Classic car restoration courses
Discussion
Are there any around the Leeds area? Can’t seem to find any.
Also worried as I’m 39 and concerned about being with a load of spotty teenagers in the classroom!
Is there a future career wise in this field? With all this talk of switching to electric cars I’d also worry that there would be nothing left to restore as the government would want to crush anything polluting our dear planet!
Opinions/help greatly appreciated!
Also worried as I’m 39 and concerned about being with a load of spotty teenagers in the classroom!
Is there a future career wise in this field? With all this talk of switching to electric cars I’d also worry that there would be nothing left to restore as the government would want to crush anything polluting our dear planet!
Opinions/help greatly appreciated!
Humble opinion.
I 'think' most stuff on classics can be self taught, especially with the amount of resources on the internet now. I accept having a tutor to help 'show-you-how' is a great way of learning and getting confidence levels up.
The one exception is perhaps welding where an evening class is advisable, but I know a few friends who have self taught. I tried and failed to perfect welding so just pay someone now. I suspect my perseverence was poor, but I blamed the kit I had instead......
I will tackle 'most' minor jobs on my rolling restoration classic camper, getting more confident over the years. Although I still avoid brakes (don't ask!!), welding and major engine-out type work - just don't have the time, expertise or equipment to do it at home. I know my limits and I think even formal classes would only help with expertise, but not time or equipment. Having said that, I have just spent a huge number of hours repainting my camper......
Do you have a suitable vehicle to work on??? Have you completed basic servicing like oil changes etc.? I would just start on that and slowly take on bigger and bigger tasks as the need arises. Unless you are wanting to take on a complete basket case?
I 'think' most stuff on classics can be self taught, especially with the amount of resources on the internet now. I accept having a tutor to help 'show-you-how' is a great way of learning and getting confidence levels up.
The one exception is perhaps welding where an evening class is advisable, but I know a few friends who have self taught. I tried and failed to perfect welding so just pay someone now. I suspect my perseverence was poor, but I blamed the kit I had instead......
I will tackle 'most' minor jobs on my rolling restoration classic camper, getting more confident over the years. Although I still avoid brakes (don't ask!!), welding and major engine-out type work - just don't have the time, expertise or equipment to do it at home. I know my limits and I think even formal classes would only help with expertise, but not time or equipment. Having said that, I have just spent a huge number of hours repainting my camper......
Do you have a suitable vehicle to work on??? Have you completed basic servicing like oil changes etc.? I would just start on that and slowly take on bigger and bigger tasks as the need arises. Unless you are wanting to take on a complete basket case?
OP what is your skill level now, can you do basic servicing or are you happy with larger jobs bit want to expand your knowledge/confidence.
With a good workspace and the right tools its easy enough to learn by yourself at home, even easier these days as there seems to be a youtube video on just about everything.
With a good workspace and the right tools its easy enough to learn by yourself at home, even easier these days as there seems to be a youtube video on just about everything.
I love cars both classics and more modern but have almost no knowledge of mechanical and bodywork side of things.
I know the terms and roughly where to look but that’s it.
A course would be good but I’d have to travel from leeds to Manchester. Just concerned about my age really and the way the motoring world is heading.
I know the terms and roughly where to look but that’s it.
A course would be good but I’d have to travel from leeds to Manchester. Just concerned about my age really and the way the motoring world is heading.
sat1983 said:
Are there any around the Leeds area? Can’t seem to find any.
Also worried as I’m 39 and concerned about being with a load of spotty teenagers in the classroom!
!
I think you mislead yourself about yoofs! I retired at 64 from my professional job, and went back to college for two years on a BTEC car maintenance course for school leavers, training them to go into the garage industry. They looked at me at first as if I'd escaped from the zoo, but soon made me one of them, and I had a great time back at school. Spotty teenagers are OK, especially the ones who are there to learn. Also worried as I’m 39 and concerned about being with a load of spotty teenagers in the classroom!
!
John
Leeds College of Technology , ( Dewsbury Road campus ), used to run courses. I did an MVE nvq after leaving school as it was a pre requisite to sitting the Restoration course.
I really enjoyed it and the tutors were great...Unfortunately personal circumstance and the need to earn money saw me leave before completing year two of the resto course..I wish I'd stuck at it but I was 17 and it seemed there was old fellas around that could make an e-type tub in an afternoon from sheet steel whilst I was just getting to learn the basics after a couple of years...It seemed all the money was down south and that I was likely to end up painting crashed Fiestas rather than stripping Cobras etc..
I'd love to give it another go but can't afford to now and have decided to tinker as a hobby instead..
As others have mentioned I found it was the panel fabrication that was hardest..It's a really enjoyable process but something that needs a lot of guidance and practice to get good at..
Not sure if they still run it but well worth a look...
Good luck..
I really enjoyed it and the tutors were great...Unfortunately personal circumstance and the need to earn money saw me leave before completing year two of the resto course..I wish I'd stuck at it but I was 17 and it seemed there was old fellas around that could make an e-type tub in an afternoon from sheet steel whilst I was just getting to learn the basics after a couple of years...It seemed all the money was down south and that I was likely to end up painting crashed Fiestas rather than stripping Cobras etc..
I'd love to give it another go but can't afford to now and have decided to tinker as a hobby instead..
As others have mentioned I found it was the panel fabrication that was hardest..It's a really enjoyable process but something that needs a lot of guidance and practice to get good at..
Not sure if they still run it but well worth a look...
Good luck..
Andy Kissack was a tutor when I was there, ( along with Mick Moorhouse and Dave Selby who were awesome ). Looks like he's running panel courses which might be worth a look..., ( and then seek out paint , electrical, other courses )?
https://www.thewheelingmachinecollege.com/courses
https://www.thewheelingmachinecollege.com/courses
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff