January, 2009 BCRN Newsletter Blog

This is a new newsletter blog that will be posted once a month to highlight other blog posts, videos, events, and other things going on in the collision repair program.

Exciting News....We just received a letter from Tomorrow's Technician magazine that we are one of the top twenty finalist selected to become the Tomorrow Technician/Chicago Pneumatic School of the Year.

If we win, our school will receive $10,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools, featured on Tomorrow's Technicians magazine and special recognition for our school. There will also be three regional winners, which will win $5000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools. We will keep you updated on this awesome news.

Why we blog and produce videos:

Teaching Tool

Sitting in class listening to a lecture is a form of learning, but you must apply the learned skills before mastering them. Technical education, such as collision repair, already has a head start applying learned skills with the opportunity to have “hands-on” training in the lab. However, according to the Bloom’s Taxonomy, applying is not the deepest level of learning. The deepest level is creating. The definition of creating is: putting elements together to form a coherent or functional whole; reorganizing elements into a new pattern or structure through generating, planning, or producing. I believe by allowing the students to perform student led videos, class presentations, and other activities align with this definition. The students know that just knowing the information is not enough to create, produce and convey the subject to others. I believe this requires the deepest level of learning to perform.

Reflection Tool

Some of the blog posts and videos are instructor led. I believe this give the students an alternative way to reflect on what they have learned in class. This may capture their attention in a way that may give them their “ah ha” moment.

Educational Tool

Another reason for the blogs and videos is to educate students that may be looking for a career pathway. Let’s face it, less technical education is being taught in public schools and more kids are spending time online. So it makes sense to me to approach them on their turf to educate them about possible career pathways.

Alright, back to the monthly newsletter

This was a short month as we just recently returned from the winter break. However, we do have some things going on to let you know about.

Student Videos

We have one student led video

We were able to produce several student/instructor videos this month.

Butler set up a booth at the 2009 Darryl Starbird car show

Highlights of car show

Student interviews at the car show

You can watch all of our videos on out YouTube BCRN channel at www.YouTube.com/ButlerCollision

Here are a few of our blog posts this month

Darryl Starbird Car Show

http://bcrn.blogspot.com/2009/01/second-day-of-2009-darryl-starbird-car.html

Back from the winter break

http://bcrn.blogspot.com/2009/01/back-from-break.html by Jenni

http://bcrn.blogspot.com/2009/01/man-in-hunting-cap.html

New Technology

http://bcrn.blogspot.com/2009/01/volvo-discovers-new-gh-technology.html

Stay updated with our blogs at www.BCRN.BlogSpot.com

BCRN in other places

Do you have a Facebook account? If so, join our new Butler Auto Collision Repair page. You can become a fan HERE

We also have a group for all collision repair schools, students, and technicians to network. Join this group

Well, I’m sure this is enough information this month. I am not going to write the tips, quotes, fact section this time. However, I do want to end this with one question. Who do you think will win Super Bowl 43? Leave us a comment.

Volvo Discovers New GH Technology

When we hear GPS, we know that Global Positioning System is being discussed. This technology has brought car manufactures to a whole new level of engineering. Many new cars now have On-Star, which is cool. However, now we have the technology for cars to drive and park themselves. Let’s look into what GH technology has to offer.

Cars have come a log way in safety. Seatbelts, added crush zones, air bags, high strength steel, boron steel, and now GH technology. What is GH.....well, GH stands for grass hopper. That’s right; Volvo is studying grass hopers to take safety to the next level. Here is the theory behind this. If you were to walk to a crop filled with grass hoppers, you would notice that they are jumping and hopping everywhere. However, someone noticed that they never collide with each other. They want to take that technology and apply it to cars.

Sound crazy? Well, it does to me, but I have learned never say never. If, you would have told someone about the technology today’s vehicles have, 20 years ago, they may have thought you were crazy. Or here is one that gets me. When I was a kid, I would have never thought someone could take a bottle of water and sell it for the same price or more than other drinks. I would have thought they were crazy. However, you know how that story ends.

Here is a YouTube video about it.

 


Let me know what you think.

A Man in a Hunting Cap

The first week back to school was a busy, but a productive week. The first year students spent the week learning how to prepare an automotive damage repair estimates so they can start writing the auto repair estimates for the facility and students needing estimates. The second year students were busy learning how to mix, tint and blend paint. I can’t believe that we’re already in the second semester. If this semester goes by as fast as the first one, then summer is right around the corner. Well, here is a quick video about what is going on in the program and about a man in a hunting cap.



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Collision Repair Tip
To help from having a hard clear coat edge, remove the line edge tape when the clear is still wet. This will allow the clear coat level, which will leave a softer edge.
BCC Student - Patrick Sampoll

Quote
You were given two ends. One to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which one you use; heads you win, tails, you lose. Think about it...
~Author Unknown

Fact
Butler Community College’s engineering program is one of only five programs accredited by ABET (Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology) in the nation.

Question
1. If an estimate shows that it will take 2.1 hours to replace a fender, 2.3 hours to paint the outside, 0.5 hours to edge it, and add for clear coat; how many hours and minutes will the technician flag?
2. Who is the man in the hunting cap? If you know the answer to either of these questions, please let us know in the comments.
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Back From Break...

Why are we given a month off of school for Christmas break? Is it so the teachers can get away from the stress we bring them? Or is it really because we work so hard during the 3 weeks after Thanksgiving break that we need another one. But guess I shouldn’t be complaining I was thankful for some time off. You have to admit, it does help us look forward to coming back all the more.

During break I got to sleep in and be lazy between work and getting back in touch with people. Also recently attended the 52nd Annual Starbird Rod and Custom Show. So much fun, and lots of great looking cars. I had the privilege of meeting some great artists who do pinstriping and airbrushing. Mr. Smith also got some good pics and made a video of each day of the show.

Now that we are back we have a lot to look forward to. I have my own project this year which will be a challenge and a learning experience. Also there is a Ford Focus just sitting on our frame machine that needs completing, a big project that has fallen to the sidelines because of its largeness and lack of manpower to keep it going. So those and any other projects that come to us will keep us learning and working ‘til Summer.

The Second Day of the 2009 Darryl Starbird Car Show

Today we saw a lot of people.  Devin and Amber showed up and gave me a hand and I am very grateful for that.  A lot of the BCC collision repair students stopped by looking and wishing for a car like the ones on display at the car show.  After completing our program, a little time and a lot of money, they should be able to build their own show car someday.  I still waiting on the money part...  Some of my Facebook friends showed up at the booth as well.  

The new 3M body filler gun that Bob Rech and Danny Hutchins let me use was a hit of our booth.  Many technicians stopped by to look at and discuss the benefits of the new gun.  It's good to talk with tech's in the field to hear their perspective on things and the opportunity to network with them.  

Later, Jeremy Carlson showed up to the rescue and relieved me.  I came home to rest, but  I'll be back in the morning bright and early.  

Here is a short video highlighting the day.

The First Day of the 2009 Darryl Starbird Car Show

The first day of the car show was quite interesting.  I saw a lot of awesome cars and met some very interesting people.  

Brandyn Hart, one of our 1st year collision repair students showed up at the Butler booth.  I asked Brandyn what he thought of the car show.  Below is a video of his comments.

Bandyn mentioned that the first few weeks of break was great.  However, he's tired of the break and is ready to get back in class and to get things rolling again.

I had the opportunity to meet professional pinstriper "Wild Bill" with Pelton Pinstriping & Artwork.  Bill is a member of Legends of Pinstriping and has been doing this for many years.  He has been to car shows and motorcycle rallies all over the US.  He has met interesting people throughout his career and stated "I love what I do."  He was worked for people like Willie Nelson on his Ranch.  

Bill said that he used to be called "Wild Bill", but settles for "Mild Bill" these days.  Bellow is an interview with Bill.

Check back to stay updated with the car show.

An Update on the 2009 Darryl Starbird Car Show

We finished setting up last night and ready to go. If you're going to the show you are in for a treat. There are some awesome cars displayed. Come on out this weekend and stop by our booth. There will be a drawing for prizes with a winners throughout the day. We have shirts, caps, license plates, and tools to give away.

Here are a few videos we shot yesterday about the show.

Invitation

Interview with BCC Student

Read more about Devin's Motorcycle Background

Below is a list of events and the Butler booth schedule.

Team FMX Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show

Friday 4PM and 9PM
Saturday 4PM and 9PM
Sunday 12noon and 4PM

"The Push Rods" Rockabilly Band
Friday 5PM and 8PM
Saturday 3PM and 8PM
Sunday 11AM and 3PM

BabaXtreme Calendar Girls - High Voltage Show
Friday 7PM and 9PM
Saturday 2PM and 7PM
Sunday 2PM and 5PM

Butler Auto Tech and Collision Repair Schedule

Friday
12noon - 5PM - Auto Tech/ Jeremy Carlson
5Pm - 10PM - Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith

Saturday
10AM - 4PM - Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith & Devin Olson
4PM - 10PM - Auto Tech/ Jeremy Carlson

Sunday
10AM - 1:30PM- Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith
1:30PM - 6PM - Auto Tech/Donnie Smith

We hope to see you there.

52 Annual Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Show

We're getting ready to set a booth up at the Darryl Starbird Car Show at Century 2 Convention Center located in Wichita, Kansas. Below are some highlight that are going to take place at the event and a schedule of our booth.

Team FMX Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show
Friday 4PM and 9PM
Saturday 4PM and 9PM
Sunday 12noon and 4PM

"The Push Rods" Rockabilly Band
Friday 5PM and 8PM
Saturday 3PM and 8PM
Sunday 11AM and 3PM

BabaXtreme Calendar Girls - High Voltage Show
Friday 7PM and 9PM
Saturday 2PM and 7PM
Sunday 2PM and 5PM

Butler Auto Tech and Collision Repair Schedule

Friday
12noon - 5PM - Auto Tech/ Jeremy Carlson
5Pm - 10PM - Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith

Saturday
10AM - 4PM - Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith & Devin Olson
4PM - 10PM - Auto Tech/ Jeremy Carlson

Sunday
10AM - 1:30PM- Collision Repair/ Donnie Smith
1:30PM - 6PM - Auto Tech/Donnie Smith

MORE INFO

Stop by anytime, either one of us should be able to answer your questions. Enter for prises. We have shirts, caps, and tools to give away. Just stop by and enter drawing. I hope to see you there.

Here are a few of the pictures from the Darryl Starbird Car Show in 2008.

2009 Hot Rod Thunder National Monster Jam in Wichita, Kansas

If you like loud, exciting, fun packed action, then you would have loved the 2009 Monster Jam event held at the Kansas Coliseum. They had monster trucks, quad racing, and trick motorcycle riders.

We were able to meet and score autographs from all the Monster Truck drivers. I would like to tell you a little bit about two of them all.

First, I would like to mention “Pit-Bull” driver Charles Benns. After talking to Charles we had a few things in common. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is where my twin boys were born. Due to some complications with my wife’s pregnancy, she was hospitalized at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. She remained there for eight weeks. Due to the rare situation, we were told by doctors that our chances were slim that the boys would make it through the pregnancy alive. The boys were still healthy at seven months, which was not expected, but the doctors had to perform a c-section; which resulted in the boys being two months premature and weighing under three pounds. The boys remained in the hospital for an additional six weeks. However, after twelve years, you can see in the picture below, that our boys are perfectly healthy and doing great. Not only does my family and I have history in Albuquerque; Charles also mentioned visiting my home town in Artesia. He has visited the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Artesia, New Mexico.

My boys with "Pit Bull" Charles Benns

The second driver that I would like to mention is “Bounty Hunter” Darren Migues. Darren won the crowds and the event the night that we attended. Another thing that made Darren a hit at this event was the fact that he is from the state of Kansas. That’s right, the event was won by one of our own. Awesome job Darren!

"Bounty Hunter" Darren Miques

Check out our video of the event below. I hope you enjoy.

Be sure to make it to the
Daryl Starbird Car Show next weekend at the Century 2 Convention Center in Wichita Kansas. Stop by the Butler Collision Repair and Auto Tech booth to say hi.

Be sure to join us on Facebook on our Collision Repair group.

Hands-On Training + Work Experience = Superior Results

Some students are off playing and having fun when not in class, but several of the collision repair students are getting work experience in their spare time. These students are spending four hours per day, four days per week in the collision repair program. In addition to collision repair classes, they are taking general education classes to obtain an associates degree. When they are not busy with classes they are working in the collision repair industry.

Today, I am interviewing Patrick Sampoll, a collision repair student, to get his views on his school and work experience. Patrick is a first year student and is currently work part-time for X-treme Motor Sport Inc. in El Dorado, Kansas. Patrick connected with Brian (owner) when we took a field trip to X-treme’s facility. Patrick went and spoke with Brian after the field trip and was able to attain a part-time job. We appreciate Brian, and other body shop managers for taking our students in and helping them achieve superior results at a faster rate.

Donnie - Tell us how you became interested in collision repair.

Patrick - I have always wanted to work on cars. While in high school I decided to take the Auto Tech program offered by Butler. I really enjoyed what I learned, but I still wanted more, so I decided to enroll in the collision repair program.

Donnie - Now that you’ve taken some of the collision repair classes and you’re working for a body shop, what captures your interest the most?

Patrick - I interested to start learning more about refinishing. I want to become a paint technician.

Donnie - Why did you choose Butler Community College to get your training?

Patrick - I thought about another program, but I felt that Butler had a stronger program. I also like the one-on-one training offered at Butler. They have a less student-per-instructor ratio.

Donnie - What do you feel the collision repair career pathway has to offer you?

Patrick - I think that it is open to a wide variety of opportunities. Everyone knows that this training will prepare you to become a collision or refinish technician, but you can also move towards estimating, insurance appraisal or shop management.

Donnie - What advice would you give someone that may be interested in pursuing collision repair as a career?

Patrick - Take a tour of some schools offering collision repair. Visit some body shops and ask question. This should give you a good idea if this work is a fit for you or not.

Donnie - How do you like working at X-treme Motor Sport Inc.?

Patrick - It has been a great experience. We recently replace a cab clip, which taught me a lot. I am able to take the skills that I’ve learned in school and apply them at work.

While some students may be goofing off in their spare time, you will probably find Patrick in class or work achieving superior results, to offer the collision repair industry.


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Collision Repair Tip
On a large repair, use a cheese grater file to level the body filler. You only have a 10 to 20 minute window to use this technique. If filed too soon the filler will smear or peel off. If you wait too long, the filler will become fully hardened making it difficult to file. However, if done properly, this will save a lot of sanding time.

Quote
“Never give up.”
~Louis Chevrolet

Fact
W.C. Durant in Detroit, Michigan started the company Chevrolet. The cars produced were first brought out by racecar driver, Louis Chevrolet. In 1917 General Motors acquired Chevrolet.

Question
What is the difference between primer surfacer and primer sealer? If you know, leave us a comment with the answer.
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Below are a few of videos that Patrick helped produce.  The welding video was mentioned in ABRN magazine and Patrick was recognized by the Butler Board for his efforts.