Be, ff OR CARE

New equipment required

THE INTERNATIONAL demand
for lighter, more fuel efficient cars,
has resulted in the construction
method being changed from body-
on-frame style to unibody.

By Don Taylor
Contributing Writer

Unibody construction uses the
body and frame, forming one solid
unit. It is also made of light, high-
strength steels.

The industry is always looking
to the future and lately the newest
trend is leaning towards using plas-
tics, aluminum and rubberized com-
ponents for front panels, hoods,
bumpers, and other similar areas.

These changes are revolutioniz-
ing the collision industry, challeng-
ing shops that want to keep up to
the rapid changes, to retrain their
technicians and equip their shops
with sophisticated support
machines, special anchoring and
pulling devices, as well as special
measuring gatges.

Painting this new gencration of
automobiles is also very challeng-
ing, since 95% of vehicles have a
two-part base coat clear finishing
and some even have triple coat fin-
ishes,

These finishes require special
preparation procedures including
removal of tight touching mould-
ings, handles, and other items.

Most importantly, a modern
down draft spraying and baking
facility reduces dust in the multiple
applications, improves the overall
finishes and facilitates paint and
primer curing.

A person seeking a collision
repair facility should be sure to
check the reputation of the shop and
the shop’s warranty policy. It is
good to keep in mind that coilision,
body, and paint work is an art form.

You can always get different
prices, but the quality can vary in
many cases.

Don Taylor is the owner of
Taylormotive Service Lid. in North
Vancouver.

CITY AUTO Q:

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all proceeds to Emily Murphy House
a North Shore transition house for women and children

Should | be getting my automatic transmission
adjusted and its fluid changed regularly, and
if so, how often?

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without the price tag.

Expert body repairs to BMW, Mercedes,

Automatic transmissions are one of c
Volvo, Porsche & other European vehicles.

the most neglected components in
an automobile and one of the most

(MOST JAPANESE CARS)

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NOBORU

a 984-4566

\ et]
NG !cl~. |g; 65 Mahon & Esplanade
— North Vancouver

SERVICE & USED PARTS
(MECHANICAL & BODY PARTS)

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YOUR CERTIFIED

( Air Care
Repair Centre
. #500898

a YOKOHAMA.

440 Srooksbank
(ACROSS FROM PARK & TILFORD)

NORTH VANCOUVER

Art Tichauer

985-4221

expensive fo repair.

Automatic transmissions utilize hydraulic pressure to
transfer power from the engine, through @ torque converter, to a
number of gears. These gears are actuated by clutch packs. All of this
activity generates tremendous heat, particularly in the torque
converter.

Automatic transmission fluid: is similar to motor oil
however it contains significantly higher amounts of detergents. These
additives break down under normal use and lose their detergent and
lubricative values. This becomes particularly acute if the fluid becomes
burnt, as a result of overheating. Overheating occurs when the
transmission is low on Auid (the fluid cools the transmission) or when
you work the transmission too hard, such as by towing a large trailer.

It is critical that drivers check their transmission regularly
{once @ month) and advisable to have the fluid replaced and filter
changed every 12 to 18 months. .

For the most part, transmissions in cars built after the early
80's have litle or no adjustment. The days of having your ‘bands’
adjusted are all but gone.

Given the cost of a major transmission repair, costing
thousands of dollars, regular maintenance makes financial sense.

FRANK REDAVID - Econo Brake & Muffler

BO YOU HAVE QU:
OUT YOUR CAR?

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We also do used cars

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* Cut & Power Polishing « Stripping & Mouldings
¢ Engine Shampooing ¢1.C.B.C. Claims

NORTH PRO 986-9868

AUTO DETAILING 1130 W 14 ST. N. VAN

STIONS

We invite you to submit your questions about car repair and
maintenance to North Shore Automotive professionals.

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1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7M ZHZ

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