Metro Birmingham, Ala. - For Chrysler dealers nationwide, Wednesday was 'the morning after.'

At Susan Schein in Pelham, the old Chrysler showroom was practically empty.  But just up the road, Schein herself was checking out some new technology that could give her a competitive edge in the future.

"Come on in, guys," said Darryl Domino, as he welcomed Schein and a service representative into an elaborate mobile garage.  Inside was Domino's patented paintless dent removal system called Dominator II.

Schein is keeping her collision center open, and she agreed to look at Domino's repair system, which could offer a cost-effective way to offer additional services.

Domino, a veteran of the car repair business, noted the struggles former Chrysler and GM dealerships are facing.

"They have to re-invent themselves," Domino said.  "The dealership industry as a whole is now changed.  So they're going to have to look at other means of making money."

Schein looked on as Domino banged up the hood of a car and then repaired it with his proprietary system.

"I'm a firm believer when one door closes, another opens, and this is a good example of that," she said.  "You just go on."

Domino offers his product through his own business, called Dominate Metal.  He is based in Birmingham, and he believes the future of automotive work lies within the ability to service and repair cars that are already on the road.

"It's a third of the cost and a fraction of the time," he said about his system.  "And the car stays original."

While Schein was deciding whether to purchase Domino's system, other dealerships were moving ahead with their own plans to adapt.

Crest Cadillac in Hoover has erected a banner proudly proclaiming itself as "Birmingham's only Cadillace dealership."

Across town, Tom Williams Automotive has closed its Cadillac store.  However, a company representative said the closing was already planned before GM began downsizing.  Instead of Cadillacs, Tom Williams will sell the Mini vehicle line in the old Cadillac showroom.

"It's what the consumer wants," noted the Tom Williams rep.  He cited both the quality standards and the fuel economy of Mini vehicles, saying the car company is "forward looking" and has what it takes to succeed.  Staff were in training Wednesday to learn more about Mini models.

Back in Hoover, Ward Drennen had to officially close his Don Drennen Chrysler-Jeep store Tuesday night.  His Buick store remains open, but only for a while as GM has pulled the plug on that franchise as well.

The Drennen dealership will remain open, however, with other makes and models on the lot.

"We've got a lot of good irons in the fire," Drennen said when asked about whether he was looking to bring an imported line of new cars into his showroom.

Drennen said he could have a new lineup formalized within the next 60 to 90 days.  He, like other former Chrysler dealers, was still waiting for Chysler to come remove its signs and take away unsold vehicles.

Those vehicles will be taken to remaining Chrysler dealerships.  But both the former dealerships and the new dealerships will both have to pay a $350 inspection and handling fee for each car.

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