Western Nevada College debuts auto restoration class

Imagine taking a class where one learns to restore a classic 1953 Cadillac convertible, 1965 Ford Mustang and 1952 Willys Jeep. Impossible in our area? Not any more.

Western Nevada College’s Automotive Mechanics program provides unique instruction in automotive restoration, and for the first time they will be offering it as a class: Special Topics in Automotive Mechanics (AUTO 198).

“We’re going to involve engine repair, the chassis, brakes, steering, suspension and the body shop classes at night to incorporate the body work through them,” said WNC Automotive Mechanics instructor Jason Spohr.

Local developer Garth Richards provided the classic Cadillac to the college for the restoration class.

Spohr said his Auto Mechanics students restored a 1965 Ford Mustang last year and are currently restoring a 1952 Willys Jeep, including installing a new 350 Chevy engine and Turbo 350 transmission.

Spohr hopes to get at least 10 students for the three-unit class that will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If potential class members have a vehicle they want to restore, Spohr said they are welcome to bring it to class. Students don’t need any prerequisite courses to take the class.

Among the other cars the class will work on in the fall is a 1969 Camaro with a 396 engine.

“If somebody does have a vehicle to restore, we’ll look at it and see what we can do,” Spohr said. “It’s not out of the question to bring in their own car, but because of space, we’ll focus on cars we have in there now.”

For more information about the class, contact Spohr at Jason.Spohr@wnc.edu or 775-445-4270. The class begins Tuesday, Aug. 29.