DEDICATED TO THE COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN

The collision shop and our insurance companies.

Lately I have been hearing “we can’t blend that vehicle, it’s a borderline write off” and I think to myself two things. One, if it’s that close to a write off then write it off. Secondly, if I butt match the door and don’t blend the fender and the quarter panel, then the customer may not be happy with the paint job as it may not be a perfect match. Some insurance companies are better than others at giving time to blend adjacent panels, but some only give “color tint” or do not give time at all. The collision repair technician has inside information on these facts but the average consumer has no clue. Also, some insurance companies will not replace your vehicles genuine parts with new genuine parts. They will try and use aftermarket parts and if no aftermarket parts are available, then they will go with new genuine parts, or if the price of a new part is cheaper than a remanufactured bumper or jobber fender, they will go with the cheaper part.

Consumers need to know what goes on when their vehicle is involved in an accident. You as a consumer need to ask many questions when your vehicle becomes involved in a collision. As a painter in the collision industry, I want to make the repairs to your vehicle look better then new. I want the color I apply to match perfectly; I want the clear coat to look like glass. I want no dust in your vehicle and I want to see a smile on your face when you pick up your vehicle from the repair shop.

Please do yourself a favour when you apply to get insurance, ask questions to your agent. Make sure you completely understand what you are getting and what you do not get with your policy. The most common thing I see is “loss of use” in your policy. Loss of use lets you use a rental car when your car becomes involved in a collision. Find out what your deductible will be if you are ever in an accident. I see many folks with the misconception that the insurance company covers all costs of your collision. Some folks just do not have five hundred dollars to cover the cost of the deductible. Please spend the time at your agents office and understand where you money is going.

Keeping along the same lines as my last post on cool applications for your mobile phones I came across this cool application many users will be interested in. It’s appropriately called “Help I crashed my car”. Help I crashed my car is a FREE smart phone app that provides you and your family with access to virtually everything you need if you are ever involved in a car accident!

Here is a description of exactly what this is and what it can do for you in case you are ever involved in a collision. “Help I Crashed My Cars patent-pending wireless technology provides you and your family with a one-click automated emergency communication system that contacts up to 3 family or friends, your insurance company, your insurance agent and your preferred body shop. It will even send your shop a map of your accident location so they can respond immediately!

Because of its GPS location technology, Help I Crashed My Car makes it easy for you to locate and contact the closest Police Department, Ambulance Service, Hospital, Towing Company, Rental Car Company, or Body Shop.

Help I Crashed My Car, also provides you with important information on what to do if you are involved in a car accident, what to look for in a quality auto body shop, and what your consumer rights are after you have been in an accident.

Help I Crashed My Car, even provides you with an Accident Report and the ability to take photos at the scene of the accident. You can then send the report and photos to your insurance company or preferred body shop”.

This mobile app is currently in use for Canadians and Americans and takes less then five minutes to download, install and set up which makes set up simple for the user. So where can you get this handy application. You can get this phone app FREE from iTunes app store, Verizon app store, Blackberry app store, Windows Mobile app store, Help I Crashed My Car.com, dozens of Body Shop Websites in North America, as well all Premier Member Websites.

In my opinion it is worth it to get started with the application as you just never know when you might need it. I know the one thing I always have with me is my phone. I do not carry my laptop with me when I travel but my phone never leaves my side. I drive a long distance to work and back and the good thing about this application is it’s free. Here is the link over to Help I Crashed My Car so you can get started as soon as you have some spare time.

PPG has introduced ColorMobile, a new convenient tool providing fast and easy Internet access to all color formulas for domestic and import vehicle colors. ColorMobile is especially designed for repairers who work away from collision centers and need access to color formulations wherever they travel. All that’s needed to use ColorMobile is a password and a mobile device with access to the Internet.

“We’re very excited to offer ColorMobile to our customers,” said Beth Ramsey, PPG global color marketing and communications manager. “It’s the ideal solution for vehicle refinishers who work on the road and otherwise would not have access to our color databases via their desktop computer. ColorMobile gives them instant 24/7 access to the information they need wherever they’re working. ColorMobile is a valuable and productive tool, and a key part of the PPG Color Retrieval System.”

Using ColorMobile, repairers are able to tap into the PPG or Nexa Autocolor Online Color websites. Color formulas are updated daily and the database contains both National Rule and compliant/waterborne system information covering all manufacturer colors including both prime and variant formulations. In addition, since ColorMobile is designed specifically for mobile repairers, it offers the ability to mix in very small amounts – as little as one ounce – as needed. To use ColorMobile, a repairer simply accesses the appropriate website URL and enters their approved password and e-mail address.

If you already have access to PPG or Nexa Autocolor Online Color Formulations and a mobile device with internet connectivity, you can enjoy many of the current features of Online Color—any time, anywhere. ColorMobile is the ideal solution for repairers who need instant access to color formulations “on the fly”. Simply log on to ColorMobile here https://buyat.ppg.com/colormobile/ppgna using your current PPG online password and username, and choose from all the latest color formulas for domestic and import car, fleet, or any type of manufacturer colors.

PPG’s EC 700 And EC 750 Water Borne Clear Coat

I was able to spray the new PPG clear coat EC700 last week and was really impressed with its overall ease of use and final appearance. My PPG paint representative Rob Festa was in to provide me the technical information on the new clear coat and offered to show me how the new clear works. We used fast hardener on a one panel job and I was impressed on how quickly we were able to complete the clear coat process. This clear is a one visit clear which means it’s back to back. One juicy coat followed by another and your all done. Immediately following the last pass you are hitting the bake button on your paint booth.

This clear cost is specifically designed to go over PPG’s Envirobase HP basecoat. The mixing ratio is 4:1 and uses no reducers. I sprayed a three panel repair with this new clear coat and used medium hardener. I liked the way the EC700 laid down better using a slower hardener selection. I would like to spray and front end job to see how it lays out on flat panels like a hood. Overall I am very impressed with the new EC700 clear coat from PPG.

I will keep you posted as to how the flat panel repairs work out with the slow hardener. This new clear will be more productive as it is a one visit clear coat. This will translate into a few more cars being painted every day.

PPG Refinish has launched its new MVP Business Solutions website. The site can be accessed directly at www.ppgmvp.com. The new site is tailored to the needs of PPG’s collision center customers and devoted exclusively to MVP training, tools and services.

“We are excited about having a website wholly dedicated to our business solutions offerings,” said Jim Berkey, director, MVP Business Solutions. “We have a strong leadership position in the collision repair industry with our MVP programs and want to make information more easily available for our customers. With the new website, they now have 24/7/365 access to our programs and services.”

The interactive site incorporates state-of-the-art technology, is highly graphic and emphasizes a contemporary, user-friendly design.

“We wanted to make this site attractive and appealing. After all, we want people to use it and enjoy their experience, so we did our best to make it easy,” added Norm Angrove, senior manager, PPG Value Added Programs. “This site is loaded with the timely and critical information our customers want. Navigation is clear and intuitive. Customers can find out about our MVP offerings and quickly get up-to-the-minute information about training, conferences and services. For example, one of the website’s key areas is Training Solutions which encompasses four sub-sections: Throughput Performance, Leadership, Business Fundamentals and ParaKaizen – all valuable tools for business success. I encourage everyone interested in our MVP programs to visit www.ppgmvp.com and learn more.”

Visitors to the site can quickly see where training courses and other events are being offered across North America, and can register online for these events.

The new site represents the first phase of PPG’s MVP website development. Even broader access to information, people and business solutions is coming in the next stage.

For more information about MVP Business Solutions, call 440-572-6149, e-mail MVPmailbox@ppg.com, or visit www.ppgmvp.com.

See the new link added to the Blogroll here on the autobody Blog and feel free to click and view the new site.

For many years PPG has worked closely with Lamborghini to develop colors that will enhance the design of these prestigious Italian automobiles. The introduction of PPG’s matte finishes created specifically for Lamborghini is set to be the latest automotive fashion style.

Lamborghini was one of the leaders of this trend when it introduced the Black Gallardo in 2006, featuring matte-black body parts. Following this initiative, a growing number of automakers are now using matte finish to highlight particular car body details. PPG is the exclusive supplier to Lamborghini for the matte colors. Lamborghini only recommends the use of PPG products when repairing matte colors.
The exciting progression of matte colors is a direct result of the close collaboration between Lamborghini and PPG Refinish. This led to the development of PPG’s new D8113 clear matte coat, designed to create a sports car effect and to accentuate these models’ style.

“All of our matte and special color cars are hand painted. We had to find a product that would not only ensure the aesthetic quality sought by our designers, but also meet the high performance standards required. PPG supported us once again, as it has done throughout the years of our collaboration during all the development stages: from product engineering to quality tests and training program for our Customer Support points,” says Claudio Nannetti, Quality Manager at Automobili Lamborghini. “The Lamborghini/PPG partnership is extremely successful and has led to excellent results. In over twenty years, we developed many painting processes for a range of different materials, from aluminums to composites, and countless finishes, including four-coat and matte finishes. Today, we are ready for new challenges and new research projects.”

This partnership also involves Lamborghini’s global support network. Achieving the special matte effect that enhances the car’s allure requires specific repair cycles and the use of dedicated, reliable, high-performing products. To ensure that its network was able to make repairs that would maintain and reinforce the brand’s high-quality reputation, a worldwide training program, focusing on matte colors, was initiated for all body shops specializing in the repair of these prestigious automobiles. This ensures that the repairs are carried out by specialized workshops after receiving specific training through PPG’s training centers worldwide, confirming once again the exclusive nature of these models and of matte finish.

Developed by PPG technicians and approved by Lamborghini, these training sessions, focused on the matte finish repair process, are designed to expand the operators’ skills in the use of specific painting systems and to allow them to learn techniques that ensure the best final result. Special attention has been placed on the repair of Nemesis black matte paint, one of the hardest to achieve, and on matte clearcoat application and drying time. The course has been shared with all PPG training centers worldwide, creating a unique Lamborghini matte color repair network.

To reinforce its total technical support, PPG also developed a manual, approved by the Lamborghini After sales organization, dedicated to the network of body shops specializing in Lamborghini vehicles worldwide and can be accessed by the entire global repair network. This details specific products to be used in each geographical area, depending on different regulations or logistic reasons.

Automotive Refinish has announced the formation of a strategic alliance with American Honda and its new Body Shop Recognition Program. American Honda has approved the credentials of PPG’s Certified First Network and MVP Business Solutions programs as qualifying refinish supplier performance programs.

“We are pleased to form this relationship with American Honda,” said Steve Topczewski, PPG OEM business development manager. “Honda has a solid quality reputation and sets very high standards for its collision center network. Being selected to team up with them through our Certified First and MVP programs is something we can be proud of.”
American Honda will recognize dealer-owned and independent body shops in the U.S. that

1.Participate in the PPG Certified First and MVP programs
2.Adopt its OE Connection’s Collision Link software program
3. Conduct a minimum number of transactions through the Collision Link system

Collision shops meeting the above requirements will have their name, address and contact information entered in a searchable database accessible by Honda/Acura owners as well as receive a plaque noting their commitment to refinish excellence.

Qualifying PPG-affiliated collision centers must be sponsored by a Honda/Acura dealer participating in the American Honda Collision Select Program. Additionally, eligible collision centers must adopt the OE Connection CollisionLink parts ordering software as a prerequisite to the program.

The Certified First Network is PPG’s national network of performance-driven collision centers designed to help participants effectively promote and improve their business through use of effective consumer and insurance marketing tools. PPG’s MVP Business Solution program encompasses a full range of business development training and support offerings that focus on improving the quality, speed and cost of running a performance-driven collision repair business.

PPG Hits Another Home Run

There are good paint’s on the market and then there are great paints on the market. PPG Envirobase is great paint. Some of the others are good, and some are not so good. I am thrilled that I use great paint everyday. I would like to thank the great team of Advanced Coatings Technologies for setting our brand new shop up with PPG Envirobase HP and how smoothly the transition went. I arrived at the new store from the old store and everything was in place, the paint was in, the gun washer was up, everything was marked and in its place. Great work Tim and Andrew for seeing this installation to the end. Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty for us.

I arrived to see the brand new Junair paint booth that was waiting for me; we fired her up and pulled in the first car to be painted. After using the booth for the first time I was impressed by the blowing power of the Quads, those air movement units blow hot air at a rapid rate to dry the water base thoroughly. I am also impressed with how wide the floor filter intake is. There is at least one or two feet of room left on the side of the vehicle when spraying, I like that. So what this equates to is cleaner paint work, less overspray to breathe in everyday and faster dry times for the base coats. This is a booth for the future.

Stampede Pontiac Buick GMC has a fully equipped, modern professional Body Shop for all your collision repair needs. Weather it’s a light scratch or heavy collision; we have the technology to repair your vehicle properly. We repair all makes and models of vehicles and when repairing your GM Vehicle, we use genuine GM parts and accessories… we offer all our customers a LIFE TIME PAINT GUARANTEE to keep you fully satisfied with your paint repairs FOR LIFE.

Whether you are looking for a new paint job or you require insurance repairs from an accident, we will fix your “Baby” right the first time! Motor vehicle accidents happen and we understand the stress involved in having your car in an accident, we will take the stress out of this stressful time. Over the past 50 years we have streamlined our processes to have as little impact on you as possible. We work for you and serve you with the help you need to get your vehicle looking better than new.

Our certified collision and paint technicians take pride in their work, striving to make your vehicle look as good as or better than new. We use the highest quality products and newest technologies to ensure your car is safe and up to standards. With our combination of experience, state-of-the-art equipment and a genuine desire to exceed your expectations, exceeding your needs is our number one goal.

PPG Industries has announced that I-CAR will offer points for PPG Envirobase® High Performance and Nexa Autocolor Aquabase® Plus through its Industry Training Alliance program. The training will make life easier for shops converting to waterborne systems as their workers will have the necessary skills needed to use these systems to their full potential. PPG offers a one day course which includes both classroom and hands on training. This course is held at PPG training facilities where appropriate or at community colleges across Canada. This course is a prerequisite for shops wishing to convert to PPG’s industry leading waterborne basecoats. People who attend this course also receive an application CD and simplified instructions on the use of the product.

“I-CAR recognizes the importance of lowering VOC emissions in an effort to help the environment,” says John Edelen, President and CEO of I-CAR. “PPG classes are among many excellent solutions available for training in waterborne technology, and we’re pleased that individuals taking them can apply for I-CAR points through this partnership between PPG and I-CAR.”

PPG has been a pioneer with automotive refinish waterborne products since the introduction of the first commercialized refinish waterborne basecoat in 1992 featuring innovative anti-settle technology. Taking advantage of its global research and colour capabilities, PPG continued to add refinements and innovations to its waterborne offerings. Today, PPG Envirobase® High Performance and Nexa Autocolor Aquabase® Plus systems are among the best in waterborne technology, and are successfully used by over 26,000 collision centers across North America and Europe.

With this training, waterborne conversion becomes easier. The PPG Envirobase® High Performance and Nexa Autocolor Aquabase® Plus systems are just as easy to use as solvent-borne systems and require no special additives. They feature a complete range of simple-to-blend non-stir toners. Superior colour accuracy provides consistent colour and metallic control across many application techniques.

”Waterborne basecoat is automotive painter’s dreams come true in my opinion. PPG Envirobase is almost fool proof to spray and match even the trickiest colors. You do not have to fight with the product to get the base to lie down evenly”. If you have not already tried PPG Envirobase in your shop you can contact your local representative to assist you in trying the product first hand. If you need help finding a rep in your area than you can comment here and I will assist you in finding one.

The 2009 PPG Platinum Distributor conference was “Making Waves”.  Surfs Up!

The 2009 PPG Platinum Distributor Conference was a wave of success. Open to all Platinum Distributor owners and their key employees, the conference took place at the Green Valley Ranch and Resort in Las Vegas in February.

“We would like PPG to know how much we appreciated being invited to participate in PPG’s 2009 Platinum Distribution conference,” said Gaétan Trudel and Daniel Montgrain of DG Peinture, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC. “The meetings and conferences were extremely interesting and covered all the aspects relevant to our business. We also enjoyed the trade show, which covered all aspects of the collision repair business and varied in what it had to offer.”

The theme/slogan of the conference was “Making Waves” – coinciding with the full launch of PPG’s waterborne products, and the important role the new products will have in shaping future successes. PPG believes in these waterborne products, and is confident that they, along with the full portfolio of existing brands and products, will continue to “make waves” within the industry.

The conference allowed for networking with other Platinum Distributors throughout North America, while addressing daily challenges they may come across.

“Attending the PPG Platinum Distributor Conference in Las Vegas proved to be an excellent return” said Tim Yetman, GM of Advanced Coatings Ltd., Calgary, AB. “In today’s economic whirlwind, it is critical to stay on top of the latest industry trends, economies of scale, latest products and value added programming.”

Platinum Distribution is well positioned to “ride the wave” in order to achieve sales growth and long-term success within the respective businesses; therefore, PPG demonstrated its efforts to enhance relationships with distribution at the conference. The conference was also an opportunity to help distributors understand PPG’s direction and long-term vision of being the world’s leading coatings and specialty products and services company.

This was reiterated by Brian Custeau, President Custeau Peinture, Inc., Québec City, QC. “The conference was very beneficial in helping us understand the direction of PPG and their communicating long term vision. This vision is savvy in the sense of deliverables for distributors to differentiate in each of our marketplaces. We are confident that 2009 will show an increase in sales and demonstrates the true meaning of a 20 year partnership.”

PPG has the tools to help distribution during this economic downturn, Custeau comments; “while the economy has taken a downward spiral, commercial products are key to differentiate your business. Competition in our marketplace has a tight grasp on this business and the Commercial team communicated some excellent tools to win.”