The Ford Barn

dan · 02-15-2014, 08:50 AM

Just checking in again, from McPherson, KS and McPherson College

Things are going well. This semester I'm taking engine rebuilding and restoration research/documentation.

So far, rebuilding has been mostly theory, but we're scheduled to get into the lab and start working on engines next week. Students are encouraged to bring in their own engines to work on; I haven't decided if I'm going to drag my "spare" motor in or not. Most of the students have 50s/60s engines (v8s, in the main), so my little L-head four would at least be something different. It looks like most of the work will be basic overhaul tasks like value jobs, rings, etc. Pretty cool stuff to be doing first hand.

The documentation class is about documenting a restoration and also about researching rare makes and the parts needed to restore them. That also looks to be pretty cool--I'm interested in almost any Pre-war cars, and those are the most likely to fall into the "obscure" category.

Anyway, am still getting used to being here (8 months into it) and seeing snow on the ground. But am really enjoying school and all I'm learning.

kenparker · 02-15-2014, 08:56 AM

From an old teachers standpoint. It gets exciting when I see a young person (or any age person) get excited about learning , especially when learning about our old cars, which to me is a part of history. Stay with it Dan - it even gets better. ken

dan · 02-23-2014, 07:02 PM

Here are some pictures from Friday's class

Cylinder boring

This small blck Chevy motor has spent a good deal of time outdoors. Actually, a lot of the parts they teach on are donated to the college

Valve seat grinding

Here's the grinding bench for grinding valve seats. It's a pretty complete setup.

Valve guide knurling

Some days it's hard to believe that this is school

This was pretty

1930artdeco · 02-23-2014, 09:15 PM

Envy here on my end. I wish I could go back to school there. Good luck and don't have to much fun.

Mike

tbirdtbird · 02-23-2014, 09:38 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

be sure to check out the library there it is awesome. have fun. my nephew grad from there and is doing well in his own business
The metals guy is awesome, also the electrical guy (Joe) who is a retired EE from NASA with a couple old cars. Amongst other things he will teach you how to restore dash gauges

02-15-2014, 08:50 AM	#1
dan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: McPherson, KS Posts: 197	Another School update Just checking in again, from McPherson, KS and McPherson College Things are going well. This semester I'm taking engine rebuilding and restoration research/documentation. So far, rebuilding has been mostly theory, but we're scheduled to get into the lab and start working on engines next week. Students are encouraged to bring in their own engines to work on; I haven't decided if I'm going to drag my "spare" motor in or not. Most of the students have 50s/60s engines (v8s, in the main), so my little L-head four would at least be something different. It looks like most of the work will be basic overhaul tasks like value jobs, rings, etc. Pretty cool stuff to be doing first hand. The documentation class is about documenting a restoration and also about researching rare makes and the parts needed to restore them. That also looks to be pretty cool--I'm interested in almost any Pre-war cars, and those are the most likely to fall into the "obscure" category. Anyway, am still getting used to being here (8 months into it) and seeing snow on the ground. But am really enjoying school and all I'm learning.

02-15-2014, 08:56 AM	#2
kenparker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Van, Texas Posts: 1,122	Re: Another School update From an old teachers standpoint. It gets exciting when I see a young person (or any age person) get excited about learning , especially when learning about our old cars, which to me is a part of history. Stay with it Dan - it even gets better. ken

02-23-2014, 07:02 PM	#3
dan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: McPherson, KS Posts: 197	Re: Another School update Here are some pictures from Friday's class Cylinder boring This small blck Chevy motor has spent a good deal of time outdoors. Actually, a lot of the parts they teach on are donated to the college Valve seat grinding Here's the grinding bench for grinding valve seats. It's a pretty complete setup. Valve guide knurling Some days it's hard to believe that this is school This was pretty

02-23-2014, 09:15 PM	#4
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,550	Re: Another School update Envy here on my end. I wish I could go back to school there. Good luck and don't have to much fun. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

02-23-2014, 09:38 PM	#5
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Another School update Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) be sure to check out the library there it is awesome. have fun. my nephew grad from there and is doing well in his own business The metals guy is awesome, also the electrical guy (Joe) who is a retired EE from NASA with a couple old cars. Amongst other things he will teach you how to restore dash gauges __________________ '31 180A