Schooling

Hello everybody, I am not too certain wether this is posted in the right place or not, but I will ask anyways. Ok, although I have no background knowledge or hands on history with hot rodding or fabrication or painting cars or anything like that, I do know for sure that I have a passion for the custom car design and hot rodding scene. I do believe that I would totally love and enjoy working hard on cars and custom fabricating modifications for vehicles, and everything else involved with this type of work. The only thing holding me back is I have no idea how to go about finding schooling, and how I would one day after schooling finally do what I dream of, working on custom cars, and fabricating them. I live in Newfoundland Canada, so any Canadian or anybody that can help with my problems can you please post anything that would be of great information.:( :)

If you lived near me I could use a helper that wants to learn.
Try to get a job at a local body shop. You'll probably start out just doing sanding and grinding but you'll learn a lot by watching how they do things. You need to know the basics before you can start doing custom work. If you start a project while working at a body shop the crew will probably help or at least offer helpful advise.
Custom cars are scarce in Canada I have family in Nova Scotia and Ive never seen a rod or custom when I'm up there. so you might need to move to Southern California to make a career out of it. Maybe a larger city like Toronto or Quebec have enough population to support a custom shop.

Man, if I did live near you I would jump at the opportunity to be an apprentice in such an environment as living and breathing Hot Rods lol. As you said it seems that in Canada there really is a scarce supply of Hot Rods or any such business incorporating that at all. But at the age of 19 and very little money, making a move out of this country seems impossible for me. It seems a person needs connections and family to move out like that. But a job at a place where Hot Rods or the likes are a main focus would definitily be a great opportunity. ...sigh..

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Originally posted by snows
Man, if I did live near you I would jump at the opportunity to be an apprentice in such an environment as living and breathing Hot Rods lol. As you said it seems that in Canada there really is a scarce supply of Hot Rods or any such business incorporating that at all. But at the age of 19 and very little money, making a move out of this country seems impossible for me. It seems a person needs connections and family to move out like that. But a job at a place where Hot Rods or the likes are a main focus would definitily be a great opportunity. ...sigh..

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The only limitations you have in your life are the ones you impose on yourself!

Hey Bob, I firmly believe that as well. I actually have been talking about my future with an officer at my church that I attend, and he asked me "if you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?" and I replied telling him all about my enthusiasm with this genre of automobiles and working on them would be a dream come true. He replied by asking me, "Well, whats stopping you from achieveing this goal?". In turn I began coming up with many different hurdles in my way, such as money, where I live, what schooling I need, and such things like that. I dunno if I am just lame, but I really would have no idea how to go about moving even to a place such as Toronto, and finding a place to live, finding a school that can teach me the neccasary skills that would furthur help me in reaching where I want to go. All these limitations are what I want and need to overcome somehow, I firmly believe that this is my passion, and would love the opportunity to learn and have hands on experience with all of the processes of a restoration. Well that was a long sermon. Please any more tips, info, or anything you can add is very welcome.:)

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Originally posted by Bob Parmenter
The only limitations you have in your life are the ones you impose on yourself!

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Snows, my man, most reputable schools, like Wyotech, Hotrod Inst, etc,etc, will have placement referrals for rooming houses or apartments.

They also should have referrals for part time jobs to help defer the cost of the school.

The only catch is you're going to have to talk to the local friendly(?) banker about a loan to make the tuition.

As Bob said in the quote above, you are your own limiting factor.:) :) :)

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Originally posted by snows
I dunno if I am just lame,.......................

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No, you're young...................and you haven't learned yet! We've all been there. Some learned, some didn't. When you transcend from believing what I said to living what I said, then you'll win.

Hi, thanks for all the help and info people. You are right, I believe what you say but for me to live what you say, seems so impossible, here I am living on the little island of Newfoundland, and for me to jump from here to somewhere in the US, or even jump off the island I can't seem to comprehend on my own. I feel like I need a buddy with me or a family with me, maybe I am too much of a "mommy's boy" or something. I think having that solid feeling that you have somebody with you can calm the most frantic of nerves. I know I really need to do this, but it just seems so big, so far, so lonely. To leave everything behind and start afresh would be such a bitter sweet feeling. This is so troublesome.:(

I'm 15.. i've got the classic/custom/anything on 4 wheels bug as well. My dream summer job as a young teen would be to work in a bodyshop or something of the sort.. i'm in canada as well. I think wyotech would be cool, but then again I've got a mother who says its not a real school?
Oh well, my friend, I guess we'll ahfta see how it goes.:) ;) :toocool:

snows
Having left home at 18 to join the Marine Corps in '61 I know your anguish, but I jumped right in and never looked back. Follow your dream or someday you might regret it.

Thank you for all your friendly advice people. Since your right that I am my own limitations, and the fact that I may regret it if I don't try and pursue it, my only real question would be about the schooling yet again, and what my possibilities are. Like do I just do courses around here concerning Metal Fab/Welding/Basic Automotive Technician..and then gradually make my way into the business, or would it be better to make a big move and do a course totally dedicated to the Hot Rod and Custom Scene? Maybe I can email the big names like Foose, and Boyd and see what there websites email me back as an answer..lol I dunno. Again anything to help is appreciated!

Here is my 2¢...

Have you ever heard the saying, "If is was easy everyone would be doing it"?..

or...

"Success does not come without a price"

No matter what your interest or carrier choice there are thousands of others folks out there with the same desires... What seperates you from them?... Do you have the "Mental Toughness" to stand out in a crowd?...

You have to ask yourself what you are willing to sacrifice to make your dreams come true.... If you are not willing to make sacrifices and take a few chances along the way the hard cold truth is that you will not achieve your goals and you will not stand out in a crowd...

I say these things not to discourage you, but to make you aware that you have to always be focused on your goals.

Good luck...

Dave Brisco

You are sure in a fix, it would be like loving trees and living in the Sahara desert!:D

It's as everyone has said, make a decision and jump in with both eyes wide open. Always remember that no matter what you decide to do, give it %110 percent, total commitment will mean success in the long run. It won't be easy but if you stay the course you can accomplish anything.

Its amazing how many friendly people are on this Forum, thanks for all the comments people, they really push me into getting closer and closer into making that final and all important major decision. I have been looking into the "Wyotech" school and it looks like a great place. Even has a "specialty course" there dedicated to Street Rod & Body Fabrication..thats amazing, it seems like the perfect place for me. I know I have what it takes to accomplish this because of the burning desire to do what I love. I can't thank you people enough for the kind and truthful advice in helping me grow and helping me not let this slip by forgotten. I even find my own Family is surprisingly up to the option as well, and friends around me and mentors have been a great help in explaining to me about future decisions and the passion that we all seem to have but some just let it go, well I have to desperatly try and not let mine go, I have to make this work. I will continue to update as things become clearer in my mind, but until then please if any comments are with you, spill it. Thank you again.:)

Snows,

At 19 you have so much time ahead of you. Think long term! NTFDAY's comment could be a clue to how to do it. Have you considered joining the Canadian Armed Services? In my US Air Force career I had opportunity to work with members of the Canadian forces serveral times and found them all to be top notch folks, both in skills and personality. If you joined the forces and aimed for a mechanics career, whether it be cars, trucks tanks or airplanes it would get you started in the right direction. It would also give you a structure around you so that being "On your own" would not be so scary. Also consider heating and air conditioning as a potential trade as they also do a lot of work with sheet metal. Learning how to form and fabricate metal is where the customizers excel! Hope this gives you some ideas.

Good luck! Just Do it!

Pat

hey again, I actually have gotten real close to joining the military, but it just didn't feel right, I had the papers ready and everything but I just didn't feel like I would enjoy it at all. Just recently I even considered Carpentry because a friend promised me a job in his business, but I didn't feel like I would enjoy that either, I realized I was doing it all for the wrong reasons. Only after people asked me the question I mentioned before ( If you could do anything, what would it be?") I realized that I really should try to pursue what I want to be, to me now it only makes sense, why not try to do what you really feel you love the most. Since the Hot Rodding isn't too popular in Canada, it do seem I will have to end up in the US, that step is going to be killer for me, but with friendly advice from friends, family and even clergy, I believe that I can do it. Thanks for the advice though. Just curious as to what people think and what info people have about Wyotech? Bye for now.

Hint: You mentioned Chip Foose earlier. His number 1 body guy is a Wyotech grad.

lol, so in other words, its a legitimate high quality school that will provide me with the neccasary skills to get even closer to obtaining my goal? awesome just awesome. The website looks very proffesional, so even judging by whats on there it seems like a very worth while and rewarding experience. Apparently they even help you get employed afterwards. It looks like that is definitely the school for me, but any more info on the school, anybody who has had a closer encounter with the school or anything like that, please post. thanks.

I don't know if you have cable TV or not, but Saturday mornings on TNN (or as they call it now SPIKE TV) THEY HAVE A SEGMENT OF CAR AND TRUCK PROGRAMS. Several of them have featured WYOTECH during their programs (especially Horsepower TV). Watch them sometimes. Course you'll probably have to wait for the summer reruns.:) :)

I also seen the most recent episode of "Overhaulin" on Discovery (I think)...it was at Wyotech. I wish that I would have known about Wyotech when I graduated...I think that school would be a blast to go to! I think that there's alot of different specialties that you can learn, such as painting, mechanics, upholstery, customs, etc...and you would be going to school with others that share the same kind of passion you do...


No matter what you decide, try to stay true to yourself & your passion...it's no fun to wake up & realize that you're miserable with your life...think of this as an ADVENTURE, not a DILEMMA!

Best of Luck! :toocool:

There's a limit set by the Canadian Government on American programming but you can probably get them on a satellite dish. I heard that American companies can't charge Canadians for their services so satellite TV is free to anyone with a dish. Can any of our Canadian members comment on that? eh?

"Hot Rod Angle" that is a great way of looking at it, life as an adventure NOT a dilemma. Ya the school seems great with those speacialty courses available. You can learn the basics of Air Brushing within one of those courses, using candies and pearls, very interesting indeed. I already sketch and draw and paint on the computer with my tablet, so I think the reason Hot Rodding seems so appealing to me is the fact that its an art in its own right. I seemed to never be too awesome at Mathematics or Chemistry but the artistic subjects like Band/Music/Art I excelled at. So I believe that side of me can portray through Hot Rodding as well. I am soo excited.:)

Hi all, I just figured I would ask if there were any Canadians on this forum who had got up and left the country, if so I would love to hear from you if you have anything you could add.

Hi snows,
I guess I will put in my 2 cents in here as well..........I grew up around the block from Darrel Starbirds shop when i was 8 yo., and he always chased me out of his shop, but I always wanted to be a Auto paint tech since that age.
At 17 I graduated H.S.( 1977) and left my mom and went to Kansas, to Wichita Automotive Institute, ( which has closed now) .
It has made me a very comfortable living providing me an excellent trade. The only thing i regret now is I passed up an art schollarship to Denver University my Senior year in H.S. It would of came in handy learning to refine my art skills for air brushing. but thats here nor there.

WyoTech is a great school as my last painters helper came from there and was with me for 2 years and he finially went on his own and is painting for a good shop here in town and doing great, plus making pretty good money.
I almost went to Wyotech to teach as they have been trying to get me to go there and become a teacher, but my wife is way to close to her mother to leave Ks. for Wyoming.

So if this is what you really want in life is to work in the automotive field , now is the time to do it , dont look back :) Family will still be there and will support you on your decisions, also you might look into other places like Covell's school in metal shaping, there are other guys that teach this tallent too , might look around here for these guys that are incrediable with metal, and aluminum.
http://metalshapers.org/
If you look around this site this question has been asked before and there are several schools that have been posted .
We still have a restoration school here in Mc Pherason , Ks that Jay Leno seems to support, its i think a 2 year course
http://www.mcpherson.edu/technology/institute.asp
So I hope I was of some help too, there is no time like the present to go foward to achieve your goals, the only one stopping you , Is YOU............dont sit and try and find excuses as this isnt the way to look at the situation, look toward the FUTURE ...
SprayTech

Thanks for the info. Hmm I was thinking, since I am a Canadian and I have really no good grasp on any States, I am going to ask, if anybody out there would like to breif me on either of the 3 possible States. Like what each place is like and anything that seems neccesary to add to your desription. I believe the 3 choices are Sacremento California, Laramie?..Wyoming, and Blairsville??..Pennsylvainia...correct me if I am wrong. This would be of great help. Thanks. I am currently looking up on each place as well, but I guess the best explanations would come from people who have lived there or live tehre currently. SO that is why I ask.

If you point the dish and pick up something, then your good to go. However, your not going to pick up much, as most sattelite systems now have encryption and need a type of card. And thats the end of my knowladge:LOL:

Snows - You can do anything you set your mind to...you just have to be willing to take a risk ! In my sign business, I get to do pinstriping & other custom stuff for rods, just not all the time. I'm looking at starting another business hopefully soon that has more to do with rodding...but it all takes time. My ultimate dream would be able to just work on classics all day...I would be in heaven...but for now, I have to do other jobs that I don't like as much (i.e. parking signs, etc.), but someday I won't have to! :toocool:

as far as the wyotech locations go, I live only a few hours from laramie, and there is not much there, I mean, if you come from a small town, it might be easier to adjust to. that's all I have to say

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Originally posted by drg84
If you point the dish and pick up something, then your good to go. However, your not going to pick up much, as most sattelite systems now have encryption and need a type of card. And thats the end of my knowladge:LOL:

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There was a guy selling the card writers on ebay. He said they were legal in Canada. He said you can go to his website to update it whenever they change the encryption. I doubt if they're legal in the U.S.A. but I think that was his target market. I never deal with anyone who offers to let me in on a scam. It makes me wonder would I be the scammer or the scamee?

Snows,
Don't be afraid to go out on your own. It has to happen and sooner is better than later. It's part of life. I can understand you not wanting to leave Canada. But you have to go where your dream takes you. I think you'll experience quite a bit of culture shock in California. Sacramento is the state capital and you might not like being a city-dweller. My son lived in California for a couple of years after high school. He loved all the California girls but said there was way too many cops looking for someone to harass. I think a Canadian would be more comfortable in Pennsylvania but I'm not familiar with Blairsville. If you like the laid back cowboy culture go to Wyoming. Like rustytruck said it's not overpopulated and the people there are freindliest of the three states you mentioned. Do a web search on the three locations to get an Idea of what each town is like.

Hello again everybody, I have been gone camping for this whole weekend. I just got back. The more people I talk to the more I get a good response, and good advice. I continue to hear people advising me to go for what I love rather than settling for something you'll end up not enjoying in life. So although I seem to think my father don't necessarily enjoy the thought of me even thinking of moving to the US, I still think that it would be best for me. Maybe Wyoming would be a better choice for me, I guess I should be thinking to the point of getting the schooling part accomplished then start thinking of where the best place would be to move to get the job I want as well. Like was mentioned ....all in due time. I think another stupid thing that makes me nervous is the fact that I am a shy kinda guy and making new friends isn't the easiest thing for me to do it seems, but I guess when your in an evironment where your all learning a skill that you all love maybe it happens. Oh my, well supper now, and i have to get all cleaned up from being up in the woods lol. Ttyl people. thanks for the replies.:)

Hi snows,
I sent you a pm yesterday, I don't know if ya got it or not, like I said in the other message I am also from Newfoundland and have a passion for hot rods, I'm only 16 and I bought a Ford Ranger this past September and I have developed a great passion for customizing automobiles with the help of shows like Monster Garage, American Hot Rod, Trucks tv, Horsepower TV and others. I always did good in school and was considering engineering in university, with the hope of getting something to do with the automobile industry, but I have since realized that most likely if I do engineering I will end up in an office where I would go stir crazy. The problem I have is that in Canada there isn't much of a hot rod scene so I will have to go to the states, which probobly won't be too bad once I get there but aside from some weekend tournaments I have never been away from home for very long so a move to the states would be difficult. I have seriously been considering Wyotech but like I said a move that far would be difficult. If I perhaps knew someone else going down or someone who has experienced Wyotech to give me some advise. This brings me to my next problem, my mom says that Wyotech is "just a dream school" and I wont make any money and wont get a job, I also think that my parents view Wyotech as just an ordinary mechanics college and the last thing my parents want me to be is just a mechanic because my dad was one and they know that it is hard work for not a whole lot of money, I said my dad "was" one because after years of hard work on heavy equipment along with cars and trucks his back went out and he has'nt been able to do any real hard work since.
I think that my parents believe that with me always doing good in school that I should go to university, get a good education and get a job that isn't hard work but I am not that kind of person, I spend all winter on ski-doo, I have fixed two ski-doos(one I had to replace the gas lines, the other the pistons, and on that same one another time the chain case) I love working with my hands and I love machines, I really think that I would be well suited to do Hot Rod fabrication at Wyotech but there are alot of obstacles to overcome. Snows I would like to hear from you because it seems we have alot in common, and perhaps you have recieved some advise that could help me. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you and anyone else who has advise for me.:)

Ok well I just read about the mechanics thing that youden said.... Automotive isn't about all those old geezers all in the greese up to their elbows getting hurt, etc. They are called Auto Technicians these days, more with computers and things of that sort. You like hot rods and that is a bit different though, your parents are used to their time age and all and it's not like that anymore. Now for Snows. I know what you mean, you wan't to build cars and that's the only thing you can think of that you like a ton. I am the same way, only thing I am not afraid to move by myself. I used to live in California (Souther Cali, not up North where West Sacramento is) and I had to move here to North Carolina for 4 years. I am going to be atrending Wyotech in California next year. It is supposed to be a great school but lot's of money. Anywhere from 20,000-30,000 and more all depending on how many classes you take. I plan on taking all the special courses and the auto tech field so that will be a lot of money there. You can have someone go out to your house and they talk to you and your parents about the school. Now I am not sure if they go to Canada but you will have to ask. Call them up, they will help you out a lot. If you don't have the money then you can do a financial aid. I am trying to see if they would do scholorships there or not but I don't think so. Don't be afraid to move out on your own, it's not that bad. I am going to be going out with a friend now though and not on my own but at first I was going to and didn't worry about it because I knew I would be out there for school and that's it so no big deal and then afterwords move back down to Southern Cali and try to start a shop since I have my uncles old chopper shop there. If you plan to go to this Wyotech and decide to go to the California location sometime like next October then let me know and we could meet up there or something and that way you will kind of know someone there. You should try and find someone that can room up with you to split rent and keep prices for living down to help you out, I don't know what your plans are on going to this yet or not so I can't help you yet. PM me or something and let me know what your plans are. I think you should go for it and do what you wan't.

Hi everybody, after a long break, I figure i might as well update you all on my decisions. After some long thought and words from both my parents, I have come to the conlusion that money is just too big of a risk right now to go to Wyotech, and I can understand them totally. My next choice was to search for a colledge where I live that could get me started in the direction of Hot Rodding in my future. I cam upon a course called Autobody Vehicle Technician, turns out its already too late in the year and that class was filled. So again searching for a course that can get me going I seen a course called Aircraft Structural Repair Technician. I read about it, and it seems like this could be fun, I will learn Metal fab work, Composite Material fabrication, minor welding, pipe bending, and overall body work as well. Although its on an aircraft I would assume that this knowledge is still general to most all vehicles. SO I believe that I am going to try and take this course, so that I don't waste another year home doing nothing. Please let me know what you think.:D

That sounds good man. Doesn't matter if it's on aircraft, as long as you learn to weld, how to use all the machines and do the body work with sheet metal and those types of things then you can use that knowledge and put it into cars. And on the side time you can find you a sweet hot rod and build it while you learn more and more. And of course you will learn lots on this website as well. Read a lot of questions in the engine talk section where people are having engine problems and the people will put something like the symptoms of the problem or whats going on and how to fix it, etc etc.
Good luck with this man. I know exactly how you feel about this kind of thing, I am the same way. If I can't go to Wyotech then I don't know what to do. I am really good with dirtbikes and that sort of thing and I could have something like a dirt bike shop or something like that but I have learned a lot with that and it's just something that I like to do which is ride and hot rods are more technical and all. Hard to explain but you get what I mean.

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Originally posted by snows
Hi everybody, after a long break, I figure i might as well update you all on my decisions. After some long thought and words from both my parents, I have come to the conlusion that money is just too big of a risk right now to go to Wyotech, and I can understand them totally. My next choice was to search for a colledge where I live that could get me started in the direction of Hot Rodding in my future. I cam upon a course called Autobody Vehicle Technician, turns out its already too late in the year and that class was filled. So again searching for a course that can get me going I seen a course called Aircraft Structural Repair Technician. I read about it, and it seems like this could be fun, I will learn Metal fab work, Composite Material fabrication, minor welding, pipe bending, and overall body work as well. Although its on an aircraft I would assume that this knowledge is still general to most all vehicles. SO I believe that I am going to try and take this course, so that I don't waste another year home doing nothing. Please let me know what you think.:D

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With the exception of Composite materials most things should tie across pretty well. After working in the aviation industry for over 10 years, I would caution you on a couple things though.

1. Since Sept. 11th there have been over 150,000 people laid off that were working in aviation on Sept 10. Alot of the ones that I have spoke to since then have given up on aviation and have re-trained into other fields so they could find jobs.

2. Think carefully (and do research) about where you actually want to live. There isn't much need for an Aircraft structural repairman in smaller locales. In fact you may find that (based on the way the industry is set up) that there is no place within a 1000 miles of where you currently live that you can get a job doing that. What I mean here is that while a lot of airlines may fly into your hometown, they may only have 1 location that actually does the kind of work you are refering to. While one would think that they would have to have somebody locally to fix problems that come up, this is not necessarily the case. They can fly one of their mechanics in from the repair center for cheaper than they can keep someone else on the payroll.

Don't get me wrong, you may be able to find something automotive wise that would accept this school as acceptable for their purposes. Also, if you choose to actually work in the aviation industry, you may find that it could become very lucrative in the future because of the fact that prior to Sept 11, there was actually a documented shortage of Mechanics in the industry. Since the airlines are heavily Unionized, the first people to go during the layoffs, were those with the least amount of time with the company. ie. the younger guys. So what is now left, are people who are closer to retirement. When the industry recovers they will need qualified people. And, since those who were laid off have now re-trained and found work elsewhere, it will take a substantial amount of $$$ to lure them back or lure new people into it as opposed to something else.

I do wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Cheers,
Firechicken