June 23, 2008
Auto, Auto Body
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Enrolling in paintless dent repair training is a great way to expand your business. As technology improves and bigger dent problems can be tackled, paintless dent removal will continue to grow in popularity as an alternative to more costly and involved dent removal methods. Offering this service can increase your customer base and in turn your income.
One of the reasons paintless dent repair is so popular is the difference in price between it and other methods. Since there are no materials that need to be replaced, the customer needs only pay for labor costs. The turn around time is also much shorter, which means you can perform more jobs than you would have been able to do using more traditional methods.
Where to Find Paintless Dent Repair Training Programs
There are many schools and shops that offer paintless dent repair training. The first place you may want to look is auto repair schools. These schools have certified instructors that can teach you how to use the tools properly, as well as troubleshooting techniques. They also usually offer refresher courses for those who wish to stay on top of the latest changes in the technology.
Another place to look for paintless dent repair training programs are your local auto repair body shops. Many of the same shops that perform paintless dent repair also offer training in this technique. Check out the Internet for shops in your area that offer these and other training programs.
June 22, 2008
Auto, Auto Body
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Pinstriping has a rich history. While the use of painted lines can date back to the cavemen, custom pinstriping, as we know it really popped up in the mid-1950s. Pinstripes had appeared on cars before that, but the last American car to appear with auto pinstriping was made by General Motors in 1938.
The Art of Pinstriping
The art was all but dead until a man named Kenny Howard revived it. Kenny Howard, otherwise known as Von Dutch, may be considered the father of modern custom pinstriping. He began by customizing motorcycles, and his designs soon became highly coveted. People traveled from all over the country to have him paint their cars.
Kenny had grown up around paint. His father was a well-known sign painter in Los Angeles. He hung around both his fathers shops and his Uncles garages all his life. It was from his father that he originally picked up the pinstriping technique.
To Kenny pinstriping was a way to individualize and personalize a vehicle. Each creation was unique. This tradition continues on today. It is quite common for people to get custom paint jobs for their cars. If you want to have these details added to your car, look for someone who specializes in it, and be sure to see examples of their work ahead of time.
June 21, 2008
Auto, Auto Body
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Plastic bumper repair is a pretty easy auto repair job. A scratch on your bumper can be handled the way any car paint repair would be. Of course, what method you should use will depend on the size of the scratch and the extent of the damage.
As with any large auto repair project, unless you really know what youre doing, consulting an expert is usually a good idea. It may be necessary to repaint large portions, if not the complete bumper, in which case having someone else do it might be easier. But for small plastic bumper repair projects you can purchase the appropriate car care products and handle the job yourself.
Steps to Plastic Bumper Repair
The first step in plastic bumper repair is getting the right products. If the scratch isnt very deep you can sand it down and fill it in with finishing putty, then paint it. If the scratch is deeper there is special filler designed for rubber and plastic bumpers. It is sometimes okay to use regular body filler.
No matter what you do always remember to sand and prime the repair area before you repaint. Otherwise the offending scratch will still be noticeable. You can purchase touch up car paint and repair kits from auto body supply stores or on the Internet.
June 20, 2008
Auto, Auto Body
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You want to remove scratches from car paint, but at the same time it seems like more of a hassle than its worth. Its just a small chip, and its not like you plan on hiding the car away under a cover in your garage for the rest of its life. Its bound to get scratched again, right?
Why You Should Remove Scratches from Car Paint
While that is most likely true, it really isnt a very good justification to not remove scratches from car paint right now. The truth is the longer you leave those scratches, the bigger the potential problem may become. Thats because the paint of a car is a little like the skin of your body. Its the outward layer that can ward off infection, or in the case of your car rust and erosion. If youd break out the bandage box for yourself, the same should apply to touch up car paint for your car.
What happens when a scratch forms on the body of your car? Oxidation begins to form on the sheet metal. In turn, rust forms and this can rot away the body of your car. In the end, that small scratch could end up costing you a lot more.
There are a lot of inexpensive ways to avoid this costly problem. You can remove scratches from car paint with any number of home kits. Or if the job is bigger than something you want to tackle alone you can always call in the experts. Bring your car into any auto repair or car detailing shop and they can fix it for you.
June 19, 2008
Auto, Auto Body
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It can be a pain to remove tree sap from car surfaces. This is especially true if the sap has been there for a while. But anyone who has parked under a car knows it has to done eventually. Thats why it is best to tackle the job sooner rather than latter when the sap gets built up.
How to Remove Tree Sap from Car Surfaces
Even though it requires a little effort, it isnt impossible to remove tree sap from car surfaces. In fact, the products that will get the job done may surprise you. For instance, did you know that you could remove wax with nail polish remover? Of course, if there is a lot of wax you might want something a little more powerful. You can actually find car care products specifically designed to remove tree sap from car exteriors at your local auto repair shop, or if not, then online.
Once you have the product put it on and allow it the time to start to dissolve the sap. Once it softens you should be able to rub away the rest of it. It is best to do this with a soft terry cloth towel, or other non-abrasive material. If you used oil to get the sap off, then you should definitely wash the car when you are done. No matter what, always wax the car when you are finished.
These simple instructions should work for most small sap problems. If it is anything more serious you may want to consider bringing your car in for auto reconditioning. That can be done at most auto repair and car detailing locations.