Computerized Frame Measurments systems

[Slow learner lol]

Just curious if anybody has any experience with the chief velocity Genesis style laser measuring system and or the Kansas Jack shark, or true point sonar measuring system I am interested in pros and cons of the two systems as I’m looking to purchase thanks for any input

 

[El Toro]

No real experience with these systems. I have an older measuring manuel system but if you do late model collision repairs its a must. Please keep us posted

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

I've used the Chief Genesis a little, It's nice. Expensive too if I recall. Velocity is the next generation of the Genesis system. The Genesis system was pointless to use on anything quick (most pulls) as it took so long to setup. Velocity is supposed to be quicker. What type of pulling are you doing? If you are doing typical insurance collision repair it's nice to have but these days everything gets totaled that have anything more than very mild frame or unibody damage. The type of pulls where it's useful aren't the type of pulls you make in a collision shop. So it's an investment that really doesn't pay off if you are doing typical collision repair. If you are doing salvage rebuilders it is very nice to have as usually you will have to do a lot of pulling on many of those.

You don't need it to make competent repairs, a four or five bar gauge set and a tram is all you really need to do frame repair, modern cars included, but it can make the process easier and you also have the ability to document what you have done. Considering the cost (25K-45K new) it's something I would not do unless I had the money burning a hole in my pocket. A far more useful piece of equipment to bring a collision shop into the modern era would be a quality spotwelder/pulse Mig like the Pro-Spot models. Or the equipment to make repairs on aluminum bodied stuff like the F150's. JMO

 

[Slow learner lol]

Thank you guys El Toro and Chris for the info I have been using the kJ xyz laser system for years and As you say Chris the good old chief no clamp style center line gauges and the tram But I’ve been looking into updating because our old laser system is so time consuming to set up so I was just really curious if anyone knew the pros and cons of those systems basically sonar versus laser

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

That was the killer for all of us using the Genesis. It took so long to setup. Probably 45 minutes, on top of setting everything else up. So it usually didn't get used. They say Velocity is quicker, contact Chief and get them to send you the Technical info and videos of it in action (including setup). That may help you to decide.