Check out these shop projects, please leave feedback [Archive]

Fat Hack

12-16-2003, 07:15 PM

I think it's GREAT that this type of program exists, and that youngsters are interested enough to enroll in such a class! If the photos you've posted are any indication, then the future is in good hands!

To know that there are students out there enthusiastically doing this type of work under the guidance of a knowledgable teaching staff is very encouraging, indeed!

Hell, every one of the projects you've pictured shows promise, and they all ought to be proud!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Brickster

12-16-2003, 07:15 PM

This Plymouth got a custom fabricated tail pan that has a license plate that flips around James Bond style; widened fenders and he shortened the stock deck lid

Roothawg

12-16-2003, 07:17 PM

If only this had existed whenI graduated high shcool. Maybe I could be like Cole or one of the other superstars on the HAMB. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Brickster

12-16-2003, 07:18 PM

here is a VW chop, the reason the top of the roof looks like it is missing is because he is making an opening for a sliding rag top. He is also leaving it fenderless and going to run a straight axle up front

Brickster

12-16-2003, 07:20 PM

here is another custom motorcycle tank. this one is a one-off he didn't use a buck

Brickster

12-16-2003, 07:22 PM

here is that last tank getting TIG welded by the student that constructed it

50mercfan

12-16-2003, 07:26 PM

looks great, i went to NADC and we wern't even allowed to talk about hot rods much less work on them. there was actually a rule that the instructors weren't allowed to talk any hot rodding at all. great program

40StudeDude

12-16-2003, 07:28 PM

I'm certainly impressed...and I've been doing kustoms for years...wish I'd had some school around to teach me right from wrong years ago...it was always the wrong stuff I'd have to re-do...building a car twice is no fun...besides, if I'd had some serious schoolhousin' back then I'd be building some really WILD stuff these days.
Everything I've seen here looks top notch...I would especially like to see the Dodge (Plym?) front end of the first photo...it looks bitchin'.
R-

Smokin Joe

12-16-2003, 07:41 PM

Looks like you've knocked 20 years off the learning curve for your students. WTG

OGNC

12-16-2003, 07:43 PM

I know this isn't going to make me popular, but out of the 4 Wyotech students I have had to deal with (my buddy Jeff at Devious Customs has employed them) two where total dumb asses that ended up going to work bolting-on lift kits (that was about the extent of their aptitude). One was talented but lazy (I know that you guys can't help that) and the forth is the most amazing 20-something fabricator I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His name is Carlos Marron and he totally kicks ass. He is good with metal and he thinks outside of the box. This hobby needs more young guys like Carlos!

**DONOTDELETE**

12-16-2003, 08:07 PM

you say some of the kids are about to graduate? how long is the program?
That looks like a great place.

there also is a 32 body (looks like anyway) in the background.... what's going on with that?

19Fordy

12-16-2003, 08:15 PM

Very nice work-specially the flush mounted skirts.

19Fordy

12-16-2003, 08:17 PM

Excellent.

slacker_53

12-16-2003, 08:18 PM

[ QUOTE ]
this GMC pick-up got a 3 1/2" chop, a 3 1/2" section and a custom bed that is not pictured

[/ QUOTE ]

Gonna be too cool!! Hell, it is already! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Flatheads forever http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

slacker_53

12-16-2003, 08:26 PM

Looks like you got a great shop too work in, these fellows are lucky to have such a talented teacher.

That's what it's all about, pass'in on tradition.

I had vocational autobody available to me, but it was all about collision damage repair. I sure wish we could have gotten into customizing.

What I know was by trial and error, mostly error.

Flatheads forever!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

19Fordy

12-16-2003, 08:27 PM

CONGRATULATIONS to the students and the TEACHER for passing on the knowledge and skills to the next generation. I teach wood shop in FL. and I can tell you that TOOOOOOO many kids today are losing the opportunity to learn hands on skills as high schools across the country are closing the shop programs. Computers are in. Getting your hands dirty is out. The trades are in a world of hurt as the old timers retire. P.S. How come Wyoming Tech doesn't take in work from the outside? I want you to do my 51 Merc. convertible. Another idea. Why not publish a book of "HOW TO" articles for specific fabrication students perform. For instance: HOW TO FLUSH MOUNT SKIRTS. Keep cranking. Thanx jim in FL

19Fordy

12-16-2003, 08:29 PM

Great work. Hat's off to the teacher for passing on the torch and to the students for carrying the torch, hammer and dolly so skillfully.

Flipper

12-16-2003, 08:32 PM

Damn, I wish gone through that program way back when.

Do you have many students in their 30's?

deuceguy

12-16-2003, 08:32 PM

Stuff looks good to me. Like any school, you get what you put into it. Looks like a great place to start for someone that has ambition and talent.

Bass

12-16-2003, 08:53 PM

OGNC, if you know anyone that's graduated from a college or university then you have to admit that it's not uncommon for half of those people to be complete dumb-asses as well.

With that in mind, just because a student that graduated from Wyotech doesn't produce after he gets a job in the real world doesn't mean that he didn't have nearly every resource imaginable while he was enrolled.

I think it shows in the pics that the facilities are top-notch and that most of the students there are actually learning something usefull...it's just up to them to figure out how to use that newly acquired knowledge in a way that serves them best.

I know that sounds like a commercial, but I got the chance to tour there in August, and I was really impressed. The thing that sucks the most about it though is that it's in Wyoming. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif (no offense)

Thanks for posting the pics, Brick...looks like those guys are building some cool stuff up there.

choprods

12-16-2003, 09:16 PM

I only graduated from the school of hard knocks my self- so I am impressed with these young guys work...I have recieved a few resumes from a few of your students- I wish I could have the work load to justify hiring one of them. I think it looks like a very good program for them and I wish them all the breaks as they enter the custom car field....Kenny

mytlo56

12-16-2003, 09:18 PM

Weird. I was just talking w/ Kenny Baker "the chopper" up in Missouri about this very topic. He hit on an interesting and very valid point:

"There just aren't that many people out there wanting tops chopped and custom body work done these days." I think he is right. We HAMBers are into this and probably unknowingly think that the rest of the word is too. In reality, kids looking to mess w/ cars are buting Hondas and bolting plastic junk on them.

My point (and Kenny's too): there are a lot of guys graduating from this program who just end up doing normal body work because there isn't much custom stuff out there to do. And all you SoCal guys don't count http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif You're at the Hot Rod and Kustom epicenter of the Universe. There are 49 other states out there.

Never-the-less, if you're real good and are willing to move anywhere you'll get a job and eventually maybe even recognition like the Cole.

Mike Paul

12-16-2003, 09:55 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Damn, I wish gone through that program way back when.

Do you have many students in their 30's?

[/ QUOTE ]

Flipper,When where you there?

dondanno

12-16-2003, 09:56 PM

br looks better then when I was there visiting the new building. I saw a lot of 4x4 stuff then. Post a picture of the 32 Coupe that Thomas W. is building. Do you talk to Matt much since he went to Pa.?...Danny

dondanno

12-16-2003, 09:57 PM

Oh ya I was there in 82 and then end of 98 . I have not shaved since...Danny

Brickster

12-16-2003, 10:03 PM

Thanks for all the response; I would like to answer some of the questions that came up:

40Studedude: it's a 1948 DeSoto and I’m having them reattach the front sheet metal so that I can get a good picture of the front end.

OGNC: Your absolutely right, some of our students get through this class and are almost no better off than when they came, it's a shame because the school is kind of expensive, I would like to believe that they realize the time and money they wasted by not applying themselves or by losing focus on the reason they came here but that lesson might take a while to learn.
It's good to hear that Carlos is out there doing well, he was one of my students and we got along very well. I'd like to know if he got his truck on the road.

The Gooch: The Street Rod program is unfortunately only three months long. The minimum amount of time to be enrolled in the school is nine months because you must take a six-month core program before you can take Street Rod. Also, That is a deuce body in the background it belongs to an instructor, his name is Thomas and he is currently building the chassis.

19Fordy: We do take on work from outside customers although the waiting list is long and those cars don't get near as much attention as the student or instructor projects. They also seem to take forever to get done.

Flipper: Most of our students are right out of high school but not all of them. Last year we had a student that was in his late 40's. I'm sure less than 5% of our student population is over 25

Tinbender

12-16-2003, 10:04 PM

Very nice! Thanks for letting us see it. And I thought I had a dream job! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Brickster

12-16-2003, 10:09 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Very nice! Thanks for letting us see it. And I thought I had a dream job! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny you say that, because we are usually looking for new instructors.
personal message me if you are interested

ELpolacko

12-16-2003, 10:25 PM

I'll second Cortney's opinion here.

While your current crop of students and there well done looking projects looks impressive, the sizeable stack of resume's I have in my filing cabinet would suggest otherwise. I have hired two guys that showed promise and had to fire both of them for simmilar reasons. Many of the other student/graduates I interviewed I would not consider for my shop unless I was building lowriders and ricer mobiles, eg: "glass etching?" So maybe WyoTech has hit the market on the head. My only problem is the promise of working on hotrods in hotrod shops and like stated above there are just not that many positions open for those guys.

Please do not think I am poo-pooing your school. I think it is a fun and informational place but each phase cannot possibly teach real world experience. I would much rather hire a guy out of a community college welding class or engineering class. While their schooling may not be as varied as a Wyo student I do know there is a good chance that they will understand what I hire them for. I think most HAMB vets remember how long ElCaballo went to his welding school just to be able to carry a AWS card and be a weld inspector.

Both guys I hired had an over inflated ego about chassis design and fabrication techiques that I had serious conflict of interest with. I surely do not want any kid with barely a year of experience with welding and fabricating rolled into one telling my how to run my chassis shop! Neither one of those "fucks" could show up on time and one of the SOBs had Federal Marshalls come to my shop and arrest him!

It has got to be impossible to teach talent to those that have none. Those that truly have talent will excell in your school and benifit from it. What I do not see is skill being taught, that takes time and patience.

Just so you don't think I am being harsh I did hire a student from a Streetrod school. Most know him here as 55Safari, he had talent and ambition when he started school at Buster's Streetrods. He did come in a bit green but has matured (some) with us and has become a good fabricator.

I have hired several kids from UTI, and am doing an apprenticeship program with one right now. For the most part the UTI students are very punctual, polite and willing to listen to what I have to offer. UTI is a diploma factory gearing students to work for the major auto manufactures to such a degree that there are satalite "finishing schools" just off campus to further train the students to work on model specific applications. Just giving those guys the opportunity to rebuild an alternator rather than just replacing it gives them a world of knowledge that they crave. I think your school, WyoTech would be better served to position themselves behind a school like UTI or AAI as a finishing school. It wouldn't hurt to give these kids a basic skills program and a working knowledge of how a car works before they start cutting them up and welding them back together.

And on your (teacher) side of the argument, My girlfriend is a pastry Chef instructor at Scottsdale Culinary Institute and I get to see the instructional side of the business. I do understand how the teachers are limited with instructional time and facilities. She sees the same problems I addressed here with their students leaving school and entering the job market.

ELpolacko

12-16-2003, 10:31 PM

Sorry for the rant man,, been stressfull lately

[ QUOTE ]
Your absolutely right, some of our students get through this class and are almost no better off than when they came

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
The Street Rod program is unfortunately only three months long

[/ QUOTE ]

This one sums up my point to a T.

Otherwise there is some really nice looking stuff there

Brickster

12-16-2003, 10:59 PM

here is a pic of the front of the DeSoto

Morrisman

12-17-2003, 03:02 AM

I've been welding and fabbing for twenty years, still can't get it right, and just wish I could get some school like that http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

kustombuilder

12-17-2003, 03:58 AM

wish i knew about this pace when i graduated high school. i woulda been there in a heart beat, dad woulda paid for it oo. instead i learned the hard way. by trial and error. looks like some nice projects. do they have to take a regular mechanics class before the hot rod class??? it'd be cool if my little bro got into that place.

Mike Brimm

Brickster

12-17-2003, 09:29 AM

Yea you have to take a six-month class in either automotive, collision/refinishing or diesel first

Dreamweaver

12-17-2003, 09:44 AM

Looks like a good program you all have going there.

As in any profession or school, some folks get it and some don't, you can't teach common curtsey, punctuality or common sense in the workplace. In fact that isn't your job, that was Mommy and Daddy's job long ago.

The projects look great, don't take what a few naysayers say to heart at least there is a place for folks to go and get a preliminary understanding of the basic(and not so basic, it appears) principles. It's up to the individual to do the best he can with what you teach them.

You might want to show your students these posts so they can get a sense of a "few" real world concerns.

Keep at it and tell those guys to keep their long underwear on!

haring

12-17-2003, 10:08 AM

Thanks for sharing the pictures. I really enjoyed seeing the project, and found everyone's comments interesting. I teach graphic design in Philadelphia and agree with everyone's input on the range of students that come out of any institution. My girlfriend is a high school art teacher and I honestly don't know how she survives each day. The kids at her school (a charter trade school, BTW) are total morons and pains in the @$$. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Keep the pictures coming.

Rocket88

12-17-2003, 10:54 AM

That is some great looking stuff!
I wish there would have been a place like that around here when I was young.

oldandkrusty

12-17-2003, 11:06 AM

Well, all things said and considered-I sure wish that something like Wyotech was available to me way back when. The only way you could get any education that was car related was to get it by the school of hard knocks which is okay in some instances and does seem to give an education that won't be forgotten. But, I would have loved to been able to go to a school that actually taught th things that I wanted to know. Instead, I went to night school (I was married with a child) to get my "experience" in something that really didn't wind my crank. Ah, if I could have the opportunity to.... What the hell, I'm 60 (had my birthday last Monday!) and really don't want to start all over again. I'm enjoying life pretty good right now. But, still and all, Wyotech looks like an excellent place for a young gearhead to go to get his or her education. And if they have the right attitude, what a life they can have. Thanks for the post!

Killer

12-17-2003, 11:57 AM

[ QUOTE ]
His name is Carlos Marron and he totally kicks ass. He is good with metal and he thinks outside of the box. This hobby needs more young guys like Carlos!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. Now if we could just get him to build a hot rod!!

dondanno

12-17-2003, 12:09 PM

brxter tell Thomas Danny from Portland says hey, ans see if you could post some pics of his coupe.....Danny

Digger_Dave

12-17-2003, 02:08 PM

dondanno, I can't add much.

I think it's great that there is still an educational institution that still offers "hands on."

The biggest problem that seems to "plauge" the teaching of these skills, (at least in my part of the counntry) is the lack of funding, the shortage of GOOD instructors and the "fear" of liability by the "paper pushers."

A friend who runs a similar course to yours (for the past 20 years) lamented to me that his program has been cut back to a "show and tell" style of program because the "people up top" are becoming more and more fearful that "John (or Sue)" might HURT themselves, which might lead to lawsuits. (they MIGHT just cut a finger off working with all that sharp metal!)

Sadly my friend has become so frustrated, he has left the teaching profession. A shame because he IS a HOT RODDER to the core, and loved passing on the hobby to young people.

My compliments to you for keeping the "hobby" alive.

colorado51

12-17-2003, 02:53 PM

[ QUOTE ]
OGNC, if you know anyone that's graduated from a college or university then you have to admit that it's not uncommon for half of those people to be complete dumb-asses as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hell, I work with aerospace engineers all day and over half of them are jack-offs! And the other half probably couldnt even figure out how to open the hood of their car! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Anyway, that school sounds really great and the projects look good. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Looking back on it now, I wish I would have gone that direction when I got out of high school. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

plan9

12-17-2003, 03:57 PM

my 2 cents... i dont work in the fabricating business, but i did attend a trade school to learn 3D animation and illustration, and as EL P eloquently pointed out in his feedback, there just isnt enough room for everyone... being successful in any industry is like playing chess, you need to plan your moves carefully, stay focused and honest.

i had to bust my ass for 6 yrs and apply every ounce of energy learning how my business works, how to use 3D software/programming, and people skills... with an emphasis on PEOPLE SKILLS.... without those skills id be dead in the water.

your students have some awesome work

Brickster

12-17-2003, 06:05 PM

i got a couple more pictures of projects that just got finished up today, this student did an outstanding job on a motorcycle tank side.

Brickster

12-17-2003, 06:06 PM

here is a closer look at that tank side

Scott B

12-17-2003, 07:40 PM

Do you have any more pics or details on the chop of the 42(?) Aerosedam - the fast back?
I have one sitting here, in my shop. I keep looking at it, wondering if/how I should chop it.
I have been thinking that pie cutting the sail panels and leaning the pillars would be the way to do it, without refabbing the trunk lid.
Just curious where and how the cutting was done...

It seems like a few people are doing good work there. It's always good to see a shop full of work. What happens to all of the rollers now? Is everybody kicked out now that the classes are over?
The metal work on all of the bike tanks looks pretty sharp, by the way.

ABone312

12-18-2003, 12:02 AM

I graduated from WyoTech about 3 and a half years ago and have been working at a rod shop since then. There were guys in my class that were complete dumbasses. A large part of people in my class didn't want to do it professionaly, but wanted to know how to do their own work. Since I started at Bruce's Rod Shop, we have had 3 other tech graduates work with us. One quit to work at a dealership to make more money, one has worked with us for a little over a year now but is an incompitent moron who can't do shit for himself, can't think for himself, and pretty much has not a single care in the world for the work he does, he is pretty much just a worthless, lazy sack of shit. The other guy has been with us for a little over 2 months and seems to be a good worker. You don't have to do his thinking for him, and he is pretty efficient when it comes to getting the work done. From my own experience, the guy that is good, works on his own stuff and is really into cars. The worthless guy has never really done any of his own work. He drives a fifties truck but has no idea how to do even the simplest mechanical tasks that anyone who drives an old car needs to know. I REALLY enjoyed the school. I got a lot out of going there. The thing you have to remember about ANY tech school is that their purpose is not to get you to where you just graduate and go out and start building AMBR or Riddler award winning cars. Their purpose is to give you the basic skills and knowledge to go out, hopefully get a job in a competent shop, and tune your skills without some of the hangups with the old school of hard knocks. WyoTech has an awesome program, excellent instructors, and a really kick ass shop with all the bad ass tools I wish I had in my garage. I would recomend it to anyone who really wanted to learn. That's all I got to say 'bout that.

Harrison

12-18-2003, 12:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
one has worked with us for a little over a year now but is an incompitent moron who can't do shit for himself, can't think for himself, and pretty much has not a single care in the world for the work he does, he is pretty much just a worthless, lazy sack of shit.

[/ QUOTE ]

Come on man, tell us how you really feel.

I thought about Wyo-Tech 10 years ago but went to work in a big shop instead. It was time well spent. I learned a lot - and got paid to be there.

The work from Wyo-Tech looks top notch.

JH

Brickster

12-18-2003, 10:07 PM

Today I showed the class the pictures I posted and replies from the HAMBr's and I believe that they might have been surprised that they had it so good. Bad attitudes tend to spread like wild fire and so many of the students get too caught up in how much they hate Wyoming and if I decline to let their project in the shop because it's way too simple or not doesn't pertain to what we teach they will loose sight of the real reason they should be here in the first place. For the students who's work I pictured and others who busted their ass to learn something I think they got something very positive from your comments (good and Bad). They are seeing that the hard work has just started and to be successful in the custom car industry it's going to take a real commitment.

Thanks to everyone who replied and I'm still trying to get a better picture the 32 five window to post

Digger_Dave

12-19-2003, 03:27 PM

I can't add much.

I think it's great that there is still an educational institution that still offers "hands on."

The biggest problem that seems to "plauge" the teaching of these skills, (at least in my part of the counntry) is the lack of funding, the shortage of GOOD instructors and the "fear" of liability by the "paper pushers."

A friend who runs a similar course to yours (for the past 20 years) lamented to me that his program has been cut back to a "show and tell" style of program because the "people up top" are becoming more and more fearful that "John (or Sue)" might HURT themselves, which might lead to lawsuits. (they MIGHT just cut a finger off working with all that sharp metal!)

Sadly my friend has become so frustrated, he has left the teaching profession. A shame because he IS a HOT RODDER to the core, and loved passing on the hobby to young people.

My compliments to you for keeping the "hobby" alive.

[/ QUOTE ]

Boones

12-19-2003, 04:04 PM

Fisrt, I wish I could have taken a program like yours while attending Engineering school....Is 6 months really enough time to learn one of your subjects good enough (skills take time to hone)... I know school is not intended to teach you everything but I would think that there is a lot to learn and 6 months is not much... Have you considered doing a longer streetrod program. It has to be hard to complete a car in that short of time.. Maybe there is a lot of good project cars that were never completed forsale in your area... (students that dont finish their cars and then have no way of getting them back home????)

kustomd

12-19-2003, 08:00 PM

Damn I was born in laramie wyo. If I had known that was going to be there I would have stayed instead of moving to arkansas. The kid building the 51 or 52 chevy has got the look. It looks good. I just hope he isn't going to put some 20's or crap like that on it. Steel wheels and some kool oldmobile caps or something would look real good on it. I wish I had that kind of schooling but I went through the votech auto body crash course in texarkana texas. But there was a few people there that new some stuff about custom body work to help me.

Tman

12-19-2003, 08:20 PM

brx........I would like to drive over there sometime after the first of the year and take a look. Since I get resumes from your grads, I better see it firsthand before I sslam it any more.

the duke

12-19-2003, 10:13 PM

i think that everything you showed looks very impressive!

Wolffy

07-14-2005, 09:57 PM

Thank you Brick for showing the students projects. I see a few people on here that talk Wyo-Tech down and I don't think that they understand what we learn and the quality of education that this school provides. Thanks again!

Wolffy

mule

07-14-2005, 10:16 PM

The work they are doing is great, i teach fabrication at TAFE level, I have a few projects on the go with the students, It looks like we are going to bring my current project in so they can build brackets etc and get my dodge rolling. The students I have a basically year 10 drop outs so it good to see them motivated, I will show them what you guys are doing. Great work to both you and your students

ironworks

07-15-2005, 11:35 AM

Well I have hired a few guys from wyo and one was super talented, but a complete ass that never wanted to show up to work. I have one now that moved out here from ohio to bakersfield. He has done well enough to still have a job, but some days that line gets close.

I have had some kids that I have hired from the local auto shop classes that were supposedly the cream of the crop. But They don't really want to learn. They want you to do it for them. I was showing one kid how to make and metal finish some patch panels for his chevelle. As I was Hammer welding the panel on I said why don't you go get a welding helmet so you can see how this is done, (TIG welding sheetmetal most guys would want to watch and learn right?) He said " NO, I'm cool". Beings to say that was his last day, if you don't want to learn, what reason do I have you here for? I was kinda hoping you would move beyond sweeping the floor someday.

I had another guy who starte working for me and had NO EXPERIENCE, but he worked hard. I remember him cleaning up a chassis outside with super clean and the hose before we brought it in the shop. He would lay down in the water and was not afraid to get dirty. After a short time I gave him a project to work on that was his, A 40 ford pick up. He worked on that for a year and a half, he always joked that the truck must be worth a million dollars with all the hours he had in things, I mean it took him 8 time to locate the brake peadl assembly under the cab, but when he finally got he got it. Shop projects for them to work on after hours are cheap and great learning tools

I have found that The kids that had everything handed to them, make lazy employees. It almost seems like that want to know what you are going to give them. Remember when Dad mowed the lawn until you were old enough to not cut your fingers off and then dad had you out their sweating whikle mowing the lawn? Remember when you had to pay for your first car? remember when you got a job at 15 and you paid for your stuff.

I had a 18 year old kid ask why he had to 40 hours, It just seems like so many hours to work. Wow.

56KUSTOM

07-15-2005, 12:03 PM

Nice.I especially like the chopped Chevy sedan!What is the average age of your students?

hiway7

07-15-2005, 12:10 PM

This is a really great endorsement for your program. Those examples are very well done. Any thing that progresses the art of hot rodding deserves to be praised.

RocketDaemon

07-15-2005, 12:26 PM

oh looks someone dug up an post from 2003, archelogical escavation huh
anyhow, brickster, what happend to these cars? all finished?

Longroof64

07-15-2005, 12:29 PM

This post is perfect timing! I knew there were some Wyotechers on this board, but I forgot who...

I'm taking my 16 year-old little brother (SIXOCAD here) around to look at colleges the week of the 25th to the 29th... we're doing Washington, Oregon, CU-Boulder, and... you guessed it... Wyotech! We'll be there on the 29th (that Friday) and I think we reserved a 9am tour... Brickster, are you gonna be around at all? It'd be great to put a face to the screen name, and maybe you could tell us a bit more about the hot rod stuff than the person giving the tour...

I sold him his first car in January, the '64 Impala longroof referenced in my screen name... now he can scare all of those kids at his high school with their BMWs and vinyl-clad Civics :)

PS That all looks like some really great work! I just called my bro to tell him to check out this post...

Longroof

FONZI

07-15-2005, 01:00 PM

wow! GREAT STUFF!
My friend Nate went to WYotech and he is one of the most talented young guys I know. He learned a lot there. His metal skills are great and I think he learned most of it at Wyotech. When I got outta high scholl I did not think I could make a living building hot rods and customs so I went to UTI to learn auto/ diesel mechanics. I learned real fast that I did not want to wrench on soleless new cars so now I have a damn desk job and old cars are my hobby.

FONZI

kustombuilder

07-15-2005, 01:17 PM

i think i would be alot further ahead now had i known of something like this when i got out of school. by the time i'd heard of these places i had a full time job and bills to pay.

it looks like some great work in the pics. what an experience.

Baron Von Mike

07-15-2005, 01:25 PM

Kudos to your students and the work you guys are doing there. I've enjoyed reading this thread.

Many years ago, after two years of doing well in High School auto, I was in the very lucky position of choosing computer science at a well respected engineering college or persuing more wrenching. I choose the computer route and have kept the wrenching as a hobby.

If I would have seen a program like this back then, who knows what I would have chosen. :)

Students really need to go crazy for those three months they have to focus on their chosen sub-field. It may be one of the few times in life they have the freedom to just be creative inside such a facility. When the career comes down, it just never seems to be the same. Money comes in to play.

geno_86ed

07-15-2005, 01:35 PM

Just go to the University of Wyoming, same location as WyoTech, and go to the Engineering School. Consistently in the top 2 best Engineering schools, right with Penn State, and you don't have to shave every day!!

Yeah I went to the University of Wyoming for Engineering, but I do understand the big city students not liking WyoTech because they are in Wyoming. I grew up here and personally love it.

Geno

trey

07-15-2005, 01:56 PM

geno_86ed

07-15-2005, 04:57 PM

Just have to get used to the wind and the 50 degree temperature changes that occur in one day. Nothing like the high desert. Good for preserving cars though. And the state is way lenient on what makes a car road worthy, very rod friendly.

Geno

47Plym

07-15-2005, 05:29 PM

Appears like these kids are getting the hang of it. What is that first car with the hood sitting on the roof??? Looks like another Plymouth with a chop job.

Jack "goose' Marinelli

07-15-2005, 05:48 PM

Looks like you've knocked 20 years off the learning curve for your students. WTG

Its just to friggin kool, love to see you young guys get in to this shit, just got a 17 year old working of me in the shop part time that can damn near weld as good as me. Its really a kool deal. kinda reminds me of me. Gotta get these "kids" into this shit, get them outta the "tuner" deal. Cost of stuff to them is crazy , but if they can work with us old guys and learn stuff its just too kool! Gasserkid, my son, is building his 32 with me and its amazing what they can do with just a little guidance and they come up with some really neat shit on their own............. young minds do amasing stuff.

Brickster

07-15-2005, 08:42 PM

If any one else has questions about the school feel free to PM me and I'll answer. If you guys are interested, I'll post pics when this next class ends (Mid September) but because this current post is comming up on two years old lets just let it die.

bellyjello

07-15-2005, 08:56 PM

Looks like you've knocked 20 years off the learning curve for your students. WTG
Hey when I lose my decent paying job I'll have to sign up...... I have the projects,,, no time no place to work.....

T McG

07-16-2005, 12:24 PM

I have had two Wyo Tech grads work for me, and was very impressed with both. But, they both had somewhat of a know it all attitude. The one working for us now always has a reason why it can't be done the way I have asked him to do something. I am most impressed with their sheetmetal and tig welding abilities. I also have a former UTI intructor working for us, and he is really top shelf. That was their loss. I think what is happening with some of the worthless ones is simple. Dad is a hotrodder trying to get his worthless kid to be just like him so he sends him to school. Unfortunately, a dumbass is a dumbass and no amount of money will change that. I think the school is a great experience even though there are more students than there are jobs. I hope the attitude problem is the individual himself, and not something they are learning at the school. An over inflated ego is hard to get rid of, and is certainly not needed in my daily activities. While I certainly do not know it all, and am always willing to learn from somebody else, chances are I have already been there more times than a 20 something kid with an attitude. I try to keep an open mind though, because some talent is better than no talent, and I do my best to keep them heading in the right direction. And, I think the tank builder kid has a very good future judging by the pictures. That is some really nice work. I would be happy to offer him a job, although I think he probably has a better future with a bike shop.