PELHAM, N.Y. Armonk resident Ramon Quincoses opened Pelham Collision Center, Inc. in 1991. The small auto body shop on Lincoln Avenue makes itself unique because of the type of paint it uses.
Quincoses's business is one of the few shops in New York State that uses waterborne paint. The owner said California law mandates the use of that type, but New York law does not. Still, he uses waterborne paint for environmental and health reasons, even though it is expensive.
"I brought it here because it's better for the environment and myself," Quincoses said.
The shop has an enclosed room in which the crew applies the waterborne paint to cars. Pipes pump heat into the room to raise the temperature of the floor. The crew needs the heat because the paint is essentially water and it tends to run when applied.
Quincoses is one member of a three person staff at the shop. He said the crew typically works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and only works with smaller, local repairs.
"It's a town body shop, very small," Quincoses said. "It's a very homey type of thing. I'm semi-retired so I usually go home early."
The shop does not do any mechanical work. If someone brings in a severely damaged car, then Quincoses will send it to the dealership. The highest range of repairs Quincoses will take is typically $2,000 to $3,000.
"I'd rather get them in and out and do $150 jobs all day long," Quincoses said.
Quincoses has three children and lives in Armonk with his wife.
Have you had your car repaired at Pelham Collision Center? Do you know Ramon Quincoses? Comment below, on Facebook or Twitter @DailyPelham.
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