Quarter Panel Repair the Right Way: Metal Finish First, Minimal Filler, and Finish Ownership
A practical, step-by-step quarter panel repair process for collision techs: document damage, metal finish first, keep filler thin, preserve body lines, test-fit assemblies, and own the prime-and-block for consistent results.
How Long Can a Car Sit in Primer? A Technician’s Guide to Storage, Paint, and Wrap
If your project is paused in primer, here’s how long it can sit, what primer types tolerate storage best, how to prep and protect indoors or outside, and how to bring the surface back for paint or vinyl wrap with minimal rework.
Stop Using Nylon Drain Plug Washers: Correct Crush Washers, Torque, and Quick-Swap Tips for Honda Pilot and Similar Vehicles
Nylon drain plug washers split and leak. For a 2020 Honda Pilot and many modern vehicles, use an M14 aluminum crush washer and torque correctly. This guide covers material choice, sizing, torque, quick-swap methods, reuse limits, and leak diagnosis.
Trace and Fix Parasitic Draws on Interior (ROOM/DOME) Circuits
A technician-oriented process to diagnose and repair parasitic draws tied to interior light circuits: how to verify a real draw, isolate the affected leg, test switches and modules, and complete a reliable repair.
How to Wash a Car at −15°C (and Colder): A Technician’s Real-World Guide
A field-proven, technician-focused guide for washing cars in true winter: −15°C and colder. Covers garage rinseless methods, coin-op workflows, touchless strategies, undercarriage protection, drying, and freeze prevention.
Catalytic Converter Gone? Diagnose, Repair, and Protect Your Gen 1 Toyota Tacoma (and Similar Trucks)
Suspect catalytic converter theft on a Gen 1 Tacoma? This technician-focused guide covers diagnosis, safe inspection, legal parts selection, repair steps, costs, insurance, and effective anti-theft upgrades.
Baseline Maintenance for a 1999–2004 Mercedes G-Class (W463) with M113 V8 and 722.6
Step-by-step, technician-oriented baseline for a W463 G-Class with the M113/722.6: fluids and ignition, 722.6 service, vacuum/EVAP and locker diagnostics, driveline inspection, electrical reliability fixes, and practical parts/tool strategies.
Full Vehicle Tear-Down Restoration: Bag, Tag, and Rebuild Like a Pro
A practical technician guide to planning and executing a full tear-down restoration. Covers bag-and-tag workflow, subsystem disassembly, rebuild controls, and final validation.
Gasoline in a Diesel Before Delivery: Technician Playbook for Diagnosis, Repair, and Customer Handling
Practical, step-by-step guidance for shop teams when gasoline is mistakenly added to a diesel vehicle before delivery. Covers triage, drain and flush procedures, inspection for HPFP damage, verification testing, documentation, and customer communication.
Automotive Painter Pay: Flat Rate vs Hourly, How to Calculate Your True Rate and Negotiate It
A practical, data-driven guide for automotive painters to calculate real earnings under flat rate vs hourly, benchmark the market, capture billable time, negotiate pay, and stay safe in the booth.
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