COLLISION REPAIR TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AUGUST 2016 | Collision Repair | 17 science of making measurements from photographs, such as for maps). For example, Chief’s new Cam Scan HD measuring system lets technicians easily measure and compare two points anywhere on a vehicle. It can measure the condition of a frame in X, Y and Z axes to detect diamond, mash, sway and twist. Systems like this can be used for frame rail analysis, axle and trailer alignment analysis, and even to measure areas that the centerline gauge and string method can’t, such as upper body damage and cab openings. Computerized measuring systems allow technicians to see and document the full scope of the damage, develop a plan for repairs, and then print out professional, documented proof of the repairs. Insurance companies are increasingly demanding documentation of vehicle damage and proper repairs. Th is includes documentation showing all of the damage in order to approve an estimate for repair, as well as documentation demonstrating that the repairs were made prior to initiating payment. Th is same documentation is vital to the repair shop for two other important reasons. First, repair documents provide peace of mind to the customer and instill confi dence in the shop’s professional abilities. Second, from a liability standpoint, repair documentation provides proof as to the exact condition of the truck when it entered and left the shop. Printed, verifi able repair documents are an important part of today’s shop function that will only grow more critical in the future. IMPROVED SHOP PRODUCTIVITY Th ere is always a good deal of pressure on a shop to get a truck back on the road as quickly as possible. But squaring up a trailer that has rolled or repairing a cab that is manufactured with a mix of steel, aluminum and other materials can be tricky when relying on traditional repair tools and methods. Investing in a couple key pieces of new equipment can help shops improve productivity during repairs like these. Start at the foundation: fi xing the frame. For years, technicians needing to push or pull out damage to a heavy duty vehicle frame have had to hand-build a frame-correction system before getting to work. Th is type of pulling system uses components that weigh up to 150 lbs each, making it quite taxing for technicians to set up. Plus, it can take up to an hour and a half to get the system built, and the truck into position to make a pull. Drive-on frame racks are a much faster – and less risky – solution than hand-building a pulling system out of heavy pieces of steel every time you need to make a repair. Technicians simply can drive the largest heavy duty vehicles into place, swing the attached towers into position and get to work in as little as 10 minutes. Some drive-on racks off er additional labor- and time-saving advantages. For example, the Centurion rack from Chief has hydraulic towers that easily move independently to allow true 360-degree pulling. To speed prep time, the deck of the Centurion is pre-plumbed with air, controls and hydraulic outlets every 10 feet. As each hydraulic tower is rolled into position, it is easily plugged in and ready to go to work. Th is feature also keeps the fl oor clean and free of trip hazards. Tower adjustments to position for the correct pull are non-strenuous thanks to the lightweight aluminum rollers located in each tower. Just like the automotive OEMs, truck manufacturers are using an increasingly diverse mix of materials and joining methods to build their cabs. Gone are the days of a mild steel cab that can be easily welded back together. New cabs are made of aluminum, carbon fi ber and high-strength steels that may require sectioning, riveting or welding to repair. It’s crucial to have the right equipment to make the proper repairs to these vehicles. Your old welder or even a new rivet gun may not be powerful enough or have the right specifi cations for the job at hand. In some cases, equipment manufacturers have to innovate right alongside the truck manufacturers. For example, OEMs are using more structural adhesives in the manufacturing process, such as to strengthen the bond between a cab fender and hood. Removing this adhesive can be diffi cult. Many shops use an open fl ame to try to heat up the adhesive and separate the panels. Others resort to driving a chisel between panels. Both methods carry great risk of damage to the vehicle – and the technician. Chief has introduced a product specifi - cally designed to swift ly break the bond of structural adhesives without damaging the surface above or below the glue. Th e Vulcan ADU uses infrared radiation technology to quickly heat the vehicle surface to a temperature where the fi rst layer of glue underneath releases cleanly. With the adhesive bonds broken, the technician can then easily separate the materials. Talk to your local collision repair equipment distributor to learn what’s new – you may be surprised to learn how much faster and easier your job could be. INCREASED TECHNICIAN SAFETY Shops are looking for ways to reduce potential technician injuries by eliminating the need to lift heavy equipment and components. One sure-fi re method is to move from hand-built pulling systems to drive-on frame racks. Shop equipment manufacturers are also developing tools with features designed to help reduce technician strain and fatigue – like the boom that’s available with Chief’s Heavy Duty Rivet Gun to take some of the tool’s weight off the technician’s hands. Shops are also exploring how to create a safer work environment by adding fume extractors and dust extractors to prevent technicians from breathing harmful airborne particulates created when welding and sanding. THE FUTURE Th e future of heavy duty collision repair will center on working with new technologies and advanced materials incorporated into the vehicles themselves, as well as the technological advances of the tools required to repair them. Th is will increase both shop productivity and technician safety. Lee Daugherty is the heavy duty sales manager for Chief Automotive (www.chiefauto motive.com), a leading North American collision repair equipment manufacturer. He manages Chief’s vehicle spec collection efforts and is responsible for measuring products and software and heavy duty products. Eliminate potential injuries by doing away with heavy lifting.
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