Art & Inspiration Repurposing old iron

So, a few years ago, I picked up a few Tri-five Chevy's. They were in rough shape, I saved what I could, and was left with this 1957 CARc***.
I don't like to waste anything, so I started thinking outside of the box. Maybe it should end up as yard art, wall art, anything but a trip to the crusher. I decided to get in touch with a friend who teaches at the local high school body shop.
He let me donate the trunk section of the car for a future project. This fall they started this desk project.

 

This is what they have gotten done so far. *Fun fact* this was a REAL 2 door hardtop Bel Air factory V8 car!

 

Practice and skill development where the results mean something.

 

Man, I welded for 3 years in high school and never got to work on anything cool like that.

 

Great way to keep the younger kids interested and learning.

 

So, a little update on the project....the students completed the project. They received first place in the annual Battle of the Build contest put on by one of the local homebuilders ***ociations.

 

I've seen some really cool and creative things built by high school kids for shop/ag/FFA compe***ions. One was a 200 ton press brake that would bend a piece 1/4 x 48"

 

Wow, they did a great job. I like that they kept some of the "patina."

 

They did an absolutely fantastic job. You made a wise decision.

 

Very nice! Some real talent there. It's a shame our school eliminated the metal shop. I don't know what they were thinking. They also eliminated the auto repair cl***es and the traditional photography cl***. The metal shop was quite useful in this ranching community.

 

Yes, I'm a supporter of the technical cl***es in our schools. It's sad to see these programs abandoned.

I was hoping to spark a fire in our younger generation. I grew up in a childhood emersed in old cars and the likes there of. Some don't have that opportunity, so I feel, as car folks, we ought to be advocating our cause. These students get to work and learn on cars everyday, but they are mostly late model collision repair jobs. They need the opportunity to see a vision, and fabricate ideas. The instructor is going to put this desk to use in his cl***room. These students will get to see their custom work everyday.

 

Good on you and them.

 

Really outstanding project! Someone donated some chrome & stainless pieces? Bumper, tail lights and fin trim =$2K, wow!

 

I am sharing this with the other leader of our 4-H yard art club for inspiration.

 

What a nice job the students did also the teacher for his guidance through the project to the end. Great that you saved some of the Chevy and had the foresight to donate it to the school.