Solving the DRP puzzle July 1, 2008 By: John Yoswick

Roger Wright has seen insurer direct repair programs (DRPs) from both sides. During a 25-year career with major insurers, Wright helped create and manage DRPs. Then, starting in the late 1990s, he spent about five years as director of insurance relations for CARSTAR, helping that chain of shops develop and improve its DRP relationships. In 2003, he returned to the insurance industry by joining AIG as manager of its material damage and direct repair programs.

Finishing touches July 1, 2008 By: Kevin Mehok

Quality repairs — the quality customers expect and the quality shops deliver — have increased dramatically during the past 20 years. Indeed, the inherent quality of a modern automobile commands it.

Renting Realities July 1, 2008 By: Kevin Mehok

In today's collision repair environment, understanding the rental car business is extremely important. The rental car industry is immense. In 2007, revenue generated by rental cars was estimated at more than $21 billion, with nearly 200,000 rented vehicles in service. These estimated figures don't include dealer rentals and private company rentals. Adding those in, the volume of rentals is staggering.

Pennsylvania shop builds business on first impressions July 1, 2008 By: Stephanie Skernivitz

When customers enter the front office of Noaker's Auto Body in the small town of Duncannon, Pa., north of Harrisburg, they're struck by a couple sensory reactions. People comment, "It doesn't look like a body shop. It doesn't even smell like a body shop."

VOC Control July 1, 2008 By: Al Thomas

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds, or more precisely, a group of chemical compounds that change to a gas at low temperatures and pressures — hence, their volatility. These elements belong to the class of chemical compounds having a carbon basis (organic). Most solvents and cleaners used in automotive finishes have VOCs in them.

Bonds you can trust July 1, 2008 By: Tim Sramcik

Panel bonding just might be the great overlooked craft in collision repair. Custom paint elicits passion; high-strength steels elicit controversy and technical acumen, and frame work immediately calls up patience and accuracy. Yet, panel bonding is key both to a thorough repair and the appearance of the final product.

Texas shops follow consistent recipe July 1, 2008 By: Joan Engebretson

Any good body shop has to have a strong focus on doing quality work — but few can claim one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in their region. Callaway's Collision Specialist of Humble, Texas, can make that claim.

Red, White, Blue...& Green June 27, 2008 By: Bill Groak

Off-roaders seek the freedom of open trails, desert sands, mud bogs and big rocks to play on across the USA. The U.S. military is out fighting for our freedom – period. But the military needs some help making its high-mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicles stronger and safer for soldiers. Who are they gonna call? Off-road manufacturers, of course. Several companies have already been enlisted by various branches of the military for off-road parts, products and general expertise.

Making Money with 1967-72 Chevrolet/GMC Trucks, Part II June 27, 2008 By: Bob McClurg

In the last two issues of Styling & Performance, we've discussed the light-duty truck enthusiast movements for 1953-56 Ford F-100s and 1955-59 Chevrolet/GMCs. We emphasized how body and paint, mechanics shops, restoration shops and specialty parts retailers can expand their businesses and shore up that all-important bottom line by becoming involved in these exciting and profitable market segments. In this particular issue, we're going to showcase the 1967-72 Chevrolet/GMC light-duty trucks and show how these American truck icons can put dollars and cents into your cash register.