Randy Miller, a veteran of nearly four decades in the collision repair industry, has refined his shop’s estimating process for years now.

Randy focuses on scheduling estimates, group walk-arounds, utilizing modern technology and documenting everything. Read more about Randy's process from Fender Bender >

"I was a mechanic when I was younger and always elbow-deep in all kinds of transmission fluids, brake fluids, motor oil and carburetor cleaner---you name it. I never wore gloves or any protective gear, because when you're young, you think you're a superhero. But all of that stuff gets into your blood, and where do you think it ends up? Your kidneys---that's right."

After 25 years in the paint booth, Alex also realizes maybe a little too late that wearing a breathing respirator and a full suit is a must, he said.

Read more from Autobody News >

Tasco Auto Color has teamed up with the Collision Industry Foundation to assist in disaster relief for body shop personnel who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.

September 12, 2017- Richmond, Virginia - The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) announced today that its current relief efforts to Hurricane Harvey victims would be extended to Hurricane Irma victims as well.  In addition, a “How to Help” guide has been assembled for those wanting to assist those in need.  

CIF is committed to working with all industry segments to deliver aid to those devastated by these storms.  The CIF's mission is to deliver emergency relief directly to collision repair professionals.  CIF is calling on all shops, trade groups, equipment companies, paint companies, insurance companies and all other industry organizations that can assist in this relief effort.      

To tell of the devastation, one shop owner shared that his shop was buried in over 10 foot of debris and still had 6-7 feet of water inside.  He lost everything, had no flood insurance, and more importantly, 30 of his employees are out of work with no income for themselves or their families.  Another manager at a dealership body shop shared that his painter and his family were air-lifted off the roof of their home with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.  We encourage everyone within the industry to support our efforts, EVERY dollar counts and will help your fellow industry professionals in need!  

“CIF was there after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy - and other natural disasters - to deliver aid to those professionals in our industry impacted,” stated Michael Quinn, Chair of CIF Disaster Relief.  “We have a dedicated group of volunteers that are working hard to identify those in need from within our industry and get them the help they need.  If you know of persons in need, please send them our way! And, if you want to help please donate at the CIF website.”      

To donate to the Disaster Relief Fund or apply for assistance please visit www.collisionindustryfoundation.org, or contact us directly at Email: collisionindustryfoundation@gmail.com.
To phone Toll Free (855) 424- 3243 or Direct (804) 427-6982.  CIF is utilizing all donations for emergency living and/or tool replacement expenses.

About CIF: The Collision Industry Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation dedicated to raising, managing and donating funds while fulfilling the philanthropic goals and needs of the collision industry and the communities they serve.  More information is available at http://www.collisionindustryfoundation.org

I’m making a difference with Hurricane Harvey & Irma by assisting my industry’s brothers and sisters devastated by this natural disaster.  100% of all funds go to those in need.

Donate NOW to the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) -  Harvey & Irma Relief Fund!

click here:

As you know this fall has brought multiple storms that have devastated many in our industry in Houston & Florida. The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) was formed to assist Collision Industry Professionals in need when disasters strike. CIF was there after Katrina, Sandy and other disasters to deliver aid to those impacted in our industry.   
 
It is estimated that less than 10% of those damaged by the Hurricanes carried flood insurance.  So, the need is great and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.  We ask that you strongly consider giving generously so that we may continue to serve those in need.   

Your tax-deductible donation will be utilized to assist those in need, after careful vetting of loss and validation of industry position. 100% of all donations go to serve those in need by our committee of all volunteers.  

For more information visit:

http://collisionindustryfoundation.org/donation-commitment-form/

Thank you for your assistance so we may serve those in need.

Sincerely,   

P.O. Box 3007, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Phone: (804) 427-6982 – Fax: (804) 335-1296
Website: www.collisionindustryfoundation.org

Dear HABA Members,

This last week has been challenging for all of us in the Houston area. We believe that many of our members and their families have been severely impacted by the storm. And, we've got a long road ahead of us. It may not be easy, but we will persevere in the end. We are Texans after all!

Hopefully, you are safe and with a roof over your head. If you are planning to seek assistance from FEMA, we thought you would want to have their contact information to get the process started:

800-621-FEMA (3362)
http://www.disasterassistance.gov

We also came across an article on the topic of "Harvey Alert: Don't Settle a Vehicle Claim Until You Read This!". Please review it carefully.

The Collision Industry Foundation has disaster relief information, too.
Please click to see the resources available.

If you'd like to update us on your status, please feel free to contact us. We are, of course, continuing to pray for the safety of our members and stand ready to support in rebuilding of any businesses that may have been lost.

From the entire Board of HABA

Promotion - 8/16/2016
Top Gun Mitch Lanzini Teaches a Classic Tape Shading Effect

If Mitch Lanzini’s smiling face looks familiar, it should. In fact, you may have spent hours with him already. He appeared in over 25 episodes of the Overhaulin’ TV show. While completing a custom in a week is not something he’d recommend for the daily grind, he is proud of the work he accomplished on the show. “When you have the pressure on, it’s amazing what you can get done,” he says.

Check out Mitch's latest tech tip video featuring how to create a classic tape shading effect. Mitch says this technique is ideal for beginning painters looking to build confidence. “It’s so, so easy, doesn’t take much time and the effect is cool.”

Follow the steps on how to achieve the classic tape shading effect

Want to learn more? Click here for other tips and tricks!

Three large suppliers dominate the global market for original-equipment automotive paint -- and the auto industry is content to leave it that way.

Auto-paint plant lines are too complex and expensive to consider introducing new suppliers, say paint industry leaders.
As a result, the top three industry coatings giants -- PPG Industries, BASF and Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont) -- have become too big to fail.

"When you look at a car plant, one of the most significant investments is the paint shop," says Christopher Toomey, senior vice president for coatings solutions for North America at Ludwigshafen, Germany-based BASF. "No plant manager wants their plant shut down because the paint shop isn't working. The pressure ratchets up in a hurry."The actual cost of paint on a car is small, representing 3 to 4 percent of the vehicle's total value. But the paint shop is one of the most complex elements in a vehicle assembly factory and can come with a price tag of $400 million or more.

The multistep process of dipping, spraying and baking gobbles up huge amounts of energy, water and floor space, making the paint shop a major chokepoint in the manufacturing process if trouble hits. And carmakers demand a continually evolving kaleidoscope of new, fashionable colors that are durable and can be applied with maximum efficiency and minimum environmental impact.
As a result, the three paint supplier leaders hold sway over a $10 billion business to a degree found in few other sectors of the supply base.

Read More From Automotive News >

Press Release - 7/23/2015
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - July 23, 2015  Add another major award to Bobby Alloway’s already impressive trophy case. An Alloway-built car won the 2015 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year award at the 18th annual PPG Goodguys Nationals held July 10-12 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. The car, a gleaming 1937 Chevy coupe owned by Chuck Rowe of Millington, Tenn., was a crowd magnet and featured Alloway’s signature deep black PPG finish and rakish stance. Celebrated as “the master of black,” Alloway almost always paints his custom builds black.

The Chevy was built at Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop where he uses PPG products exclusively. This masterpiece wore its DELTRON® DBU 9700 Basecoat and DCU 2002 CONCEPT® Clearcoat finish beautifully. It was Alloway’s third time winning the award; in 2001 he took the honors with a ’33 Ford and in 2012 with a ’32 Ford. But multiple wins don’t make the experience any easier.

“The whole thing is nerve-wracking,” said Alloway. “It’s an honor to win, but you’re competing with the top builders in the world, so you can’t relax or get overconfident. You do the best you can, make the car look great and hope the judges recognize your work. I’m thankful they did.”

Alloway has been building timeless street rods since 1978, and his shop in Louisville, Tenn., has consistently produced award-winning vehicles. He is well respected for cars that sport an aggressive presence obtained through a blend of color, proportion and pure power—in this case an all-aluminum McLaren Chevrolet Big Block V8.

In addition to the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year awards, Alloway’s honors include the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year, America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, Autorama Builder of the Year and the Don Ridler Memorial Award. Earlier this year, the Chevy was named Best Hot Rod at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Calif. In recognition of his work, Alloway was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Hall of Fame this year and the Rod & Custom Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is one of the largest rod and custom associations, with nearly 70,000 members around the world. The association promotes and produces some of the world’s most dynamic automotive events including the annual Nationals show in Columbus, Ohio. The Goodguys Columbus Nationals is the organization’s biggest show of the year, with some of the top cars in the country competing for major awards. PPG is the official paint supplier to the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. PPG exhibits at every national and many regional Goodguys events, displaying the hot colors, unique pigments, special-effect finishes and custom colors showcased in its Deltron products, VIBRANCE COLLECTION® and other brands.

2015 Fall MVP Business Solutions Conference
September 20-22 - Boca Raton, FL
Join us at the Boca Raton Resort & Club for the 2015 Fall MVP Business Solutions Conference. Nestled in a Mediterranean inspired historic village and just a few steps from the stunning south Florida coastline, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is your luxurious home away from home.

Many of our charming and sophisticated guest rooms come with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, Intercostal Waterway, or the marina and all guest rooms offer the latest amenities for your comfort.dolas touring the meandering waterways.

Why attend the MVP Business Solutions Conference?
Attendance at the MVP Business Solutions Conference is an investment in your shop and your people. Take time out of your busy schedule to re-energize, refocus, and gain valuable insight from industry experts, and network with a unique mix of collision professionals. Don’t miss your opportunity to have a rewarding experience and gain effective strategies to apply when you return to your business.Read more from PPG >

Throwback Thursday: Hodges Paint & Body Shop receives the "Ultimate Body Shop" from the Houston Chronicle in 2003.

#ThrowbackThursday