Night Time Repairs

[Sneck]

Because it gets dark so early this time of year, I end up doing about 1/2 my repairs at night and in the dark. I have flood-lights (twin work-lights) on a tripod that lights up the glass and the whole work area pretty good. The extra time it takes to set up the work-lights is a small price to pay for the ability to do repairs at night.

How many of you techs also work in the dark?

[jayjacque]

Out of necessity have been working some in the dark, like to finish the last job or two. Hasn't been fun. Just a good sized flashlight, sometimes lights are on at the dealerships though. Probably need to get a set-up like you got.

[Dr.Chipster]

Where did you get your light set up? Sounds like a workable solution for me.

[Sneck]

The tri-pod with twin halogen work lights that I picked up at the local Home Depot only cost about $29 bucks. The height is adjustable from about 2-feet off the ground to about 6-feet high. I position the tri-pod either near the front bumper, or near the fender. I carry a 100 foot extension cord and borrow the customer's power. These lights draw some amps so I usually only run one light at a time so that I don't accidentally trip the customer's circuit breaker (plus it helps save on bulbs) even though I have never had to replace one yet.

One light puts out plenty of light. In also puts out some heat, so you could even warm your hands or even the windshield (from a distance of course) so you don't warm the glass too fast.

[MGlWx]

Hey Sneck, To answer your question, I don't do any repairs when it's dark. I wish I could sometimes. I only finish up what I'm doing and then reschedule the rest of the repairs, if any. I just don't like working when the lack of light prevents me from making sure the break is totally filled. The work light set-up sounds interesting though.

[Sneck]

MGIWx,

I don't love doing repairs in the dark, but since my reguar day job is 8 to 5 pm, that puts me in the dark - as it were - for doing any repairs after work. Weekends of course are not a problem. But the time for the days to start getting longer again is only about 2-weeks away. Too bad we probably wont notice it for another 3 months. Until then, long underwear and a good knit hat will help to keep the body warm.

[MGlWx]

Sneck, I hear ya.... That 8-5 gig must be really tough on your w/s repair biz. I guess it's w/s repair in the dark till spring... Stay Warm!!!!!

[splitpit]

I've done night repairs before but really don't care to. I found that mounting my UV light inside facing out did a great job of making the damage highly visible and very easy to see, without the reflections you get from outside lights. No worry of curing since the PVB blocks the uv rays.