02/21/2007: "High School Auto Mechanics Class Rebuilds 78 Chev"

By: Ann Thomas Templeton

ig_CarRepair-1 (52k image) (Clockwise: Brent Owens, Paul, Cliff, Oscar Soto, Matt Funke (under car) -photo: Angela Frye)

Local high school students succeeded on starting the engine of an old 1978 Chevrolet Caprice, the morning of February 16. The purring sound of an old island 1978 Bayliner boat engine used to get the hot rod running captivated students, instructors, and assistants. Every morning for the past seven weeks, volunteers and students restored this vehicle from start to finish at IPS on Carter Avenue.

This was the first Friday Harbor School auto mechanics class taught since the early 1990s. Auto mechanics was one of the many hands-on learning classes offered through the winter term. Such classes allowed students to explore their talents and interests outside required coursework.

Cecil Dent, Cliff Jeffries, and Charlie Meyer are the heroes among local teens. Volunteer instructors, Dent and Jeffries, gave of their time, patience, equipment, and supplies. The '78 Chevrolet Caprice breathed new life after spending years rotting in a field on Glenn Hargrove's property. The car was donated to help students learn how to work on cars. There is a growing demand for skilled auto technicians nationwide.

Dent and Jeffries spent the entire term teaching students basic auto mechanic skills. Hours of instructional preparation took place in the early morning hours prior to class. Cabinet maker, Dent, enjoys restoring cars at his home shop where he rebuilt a 1954 Oldsmobile Coup Convertible. Jeffries was an auto mechanic in the 1940s and ‘50s. He spent twenty-nine years as a high voltage cable splicer. Restoring a 1956 Buick was one of his many projects over the years.

Meyer, IPS owner, provided the space, additional equipment and supplies needed to provide a successful seven week auto mechanics class. David Delazerda served as the technical volunteer and David Stegmena served as the class assistant. Angela Fry, high school Geometry, Physics, and Chemistry teacher, provided support for students as well.

Jeffries credits Charlie Meyer for his willingness to offer a work space for students. "We couldn't have done this without the shop," said Jeffries, "he gave us Bay Three – rent free."

The old high school shop building was the home for industrial arts many years ago. Auto, machine, wood, and welding classes were offered. The school system shut down the program. The building remains standing and is used for silk screening.

A moss covered rooftop and rusted motor parts overwhelmed students the first few days of class. "There is no way we can get this done," said Tyler Brow, senior at Friday
Harbor High School.

However, after a few weeks of reassembling the twenty-nine year old car, students began to motivate one another upon rebuilding the automobile. Removing rust and installing an engine transplanted from a boat were some the challenges teens faced.

"They completely rebuilt the car just as if it were to come out of a factory," said Jeffries. "The kids did a remarkable job."

Volunteer instructors merely scratched the surface on skills involved in learning basic auto mechanics. Jeffries started building cars when he was fifteen years old.

"Kids have the ambition, but lack the guidance to do things," said Jeffries.

Once the hot rod was up and running, the vehicle was driven to his home shop. Several students have volunteered to paint the Chevrolet Caprice's body during winter break. They will receive extra credit for time spent painting the vehicle.

Cliff Jeffries believes our community should support students with hands-on learning opportunities. Linking the community with kids can offer valuable skills needed for future endeavors.

Cecil Dent is gaining popularity among many local teens. He recently formed a local drag racing team. He currently serves as the United States Representative for the Canadian High School Drag Racing Team. A number of secondary schools throughout British Columbia are actively involved. Automotive mechanic students build, maintain, and race vehicles in competitions held at raceways. The BC Secondary School Motor Sports Association is designed to encourage character development, high school completion, and safe, responsible racing. Area youth plan on participating in several drag racing events this spring at Raceway Park in British Columbia. The first event is scheduled on
March 30.

The late Charlie Settles created the original high school drag racing team back in the 1990s. Dent assisted and took over the team after Settler's sudden accidental death and ran the program for several years. FHHS is not affiliated with the drag racing team.

Lynn Meyer, IPS owner, emphasized the importance of students learning vocational skills while in high school. "Auto mechanics is a very meaning profession," said Meyer, "certified automotive technicians (ASE) is a very demanding career where learning is an ongoing process."

Knowledge of computerized shop equipment, constant updates on operating procedures, and mastery of skills with traditional tools can provide a bright future for interested candidates. IPS has difficulty hiring highly qualified technicians on San Juan Island.

Winter term courses may be cancelled for next year, according to Larry Wight, Career and Technical Education Director. The faculty is divided on the need for keeping the program running. They are currently seeking alternatives for next year.

Eighty-five school districts in Washington State are members of a Skills Center Consortium. The centers are an extension to high schools within local regions statewide. There is no cost to students and is funded by the state. Skill centers allow teens to gain knowledge in Technology and Industry, Business and Marketing, Agriculture and Science, and Health and Human Services. Log onto washingtonskillscenter.com for more information.

"The community is encouraged to help teach a variety of classes, assist with senior projects, and provide internship opportunities," said Wight.

Friday Harbor High School plans to reopen the Technology Lab, otherwise known as the old shop building, next fall. Computer Aided Design will be the first class offered to students. Animation, Robotics, and related classes will be offered in the future as well.

After years of dust collecting on old equipment and supplies, many islanders would be delighted to see the shop doors reopen. WASL scores test student academic skills,
hands-on learning tests students on skills needed in business and industry.

"I know there is a huge interest in the community to see it come back," said Wight.