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Restoration Courses?

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bash

bash

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I recently moved to New Jersey (from England) and I miss my European sized cars. I also need a hobby, and I have always wanted to take an old Triumph and bring it back to life. My problem is that although I am reasonably capable with the mechanical side, I spent a fortune on bodywork because I have always been afraid to try welding (or anything else bodywork related). I recently read in Practical Classics magazine of restoration courses available in England - does anyone know of something similar in America? I have found an Auto Body course at my local community college, but I amnot sure how relevant it will be to an old Triumph. Anyone ever done one of these courses?

Thanks. And yes, this is my first post, so please be gentle...
 
Welcome to the forum!! You have picked the best forum on the web to join. This is the best group of people you could wish to meet. Actually, the best person to tell you this is Nial, (Aeronca65t), he is from New Jersey and is a university professor. He knows about local community colleges and I believe there is one offering that sort of thing. Nothing like that here unfortunately.

Where in England are you from? There are a few of us expats on here.
 
One of the best programs in the country is at McPherson College, McPherson, KS. They specialize in restoration of old cars. While I realize that this is a long way from where you are, they do offer summer courses that might be just what you need.
 
Wish I could do that, but the wife would KILL me if I told her we were going to Kansas for vacation. Don't get me wrong I loved living at Ft Levenworth as a kid, but I think she wants the beach. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Where in NJ did you move to? I Lived in NJ for the first 25 years of my life. I would not say it is a classic car friendly state. I searched all over to find auto repair courses to no avail. PA has a lot more tech schools, that at least offer body courses.

Your best bet is to shell out for a car that may need some mechanical help, but its body is relatively straight. I got lucky, I don't do bodywork, but the frame is straight on my TR as it came from Texas long ago. Northeast cars don't tend to fair as well, unless it is a garage find.

You may want to consider joining my Triumph club, the Delaware Valley Triumphs. We have several members in Southern and western NJ.

delvaltrs.org

Before purchasing a car, have a Triumph looked at by an experienced enthusiast. There are many in my club who would be happy to look at a car with you. (myself included)

Also, here is an interesting group, based in Central Jersey you may be able to get some help from. The positive Earth drivers club

https://www.pedc.org/
 
Thanks for the replies. I am originally from Leeds and now live in Somerset NJ. I will certainly join a club before I buy anything - I made the mistake of buying a TR7 without any advice when I was younger (and just as foolish!), and I spent four years getting it into the condition I thought it was in when I bought it... I may have to put my car plans on hold for a while, though - my wife has apparently decided that new windows and siding would be a better investment. Insanity!!
 
Bash

I am from NJ too. Local Vo-tech schools do offer night classes with autobody 101, welding, and so on.
I am about an hour from you down in Toms River. I know Ocean County Vo-tech offers these courses. In fact one of my buddies who has a bunch of MGs and E type Jaguars is a vo tech teacher. (he has the kids work on his car parts)
There are a couple of clubs too. Positive Earth Drivers Club is an all British club based in central NJ. BMC (British Motor Club) is more of a south west jersey club. And the Philly area MG and TR clubs are also about an hour away.
I hang with the Philly guys alot.
But if you need assistance checking out any British car, let me know. Heck, I have a couple for sale all the time. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Frank
 
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