Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - Removal (Drilling)
- Posted on 05 June 2014
To drill or not to drill, that is the question or more appropriately "how do I drill boron-alloyed steel so I don't keep going through drill bits?" Many of us have asked ourselves this when working with boron-alloyed steel or ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS).
Product Maker Information On OEM Technical Information Matrix
- Posted on 03 June 2014
There are an increasing number of materials being used in vehicles to help make them safer and create a quieter passenger compartment. Foam fillers, seam sealers, and adhesives often help accomplish this. It is impossible to see the location of all of these materials simply by looking at the outside of the vehicle. Not to mention, when you look at a product maker's catalog, there are many different options for replacement materials. So the question is: where do I find this information to repair the vehicle properly?
MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
- Posted on 02 June 2014
Why MIG Brazing?
It is widely known that GMA welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding. OEMs are starting to counter this problem by using MIG brazing along with "stitch" and "skip" methods to control the heat. However, MIG brazing should only be done in areas specified by an OEM procedure. With MIG brazing, the lower heat input burns away a minimal amount of the zinc corrosion protection (galvanizing) adjacent to the weld (see Figure 1).
What's A Mercedes-Benz Outer Side Longitudinal Member?
- Posted on 30 May 2014
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
Do I Really Have To Follow Vehicle Maker Recommendations?
- Posted on 29 May 2014
It's just a recommendation, if they wanted me to follow it, they would call it a requirement, right? Wrong!
Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - Identification
- Posted on 26 May 2014
Knowing whether or not a part is made of boron-alloyed steel is important for repairs and replacement. OEM repair information is the best source to identify if a part is UHSS.decisions. The location of the part can be used to determine if the part is likely to be an ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) part. However, part location is not definitive, the part could be boron-alloyed steel or it could be a part that is below 600MPa steel. The location will help to prompt further research into straightening, sectioning, or replacing at factory seams. Steel identification may also help determine removal and attachment methods.
What Is This Vehicle Made Of, And Can It Be Fixed?
- Posted on 22 May 2014
With the use of advanced materials constantly increasing, it is hard to know where to start. I-CAR has addressed the first step to this common issue with the first two columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix: the Body Construction Materials Identification column and the Body Construction Material Repair Guidelines column. Let's take a brief look at each one.
Weld Bonding Required on FCA/Stellantis Vehicles
- Posted on 20 May 2014
So you've got a Chrysler sitting in your repair facility and a service part, but no installation procedure. What do you do? On any other steel vehicle, you would duplicate the original attachment method and plug welds are ok, but not a Chrysler.
Cosmetic Repairs To Aluminum Exterior Panels
- Posted on 20 May 2014
Repairing mild steel body panels with collision damage is nothing new. Using hammers, dollies, and picks when access to the backside is obtainable is a very common practice for straightening. With areas of limited access to the backside, using a weld-on dent puller for straightening is also quite common. So why does this change when dealing with an aluminum exterior panel?
What's A Ford Lap-Joint Backer Plate?
- Posted on 13 May 2014
In your recent pursuit of late-model Ford sectioning information, you've scanned past the term "lap-joint backer plate" in their body repair manuals. Wait a minute, pause, rewind, what is a lap-joint backer plate and how do you make that?
OEM Linking Pin: Did You Think That Ford Was Allowing General Sectioning?
- Posted on 09 May 2014
"NOTE: The following steps provide a general guideline for replacement of body structure components. Refer to exploded views for specific component and assembly information." Additionally Ford says "Where possible, create a backer piece using a portion of the old panel. This will create a stronger joint."
I-CAR Has Your Key To Success - The OEM Technical Information Matrix
- Posted on 07 May 2014
When going through a collision repair manual, it is important to know what the symbols and colors mean. The same holds true when using the I-CAR developed OEM Collision Repair Information Matrix. Let's take a closer look at the key that identifies the status of each vehicle maker on the I-CAR developed OEM Technical Information Matrix.
What's A BMW/Mini Engine Support?
- Posted on 07 May 2014
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
Misplaced Your I-CAR Recycled Parts Request Form?
- Posted on 02 May 2014
Have you misplaced your copy of the I-CAR Recycled Parts Request Form? Let us help you.
Here is a link to download your copy of the I-CAR Recycled Parts Request Form.
What's A Toyota Rear Floor Side Member?
- Posted on 01 May 2014
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
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Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
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Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Statements
Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
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ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
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Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
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BMW Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Friday, 10 April 2020
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
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Quickly Identifying Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges
Monday, 5 March 2018
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
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General Motors Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Friday, 21 October 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
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Restraints Wiring Repairs
Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
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FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 9 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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Nissan/INFINITI Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Monday, 14 January 2019
Nissan/INFINITI updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning. The revised position statement touches on more subjects and gives additional information on the subject.
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Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure
Sunday, 4 February 2035
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.
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I-CAR Repairers Realm: Quick Stick Dent Removal - Now Available
Wednesday, 2 July 2025
I-CAR had a discussion on KECO tools for lateral tension dent removal.
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2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results
Monday, 30 June 2025
The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....
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Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning
Friday, 27 June 2025
We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.
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Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging
Thursday, 26 June 2025
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.
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Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Monday, 23 June 2025
Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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App-Based Connected Services Considerations
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...
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Digital Key Considerations
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...
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Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.
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Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...
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