ntx_gearhead said:
but like you i wanna own my own place someday... how well did u like the programs?
The thing that impressed me most about WyoTech in Laramie was that the instructors were, with rare exception, very passionate about their jobs, and their facets of the industry.
As a long-time hot rodder wannabe, I'd done the basics from tuneups to headers, lots of bolt in applications and upgrades (ie: tranny swaps, not rebuilds, or custom mounted applications / custom modifications), so I had a good handle on tools & how to research and figure things out.
The basic Automotive Technology course was too oriented toward working in a modern dealership for me, although it was very helpful when my first gig was as a mechanic at a Land Rover Dealership in Denver. Lots of principle and theory and application on various injection systems and computer controlled systems, which is essential for working on modern vehicles, but pretty useless on all my pre-1980 projects (which is what I try to stay with by preference).
The transmissions class was excellent, as was the basic suspension class (alignments & chassis / suspension designs on everything from Model A's to C5 corvettes and 1-ton trucks). Hands on 727 rebuild, modern transaxle R&R & rebuild, axles, etc, along with modification and dyno testing.
The real goal, and the fun, came in the Street Rod & Auto Custom class. Basically, you either focus on body or 'other'. I'm an other guy, and spent the majority of my time in engine building and chassis design. You have to do some of both focuses, but will definately pursue one to a much greater extent. The many classroom hours on multi-stage paint jobs, etc, were lost on me, as I just don't get into that.
You'll gain a bunch of knowedge in the Auto Tech program, but mostly just an 'outline', so too speak, that you'll fill in when you focus on one area or another of the industry. You'll come out with a great general knowledge and the basics needed to pursue any facet further. I still have 6 2.5" binders of handouts and notes that I refer to on occasion, especially when helping out a friend with a 'modern' rig.
If it hasn't changed too much, you'll want to bring a project with you to Street Rod & Auto Custom (or Hot Rod U), along with a good plan for that project and a budget for parts and materials. I did not, and ended up working on a lot of fellow students' & local racers' projects (built 10-pt cage for a '71 Nova, tubbed a '57 Chevy, built all mounts for Hemi powertrain in a '47 Dodge, shaved a '70 C10, turned 4 door Caprice into a long-doored 2-door, custom tube headers, 4-link and girdled 9", etc, etc.) Could have gotten a lot done on a project of my own, with some other student help, and under watchful helpful eyes, if I'd known ahead of time.
Head Instructor of SR&AC was building a Mach I for the Silver State Classic. 7 lb hammer formed aluminum dash, 427 Clevor, tube chassis, etc, etc. So the passion came from the top and could be seen throughout.
Hope that helps. Best of luck!
