In the second of two legal seminars designed for body shop owners whose operations interact with insurers on a regular basis, the Pennsylvania Collision Trade Guild PCTG and the Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence CCRE brought in several attorneys with expertise in this field.

via How to get paid in full for your collision repair services | Search Autoparts.

For small business owners, developing managers and employees that can self-manage without the owner being present can be a huge challenge. Owners feel that they have to micro-manage their entire business, employees wind up feeling like they arent trusted, and the owners personal life suffers because he or she cant get away from work long enough to have a life.

via Building a better body shop team | Search Autoparts.

NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts— including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers — NHTSA testing showed consistent malfunctioning ranging from non-deployment of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel during deployment. NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags.

via NHTSA issues consumer alert on counterfeit replacement airbags | Search Autoparts.

“For nearly 30 years, ATI has been helping thousands of automotive repair shop owners increase their profits, reduce stress, and grow their businesses into the companies of their dreams” said Chris “Chubby” Frederick. “We recognize that collision repair business owners can benefit from our experience and expertise in business training, coaching and consulting services to improve their businesses in this highly competitive market.

via ATI expands training into collision industry | Search Autoparts.

Like many industries that use heavy equipment, the collision repair and refinishing trade is subject to potential hazards at every turn. Just some of these include hydraulic pulling machines; broken glass; ripped, exposed sharp steel edges; spills of all types Fig 1; high-voltage welders and now high-voltage cars; damaged batteries, which could have either alkaline or acidic toxins; chemicals that can potentially damage blood, liver, lungs and nerves; and irritants that expose workers to allergic reactions, lung damage or even cancer.

via Being prepared to handle accidents will limit their severity and shop impact | Search Autoparts.

This edition of ABRN The Trainer addresses how to use dollies and spoons. Join Ohio Technical College OTC collision instructor John Dragan, who is I-CAR trained and ASE-certified, as he demonstrates and explains this skill. Dragan explains the differences between a variety of dollies, including the toe, heel, comma and universal dollies. He shows how to choose the best dolly for the job. He also shows how to use spoons in a variety of different ways. He demonstrates how a spoon can be wrapped in padding and hammered gently to remove small dents from metal parts.

via How to use dollies and spoons – AutoPro Workshop Video .

The issue: The U.S. accuses China of flouting trade rules and undervaluing its currency to help its exporters, hurting American competitors and jobs. But imposing tariffs could set off a trade war and drive up prices for American consumers. Tensions have spread to the automotive sector: The U.S. is seeking international rulings against Chinese subsidies for its auto and auto-parts exports and against Chinese duties on U.S. autos.

via Romney, Obama talk tough as trade becomes an issue.

ABRN How2 Adjust Spray Gun Air Pressure – El Dorado, KS, United States, AutoPro Workshop Video – Where Professionals Gather for Better Business.

Doing mechanical operations in-house can save time and money in most situations, but if you are like a majority of shops you sublet a good portion of your mechanical labor. Some of the reasons why we sublet mechanical labor are; lack of the proper mechanical equipment, technician skill/experience or vehicle warranty. Unfortunately in some situations we may not be completely reimbursed for all of the costs that we have to pay because the time in the estimating system does not match the time charged by the vendor!!  Then there are the times where we do perform the mechanical operations in-house but are told by the adjuster that “if a body technician performs the operation we cannot charge mechanical labor!!!!!”

via Mechanical in a Collision Center – AutoPro Workshop .

So Moore, who co-owns Diamond Collision Services Inc. in Avon, Ind., decided to shop around for better rates. She found one through Associated Insurance Agencies, a sponsor of the Indiana Auto Body Association, of which she’s a member. The new deal ended up saving her $4,000 a year in workers’ compensation costs.

via Curb Your Workers’ Comp Costs – FenderBender – June 2012 – United States.