This site is designed to offer information to the Auto Body Repair Industry and help determine if a career as a professional Collision Repair Technician may be a fit for you.
It has always been my dream to own a corvette. Those who know me know that I can be quite single-minded about them and I don’t even remember how my obsession with them started. I fed my love of cars with any info I could come across: checking out books on cars from the library whenever wed make a school field trip. And every time we'd pass a corvette I’d exclaim "oOo! a vette!", but with maturity now its just a meow and a little drool. Just recently I found a beautiful C4 online, and she became mine in February and was delivered to me in March. I showed her off to everyone, I’m so proud of her. So now when I see another ’Vette on the road I admire her and wave to the other driver but don't get insanely jealous anymore. I feel so very blessed that I am able to fulfill my dream while I am young and able to fully enjoy it.
So I’d like to share just the beginning of the History of the Corvettes so you can enjoy them too.
General Motors was the largest corporation in size, the reach of its endeavors and profits at the beginning of the 50s. It was twice the size of the second biggest company in the world and had a vast array of businesses ranging from home appliances to insurance and building Chevrolets, GMCs, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, Cadillacs and locomotives. It was so big that it made more than half the cars sold in the United States. But it didn't have a sports car. The idea of a car coming from GM that could compete with Jaguar, MG or Triumph was almost absurd.
Harley J. Earl, GM's chief designer, was in charge of the corporation's ambitious dream. With the goal of making a concept at around 2k the average of an American sedan he handed it over to Robert F. McLean, and a concept car emerged.
McLean used off-the-shelf Chevy mechanical components. The chassis and suspension were for all intents and purposes the 1952 Chevy sedan's, with the drivetrain and passenger compartment shoved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution over its 102-inch wheelbase. The engine was essentially the same dumpy inline six that powered all Chevys but with a higher-compression ratio that raised its output up to 150 horsepower. Fearful that no Chevy manual transmission could handle such extreme power, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was bolted behind the six. And to keep tooling costs in line, the body was made out of fiberglass instead of steel.
While the car was conceived with rigorous attention to the bottom line and production feasibility in mind, it was still only intended to be part of GM's Motorama exhibit at the 1953 New York Auto Show. That is until Ed Cole, Chevy's chief engineer, saw it. Cole, then immersed in development of the world-changing 1955 "small-block" V8, is said to have literally jumped up and down with enthusiasm for the Motorama car. So before it even got to New York, and after some corporate machinations, the engineering to put it into production began.
And that’s how the legacy began, with 5 more generations to follow to date, a production of over 50 years, every passing generation’s engineering, design, and performance gets better.
references: Edmunds.com Chevrolet Corvette History: http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/history.html
Roger's Corvette Center (fascinating and engrossing page for the vette lover)http://www.rogerscorvette.com/history.htm
GM announced that they are going to stop producing Pontiac. The first question that came to my mind was; will we still be able to order parts for Pontiac cars that have been involved in an accident? So, I went straight to their web site to find out. On Pontiac's web site they have an announcement that you can download. This announcement explains the process and helped me with my question. They claim that they intent to continue making parts for Pontiac's and they claim to stand by their warranties. They also provide additional Q&A that you may be interested in. If you would like to learn more visit Pontiac.com.
Let's Hear Your Opinion About Pontiac
Did GM make a good decision? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.
We recently discussed blending paint in class. To help strengthen the procedure, Trucks have a video about the subject. I don't agree with everything on the video. For example, stepping-down the paint one time is sufficient to properly blend. Although, if it's a custom effect you're after, the method in the video is appropriate. Anyway, it's a great video and I invite and encourage you to watch it. TRUCKS VIDEO
If you would like to learn how to mix, tint, and blend paint to produce invisible repairs, check out our collision repair program. Enrollment is currently open.
Several Collision Repair students at Butler Community College competed at Skills USA this week in Wichita, KS. We did not win a metal; however, we did reach a few accomplishments worth mentioning.
The competition was broken into five categories: Estimating, Metal Repair, Plastic Repair, Welding, and Frame. All of the students in the collision repair competition competed and were scored in each area. Then the scores in all five areas were averaged together to determine the winners. As I mentioned, we did not received a metal, but we did score extremely high in a few areas.
One of our students scored the highest score of everyone in the plastic repair competition. Another BCC student scored the second highest score in estimating. However, they scored lower than the winning students did in other areas. The encouraging news is that two of the three BCC students that competed are only halfway through the collision repair program. That's right, they are first-year students. Therefore, they should perform extremely well at next years competition.
This is my first competition to be involved with at Skills USA as well. I believe the students and myself now have a better idea of how the competition works, which will benefit us next year. So look Skills USA, we're planning to win next year.
I would like to congratulate all of the Skills USA winners. I also commend all of the students, instructors, schools, sponsors, and everyone else that contributed their time to help produce the collision repair technicians of tomorrow.
Automotive Technology - Engineering/Manufacturing
Automotive Technology competed in several areas at Skills USA. They received a bronze metal in Parts Management.
Engineering/Manufacturing received two bronze metals. I don't have all of the details on these programs at this time, but kudos to the winning students.
Thanks again to all of the students for taking the initiative and sacrificing their time to compete and to everyone else involved with Skills USA.
This blog is a presentation for males or females that may be interested in a Collision Repair Career.
Is it a fit for you? Before we start, I want to emphasize that my job is not to convince you to choose collision repair. I’m here to explain the career to you, which will allow you to determine if this is a fit for you or not. If it is, I suggest that you take the next step and make it happen. If not, that is alright too, because you're in charge of your future. Sound good?
Since many high schools no longer offer a collision repair program, you may not fully understand the different careers that the automotive industry offers. Therefore, I ask that you allow me to give you a quick lesson over the history of vehicles.
Vehicle History Overview
They don’t make them like they used to.
The First Cars
The first motor cars were nothing more than a buggy and engine (Generally repaired by blacksmiths and carpenters. These cars were very expensive, which only the wealthy could afford)
Model T was the first car mass production on an assembly line in 1908 (Ford's Vision was to produce an affordable car the average person could purchase)
Model T’s came in black only to keep the costs down. (The price came down once the assembly line was streamlined, but in 1908, the cost for a Model T started at $825. By 1913 the cost of the car reduced to $550)
Cars in the 1960s
Cars were made the same basic way up through the 60s
Body Over Frame
Rear Wheel Drive(Same concept, but the cars were very big, bulky, and heavy)
Except people in the 60s wanted SPEED! They achieved this with Big Block Motors, which created a lot of Horsepower. (The Birth of Hotrods, Rat Fink, Flames, and Pin Striping)
Cars in the 1970s
The government place strict fuel economy and emissions control laws
Customers demanded cars with increased fuel economy
New laws and customer demands started the automotive explosion of engineering ideas and changes in the automotive industry
Changes to comply with Demands and Laws
Smaller bodied cars and smaller engines
Aerodynamics (Increase Fuel Mileage)
Lighter cars by using different materials and designs
More work-hardened areas created during formation of panel (Body Lines)
Safety
Construction of Interstate Highways + Higher Speed Limits + More High Performance Cars = Accidents and More Deaths from Auto Accidents
Federal Laws were passed to regulate safety. These laws included:
Installation of seatbelts
Safety glass windshields
Head restraints
In 1979, the first driver side airbag was introduced
Airbags are mandatory in motor cars produced after 1990
Unibody Torque Boxes: Allow controlled twisting and crushing
Crush Zones: Made to collapse during collision (To act as an absorber, absorbing the impact) Modern Day Cars Carbon Fiber Parts
Aluminum Parts
More Plastic Parts
High Strength Steel
Boron Steel
Unibody Construction
Space Frame Construction
Computers
Hybrid Cars
Now they even have cars that will tell you when you’re lost, where to turn, ParallelPark for you.
Conclusion While the modern day cars appear to be made cheap and unsafe, they are actually designed to crush or collapse, while transferring the energy around the stronger passenger compartment to protect the passengers from injury.
There is considerably more damage to modern day cars during a collision than the older vehicles, which gives the perception that “they don’t make them like they used to”. However, in reality the cars are taking the impact instead of the passengers.
The lesson was designed to give you a little history, but to also emphasize that just a hammer and dolly are not going to repair today's cars. We need highly trained collision repair technicians to repair today's vehicles back to their pre-accidental condition.
What Are You Passionate About I recommend that you find what your passionate about and do it. Let's face it, no one wants to spend the rest of their life hating their job. Life is too short...make each day count. While you're thinking about your passions, I'll tell you about mine and a few other stories.
Donnie's Story
I started working on cars as a hobby when I was a kid. My father, brother and I enjoyed tinkering around with cars. In high school, I enrolled in an auto mechanics class. This class allowed us to perform the mechanical aspect as well as body work and painting. There, I painted my first car. It was a 1974 Camaro. It took me the entire year to repair all the small dents and get it painted. However, the paint job turned out awesome. I was impressed with the satisfaction of being able to stand back and see the end result. This was when I discovered that I was passionate about the collision repair pathway. From there I attended a school for collision repair and entered the field of collision repair. In 2004 I decided to take the skills that I’ve learned and teach it to others. I remain passionate about collision repair and teaching.
Jenni’s Story
Auto Collision Repair fulfills a dream for me and provides a way for me to grow in my passion. My story isn't typical. I didn't grow up with all my family being car people, although my dad did teach me use my hands and to find solutions. It really started as a silly hobby when I was ten to identify cars on the road by their headlights/tail lights, and body lines etc., and people’s fascination of this only encouraged me more. When it came time to go to college, I couldn't decide. I really hated the thought of continuing education in just general studies until i figured out a degree choice, of which none of them I could see myself doing for any length of time. I wanted to pursue something that was more a part of me that I could do for the rest of my life. I consider myself artistic and my dad encouraged me to combine that with my love of cars and pursue Auto Body. I had doubts that I’d like the repair part of it, but my drive to do custom paint and the thought of being around cars, and car people all the time was enough for me to enroll at Butler. The first year was a bit awkward, I was the only girl in the class and having my own set of tools was new to me. So now I'm almost done with my second year of the program and I have gained a lot of confidence in what I'm doing, and actually love the repair part too. I've found out that when I graduate there are many different jobs you can have within the industry; many different choices of what you can be good at.
What if you we can teach you a skill that you are passionate about and earn an honest decent income? Would that interest you?
If so, keep reading to learn what we have to offer. If it is a fit for your needs, we’ll help you take the next step. If not, I suggest finding what you are passionate about. Fair enough?
Collision Repair Career
Job Security
As long as people continue to drive vehicles, there are going to be accidents.
As long as there are accidents, there’s going to be people required to repair those damaged vehicles.
The roads are getting busier every day with traffic as population grows.
Job not outsourced - Vehicles involved in an accident will not be shipped overseas to have repairs completed and shipped back.
This means JOB SECURITY for technicians
INCOME POTENTIAL
According to the I-CAR Education Foundation, the Collision Repair National Average Income is $51,312. The top 10% of technicians are earning over $88,000.
Job Environment
Most automotive body repair technicians work indoors and work a standard 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, although some, including the self-employed, work more than 40 hours a week. Source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Still not sure if collision repair is a fit? This may help you determine if it is or not.
This is how I-CAR says it: “If you’re someone who enjoys working with your hands, has a mechanical aptitude, takes pride in your work and is passionate about cars, then you might consider a career in collision repair. In spite of many stereotypes, the collision repair field can be very rewarding for individuals who possess the right skills and desirable attitude. In fact, most people are surprised to learn that a collision repair technician’s income, on average, is better than comparable trades. Also, an experienced technician has high-income potential, excellent job security and ample opportunities for career advancement within the entire Automotive Industry.”
Potential Jobs
A collision repair and/or refinish technician are only a few of the possible career paths this training can lead you to.
Others include:
Collision Estimator
Aviation Paint Technician
Auto Assembler
Customer Advisor
Part Specialist
Body Shop Manager
Body Shop Owner
Auto Damage Appraiser
Collision Instructor
Why Choose Butler
All of our automotive and collision repair technology programs are National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
Completing a program that is (NATEF/ASE) certified gives you the competitive edge needed to get a job. (NATEF/ASE) is nationally recognized in the automotive industry.
Our program is a member with the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance, which allows you to earn I-CAR points while attending school.
We offer a very low student per instructor ratio. This allows the student to receive additional one-on-one training. You will always have a name at Butler.
More students are trained for career and technology careers by community colleges than by any other type of institution.
Butler is now the second largest community college in Kansas.
Butler has been in operation since 1942, which assure you that we have a strong foundation.
El Dorado offers a simple, hassle free, friendly environment of a small town, and all of the conveniences of a big town with Wichita only a short drive away.
Work Ethics
One of the biggest problems industry faces is poor work ethics. We emphasize work ethics. This will make you more employable and understand the expiations of the industry.
PACT Skills
Butler is also commented to develop responsible, involved lifelong learners and
to contribute to the vitality of the communities it serves. We incorporate the PACT skills into every course at Butler to achieve this level of success.
P = Personal Development Skills
A = Analytical Thinking Skills
C = Communication Skills
T = Technological Skills
From Our College President
When you call Butler, you will hear our college president say on a recording; "when you choose Butler, we choose you. When you succeed so do we." That is what really makes us different from other schools. This means that we're here to help you succeed ever step of the way. You’re just not going to get that level of help at every college.
Collision repair in a nutshell
Estimate (hand written and CCC computerized)
Remove Bolt-on panels (R&R, R&I, panel alignment)
Set vehicle on frame machine (Kansas Jack frame machine)
Measure Damage (Shark measuring system)
Make necessary pulls (first in last out)
Replace Weld-on panels (must learn how to weld first)
Minor damage repair (dents, plastic fillers, plastic repair, etc.)
Prep (prime, block, masking, sanding, and cleaning)
Paint Identification (how to locate paint code on vehicle, locate paint formula, mix paint)
Paint (spraying techniques)
Paint systems (single stage, two stage, three stage)
Buffing, Detailing, Final Inspection (returning to customer in pre-accidental condition)
Now the ball is in your court. What are you going to do?
I invite you and your parents to watch this presentation and contact me if you would like to take a tour of our program or ask questions that you may have.
Before I close this presentation, I encourage you to watch one more video. This video will inspire you to go out and do the things you want to do in life.
Recently we in the first year class have been learning about frame measurments. We started out by useing tram gauges to measure different points around the vehicle and comparing them to the factory specs. It seems that the tram gauges are the quickest way to get a general idea of the frame damage on the car with out having to strip the vehicle down. We also learned how to hang self centering gauges on a vehicle. Even though we did have some trouble figuring this one out at first. I belive most of the class figured it out. We also have memorized the sequences of damage on vehicles in a collison thanks to some help of some acroynms.
Sam Moser, a collision repair student sent me this video. After watching the video, I think you will agree that vehicles of the next decade are uncertain. What I mean is, there is so much technology, ideas, and engineers creating new concepts, which leaves no one is certain which direction the vehicles of tomorrow will take. What do you think? Are hybrids here to stay or is another alternative fuel going to take over? Who know, but I think that you will find this video interesting. It’s called the disappearing doors.
Would you like to be a part of the fast paced changes in the automotive industry? As new vehicles become more complex, we need properly training technicians to repair them. Learn to become a collision repair or automotive technician at Butler Community College.
I mentioned in the March newsletter that it's time to enroll. Therefore, I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to hear how Chip Foose got his start. Foose says to follow your passion and take the time to network with others, when the opportunity arises.
I agree with Foose. You're going to spend a long time doing whatever career you choose. So you might as well do what you're passionate about. Life is too short not to be happy. I also commend Chip for following the advise that his father gave him. "If you're going to do something, do your absolute best and do it right, or don't do it at all." I've physically seen a few of the vehicles that they've done on the TV show Overhaulin' and I can testify that he lives by the words of wisdom his father taught him.
If you are interested in an automotive career, I recommend that you take a few minutes to watch the video, and hear the man himself, Chip Foose.
Enrollment open Monday 4/6/2009 at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. Space is very limited in the Collision Repair and Automotive programs. We only accept 15 students per year in each program. So, if you are interested, you may consider getting enrolled soon.
Here is some additional information to help you with the enrolling process
This is a newsletter blog that will be posted once a month to highlight news, other blog posts, videos, events, and other things going on in the collision repair program. You can also listen to it on our podcast.
School of the Year Update
Butler's Auto/Collision programs were recently selected by Tomorrow's Technician and Chicago Pneumatic Tools for being the Top Auto/Collision School of the Year. Allthough Butler did not make it to the top 4 finalist, I still consider Butler winners for making it to the Top 20 and for being the only school in Kansas to be selected as a finalist. I am grateful for that and feel that is a big accomplishment. I want to thank TT and CP for selecting us as the top 20 and for all they do.
First Year Students
The first-year student have been busy performing minor body repairs, block sanding, priming, paining, clear coating, and buffing. They have been doing complete panels; however, they were slightly discouraged when they watched me put deep key scratches in their painted, cut and polished panels. First, they need to learn proper spraying techniques and overlap patterns. Painting and clear coating the entire panel is excellent practice to learn these skills. However, many times, a technician will not paint the whole part. They will repair the damage and paint only the damaged area and blend into the panel or adjacent panels. Then clear coat is applied to the whole panel. The key scratch will give them feather edging and blending practice.
We've also have started discussing how to measure unibody and frame damage. We went over vehicle construction, the different types of frame, (body-over-frame, unibody, space frame) and different methods of how to measure them. We've covered tram gauges, mechanical, computerized, and sonic systems. We will not actually get into pulling methods until we return in August. These students are well on their way to becoming well rounded technicians.
Second Year Students
Second-year students are on the downhill slope and have almost completed the program. However, this program is not simple to complete. It takes a lot of knowledge and dedication to make it this far. So I commend the students that have worked hardand made it to this point. They will have a strong foundation to become a professional technician; however, I make it clear to the students that the training will not be over. Cars are becoming more complex and training will be an ongoing process. I certainly do not want any of them to enter the work industry with an "know-it-all" attitude. A good attitude and willingness to learn is the key of being a top performer in the collision industry. In their class, we've been discussion sectioning procedureson structural parts. Building inserts for rails, rocker panels, etc. Once we're through this class we will learn more about paint problems, detailing, final inspection after the repair have been completed, and giving the vehicle back to the customer in it's pre-accidental condition. Then it's time for them to enter the "world of work."
BCC Student Wins Trip to WIN Conference
BCC Student wins an all expense paid trip to attend the 2009 Women's Industry Network (WIN) in Dallas, Texas. This is an organization for all of the women involved in the collision repair industry. To learn more about WIN and the conference, read Jenni's post. New Advisory Board Members I would like to thank our new collision repair advisory board members. New members are Arlie Ovreton from Arlies Paint, Body and Glass in Marion, Kansas; Brian Hollis from Xtreme Motorsport Inc. in El Dorado, Kansas; and Mitch Speck from Auto Craft in Wichita, Kansas. The time they volunteer helps us produce superior technicians in the collision industry. Thanksfor your support! Instructor Training
Jeremy and I attended Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo in Overland Park, Kansas. There I attended some I-CAR classes over water borne paint, drivability issues, and steering. Jeremy attended some automotive classes. We were in different classes, so I'm not sure what all his classes were about. I believe that he has been doing some hybrid training.
Looking Forward
It's That Time Again - Enrollment for Fall
It's hard to believe it is that time again. However, if your interested in enrolling in this program, you better move fast. In order to provide you the best training experience, the collision repair program will only accept 15 students. Once the program is full, you will have to wait another year as we only enroll in August for this program. Don't be left behind, take control and get enrolled. Enrollment starts Monday, 4/6/2009. For more information about enrollment and to determine if collision repair is right for you, visit enrollment POST.
Skills USA
Collision Repair and Automotive students will be competing in the SkillsUSA later this month. I am new to this competition, so I'm not sure what to expect. We'll let you know how it goes.
Join us on FaceBook. We have a group for all collision repair schools, students, and technicians to network. Join this group
Contact Information
For more information about the Collision Repair program contact: Donnie Smith Lead Collision Instructor (316)323-6890 asmith73@butlercc.edu
For more information about the Auto Tech program contact: Jeremy Carlson Auto Tech Instructor (316)322-3287 jcarlson5@butlercc.edu ================================
Collision Repair Tip It is important to plan your work before beginning repairs. Just jumping in and pulling a frame without proper planning is a plan for failure. So here's your tip. Plan you work, then work your plan.
Fact Butler's Auto/Collision programs were named among the top Auto/Collision 20 schools by Tomorrow's Technician and Chicago Pneumatic Tools.
Quote People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily. ~Ziglar, Zig
Question (1) What is the first type of frame damage that usually occurs in a front-end collision? (2) Why does that happen first in most cases? (3) Why is this important to know? If you know 1 or all of the answers, I invite you to leave us a comment.
I was reading an online forum that was discussing the AIG bonus situation. One of the posts caught my attention, which helped me understand how this may work. Read the blog or listen to the podcastand let us know what you think. Leave us a comment on our comments section of the blog.
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Pay attention, this is educational!
Once upon a time a man appeared in a village and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10 each. The villagers, knowing there were many monkeys, went to the forest and started catching them. The man bought thousands at $10 and, as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort.
He then announced that he would buy monkeys at $20 each. This renewed the villagers efforts and they started catching monkeys again. Soon the supply diminished and people started going back to their farms. The offer increased to $25 each and the supply of monkeys became so scarce it was an effort to even find a monkey, let alone catch it! The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50 each! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would buy on his behalf.
The assistant told the villagers, "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that my boss has already collected. I will sell them to you at $35 and when my boss returns, you can sell them to him for $50." The villagers rounded up all their savings and bought all the monkeys for 700 billion dollars. They never saw the man or his assistant again, only lots and lots of monkeys!
Now you have a better understanding of how the WALL STREET BAILOUT PLAN WORKS !!!
It doesn't get much clearer than this........
~Jordan Dale
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Thanks for sharing that Jordan. I guess Wall Street is not that hard to understand after all.
