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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Restoring a car through a school
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Question
Brad,
I own a 1961 Buick LeSabre that I have tried to restore for the better part of the last nine years. However, not having all of the disposable income necessary for this, the car is beginning to fall into disrepair. My question is whether or not auto restoration schools would be willing to take my car as a project. I know it sounds like a way to get around the money issue, but it honestly may be my only hope and could be an excellent project for young students.
I look forward to your thoughts.
In my years running auto repair programs in vocational and post secondary schools I never had a successful experience with a restoration project that was not a project of one of the students. In most instances your savings amounts to labor or a portion of the labor. You will be asked to keep up payments on the parts and supplies used on the project. Now with that said, check with the local schools vocational auto programs and ask the question. Next Google "auto restoration schools" and run the list. Good luck.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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