Students in the Berks Career and Technology Center’s Transportation Cluster will continue to have the opportunity to prepare for a career in the automotive restoration and customizing industry through two vehicles that have been purchased with support from the Collectors Foundation. These latest vehicles follow the successful restoration and customization of a 1966 Ford Mustang and a 1937 Chevy Roadster pickup truck.
The West Campus in Leesport purchased a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. The vehicle was purchased from a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology who was also involved with the Collectors Foundation. The college offers a restoration program and also partners with the Collectors Foundation. The vehicle will undergo a complete frame off restoration with the majority of the sheet metal from the doors rearward being replaced. While the Chevelle will be restored, it will also be tastefully customized using modern drive train components and a modern paint scheme while maintaining stylistic integrity.
The East Campus in Oley purchased a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. The car was located by Robert Lis, a member of BCTC’s Collectors Foundation Advisory Committee. The students will disassemble and perform all body repairs and refinish the entire vehicle. Students will restore the interior components as well as overhaul the suspension and drive train components. Students will learn many aspects of automotive repair through this project including fiberglass repair, interior repair, suspension and brake systems as well as refinishing techniques using waterborne paint systems. The goal will be to use environmentally friendly products throughout the project.
The projects will be a shared experience across the automotive programs at BCTC and will provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while gaining valuable insight into careers in vehicle restoration and customization.
The Collectors Foundation, headquartered in Traverse City, Mich., is an educational grant-making organization funded by collector vehicle and classic boat enthusiasts to serve youth development and the long-term interests of the collector vehicle and classic boat communities. The partnership has enabled BCTC to increase students’ awareness of the opportunities that exist at both the hobby and career levels for automotive restoration and custom car building.
