Jul 30

McPherson College Summer Institute

I'm thinking many of you on here are familiar with McPherson College. It stands alone as the only school to provide a bachelor’s degree in Restoration Technology. I've met several of their graduates through the years, and just learned last year that they have a summer Institute. Going back to college for a week with interesting topics for study......perfect for an old "soon to be retired" guy like me.

History, Paint, trim upholstery, babbiting, electrical, etc......check out the syllabus. I believe it is too late for anything this year but if any of this looks interesting, talk to a buddy or two and sign up early for next summer. I have a friend who has done it at least twice and he's encouraging me to jump in with him next summer. Just putting this out for anyone who finds cars more interesting than their day job........
https://www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/institute/

Jul 30, 2026

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Replies (17)

· Jul 30

Very interesting John. I would like to see an entire week on pre-HEI ignition systems. I feel like 75% of the problems we have sorting a car are with ignition.

Please attend and live blog it for us.

· Jul 30

I agree, on these old cars that “ ran when parked”, ignition and fuel will frequently be your nemesis.

A week crash course could be good in each. Also I’m curious to see the facilities and meet some of the staff .

· Jul 30

Wow! What an amazing opportunity. And only $100 per class if you pre-register. I was expecting it would be way more expensive. And what @alsancle said! Please attend so we can all live vicariously through you.

(edited)

· Jul 30

If only I was retired...

· Jul 30

My lament...

· Jul 30

Can they please, please teach a "Drum brake setup for complete idiots" course.
The amount of people I have to talk out of swapping to discs because all they've ever driven is poorly set up drum brakes...

· Jul 30

1. Convert to 12V to solve a bad ground problem or the wrong cables.
2. Convert to Electronic Ignition to solve a bad coil problem.
3. Convert to an Electric pump just because
4. Convert to disk brakes because of "safety".
5. Convert to a crate engine because of "reliability".

What am I forgetting?

· Jul 31

Aluminum radiator?

· Jul 31

Bright red Base coat clear coat, so my prewar car will really pop....

· Jul 31

Chrome -EVERYTHING-

Whitewalls 😆😆😆😆

· Jul 31

Gone a little sideways, but don't forget spotlights and pilot rays.

· Jul 30

I’ll study the website more and see if there are videos related to the summer institute.

I’d really like to take the Electrical course. That is where I feel my greatest weakness is.

· Jul 31

Ignition systems were understood by every corner garage 60 years ago. Now it is voodoo for most guys.

· Jul 31

OK campers........sounds like spots fill up early. After all, how many days can you sit on a beach, read a good book and go out for a rich dinner......night after night.........You and your special someone can instead block sand buildup primer, or pour babbit bearings.......

YouTube ↗

· Jul 31

This seems like a very worthwhile thing and I'm glad they are doing it. Too much knowledge is being lost to time. As Elon Musk said, the Romans forgot how to build aqueducts, the Egyptians forgot how to build Pyramids and the US forgot how to get to the moon. We are quickly forgetting how to sort a car.

· Jul 31

I agree, a great concept and I'd like to support. I also know that going with a fun buddy would almost guarantee a good time.

· Aug 1

What a fantastic idea. I have so many holes in my knowledge that need filling. Wonder what eras that concentrate on or does it even matter?