social distancing—it seems easy but, when you work in a bodyshop, it may not be. We’re gripped by a global pandemic, yes—but that doesn’t mean people stop driving around. Just as America’s Auto Care Association said in a recent statement, auto repair centres are essential during times like these.

“Essential tasks rely on safe and efficient transpor tation,” said the organization. “Government vehicle fleets and essential medical and other personnel depend on businesses that support the safe operation of the transportation sector. Public and private transportation services are necessary to ensure the public may complete essential trips, including purchasing food and medicine or caring for loved ones.”

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While some nervousness may be in order, panic is best avoided. Widespread anxiety can be more dangerous than the actual disease—just ask the people that almost witnessed a gunfight over a loaf of bread at a Toronto Loblaws in early March. As auto repairers know, their work must continue. Caution is the byword of the day. To keep your business safe, industry experts and shop personnel alike have come forward with a host of helpful tips—from more frequent hand washings to ensuring that all vehicles visiting a facility are thoroughly disinfected. As a member of the automotive workforce, your work will be vital to the safety of Canadians in the coming days—especially for people reliant on their vehicles. Practicing social distancing is necessary when you can. Wash your hands—thoroughly—and avoid touching others. We will make it through this—and, when we do, Canada’s automotive industry will have leapt another chaotic hurdle and be barrelling toward brighter days.

Allison Rogers is the associate editor of this issue of Bodyworx Professional. She can be reached at 905-370-0101 or allison@mediamatters.ca.

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Bodyworx 7#1

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