AR Summer Institute

A course that examines the operation, diagnosis, and rebuilding of common automatic transmissions.  Designed for an intermediate-level enthusiast, this course briefly examines drivetrain fundamentals before moving into the fundamental concepts and then application of the principles and design of automatic transmissions.  Simple, Simpson, Ravigneaux and LePelletier gear trains are all examined, with lab examples for each.  Students may bring their own transmissions if cleared and planned with the instructor prior to attendance.  Lab projects and demonstration transmissions are available for use, including examples such as a Ford C4 or C6, Chrysler 904/727, or General Motors TH350 or TH400.  Lectures include time on torque converters, power flows, apply devices, hydraulic control circuits, and fluids.

Day 1:

• Classroom: Drivetrain Fundamentals, Torque Converters.
• Lab: Begin transmission disassembly

Day 2:

• Classroom: Gear Trains and Power Flows.
• Lab: Continue transmission inspection and teardown

Day 3:

• Classroom: Apply devices, fluids.
• Lab: Transmission assembly.

Day 4:

• Classroom: Hydraulic control circuits.
• Lab: Transmission assembly.

Day 5:

• Classroom: Wrap up.
• Lab: Pressure and road testing.

Discover the fundamentals of automotive electrical systems. Gain knowledge of the use of basic electrical tools such as voltmeters, ammeters, and multimeters. Included in the class is an introduction to oscilloscopes for advanced diagnostics. Explore and practice diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of automotive DC circuits. Learn by hands-on practice finding opens, shorts and miswired circuits, etc. Also, repairs of starters, generators, alternators, spark ignition systems, and wiring. Learn and understand the necessary theory of current, voltage, and Ohm’s law to diagnose and repair these components. Gain an understanding of electricity without complicated math or mythology.

Automotive woodworking usually involves replacing sections of rotted wood on pre-‘30s cars or making a “woodie” from scratch. This class will focus more on the wood replacement topic than scratch-building a body, but most techniques used for the former also apply to the latter.

During this class, we will make a 1929 Stutz Blackhawk rear door frame from plans (a project representative of most construction in automotive coachwork from pre-1930). This project will require project planning, material selection, glue-ups, woodworking machines, hand tool use, and finishing. The completed door frame will be perfect for making a skin in advanced sheet metal, by the way. No previous woodworking experience is necessary.

A course for all things related to vintage brakes.  From mechanical to hydraulic systems, this course covers the rebuilding, adjustment, diagnosis and repair of all types of braking systems.  Students will work on projects provided by the College, including mechanical brakes on a Model A Ford, early Lockheed style hydraulic drum brakes, Bendix dual servo type brakes, and finally disc brakes.  Master cylinders, power boosters, hydraulic lines and hoses, wheel bearings and related components will be discussed and real-world examples provided both in a classroom and shop environment.

Students may bring brake components for rebuilding, though are not required to do so.

Day 1: 

• Classroom:  Fundamentals of braking, mechanical brakes.
• Lab:  Model A Brake Adjustment

Day 2:

• Classroom:  Brake hydraulics, lines and hoses, brake bleeding.
• Lab:  Hydraulics, early Lockheed drum brakes

Day 3:

• Classroom:  Drum Brakes, Wheel Bearings.
• Lab:  Bendix dual servo drum brakes

Day 4:

• Classroom:  Disc Brakes, Power Boosters.
• Lab:  Disc Brakes

Day 5: 

• Conclusions, brake testing and diagnosis.

Participants will learn how to produce parts utilizing Onshape 3D design software. The necessary steps to reproduce rare, nonexistent, and custom parts will be covered. We will utilize 3D printers, but will also look at other fabrication processes. Each student will have the opportunity to design parts and tools that will then be 3D printed.

Students are also welcome and encouraged to have personal projects that they can design and print. No prior 3D modeling or 3D printing experience is necessary, but basic computer skills such as using the mouse is helpful.

• 3D printer and slicer basic operation
• Designing, printing and preparing patterns for sand casting and lost PLA investment casting.
• Designing metal shaping tooling including dimple dies, forming dies, and bead roller dies.
• Design parts that can then be produced utilizing CNC fabrication processes such as milling,
• plasma cutting, routing, etc.
• Basic CAM (computer aided manufacture) for milling operations
• 3D printer and filament types

Each morning and afternoon will begin with a lecture, demonstration, and discussion time.  After this, students will have time to work on individual projects. During each day, we will also include a demonstration of tools we make or process that 3D drafting is the foundation of.

The demonstrations include:

• 3D printed tool testing – tap holder
• 3D printed dimple dies
• 3D printed bead roller dies
• 3D printed stamping dies
• Operating a CNC mill
• Sand Casting using a 3D printed model

Day 1:

• Onshape Introduction Lecture/Discussion
• Lab – Personal Projects
• 3D Printing Lecture/Discussion
• 3D printed tool demonstration and Lab – Personal Projects

Day 2:

• Sketch Tools Lecture/Discussion
• Lab – Personal Projects
• Forming Dies Lecture/Discussion
• 3D printed dimple dies and bead roller dies demonstration and
• Lab – Personal Projects

Day 3:

• Feature Tools Lecture/Discussion
• Lab – Personal Projects
• Custom Features/Navigating/Casting Lecture/Discussion
• 3D printed stamping dies demonstration and Lab – Personal Projects

Day 4:

• Surface Modeling Lecture/Discussion
• Lab – Personal Projects
• Drawings/Filaments Lecture/Discussion
• CNC mill demonstration and Lab  – Personal Projects

Day 5:

• Printer Types Lecture/Discussion
• Sand Casting with a 3D printed pattern and Lab – Personal Projects
• Lab – Personal Projects

Computers, printers, and basic measuring tools will be provided for participants. If designing a personal project I would recommend bringing the actual item, relevant measurements or a measured drawing.

This class starts with the theory and operation of drivetrain components, including clutches, manual transmissions, drive shafts, differentials, and rear ends.  After covering the functioning principles, students will have the opportunity to go through the rebuilding process in the lab. Provided lab projects cover a wide range of years and technologies. (1920’s – 1970’s and beyond)  Students will also have the opportunity to install a transmission and clutch assembly on a stand-mounted engine. Participants have the opportunity to bring in personal drivetrain components that they can work on during lab time. Throughout the week, we will cover disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, reassembly, and setup for drivetrain components.

• Clutch assembly theory diagnosis, and repair
• Driveshaft and torque tube theory diagnosis and repair
• Manual transmissions – sliding gear to synchronized
• Rear end and differentials – Banjo to Hypoid rear ends

Note that students can utilize all the lab time working on personal projects or desired drivetrain components.

Day 1:

• Manual Transmission Lecture/Discussion
• Model A Transmission Lab
• Clutch and Linkage Lecture/Discussion
• Manual Transmission Lab

Day 2:

• Differential Lecture/Discussion
• Rear Axle Lab
• Axles and IRS Lecture/Discussion
• Rear Axle Lab

Day 3:

• Banjo Rear Ends Lecture/Discussion
• Transmission Removal Lecture/Discussion
• Lab
• Driveshafts Lecture/Discussion
• U-Joint Lab

Day 4:

• Model T Transmission and Axle Lecture/Discussion
• Lab
• Overdrive Lecture/Discussion
• Lab

Day 5:

• Odd Drivetrains Lecture/Discussion Lab
• Lab

Basic drivetrain specialty tools and hand tools are provided. Safety glasses, hearing protection, and rubber gloves are also available. Students will need to provide parts for any personal projects that they work on during the week.

This hands-on engine rebuilding course is designed for hobbyists. It begins with diagnosing engine problems, focusing on mechanical issues to identify necessary repairs. After diagnosis, the course covers proper disassembly, inspection, and measurement techniques to determine the required machine shop operations. Participants will then move on to correctly assembling the engines, inspecting clearances, and adjusting to factory specifications as needed. The course will culminate with running one of the rebuilt engines, emphasizing proper setup, startup, and break-in procedures.

Day 1:

• Introductions
• Refresh on the operation of the four-stroke engine
• Diagnosis of the engine looking at the mechanical health.

Day 2: With engines provided.

• Disassemble
• Measure, and analyze wear areas on provided engines
• Make decisions on needed machine shop operations
• Develop a parts list

Days 3-4:

• Assemble cylinder heads
• Install cam bearings and cam
• Install crankshaft
• Install pistons
• Install heads
• Install valve train

Day 5:

• The class will do setup on one of the engines that was rebuilt in the class.
• Startup and break in the engine on the dynamometer or run-stand.

Learn how to get your classic running smoothly when it doesn’t start, and how to keep it that way! This class focuses on three key diagnostic and repair areas: mechanical, ignition, and fuel systems. While primarily using ‘60s engines for demonstrations, you’ll see how the technology applies across different generations of engines.

We will begin by troubleshooting the engine’s mechanical condition and verifying its integrity through compression and leak-down testing. These fundamentals will serve as the foundation for the rest of the course.

Next, we will explore the basic operation of the ignition system and the interaction of its components. Diagnostic procedures will utilize a range of tools, from engine scopes and digital multimeters to simple test lights. Topics will include inspecting and adjusting ignition points, ignition timing, vacuum advance, and mechanical advance.

Once the ignition system is set, we’ll move on to the fuel system. You will learn how the basic components of the carburetor work together to ensure the proper fuel mixture. By disassembling and reassembling carburetors, you’ll gain hands-on experience with bench adjustments and repair techniques. After this, we’ll install the carburetors for final adjustments and test them on a running engine. Additionally, you’ll learn to use a gas analyzer and other basic tools for precise tuning.

Day 1: Introduction, fundamentals, basic engine mechanical diagnostics

Day 2: Ignition Systems

Days 3-4: Carburetor and Fuel Delivery

Day 5: Conclusion

This class is designed to teach the basics of operating a toolroom lathe to make replacement parts for your project vehicle. The first day or two will be heavy on classroom time to build knowledge and transition to mostly machine-time as the week progresses. We will make at least three projects, which are representative of common repairs needed in restoration. No prior machining experience is required.

Your instructor for this class will teach you to:

• Use a Southbend toolroom lathe to make cylindrical parts – we will make: (1) a 5-step 4140 steel shaft with external threads on both ends, (2) a 2-step 4140 steel shaft with internal and external threads, and (3) a bronze bushing
• Precision measure with an outside micrometer, depth micrometer, Vernier caliper, Vernier height gauge, and telescoping gauges
• Grind a high-speed steel tool to use on the lathe
• Single-point thread on the lathe (including left-hand threads)
• Drill and bore on the lathe
• Power tap on the lathe
• Oxide surface-finish steel
• Read blueprint drawings

“The last 10% of a restoration.”

In this class, we’ll work on many of the projects that are required to complete the details of a total restoration. We’ll straighten bright-work such as brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. We’ll practice the buffing and polishing steps for the same bright-work. We’ll perform various techniques for applying pin-striping. We will apply different types of plating-nickel, copper, and copy-cadmium. We will make simple patterns, sand molds, and cast parts in aluminum. We’ll create simple rubber molds for reproducing parts. Then we’ll pour the plastic parts using rubber molds. We’ll practice different techniques for replicating wood-graining from the 1920s-1950s. All these processes will be taught with the home hobbyist in mind.

Participants are welcome to bring parts to work on for some of the processes. The instructor will contact everyone with more information before the class. Each topic will be demonstrated, then time allowed for participants to practice each and review previous techniques covered throughout the week. Participants are welcome to bring simple pieces of brass, aluminum, or stainless-steel trim to work on. They can also bring simple parts to sand cast or create with rubber molds.

This class is designed to teach the fundamental principles in automotive paint application. Topics include sheet metal preparation, preparation of existing paints, application and use of primers, block sanding, application of topcoat paints, color/wet sanding, polishing, paint gun setup, air tool and compressor selection, and paint material usage on various parts of the automobile. Through the week, two test panels are painted with an emphasis on proper paint application techniques, which are administered through both classroom teaching and lab experience. The first test panel will be used for the application of single-stage paint, while the second test panel will be used for the application of basecoat and clear coat materials. This class aims to prepare participants to begin entry-level painting procedures and not larger, more advanced painting projects. Ample time is built into the week to answer questions related to the class work, personal projects, and for general paint-related discussions.

Students will need to supply their own organic vapor paint mask, but all other personal protective equipment and tools will be provided.

Day 1:
Lecture, test panel #1 preparation and spraying of initial primer layers.

Day 2:
Block sanding primer, spraying second coat of high build primer, final sanding on primer, spraying top coat materials.

Day 3:
Test panel #2 preparation, spraying of initial primer layers, block sanding primer, spraying of second coat of high build primer.

Day 4:
Final sanding on primer, spraying top coat materials, wet/color sanding and polishing of test panel #1.

Day 5:
Wet/color sanding and polishing of test panel #2 and/or completion of test panel #1.

This class moves beyond the fundamental principles of paint application and into more advanced painting experiences by refinishing several new-in-box pedal cars. Participants are typically divided into teams of two or three and will complete the necessary body work (metal and filler work), primer applications, sanding procedures, and application of top coat materials. This project incorporates multiples colors and best taping practices using a basecoat/clear coat system. The work on this project begins right away on Monday morning and typically concludes on Friday morning or early afternoon. The purpose of this class is to instill confidence and prepare participants for larger and/or more advanced projects upon returning home.

An introduction to the welding, cutting, and metal shaping processes used to repair antique automobile sheet metal. Learn oxy-acetylene welding, brazing, torch cutting, spot-welding, MIG and TIG welding, and plasma cutting. Explore metal shaping using hand tools, shrinker/stretchers, the English wheel, bead roller, and Pullmax machine. Dent repair, heat shrinking, lead body solder application, weld finishing, and patch panel fabrication/replacement are also covered.

Day 1:
Cover oxy-acetylene torch welding to familiarize students with the effects of heat on sheet metal. Explore metal shaping techniques to make one or more patch panels.

Day 2:
Learn TIG welding and MIG welding. Instructor demonstrates other processes from course description as desired by the class so that students can work on those independently.

Day 3:
Apply welding techniques to patch panels from Day 1. Learn how to grind and finish welds.

Day 4:
Explore heat distortion and how to correct it. Learn heat shrinking and dent repair.

Day 5:
Students can participate in a more involved patch panel exercise designed by the course instructor to bring together the lessons of the week. Alternatively, students can practice welding, they can work independently on a personal project, or the instructor can go over other processes from the course description as desired. A personal project is defined as something one person can carry into the building, such as a fender, door, hood, or similar object.

A highly individualized course of study for the serious hobbyist. Course content varies according to needs of participants. Topics covered typically include advanced metal shaping and fabrication techniques, copying shapes and making patterns, welding multi-piece panels. Extended time working on a personal project if desired. Must have taken Sheet Metal Restoration from Ed Barr. Students are encouraged to bring a project after consulting with instructor, Ed Barr [email protected].

Examples of personal projects include a selection of dented or rusty panels from a project car, a fabrication project based on a drawing or student-built wood buck, or similar reasonably sized undertaking. Students who are unable to bring a project can work with the instructor to design a course of study that will best meet their needs.

Daily Schedule: Personalized to each class participant.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of automotive upholstery restoration and replacement. Industrial sewing machines will be used to learn the basics of constructing interior components such as seats (including various types of seams, piping, & seat cover styles), and door panels. To learn the construction techniques, a packet of sewing exercises will be given to each participant.  Each exercise will be demonstrated by the instructor and then participants will be given time in the lab to practice with the instructor’s guidance.  After the exercises are completed, participants will be given the opportunity to design and construct a small seat cushion. In addition to lab time, time will also be spent in the classroom going over the history and various materials and processes (e.g. upholstery fabrics, tools, foundations, pattern making, headliner installation) of automotive trim work.

Day 1:

Morning

• Classroom: Automotive Interior Design History
• Lab Demonstration: Sewing Machine Setup

Afternoon

• Classroom: Sewing Basics
• Lab: Single Reinforced and French Seam Demonstration

Day 2:

Morning

• Classroom: Automotive Trim Cover Materials
• Lab: Piping Demonstration

Afternoon

• Classroom: Suppliers, Automotive Trim Tools, Seat Foundations
• Lab: Seat Cover Panel Demonstration

Day 3:

Morning

• Classroom: Pattern Making and Assembly Sequences, Seat Cover Styles
• Lab: Work Time

Afternoon

• Classroom: Custom Seats
• Lab: Roll and Pleat Demonstration

Day 4:

Morning

• Classroom: Headliner Installation
• Lab: Small Door Panel Demonstration

Afternoon

• Classroom: Mercedes- Benz 300 S Project
• Lab: Work Time

Day 5:

Lab work time!

Participants in this class will spend their week exclusively in the trim lab fine-tuning their automotive trim and upholstery skills. Because of the expectation that participants have sewing and upholstery experience before enrolling in the class, it is requested that participants will have taken the fundamental Automotive Trim and Upholstery class previously.

It is encouraged that participants bring a personal automotive trim project from home for this week, but it is not required.

Lab demonstrations and guidance during the week will be tailored to participant’s projects as needed.