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Recent Columns
- Solving the Tech Shortage: How Conditions, Culture & Compensation Can Help Body Shops Attract & Retain Employees
- From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Reflecting on My Journey in the Collision Repair Industry
- In Reverse: The 1980s – The Advent of the Unibody
- Best Body Shops’ Tips: How to Position Your Collision Repair Shop for Sustainability
- In Reverse: Collision Repair Shops “ARM” Themselves
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.
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.
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
More...
Glass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book
The other day I heard about a lawsuit that I would like to share with you.
A Toyota dealer contacted Safelite to install a windshield into a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The vehicle was involved in a rollover accident and the windshield allegedly “separated from the pickup” resulting in two fatalities.
Safelite contends that they only handled the claim and contracted with a independent class company to handle the installation and they should not be named in the multi million-dollar lawsuit. I’m not going to comment on the merits of the case but it reminds us of the importance of correct windshield and glass installs.
Matrix Wand is a Game Changer—Part 2
This month’s column is Part 2 of the Matrix Wand article that appeared in the July, 2012 issue. See summary of the Matrix Wand’s capabilities at the end of the article referencing photos. If you missed last month’s article, see it at www.autobodynews.com.
Matrix Wand is a Game Changer
Question: How would you like to be able to measure body structure, vehicle sub-frame movement, damaged suspension components and used BOF frame for damage or damaged parts in 20 minutes with a printout and the time of tear down?
OK, how about the added advantage of doing it anywhere in the shop? We’re not using any frame-measuring equipment, by the way. Let’s throw in another parameter and do all of these tasks and more with a camera. You say impossible? Up until recently you’d be right but it’s not only possible, it’s here. It’s called the Matrix Wand and it’s a game changer.
CAFE Standards Will Affect More Than A Shop’s Miles Per Gallon
Ask most people about CAFÉ standards and they would immediately think of food quality control. There is another meaning that you probably know and it will drastically impact your business, but you may not be aware why it will.