Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The fifth and sixth columns call out sectioning of two different areas. The fifth column is Structural Sectioning Procedures including front or rear rails. The sixth column is Outer Body Panel Sectioning Procedures including outer unisides and quarter panels.

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.

With so much boron-allowed steel, does a plasma arc cutter even belong in a modern collision repair facility? The simple answer is yes but in limited areas, and it should be used at the lowest setting that can still effectively cut the material.

General Motors released a new full-frame sectioning kit for the front frame rails on 2011 - current 2500/3500 GMC Sierra and 2500/3500 Chevrolet Silverado. A similar kit has been available for the light-duty pickups, but this new part kit is specific to the heavy-duty pickups.

The OEM Technical Information Matrix has been updated to include Volvo information. The corresponding, Collision Repair Information Availability chart has also been updated on the Volvo-specific OEM Information page.

Earlier this year, at Great Designs in Steel 2014, Ford shared details about the construction of the 2015 Ford Mustang. The 2015 Mustang will use a variety of different steels, from mild to ultra-high-strength (UHSS), throughout the vehicle structure.

More great things have been added with the launch of the new website. Each OEM, or vehicle maker, now has their own web page. You are able to access an OEM-specific page by clicking on their emblem. There are a variety of types of information available for each OEM. The icons will link you the following OEM-specific types of information:

A video showing how to access vehicle-specific Volvo body repair manuals has been added to the Volvo-specific OEM Information page of the new Repairability Technical Support Portal website. This short video shows you how to use the Volvo website (www.volvotechinfo.com) to access the body repair manuals for collision repair information. Check out other OEMs for similar types of videos on accessing body repair manuals.

Now that the new website is up and running, we have updated the look of UPCR®. The Uniform Procedures For Collision Repair® (UPCR®) outline industry-accepted, uniform repair procedures for technicians, insurers, suppliers, vehicle makers, educators and others. They enable the collision repair industry to produce uniform, quality repairs for the consumer.

RAM 1500 has been updated on the OEM Partial Parts Replacement Search. The body repair manual for the RAM 1500 is available on FCA's free website at: www.moparrepairconnection.com

RAM 2500/3500/4500 and Cab Chassis have been updated on the OEM Partial Parts Replacement Search. The body repair manual for the cab chassis is available on Chrysler's free website at: www.moparrepairconnection.com

When attempting to cut boron-alloyed steel using a cutoff wheel, you may question whether you will even be able to cut the part or just be using up discs?

The fourth column in the OEM Technical Information Matrix can get a little tricky without further clarification: Partial Service Part/Assembly Replacement Procedures at Factory Seams. For the most part, this is a column that I-CAR is still researching published OEM information to get the answers to. The question is: Does the vehicle maker have procedures for replacing a partial service part or assembly at factory seams?

Ever here how an air chisel is for mechanics and nothing more than a crude tool for cutting a hole in a part to gain access? Would you ever use it to remove an exterior body panel from a reinforcement?

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.