Repairers Realm
Enter the Repairers Realm, a live web series where I-CAR's technical experts talk shop with you and make sense of information overload on all topics related to collision repair.
I-CAR Subject Matter Experts kick off each episode at the news desk, then move the conversation into the shop for detailed, how-to-demos.
Listen to their discussion, pick up tips from their demos and get your questions answered in the Q&A session at the end of each episode.
It's an online series for repairers with repairers. Don't miss it! Check the schedule for the next topic for discussion.


NEXT IN THE SERIES
Plastic Bumper Repair
June 29, 2022 @ 12 PM CDT with Live Q&A
Our guest expert John Wilburn from Polyvance will continue working on
the bumper cover he prepped for repair in our last episode. Wilburn
will offer lots of tips as he walks you through the step-by-step
procedures to complete a plastic weld on a bumper cover in this second
of a three-part plastic repair series. Join the livestream to ask
Wilburn and I-CAR experts your questions.
PAST EPISODES
Plastic Repair
Original Air Date: May 25, 2022
Length: 0:33:51
John Wilburn from Polyvance joins our I-CAR experts to demonstrate some
plastic repair tips and techniques. This discussion covers the
importance of plastic identification, and the welding techniques needed
for basic repair. This demonstration also shows the difference between
polypropylene and polyethylene, and what it looks like when they are
welded to the wrong plastics. “Start out with light damage,”
says Wilburn, “and you’re going to feel more confident from
there.”
Audi EV Awareness
Original Air Date: April 27, 2022
Length: 1:15:49
I-CAR experts tap into the electric vehicle (EV) knowledge of guest Mark
Allen of Audi. The rising number of EVs on the road make this an
exciting time for collision repair, Allen says, but technicians and
adjusters need “to change behaviors.” Discussion covers
safety protocols, proper tools and safety equipment for working on
high-voltage vehicles. Some procedures like de-energizing vehicles
should not be attempted, Allen says, and left to Audi-trained HV
technicians at dealerships. “Be in contact with your fire
department and zoning department so you know what is appropriate in your
municipality,” Allen advises, “and also with OSHA.”
Spray Booth Cleaning and Prep / Paint Defect Removal
Original Air Date: March 30, 2022
Length: 0:37:26
In this second episode in our refinishing prep series, experts from
Saint-Gobain and I-CAR focus on reducing contaminants that can cause
paint defects. Cleaning and preparation of a spray booth is
demonstrated, and tips are given on some overlooked areas like draining
compressor tanks and air hose replacement. Removal of paint defects is
also covered, with a demo on how to keep the repair as small as
possible.
Preparing a Vehicle for Refinishing
Original Air Date: February 23, 2022
Length: 0:35:15
Experts from Saint-Gobain and I-CAR prepare you for success with a
discussion on the steps and importance of preparing a vehicle for
refinishing. Learn why a clean prep area is essential and what tools and
materials are needed. Get tips on masking and an overview of recommended
tools such as mobile dust extraction, perforated sandpapers, anti-static
wipes, and more.
Steering and Suspension Diagnostics
Original Air Date: January 26, 2022
Length: 0:38:19
I-CAR experts review steering and suspension diagnostics from a
collision perspective. Their discussion covers inspection of electronic
and mechanical parts, with a close look at low-friction ball joints.
They explain how to identify damage and diagnose steering and
suspension-related symptoms like driveability issues and tire wear. They
emphasize that following OEM specs will avoid improper and unsafe
repairs.
Steering Angle Sensors (SAS)
Original Air Date: December 29, 2021
Length: 0:42:29
Wrapping up a three-part series on the electrification of steering and
suspension, I-CAR experts take a deeper dive into the steering angle
sensor (SAS). They will identify possible locations of the SAS and look
at live data using a diagnostic tool on a vehicle. Other topics that
will be covered include misalignment; how the SAS ties into several
systems, from stability control to ADAS; and potential consequences when
they are not reset.
Electronically-Controlled Steering Systems
Original Air Date: NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Length: 0:30:28
In our second episode of the three-part series on electrification of
steering and suspension, I-CAR experts continued the discussion on the
electrification of steering and suspension in the second of a three-part
series. An informative presentation, including a vehicle demo, covers
the design, operation, and the service and diagnostic considerations of
electronic steering systems. Topics you may not think about in collision
repair is discussed with a focus on active returns, electrical end
stops, steering angle sensors and the importance of using the correct
diagnostic tool when programming.
Electronically Controlled Ride Dampeners (Shocks and Struts)
Original Air Date: OCTOBER 27, 2021
Length: 0:23:28
Our October 27 episode kicks off a three-part series on electrification
of steering and suspension. As vehicle manufacturers continue to improve
ride comfort and handling capabilities, advanced technologies are added
to model lineups. This initial episode in this series discusses vehicle
ride control through the use of electronically-controlled shock
absorbers and struts. Variable viscosity fluid and variable valve type
methods also will be discussed as well as repair and diagnostic
considerations.
Honda Laser Brazed Roof Replacement
Original Air Date: SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Length: 0:51:27
I-CAR Subject Matter Experts will be joined by special guest Scott
Kaboos, National Assistant Manager, Collision Repair Training and
Technology. On this episode, we will showcase a Honda laser brazed roof
replacement. Our team will highlight some of the parts and procedures
commonly overlooked during the damage analysis process. We will also
provide clarity on the attachment methods required when installing the
replacement part, including prep and installation of the mounting tabs
on the vehicle structure.
Pre- and Post-Scans and Programming
Original Air Date: AUGUST 25, 2021
Length: 0:49:31
You’ve heard them referred to “computers on wheels”
and the modern vehicle technology you’re seeing on the road and in
shops today require a pre-scan of their computer network to identify
where the repair work is needed. However, the data is of no use without
a knowledgeable technician or team of technicians to interpret and act
on it. Donny Seyfer from the National Automotive Service Task Force
(NASTF) is our guest for this ADAS-related conversation. (Donny Seyfer /
NASTF)
Glue Pull Repair (GPR)
Original Air Date: JULY 7, 2021
Length: 1:46:05
What are the benefits of Glue Pull Repair (GPR) when compared with
alternative paintless dent repair methods? Discover why GPR continues to
gain popularity in collision repair. Chris White, President of KECO Body
Repair Products, joins the I-CAR team for our inaugural episode and LIVE
Q&A session.
EV Summit Recap & Best Practices
Original Air Date: JULY 28, 2021
Length: 1:03:26
EVs is one trend you can’t afford to play catch up on – the
learning curve is too high and proper procedures are critical for your
personal safety. I-CAR recognized a need for an industry-vetted best
practices for disconnecting high-voltage (HV) systems when the OEM has
not published a position statement or vehicle-specific information. In
this episode, I-CAR’s experts review key information on the
critical HV disconnection step. You will be working on EVs, so
it’s all relevant to your job: the step-by-step procedures for
battery, service and diagnostic tool disconnection; measurement
techniques for vehicle initialization; and safety precautions.