The Rigid brand video inspection scope is called the SeeSnake
Fiber optic borescopes have been a great tool for auto techs, locksmiths, plumbers and electricians for years. Until recently there hasn’t been many options for a video based borescope that is affordable. Not too many auto technicians or electricians that want to spend five to ten thousand dollars for a fancy video based borescope. There are basically two options for a low priced video scope that can be used for a variety of purposes, the Rigid See Snake and the Visual Optics Video Stik.
This YouTube Video Shows a Classic Auto Assembly Line
Automotive assembly lines sure have changed, I didn’t see one robot! They were pretty advanced though considering this was in the 60’s. One of the most automated tools I saw in this car assembly line video was the spot welder for welding the body panels together. The spot welder was kind of similar to the Miller spot welder that we sell.
Metal Stamping. The huge metal stamping press, for creating and shaping the metal body panels is just cool. Assembly line processes have always been a curiosity of mine. I worked on cars for years and have found myself asking, How did they do that? Thanks to video sites like YouTube, it’s easy to have many questions answered.
7,000 Gallons of Paint. I like the fact that these VW cars were submersed completely in paint. I know that when the Ford Mustang was built in the 60’s they were certainly not dipped. My 1967 Convertible Ford Mustang Cowl Repair was needed mainly because the body wasn’t dipped or rust proofed in any way on the backside of the body panel. That was a nightmare auto repair for me, since I’m more of a mechanical repair guy and not a body or paint man.
What’s Old is New Again. Who knows Mexico and maybe Cuba could possibly be using this assembly line footage in their VW manufacturing plants as a new employee training film!
OTC Hand Held Battery, Charging System/ Starter Tester
The OTC Sabre is a hand held tester that is an easy to use alternative to the OTC Minuteman electrical tester. This tool is very easy to use, quick and accurate. The Sabre being a hand held unit, is not subjected to the abuse of rolling across rough shop floors. It comes in a nice storage case, some models come with a wireless infrared printer. A battery tester with a printer is a good sales tool, no pun intended.
The way the ground cable is attached in the picture above is incorrect and can cause the small ground wire to overheat from too much current passing through it.
Recently my brother had a dead battery, so I took my jump box to his house to jump start his car. It’s funny how some things are second nature when you’ve done it a thousand times. He had already tried using his new bargain booster box that he had just bought at a local parts store. The less expensive jump boxes usually only have continuity on one jaw of the cable clamp.
My wife and I visited our local Lowes home improvement store, looking for a new ceiling fan. While looking up at the ceiling fans, I walked around the end of the aisle in-between a guy and this tool box. I actually walked right in front of him, while he was trying to snap a picture. The guy was all giddy, had his cell phone out and was snapping a shot of a tool box. He looks at me and says “It’s got a fridge”.
 The photo above was taken outside a bar in Tampa, Florida. The business owner’s humorous statement attracts attention from possible patrons.
Has a slowing economy along with climbing gas prices affected auto repair shops for better or for worse?
As gas prices increase along with almost everything else, most people will inevitably be keeping their cars longer and that means more vehicles with more repair needs. But, does that mean automotive repair shops will have an influx of work to do? That depends.
Shops rely on people to bring in their vehicles for oil changes where they hope to find additional auto repairs that will help them turn a profit. However, with tougher economic times encroaching, many people who would normally bring their vehicle in for a simple oil change will be choosing instead to change the oil themselves and save a few dollars. People will be more willing to drive their vehicle without air conditioning or take the rise of not getting extensive brake work as long as the vehicle stops. Bare minimum crucial fixes combined with a hope-for-the best mentality will keep many repair shop’s profits down.
On the flip side, because more people are driving older vehicles, many are making repair purchases with more of a preventative mentality by keeping their car in good working order so it will last. So although there might be less work to be had, the shop owner who is able to offer competitive pricing along with having an honest reputation will most likely be the one who drives more people into their shop.
Should your car repair business honor aftermarket extended warranty policies? If you are willing to process the claims, there is great potential for additional business to be gained.
Car owners can elect to purchase coverage for mechanical break-downs with some exclusions. Some policies cover drive-train only. Maintenance like oil changes, tires and brake pads and shoes are commonly not covered. But for the average person that wants to budget a set amount for expenses extended warranties make good financial sense. For example, a transmission replacement might cost several thousand dollars.
