Ford Motor Co. has named Chief Automotive Technologies and Elektron as approved collision repair equipment suppliers for its 2015 F-150 pickup.
Ford has significantly redesigned the F-150 in order to save weight and improve fuel economy. As a result, the truck’s traditional steel body panels and bed have been replaced with military-grade aluminum pieces. Ford has also increased the amount of high-strength steel in the new F-150’s frame from 23 per cent to 77 per cent.
Properly restoring an aluminum collision-damaged vehicle to pre-accident condition requires new repair methods and equipment. Recognizing this, Ford has added a number of Chief and Elektron products to its Rotunda Dealer Equipment program and is encouraging its dealers to invest in the proper equipment and training before the 2015 F-150 hits showrooms later this year.
“Chief has the largest installed base of structural repair equipment in North America and is a long-time Ford-approved supplier,” remarked Mike Cranfill, vice-president of collision for Vehicle Service Group (VSG), parent company of the Chief and Elektron brands.
“In fact, more than 60 per cent of Ford dealers with body shops currently rely on Chief equipment every day,” said Cranfill. “We have worked closely with Ford to develop a dedicated new structural holding package and target attachments for the 2015 F-150 that will function seamlessly with dealers’ existing Chief frame racks and measuring systems. We are also providing a full range of Elektron welders designed specifically for aluminum repair.”
In addition to the Chief frame racks, LaserLock live mapping system and Elektron spot welders that are already available to Ford dealers through the Rotunda Dealer Equipment program, Ford has approved the following F-150 special tools:
- Chief Structural Holding with F-150 Kit — Complete (part #128-3000001);
- Chief F-150 Holding Kit (part #128-300002);
- Chief Deluxe Chain and Clamping Package with Rolling Cart (part #128-619205);
- Chief Collet Style Target Attachment Set for Non-Ferrous Vehicle Openings (part #128-540-200);
- Elektron MultiMig 511 Welder with Standard Torch (part #128-EL900011);
- Elektron MultiMig 511 Welder with Push-Pull Torch (part # 128-EL900012);
- Elektron MultiMig 522 Dual Torch Welder Complete with Standard and Push-Pull Torch (part #128-EL900010);
- Elektron MultiTool Aluminum Dent Repair Station (part #128-EL930001).
Chief will also introduce new training through Chief University later this year that will cover proper aluminum repair methods to help technicians prepare to work on the new F-150.
“Our Chief and Elektron technical experts are working with the Rotunda team to help dealers ensure they are ready to properly repair the new 2015 F-150 as soon as it goes on sale,” said Cranfill. “We can equip them with the training, tools and equipment they need to smoothly transition to aluminum vehicle repair.”
Additional information about the full line of Chief and Elektron collision repair equipment and the course offerings available from Chief University can be found at www.chiefautomotive.com
