Collision Repair News

Your job requires that you keep on top of the latest in vehicle, tool, and equipment technology – I-CAR is committed to helping you do so in one convenient place. We regularly publish new articles highlighting the latest and greatest collision repair information.

So check back often and follow us on Twitter @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.



Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Mercedes-Benz

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Mercedes-Benz recommends and where this information can be found.

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When to Apply Corrosion Protection During the Repair Process

A key factor in collision repair, is making the repair last. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas get disturbed, which will then require corrosion protection to maintain a quality repair. However, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to safely and properly apply corrosion protection. Ask I-CAR received information on a vehicle that received corrosion protection before welding was completed. The fumes from the propellant ignited inside the rocker and exploded, causing major damage to the vehicle. Let’s look at how to prevent this from happening.

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Structural Sectioning Procedures: FCA/Stellantis

Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.

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Ford On Target 2017: Volume 1 - Outer B-Pillar Removal

Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2017. Features of this issue include how Ford has made the 2017 Super Duty an all-aluminum body over a steel frame, following suit of the F-150. The article describes many of the specs and features of the new model. Ford also has shared an outline for removing the B-Pillar Outer Panel. Let’s take a look at this procedure.

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Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Audi

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Audi recommends and where this information can be found.

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SkillsUSA Update: Collision Repair Technology Contest

The 2017 SkillsUSA Championships will take place in Louisville, KY in June. Similar to last year’s competition, this year’s contest is introducing a new demonstration element to the competition. Plastic nitrogen welding will be demonstrated at the competition and contestants will be required to demonstrate proper safety, properly clean and prepare plastic parts, and making a nitrogen plastic weld repair. In June, 2018, plastic nitrogen welding will be a scored segment of the competition.

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Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Nissan

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Nissan recommends and where this information can be found.

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Structural Sectioning Procedures: General Motors

Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.

Continue Reading...



Ford On Target 2017: Volume 1 - Super Duty Frame

Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2017. One of the articles discusses the construction and repairability of the frame on the 2017 Super Duty. Ford has made the 2017 Super Duty an all-aluminum body, over a steel frame following suit of the F-150. With mixed materials, special considerations need to be taken with the frame construction. The article describes what materials the frame is comprised of, and how it is constructed. Also, what parts are available for repairing the frame after a collision. Let’s take a look at the new Super Duty frame.

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Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Volvo

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Volvo recommends and where this information can be found.

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Toyota/Lexus/Scion Glass Replacement Requirements: UPDATE

The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.

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I-CAR's Repairability Technical Support Portal Fields 10,000th Inquiry

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 13, 2017 –I-CAR launched the Repairability Technical Support™ (RTS) Portal in July 2014 to enhance the overall repair process for the collision repair inter-industry. The online portal puts the most up-to-date collision repair technical information at the fingertips of front-line technicians, shop owners, estimators, insurance specialists and field educators in one, easy-to-navigate hub.

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BMW/Mini New Repair Site

If you have used the BMW/Mini repair information website since the first of the year, you may have noticed a message. This message was stating the BMW/Mini was transitioning from WebISTA to AIR for the delivery platform to find repair information. WebISTA has been removed from the BMW site as of March 1st. Let’s check out the new AIR platform and how to navigate it.

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Locating ADAS Information: Volvo

As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern vehicles. You may be required to look in numerous manuals to find the information required to safely repair the vehicle.

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