Classic Car Restauration Courses

Author
Discussion

Alex Gurr

Original Poster:

420 posts

247 months

Wednesday 29th August 2007
quotequote all
Guys,

I am hoping that you might be able to help me. Do any of you know of any recommended/recognised classic car restoration courses? My day job is pretty full on, but I am keen to get my hands dirtier than operating a computer currently allows and want to do something part time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex

Edited by Alex Gurr on Wednesday 29th August 11:25


Edited by Alex Gurr on Wednesday 29th August 11:25

williamp

19,262 posts

273 months

Wednesday 29th August 2007
quotequote all
Alex Gurr said:
Guys,

I am hoping that you might be able to help me. Do any of you know of any recommended/recognised classic car restauration courses? My day job is pretty full on, but I am keen to get my hands dirtier than operating a computer currently allows and want to do something part time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex
Often the local authority will offer somehting similar in night school. Try looking for "car restoration" and you might find it....

MiniLiz

148 posts

222 months

Wednesday 29th August 2007
quotequote all
Stoke-on-Trent College offer one on Saturday mornings over four terms covering
Fabrication
Paint
Engine
Chassis
£75 a term last time I looked. OH and I are about to start our fourth term.

Huntsman

8,054 posts

250 months

Wednesday 29th August 2007
quotequote all
Alex Gurr said:
Guys,

I am hoping that you might be able to help me. Do any of you know of any recommended/recognised classic car restoration courses? My day job is pretty full on, but I am keen to get my hands dirtier than operating a computer currently allows and want to do something part time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex

Edited by Alex Gurr on Wednesday 29th August 11:25


Edited by Alex Gurr on Wednesday 29th August 11:25
I suppose you should focus on one particular skill first...like panel beating and welding, or trimming or painting.

I tinker with old cars every spare minute, I have body work hence chose my cars carefully, the e type had had a 10k body restoration but the bill went unpaid so it was sold on, the MGA was a dry state USA car...

Think which part you might most enjoy.


Alex Gurr

Original Poster:

420 posts

247 months

Friday 31st August 2007
quotequote all
Thanks guys.

Basically my job is desk based and I want to do something that is going to allow me to get my hands dirty again. Having the Griff helps as there is always something that needs doing, but I would like to get some sort of qualification out of it and use it as an opportunity to meet new people. I was just wondering whether there were certain courses that were recognised as signifficantly better than others.

Many thanks,

Alex

eccles

13,740 posts

222 months

Saturday 1st September 2007
quotequote all
the course i've seen advertised are usually non vocational (i.e no qualifications/certificates at the end) all the course that tend to lead to proper qualifications tend to be full time. my mate did one of these full time courses many years ago at colchester institute.

Futuramic

1,763 posts

205 months

Thursday 20th September 2007
quotequote all
I'm on my second term of the new restoration course at Colchester Institute. Unfortunately you've probably missed the boat as regards this year; but I'm sure there will be another starting next September. The second year is a lot more advanced, and is really for those who have skills already or have completed year one. However the first year provides an excellent basis for restoration, teaching welding, panel beating and painting.

alsaautomotive

684 posts

200 months

Friday 21st September 2007
quotequote all
Gonna be controversial here!
You're best bet is to find a good (and be warned there ain't many) restoration shop close to you, get to know the owner, put in some voluntary time there hands on & get to know what areas are of interest to you & best suit your skills.
If you are prepared to show some enthusiasm & an ability to learn on the job it is the best grounding you will get.
With no disrespect intended to the previous poster studying at Colchester, but I have employed a few guys from there & haven't been terribly impressed I'm afraid.
(BTW if you want to check out how qualified I am to make these comments please bear with my website as it's being re-done at this very moment!!!)

alsaautomotive

684 posts

200 months

Wednesday 26th September 2007
quotequote all
Website's back if anyone's interestedthumbup

eccles

13,740 posts

222 months

Wednesday 26th September 2007
quotequote all
alsaautomotive said:
Website's back if anyone's interestedthumbup
i knew a bloke called alun milshire from south wales many years ago..... i think his old man worked with my old man at BT.....

alsaautomotive

684 posts

200 months

Saturday 29th September 2007
quotequote all
eccles said:
alsaautomotive said:
Website's back if anyone's interestedthumbup
i knew a bloke called alun milshire from south wales many years ago..... i think his old man worked with my old man at BT.....
Mail me?thumbup