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Recent Columns
- Techs of the Future: How to Grow Skilled Technicians & Improve Performance in Your Collision Repair Facility
- Survey Data Focuses on Auto Body Shop Employee Recruiting Methods
- Lawmakers in 3 States Tackle Topics Impacting Collision Repairers
- Changes Ahead for Collision Repair Shops Based on AI, New Automotive Finishes
- From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Auto Body Shops Can Take Control of Credit Card Processing Fees
Toby Chess
Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@gmail.com.
Deciding When Used Parts are Appropriate in the Collision Repair Process
Written by Toby Chess
Recently, I was training in an auto body shop in the Los Angeles area and noticed a used door for a vehicle repair in the technician’s stall.
Kool Tools: Past and Present
As you are all probably aware by now, SEMA 2020 went virtual---renamed SEMA360---and it prevented Kye and me from walking the floor looking for those unique items that we would obtain and test out for our Kool Tools of SEMA annual presentation.
The Numbers Game: Are You Winning?
Recently, I did an estimating class for a regional MSO. I gave seven estimators a simple estimate to write prior to the class.
Kool Tools: SEMA 2019
Kye Yeung, Amber Alley and I walked the floor of SEMA 2019 to find more Kool Tools. As in the past, we found some interesting and unique tools that can save you and your shop time and money.
Kool Tools: Pre-SEMA 2019
I have been conducting I-CAR mobile welding tests for 15 years now.
Collision Repair Headlines Show Need for OEM-Recommended Procedures
Written by Toby ChessOn July 13, 2018, an Ohio appellate court rejected an auto body shop’s arguments in a $105,462 case where the body shop was convicted for failing to follow OEM procedures during a repair.
It’s that time of the year again (sixth year in a row) for the article that all of you in the collision world have been waiting for—Kool Tools of SEMA 2018.
Hey Toby! Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding, Shop Maintenance and Safety
Recently, I was asked by a shop owner to put on a Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) clinic.
What to Expect From an OSHA Isocyanate and Lift Inspection
Written by Toby Chess
You are sitting at your desk and an OSHA inspector walks in and wants to discuss your isocyanate protection program and inspect your lift.
Kool Tools from SEMA 2015
Three years ago, Kye Yeung and I walked the floors of the 2012 SEMA show looking for new products that most of us never get a chance to see. When we made a presentation at the Collision Industry Conference, the presentation became an instant hit among the audience. So, for the third year in a row, we walked the floor at SEMA 2015 looking for things that were unique and would make life in the body shop a little easier.
More...
Rivets Have Replaced Welding in Many Newer Vehicles — Part 2
Viewing Fig 11, you will see that the rivet is solid. Like the SPRs, solid rivets need to have access to the backside of the panel. Unlike SPRs, a specific size hole is needed. Solid head shape for solid rivets comes in many forms.
Glue and Rivets Have Replaced Welding in Many Newer Vehicles -- Part 1
Recently, I was conducting the I-CAR Steel welding certification test at a collision repair center when I saw a 2014 BMW 3 Series having a quarter panel being installed. The tech was welding in the quarter panel instead of using glue and rivets. I asked the tech if he had the OEM replacement procedures, which he produced from his tool box. I showed him that the proper procedure was to rivet and glue the quarter panel in See accompanying photos for the proper installation method and recommended tools.
How Much Do You Know About 2015 Vehicle Technology and Trends?
I recently gave the following test to the CIC audience in Palm Spring this past January and to an association group meeting. What was amazing after giving the test, how many repairers and insurers did not know the correct answers.
Honda’s Repair Instructions Need to Be Read and Followed
Question: What is the major difference between the two Honda Accords?
Answer: The “A” Pillar reinforcement, “B” pillar reinforcement and Rocker panel reinforcement are constructed of one of the highest strengths steels seen in passenger cars. They have an 1500 MPa steel rating.
Question: What does Honda say when these parts are damaged from a side impact?
Answer:—Plenty
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