FF Build school

[dwillouby]

Hello, I'm currently building a 35 Hotrod truck. Thought might be good to attend the school for the 33 Hotrod as its similar to the truck. Possibly learn process's and hang out with like minded people. I have a electronics degree and have been a mechanic/machinist, Have built record setting drag race motorcycles. Have built a show winning mid engine V8 powered Porsche. I guess my questions are would it be worthwhile and will we actually build a car fresh off the truck or we just assemble a previously built and dissembled one?
Thanks
David Willouby

[Stangrob]

Hi David,

I was waiting for one of the Hotrod builders to respond. I took the Roadster class so I can give you my two cents as I imagine the experience was similar.

So, unless your class happens to get a brand-new kit you are reassembling a car that was built and subsequently disassembled afterwards by the instructors. I forget how many classes use a car before it gets retired, but the odds are that you'll get a recycled car. Now, that isn't a dig on the process - it's just economics. For example, when fitting the aluminum, the class will still drill some panels. You'll still do your share of riveting. Because it's a three-day class some things are "ready" for installation, such as the gauges in the dash, but you'll go over how best to wire that stuff up. The instructors go through installing fuel and brake lines, and give instruction on proper bending techniques, but you're not installing hard lines.

FWIW I think it's beneficial to go through the class. I've been wrenching on cars for many years, so the "how" wasn't that important to me. The "what" is where I found value. What should I do vs. not, what tips do the instructors have (and there are lots of them), what parts in the kit should I toss and replace. I really was looking for the insights that they have from doing this for umpteen years and building their own cars.

I hope this helps!

Rob

[progmgr1]

I went to the Hot Rod Build School about 10 years ago, but, other than the location, I doubt much has changed. As Stangrob said, you will likely be helping assemble a car that has been built before. Part of the reason for that is to allow the class to skip some of the more tedious steps and compress a months long build into 3 days. IMHO, the real value to the class was all the information that the instructors shared. Everything from recommending tools (and which brands) to make the work easier, to fabrication tips and tricks, to assembly technique suggestions. I typed up my notes after the class and got a full page of knowledge that isn't in the Build Manual or mentioned (recently) on the Forums. Also, you have the opportunity to see / touch / sit in a Hot Rod and learn about all the available options and common modifications. It was a fun and useful experience.

Keith HR #894

[dwillouby]

Well I signed up for the Hotrod build school. Agree it would be very hard to build a virgin car in 3 days, Just too many little things that could slow the process. Most of the fab work and assembly is all straight forward anyway with the real value being with the instructors tips and processes. I am excited and looking forward to the class. Just wish I did this before buying my kit and missing out on the $200.00 completion credit :)
David

[RobHartley]

I used to wrench on cars (74 Capri and 85 VW GTI), and both my adults sons do so on their trucks. The three of us went to the build school for the roadster (with StangRob). It is a great activity to familiarize yourself with all the components, its like a cooking show, as an example; they show you all the pieces for the e-brake handle and how some of it goes together, then they pull out the fully assembled handle and you install it in the car. As Rob said, you'll rivet aluminum to the frame, install rotors and calipers, install a fully wired dash, connect harnesses, put on exhaust, wheels, gas tank, etc... At one point Eric my eldest said "We'll have this built in 3 months" to which I responded "Yeah right, we didn't drill 1500 holes and do all 1500 rivets...."