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 X @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.


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Collision Repair Industry News

Repair or Replace? – Material Tensile Strength Key to Repairability

Posted on 23 September 2014

Repair or Replace? – Material Tensile Strength Key to Repairability

Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Director, Industry Technical Relations

The world of steels continues to evolve at a rapid pace and repair professionals need to keep up. In order to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs, it’s imperative to identify the type of material we’re working with, to know what is repairable, and know which options we have for part replacement when straightening is not an option.

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Strategy Based Diagnostics In Collision Repair

Posted on 19 September 2014

by Chuck Olsen, Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS)

Strategy Based Diagnostics is an automotive best practice routine that was initially published by GM after studying and observing successful technicians in the field who consistently meet or exceed productivity standards with the lowest levels of "re-checks" or "comebacks." Since GM published this best practice, Strategy Based Diagnostics has been adopted by most in the automotive repair field.

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What's A Ford/Lincoln Back Panel?

Posted on 15 August 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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Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - Attachment (Spot Welding)

Posted on 14 August 2014

When spot welding is used during repairs, UHSS may not weld the same as mild steel. The welder will need a different setting for UHSS to make a good weld. The vehicle maker may also have requirements for a specific spot welding machine that may have preset programs for specific applications. Some spot welders may only need the sheet thickness and the type of material to be input and the welder will make the necessary adjustments.

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Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - Attachment GMA Welding

Posted on 07 August 2014

When GMA welding ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), like boron-alloyed steel, there are a few additional things to consider. Most UHSS parts are typically replaced using squeeze-type resistance spot welds (STRSW) at a factory seam and GMA plug welds used to attach the part where a spot welder cannot reach.

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