Auto restoration classes

amg5872

amg5872

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Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences (good or bad) with auto restoration classes. I've always tinkered a bit with my cars, but I would like to get more skilled and am looking for classes in metalworking, engine rebuilding, etc. I am middle-aged and have a full-time day job, so I would be looking at evening courses, weekend courses, or maybe a week-long course as I have seen offered a few places. I thought I'd check with the group to see if anyone has experience with such classes, or any other ideas for how to get a decent foundation in restoration skills. Thanks in advance.
 
To be honest, the extra time it takes to go to an evening class and get some hands-on experience you could spend watching YouTube university and learning techniques that way. If you want to learn body work or welding you can go down the the local auto recycler and see if they'll give you a couple scrap body panels to practice on. The key is the hands-on part, even if you're not sure what you're doing, you'll learn faster that way. I taught myself how to paint. My first paint job was a joke and I didn't want to tell anyone I did it, then I started asking painters (customers) at the paint store for tips, tried them, painted more, and now I'm fairly confident in my work as long as it's the basic stuff. A class would never have taught me how to paint. My mistakes did.
 
I agree with Dan that you learn more/better by doing. But some guided experiences could accelerate your understanding, or filter what you need to focus on. Here's an example in NC that I was thinking of attending as a "fun fabrication getaway":
holohanshotrods.com

Hot Rod Louvers

Hot Rod Louvers - Louver punching in hoods, deck lids, flat panels, etc.- 5 sizes and shapes - Custom weld in panels available upon request
holohanshotrods.com holohanshotrods.com

Eastwood occasionally puts on classes with an expert, too. The Alsip, IL location probably isn't too far for you. I suspect this is a bit more marketing that real learning - but getting in there, trying things out, getting some guidance, and not being afraid to fail in a group setting will really boost your skill sets and confidence.
 
amg5872 said:
Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences (good or bad) with auto restoration classes. I've always tinkered a bit with my cars, but I would like to get more skilled and am looking for classes in metalworking, engine rebuilding, etc. I am middle-aged and have a full-time day job, so I would be looking at evening courses, weekend courses, or maybe a week-long course as I have seen offered a few places. I thought I'd check with the group to see if anyone has experience with such classes, or any other ideas for how to get a decent foundation in restoration skills. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Jump on I70 and head to McPherson College in Kansas. I’d never heard of it until my neighbor’s son went there. Then I saw Leno is a big supporter. They have summer short courses for adults that sell out super quick. Not just a bunch of muscle cars—their student cars have done well at major events & are placed in high-end shops. I think it’s the only 4-yr degree in auto restoration in the US.

www.mcpherson.edu

Automotive Restoration Summer Institute

www.mcpherson.edu


Edit: I took a welding class at vo-tech at night. I agree with Dan, but for things that require a lot of capital, like welding, I can go plunk around on $20k in equipment 2 nights a week. Now that I finished the basic course, I can go pay $250, sign up for the same basic 8-week class, and practice TIG welding on my own. They provide all the consumables, gas, metal, etc. And I can ask questions of a pro when I have them.
 
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Hey, thanks for the great responses so far guys. I actually did just register this morning for the week-long summer class at McPherson, but the classes I want to start with are full so I'm on the waitlists. But it sounds fairly promising to get off of the waitlist for at least one class. I'll check out the NC and IL programs too. And in the meantime, I've been watching a ton of YouTube videos and trying small projects on my Bavaria. Recently discovered the YouTube channel RestoreIt, which is now one of my favorites.
 
JayWltrs said:
Jump on I70 and head to McPherson College in Kansas. I’d never heard of it until my neighbor’s son went there. Then I saw Leno is a big supporter. They have summer short courses for adults that sell out super quick. Not just a bunch of muscle cars—their student cars have done well at major events & are placed in high-end shops. I think it’s the only 4-yr degree in auto restoration in the US.

www.mcpherson.edu

Automotive Restoration Summer Institute

www.mcpherson.edu


Edit: I took a welding class at vo-tech at night. I agree with Dan, but for things that require a lot of capital, like welding, I can go plunk around on $20k in equipment 2 nights a week. Now that I finished the basic course, I can go pay $250, sign up for the same basic 8-week class, and practice TIG welding on my own. They provide all the consumables, gas, metal, etc. And I can ask questions of a pro when I have them.
Click to expand...

I met an an instructor and two students from McPherson College at Lime Rock in 2018. The Bugatti owner's club was out in force and I think the McPherson guys had done some work on one of the Bugattis in attendance (I saw them working on a Bugatti in the paddock). In chatting with the instructor, the program sounds very comprehensive and well thought out. Both the students were very knowledgeable.

In addition to those guys, we had three Bugatti owners and a UK Bugatti restoration company at the lodge. Here's a picture of Annabelle next to a Bugatti Type 46 - La Petite Royale - in the lodge parking lot:

IMG_1283.jpg
 
Depends on the specific task.
IMHO:
Engine building: just follow the instructions in a Haynes manual.
Welding: take a course with your local vocational school then just get a welder and practice, practice practice on scrap.
Painting: materials are not cheap anymore. I got a couple of my techs trained by paying a local restoration painter for two 4-hour half days and material costs to teach my guys in his shop.
Custom metal work: of you mean “panel bearing,” I think you need classes in the apprenticeship style and hours of practice.
 
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