fred lowder
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it always seem like when an adjuster walks in your door they always are operating off of a different estimating system, so at our shop we have acquired the p-pages for all the systems and we are now more prepared for them when they start talking about there p-pages ,we have copies and have them ready when issues arise …my advice is to know your p-pages well and to document everything you do …if you do it ..charge for it …i also recommend joining your state auto body association there is strength in numbers and a wealth of information available from people in your same situations……:weights
:weightsrather than a fast catylist go to the medium instead and control with your reducer it maybe locking up too quick and trapping solvents MAYBE :S :S
mask off your wheel well area completely ..lots of dirt comes from that spot ..drop your rear cover down and mask…remove handles .belt moldings .body moldings.mirrors.tail light .also don’t forget to mask the gas door area it holds lots of trash..as does the trunk ..next time maybe try to have masking paper bordering your spray area and not up against plastic .as plastic creates static and also has a habit of flapping while spraying next to it….
metal finishing is an art form .i believe every dent is simply locked metal .study the damage carefully and find the key to reverse the damage and things move amazingly well.use the wrong key and it becomes a lot harder to repair i like the phrase ;metal whisperer ; that seems to sum up the process . i use this every day on the smallest dent to the big stuff . unfortunately with some of the new metal today , replacement is inevitable and more cost effective and structurally sound .sadly enough it is a dying art form, so when giving the opportunity , pass on the knowledge and long live body men….. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
in my opinion ..if it did not come out oem equiped.. dont take it upon your self to add it ..the vehicle was designed to react and absorb collision energy to protect the occupants any change in this design is putting the customer and your shop at risk ..if you are trying to establish strength in a weakened repair area ..perhaps a better repair method should of been followed ..in this day and age of the internet all kinds of oem recommended information is available ..following these guide lines will keep you and your business out of trouble and court ,.. 😉 😉 😉
i have had success using a heat gun and sometimes on large decals the heat lamps work well ..the left over adhesive cleans up with adhesive remover or the old stand by dupont reducer 8093 ..depending on the color of vehicle you may have a color issue under the decals so you may spend sometime with the buffer
without seeing some pictures its really hard to say what the next step should be ,,,sounds like the metal is displaced ,,a little hammer and dolly work should tighten things up ..go slow ..a lot of times just grinding down for a light coat of filler will be all the heat you need ,,once again pictures would help.. 😉 😉
we have had a pretty good year i think ..the numbers are not out yet.. i do combo work at a dealership.. the animal collision seemed to be up and the vehicle collision are starting to pick up ..we have a very strong sales staff and that keeps the internal work steady..the other shops in town are up and down ,,but i stay focused on what we have and not the other shops…i also am flat rate and my hours are up slightly from last year ,,, 😉 😉 😉
hoses are always a problem in the shop..something else that seems to wear out alot are the couplers on my main hoses that are in steady use all day…we have found a company that supplies us with couplers that are a one size fits all nipple styles it is always a problem coming up with the exact type for new hires or demos from retailers …this way it doesnt matter they all fit every time..plus they have a lock feature that is trick…if any one is interested please let me know for more info…
protecting yourself from iso’s. is no joking matter..no smoking in bars is an infringement of our freedoms ..fresh air systems in the booth just makes sense . also wearing dispossible gloves . you need the protection from these chemicals . there deadly over an extended period of time . the effects are not immediate . their long range killers ..but its your choice a little protection now . or spend the rest of your days with a permanent air tank being wheeled at your side ..everyone thinks that it wont happen to them but this silent killer is real .before using air to breath with out of your air compressor have the air samples taken their is some gross stuff in that tank ( been there done that ).if you wont do it for your self.. take a long look at your family tonight .and imagine them without you there…have fun be SAFE
when it’s in your blood it’s there to stay…i love it and the challenges…
no two shops are the same ,,ideas are different..tech abilities and attitudes toward repairs and procedures..different areas have different work to draw from ..not every one has the same working capital as the shop down the street..there are people out there that have got it figured out ,as to what makes there shop operate and remain profitable . some of them have went as far as putting it in to a markable business plan that can and is being purchased by collision centers nation wide .check with your local and state associations..the deal is to keep working and striving to do your best and increase your business ..make every day better than the last ..learn from your mistakes and your victories ..it does seem at times that we are up against it with the insurance companies.but i have to keep reminding myself that they also have a job to do .and that is saving their companies money.. Our job is to remain profitable.. and to do that we must arm our selves with the knowledge of our business and our estimating systems [ get to know your p-pages ]..with this information in your hand the insurance companies will see you are serious about your business and that you want and expect to be treated fairly.. get to know your local adjusters ask them what they like to see on your estimates and what they would like to have documented ..rather than turning these meeting into a negative lets keep them on the positive side and turn them into more dollars for our shop….. 😉 😉 😉 😉 😉 😉
looks like a nice upgrade for our shop …where do i find more info??????
600# wet lightly ..clean ..mask..wax and grease remover ,, spray dupont 222s , clear …buff.
MOST.. NOT ALL MANUFACTURES RECOMMEND SLEEVES/INSERTS,,,,TOYOTA LIKES THE BUTT WELD I PREFER SLEEVES IT MAKES A NICE FINISHED JOINT I TRY TO STAY WITH WHAT IS SUGGESTED BY VEHICLE BRAND ALSO WHAT IS TALKED ABOUT AT I-CAR AND ASE… ALONG WITH CORROSION PROTECTION PROCEDURES AND PROPER STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO PREPARE THE PINCHWELD FOR A NICE AND SAFE B) 😛 :silly: :side: :hunt GLASS INSTALL,,,ALSO ANOTHER POINT IS THAT MORE TIME MAY BE ADDED ON ESTIMATE FOR ALL THESE PROCEDURES AS LONG AS THEY ARE DOCUMENTED AND PICTURES TAKEN,,,, 😉 :cheer: :silly: