Im a young gun, about to get my mechanical engineering degree to make mom happy. I know where I want to be in 10 years, but its not working some corporate engineering job. The ability to both design and build and add my own style is what really draws me to customizing vehicles. I want to be able to break grounds one day in this field, but of course this takes a serious amount of knowledge and skill. I have always been fascinated by nearly all things custom and have a good understanding of auto mechanics. I have recently realized that the skills and knowledge that goes with traditional hot rodding would make a great foundation for me to build my dream upon. My question to those more versed than I is 'What options are available to me to gain this knowledge and skill?' I have heard that the larger tech school often give a general education and students come out lacking specific skills necessary in a shop. Are there any apprenticeship programs that anyone knows of? I dont want to drone on any longer, but I really need some direction for all this ambition... please help!
Personally I think there is more to it. What about Chassis design and metal forming? Not to mention performance and economy. Now that things are changing again I doubt much from the past will be useful for tomorrows forms of transformation. This is a grate Hobby and I've enjoyed it over 50 years. I've also made a few bucks at it but looking back I wish I had gone a different route so now that I'm old enough I could afford to Retire. The Wizzard
My experience has been that if you're honest with yourself and follow your heart, you'll end up right where you're supposed to be. In my case, that meant lots of parts washing, grunt work and floor sweeping (which I still do a lot of). That approach opened the doors of many shops to me that would otherwise remain closed. Once inside the shop, pit, whatever, the expereince comes quickly - mostly by making mistakes. If you're ego's too big to take responsibility for your mistakes, you're hopeless. Otherwise, you should be fine. Every shop I've worked in has passed on many a young rooster claiming to be a total badass. But they all made time for someone humbling asking for a chance to learn... Your imagination is your only limitation. Scotty
If you're young, just learn EVERYTHING you can. If you want to hang around someone's shop, make yourself useful. Opens doors, just like Jangle said. Mnay people think young guys don't have a work ethic. Prove them wrong.
i appreciate the suggestions guys. I understand that doing is one of the best ways to learn. I was wondering if anyone had any type of structure education to suggest. Ive got the drive to learn, but like most of my generation, my patience is lacking. Now that doesnt mean I dont have any work ethic. Ive just been in school for a long while now and am anxious to get on with my career. Anyone know any good hot rod schools? Location is not an issue!
Go for the money, find an employer that doesn't want more than 9-5 and do your own thing on the side. What you're also assuming is the on the job skills your degree will earn are not applicable, not necessarily true. good luck
You came to a great forum for advice. There are some incredibly bright, varied, and gifted folks on here. You are to be commended for simply asking for the advice of others. Heed their words, and good luck. You sound like someone who could go far.
I just recently met a young man of 30 years and he ownes and operates a very nice custom and hotrod shop. He said he had been doing it for 10 years and had his own shop for a couple of years. If you want maybe I could get ya'll together and he could tell you how he did it. I've seen some of his auction creations and he makes lots of damn money. Skullz
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