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GM Repair Insights: GM will train staff for free in shop; offers truck, SUV ‘belt-cut only’ door info

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Announcements | Business Practices | Education | Repair Operations
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General Motors announced in its latest GM Repair Insights that it will move its InShop Clinics out of dealerships or training centers into any collision repair shop that wants the lesson.

The three-hour sessions are free, GM wrote. Experts and shop management have indicated a “Learning Culture” and staff development can boost morale, repair quality, and potentially make everyone more money, so why not take the General up on the lessons?

According to GM Repair Insights, a shop simply has to call a GM wholesale parts dealer to start the process in motion.

The 2016 course list, which GM described as “some of the most sought after training for collision repairers, along with mechanical repair instructions that can benefit shops who also perform this work” includes eight sessions, such as “Bolt on Body Panel Adjustments,” “Supplemental Restraints-Service and Repair,” “Post Collision-Power Steering Inspection and Repair” and “A/C Compressor Replacement.”

The company wrote it’ll add new courses in 2017.

Even if staffers feel fairly confident, there’s probably someone (a new hire, perhaps?) that could use a refresher or preparation for newer model years the shop hasn’t yet encountered. The session includes an hour for Q&A, which might also allow more experienced technicians to pick the instructor’s brain about “graduate-level” topics related to the subject at hand.

Find out more in the full magazine.

Belt-cutting truck, SUV doors

Also in the magazine, don’t miss GM’s instructions and rationale for belt-cutting certain truck and SUV doors following design changes in models like the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and 2015 full-size SUVs.

“A full door outer panel is serviced for both front and rear side doors,” GM wrote. “However, GM Service Engineering recommends the panel be modified along or above the belt line when door outer panel replacement is an option for repair. Belt-cut or partial panel replacement is an industry standard strategy for door and quarter panel replacements. However, for an auto manufacturer to endorse a belt-cut strategy only for doors on new full size pick-ups and SUV’s is unique.

“The reason GM prefers a ‘section only’ strategy for door outer panel repairs is because the outer and inner panels are hemmed around the door glass opening, and there isn’t sufficient room to get a dolly behind the inner panel … Ultimately, GM would like to see complete door replacement for every door damage situation. However, we understand there are times when the door outer panel is a convenient repair option.”

General Motors in its Sept. 1, 2016 GM Repair Insights magazine offered instructions and rationale for belt-cutting certain truck and SUV doors following design changes in models like the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and 2015 full-size SUVs. (Provided by General Motors/Copyright General Motors)

Instructions for a 2014 Silverado are available in the hard-copy magazine, and see genuinegmparts.com and OEM1sStop.com for the full collision and mechanical repair procedures for the Silverado and whatever specific model year you happen to be working upon — as well as situations where you would have to replace the entire door.

As GM implies, these total-replacement conditions might occur more frequently than some shops would expect.

For example, the company notes in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado door repair procedures:

Warning: Inspection of the door guard beam for damage must be performed before replacement of the door outer panel. If damage to the door guard beam is found the door must be replaced. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and may cause personal injury if the vehicle is involved in a collision.” (Emphasis GM’s.)

More information:

InShop Comes to Your Shop

GM Repair Insights, Sept. 1, 2016

“Belt-Cut Repair Strategy”

GM Repair Insights, Sept. 1, 2016

GM Repair Insights Vol. 3

General Motors, Sept. 1, 2016

Images:

General Motors CEO Mary Barra leads the 2016 shareholders’ meeting June 7, 2016. (Jeffrey Sauger for General Motors/Copyright GM)

General Motors in its Sept. 1, 2016 GM Repair Insights magazine offered instructions and rationale for belt-cutting certain truck and SUV doors following design changes in models like the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and 2015 full-size SUVs. (Provided by General Motors/Copyright General Motors)

 

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