Most of us never would want to see the inside of an auto body repair shop. At the most we can often smell the solvents being emitted by automotive body vehicle repair shop as we drive by and wonder how those people can make it through a work day never being precise and accurate in both matching the color of car panels and repairing auto, truck and S.U.V bodies after vehicle collisions.

It is only by accident – car accidents that most of us end up inside the premises of our local, dealer or a chain auto body shop.

Most shops now bear little relation to the establishments you may remember as a child – dark and dusty surrounded by both piles of used and new car parts as well as a mean guard dog in the yard. There may be a few of those still around but they are a dying breed. Repairing cars now, especially with the electronics in today’s vehicles, requires both skill, education and training, sophisticated tools and an ultra clean, modern shop.

Modern body shops now seem to be uniformly clean, well laid out and well lit. As well many body shops are laid out in several distinct separate staging areas. Vehicles are estimated in one area, body work done in another, electronic repairs in yet another area, painted in a very separate area, and finally detailed and presented to the customer in a display area.

If the vehicle has major damage, then it is moved to a disassembly area and onto a frame machine. Unibody construction is utilized by most autos today. Unibody is a an automotive and mechanical body term which describes how sheet metal is stamped, formed and welded together to form the structural portion of the car or truck body.

The purpose of the “frame machine” is not to straighten the car frame now – rather it is to straighten the unibody construction of the vehicle.

Measuring the vehicle body for correct unibody alignment is more than critical. As little as one millimeter error is all that is allowed by most car, truck and S.U.V. manufacturers. Laser measuring systems are used by many body shops along with the frame machine to ensure that everything is straightened accurately to the decimal point.

With the unibody of the vehicle straight, the car, truck or S.U.V. moves to the metal work area where new sheet metal is mounted and damages area straightened. This work is still done by skilled technicians and tradesmen using hammers and dollies, but even the work done by body shop technicians has been changed by modern technologies. Overhead vacuum lines are connected to the grinders and sanders to pull dust and dirt away from this part of the shop. Modern body shops can remain very clean and dust free- indeed modern electronics , and even the most modern hi tech electronics of hybrid vehicles demand this.

With the entire metal straight, it’s on to the paint preparation area, commonly referred to as “paint prep”. Quality shops will use dust extraction systems to remove the dust when sanding and spraying the paint primers. Infrared lighting systems may be used to cure primer paint quickly and properly. These infrared lights can shorten the cure time from 24 hours remarkably to as little as 20 minutes. All of these procedures both help you to get a higher quality assured job and get you back on the road in a minimal time span.

Painting the final colors and clear coats is done in a paint booth. There are many types and brands of paint booths, however it is generally accepted the best are the “downdraft” units where fresh filtered air enters the top of the booth and any underspray is pulled downward and out through grates in the floor. The downdraft procedure of paint booths can produce the best and most consistent of paint finishes. In addition a well trained operator can make a great difference in final paint and appearance quality and consistency. A dust free paint booth of any design is better than a dirty and dusty paint booth of the highest end. Before spending your money or committing yourself to the job or repairs it is always best to ask to examine several examples of the shops work on several vehicles. In addition ask to see finished examples of several different body types – cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Look for smooth finishes with minimal dust specs and colors that match from panel to panel. These are the signs of a quality paint job done by a skilled and professional painter.

It goes without saying that a professional paint shop will be proud of their faculties- the layout, equipment, training of their staff – and most of all their people.

Such a shop should have no trouble, barring practical logistics, of allowing you a tour of their facilities. Indeed after all of their careful efforts they should be most proud to give you a tour and point out their strong points and capabilities as well as examples of their finished product.

After all it’s your vehicle that is being repaired – whether it is your new S.U.V, car, truck, van or bus.



By: Amy F. Goodmann

About the Author:

Which part of the auto business is of interest to you and do you have enough money to pursue that interest. This is the first question that people thinking of getting into an auto related business must answer for themselves. There are many auto related businesses that a person can consider. The range can start with auto repair or care and go to a new dealership. There are several areas that are different and yet are some how auto related.

The business types that fit into these categories have significant differences in start up cost. A new car dealership will cost more to buy than a small repair shop. A used car dealership may have a lower start up cost than a large multi-bay repair shop. A brand name muffler shop can have a large price tag if started from scratch. With these money considerations a person that wants to own a business in the auto field must be realistic about those areas they can afford to start or buy. There is a huge difference in the price tag of these different operations. The prospective owner of one of these businesses must make an early decision of what they can afford that they also would like to do. If is not logical that a non-mechanic would do well in with a repair shop. A non-sales person is not likely to own a car dealership. The point is that personal traits, likes and dislikes will lead a person to the likely businesses that they should consider.



How do you find auto businesses are for sale



Business brokers as a group are very good sources of businesses that are on the market. There are brokers that specialize in certain types of business, who would be very good people to contact about auto related businesses. The Internet is an excellent source for finding brokers and businesses that are for sale. Any large city is going to have brokers that specialize in buying and selling existing businesses. Brand name auto related businesses could also be contacted to see where and what they have to offer. If you have a passion for hot cars or just making them run right, maybe a car repair shop or a custom car shop could be your cup of tea. The cost to start one of these shops would be less than a new car dealership. On the other hand if you are a terrific sales person, a car sales company either new or used would be a logical choice if you have the money to buy one or get a new one off the ground. There are brokers and brand name auto companies that could help you find the answers you need for this niche area of the auto business. One other factor that must be looked into is there are many types of used car businesses. There are companies that only carry certain brands and there are businesses that restore certain cars. The variations which are found within the auto related entities is so profuse, that a person would be wise to see a list of all of the businesses in the area they wish to work. There are just so many possibilities that a person may consider when looking for a business to own.

If you have the money, the old owner will have the time

If you have the money, the old owner will have the time to listen to your offer to buy their business. This does not mean that you have all of the cash yourself, it just means that you can make a cash deal happen. I f you can get pre-approved for a credit line or loan, you can get a better price typically with a cash price offer. Most sellers will lower the price if they can be totally cashed out at the time of sale. If they do have to carry back paper, the price will be higher than an all cash deal. Using the sources that are easily found on the Net can help arrange this loan. By using a good search engine to find companies that make loans to buy a business, you will be surprised at how many sources make these business loans.

Other money sources are partners, friends or relatives. Each of these will have different pros and cons associated with them. Relatives may be willing to make a loan, but they will probably want it to be very short in time. A partner can bring all other sorts of difficulties, as someone has to be the boss. Friends may be okay if they can truly afford the loan. In any event a disinterested third party is the best of all sources if for no other reason than peace of mind.

A substantial down payment may ease the reluctance of the seller to carry back paper. At this point in the sale, it is all about negotiating the deal. Terms can be fair to both parties and that is the way it should be or the deal may ultimately fail. If the seller will not cooperate and the other money sources are not willing to help you, it is time to walk away. Sometimes not doing anything is the best course of action by all concerned. It may be that a year would make all the difference in the world.



This business purchase cries for a broker’s help



Because there are so many aspects to the auto business, this area is one where a knowledgeable broker with solid lists of businesses for sale would be of real help in finding a situation that is perfect for the buyer. They could give a quick over view of what is available in the categories that make up the auto businesses. This could save time and maybe even generate a new idea for a business. This is just one of the many services that a good broker can provide in the search for a business property.



Conclusions



The auto related business is an interesting area of possibilities for the person that wishes to own a business connected to cars. There is an area for just about every interest or personality that wants to earn his or her living in these areas. If you like working on cars or selling cars or caring for cars there is a business for you. It truly is about what you like to do with your time and finding an area that will allow you to enjoy yourself and make money at the same time. Finding a property that fits your interest or your skills is easily accomplished by using an experienced business broker. They will know the businesses in a geographical area that are for sale. They can give you a run down on the prices and the profitability of the businesses on their lists. This is a great time saver and speeds up the gathering of information that you will need to make informed decisions on the business you would consider owning. You may find two or three possibilities and this would be better for you as you could see which would be the best to buy based on many factors. Profit versus price would be a first consideration. You could find whom you could make the best deal with and have the best terms of purchase. And of course that is very important in buying an existing business.



By: Bill Henthorn

About the Author:

Admit it, like small kids you only love your car when it drives smoothly but when everything breaks, you feel like you don’t want to see it anymore for fear of the repair costs. The best way to solve your problem with minimal costs is to seek out expert help and get quotes and estimates for repair yourself! This way you’ll know what to do and can therefore manage your budget . Follow these:

1.  Ask a friend or your neighbors for a referral. Reputation counts much as going to a place that’s popular will save you from overcharging, scams and unnecessary repairs or charges.

2.  Visit a repair center (maybe you can get a free estimate) and ask for a summary of what is wrong with your car. This way you’ll know what is wrong with your car and whenever you’re in doubt you can contact other repair centers and compare costs on estimates.

3.  Contacting more repair centers in your area will certainly help you see if the quote you got is fair. Here on, you can compare summarized estimates (repair, parts, labor costs, miscellaneous charges etc.) generally, labor cost is the number of hours spent in the repair multiplied by the hourly charge of the car service.

4.  Ask for a written estimate. It helps to have the estimate as reference even Though the final cost may vary when other hidden problems are revealed when you bring your car in. If however your charges end up way higher than your quote, never hesitate to ask or complain to the shop manager and together sort out a satisfactory solution.

As a last note to save more on your car repair budget, it will greatly help if you also know where to get quality spare parts at a price that’s just right or get discounts when you buy.

Before setting off on a hunt, take note of the following essential information.

Know your car basics (year, make, model, engine etc.) and transmission (manual, automatic) and air conditioning. Try to scour as many dealerships as you can and have web access ready in case you want to conduct price comparisons online.

Once you’ve had these things noted, then you can follow these:

1. Learn to look the other way. Though it might seem convenient that your car dealer is the source for quality auto parts, be open that you’ll save like say a dollar at a parts department dealership.  Even if it is true that dealers are the only place around where you can get hard to find spare parts and accessories, you will certainly chance upon a good supply for less at a small auto parts store!

2. Browse and order online! The internet is a very good source of top quality spare parts and accessories and with the fierce competition among dealerships you can get greater value for your money. All you need to do by the way is to browse and compare prices as to which suits you best.

3. Take a look at Specialty web sites. Specialty websites are another option in your search as they provide a large inventory of parts and accessories and they also offer shipping and handling. Most often, specialty sites offer big discounts and promos.

4. There are still usable parts in the junk! Junkyards and recycling facilities can save you hundreds of dollars on some parts where getting a brand new one at a dealership would have cost you higher.

5. Ask friends or other drivers. Remember that nothing beats word of mouth, so it is also good to ask around for the best place to go.  

Follow these tips and you’ll be heaving a sigh of relief over normally costly car repairs.

Drive safely.

Jovir Amatong

jamatong@ibcjapan.co.jp



By: autoterminal.com

About the Author:

Well, there is a big story about house sales increasing – only it is not really news because it always happens at this time of the year. However, it does remind all home owners that if you want to sell your home now is the best time to do it.

Presentation of the front of your home is important, but with a chilly start to the year there are not many plants peeping through yet. One artistic way to dress up your front is to use containers pots. It’s okay that some of them are expensive, as you can take them with you when you go and have instant plants in your new house!

Container gardens also look good on the deck, so here are a few reminders to help you to get the best looks from your pots. The first consideration, of course, is the pot itself. While the plain terra cotta pot will lend itself to most ‘looks’, there are certain styles that bring a look with them.

For instance, if you choose white pots on a stem rather like the Grecian statue look, then you will probably have to buy this style of pot for the whole grouping of pots. Some can be elevated on white stands of different heights that are usually formed like Greek columns, and the odd Greek statue will not go amiss!

This is a rather sophisticated look, and it is also limiting so if you like more choice, think about the ceramic glazed pots. These come in rich blues and greens – in fact all colors. To elevate some of these pots you can buy extra pots and turn them upside down to make a figure eight shaped stand. (Stand the same color pot on the same color upside-down pot for unity.)

These will often come in sets of three and may come on sale around springtime. If they do come on sale, hurry along to buy them as they usually go fast. Now we come to the grouping plan. Many of us will be arranging these pots on our deck, so a corner is a good spot for that, but whether they are going to stand on your porch, deck or yard, the grouping will follow the same formula.

If you do not want to use a corner then choose a spot, perhaps backing up to your deck railings or house wall. Arrange the pots in a certain order if you have one in mind or try this idea:

From three sets of three ceramic pots, the biggest three will be approximately eighteen inches tall, the middle three will be approximately fourteen inches tall and the smallest three will be ten inches tall.

You will also need an eighteen inch block to stand a big pot on, and a nine inch block to stand another big pot on. As you are facing your pots, your left hand will refer to the left side of the grouping and the right hand will be the right side.

I suggest you draw a sketch of this so that you can follow a visual plan (sorry I can’t!). Here goes: the eighteen inch block is at the back of the group and a large pot stands on it. Directly in front of this but moved over slightly, say six inches to the left of it, stand another large pot on top of the nine inch block.

The third large container will also be in front of the back one slightly to the right hand side, nestled between the two pots and this third pot will be standing on the floor (i.e. not raised.)

At this point you have one pot at a height of 36″, one at a height of 27″ and one standing on the floor at 18″ high; so each oif these large pots are at staggered heights. The choice of plants, shrubs etc is also important but that is in part two of container gardening extravaganza, so for now, back to the pots!

We upturn one fourteen inch pot to use a stand and place a matching fourteen inch pot on top of it. This duo is positioned on the left between the back pot and the pot on the nine inch block. This will mostly hide the larger block.

The remaining fourteen inch pot and one ten inch pot will stand side by side in the very front of the nine inch block, to disguise it. One ten inch pot will be placed on the far right hand side of the large container standing on the floor. The last pot is your choice and depends if you want the arrangement to be a longer shape or a deeper shape.

The final touch I would suggest is that you add a decorative extra: buy a large flat glazed bowl about 12″ diameter. Choose one that matches or complements your pots and fill it with water. You can be sure to always have some foliage in it by going to the local fish-tank shop (aquarium) and buying a few fish tank greens for a dollar. When you have company just toss in a few floating flower heads for effect.

It is possible to economize on pots if you can be clever with your arrangement of them. For instance, pots will often be grouped with some taller ones at the back, and this is where you can economize.

The back pots are mostly hidden by the front pots except for a few inches below the rims; if you can camouflage this by using trailing plants then you can just buy cheap pots for here, if you need to economize. However, it is not always easy to ensure the plants permanently camouflage the pots.

Right, now that the pots are placed, let’s move onto to the plants. For this you will need to read Container Gardening Extravaganza, Part 2.



By: Nancy Gleason

About the Author:

The Wars of the Roses – 1455

One of Britain’s worst civil wars was that known as the Wars of the Roses, begin-fling in 1455 and lasting until 1485. It was so called because the two rival parties each chose a rose as a symbol: York (white) and Lancaster (red). It began when Henry VI (1421—71) became insane and Richard, Duke of York claimed the throne.

A number of battles followed (begin­ning with that of St Albans in 1455) with periods of truce between them. At the battle of Northampton (1460) Henry was captured and at Wakefield (1461) York was killed. The Lancastrians were de­feated at Towton in the same year and their position seemed hopeless until the powerful Earl of Warwick, the ‘King­maker’, and hitherto a Yorkist supporter, changed sides.

Henry was released from prison and again made king, but the Lancastrians were defeated at Barnet (1471) where Warwick was killed and the Battle of Tewkesbury placed York’s son Edward IV (1442—83) firmly on the throne. He was succeeded by Richard III (his own son Edward V dying mysteriously in the Tower) who reigned for two years until he died on Bosworth Field fighting the Tudor prince who was to become Henry VII  (1457—1509).

The struggle between the Yorkists and Lancastrians came to an end with the Battle of Bosworth Field. fought on August 22. 1485. Richard lll was killed and Henry Tudor came to the throne.

Historical Armouries are manufacturers of authentic arms and armour handmade reproductions of any Century. www.historicalarmouries.com



By: Michael Tabone

About the Author: