Auto Restoration Archives

Posted On: May 4, 2016
By: MC Admin

With high turnout at the McPherson College 17th annual C.A.R.S. Club Car Show – at about 275 entries and 1,000 visitors – there were unique and classic vehicles for every taste.

Bill Brutsman of Lenexa, Kan., came to the show on April 30 for the first time this year. Brutsman said that

“It’s a diversity of people and cars, and it’s everything automotive,” he said. “You name it, it’s here.”

The show on April 30 offered cars from nearly every decade, hot rods, motorcycles, trucks, tractors and more. There were curiosities to appeal to any car-lover. Among them:

The custom 1953 Manta Ray – which looks like it’s floating on air.
An original and working 1893 Daimler engine brought by the Mercedes Benz Classic Center
Even: A hearse with the words “You’re Next” in the side windows.

Brutsman entered with a unique racer of his own – a bright-orange hot rod he races on the Bonneville Salt Flats. He built the custom job himself from a 1927 Ford Roadster body on a 1932 Ford frame that he rescued from the trash.

He used the hot rod to haul his other original, custom job – a tiny trailer RV in the classic teardrop style with just enough space for a queen-size bed inside and a kitchen complete with cabinets, stove and kitchen sink under a pop-up tailgate.

Getting so many people out on a day that started cold, cloudy and wet said at lot for the quality of the student-run show at McPherson College, Brutsman said.

“You’ve got a lot of pull when you can pull in this many people in this kind of weather,” he said.

Stan Diehl of Hutchinson, Kan., was also attending the show for the first time. Diel said he was excited to see so many cars and people out for the show but even more to know the program at McPherson College that’s behind it. MC is the only institution to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration.

“It’s fun to see the college teaching these old-fashioned skills,” he said. “I think that’s the part I like the most.”

Diehl’s entry in the show – a mint green hot rod with swirling pinstripes – nearly represents the show’s diversity on its own. Based on a 1948 Ford, it also has a 1987 Jaguar motor and transmission and 1964 Thunderbird seats, among others.

“It’s definitely a custom,” Diehl said. “I just like unusual and unique stuff.”

He’s been trying to complete one new custom vehicle every year, and this one – which he has named “Mona” – is his fourth and the “younger sister” of Lola, Viola, and Olga. He’s always loved cars, Diehl said, as his father owned a Volkswagen salvage yard growing up.

“It’s always been something I enjoyed,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get away from it.”

In addition to all the great vehicles in the show, the “Motoring Weekend” also included a swap meet; a sheet metal shaping demonstration from Ed Barr, assistant professor of technology; and a noon performance from the McPherson College Jazz Band, which has multiple members who are students in the automotive restoration major.

Visitors also got to see two different teams of automotive restoration students demonstrate the rapid assembly of a Ford Model T from a pile of parts to running. Both teams logged impressive, blazing-fast times of 8:06 in the morning and 6:52 in the afternoon.

The full results of the 2016 C.A.R.S. Club Car Show Awards are as follows:

Best of Show: 1936 Cord 810 Sportsman, owned by Evergreen Historic Automobiles.
People’s Choice: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, owned by Randy Nusz
Kids’ Choice: 1950 Crosley Hotshot, owned by Abigayle Morgan

Categories:

1927-older: 1914 Willys Overland 79 Touring, ownedy by David Ellrich
1928-1944: 1937 Lincoln Brunn, owned by Rex Russell
1945-1954: 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe, owned by Willard Banman
1955-1964: 1956 DeSoto Adventurer, owned by Bruce Blackwell
1965-1973: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, owned by Fred Gilmore
1973-1989: 1979 Chrysler New Yorker, owned by Robert Siberns
1990-present: 2003 Ford Mach I, owned by Bruce Laude
Special Interest: 1969 AMC AMX, owned by Larry Montgomery
Truck: 1951 Chevrolet Pickup, owned by Jim Streeby
Hot Rod, Custom, and Mod: 1935 Ford Pickup, owned by Randy and Donna Booth
Foreign: 1955 Porsche 356 Cabriolet, owned by Bill Pierson
Tractor: 1952 Massy Harris 44, owned by David Walker
Motorcycle: 1974 Honda Rickman, owned by Dale Keesecker

Posted On: April 27, 2016
By: MC Admin

Classic cars are typically split into two eras – pre-WWII and post WWII – and this year’s 17th annual C.A.R.S. Club Car Show will have double the usual number of featured cars to represent iconic vehicles from both periods.

Jason Peters, senior, McPherson, Kan., is secretary for C.A.R.S. Club this year and is the primary organizer of the student-run show. Peters said that among the featured cars will be a 1908 Haynes Apperson, a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sedan, a 1953 Manta Ray, and a 1956 Continental Mark II.

Peters said as they began to secure feature cars, a clear pattern emerged.

“It became apparent that not only were the feature cars falling into a couple of distinct eras,” he said, “but that America has always produced very luxurious and special automobiles, even from the very beginning. We feel very fortunate to be displaying some of the finest representations of these beautiful automobiles.”

The show has been moved up from its usual weekend on the first Saturday of May. The show will be held to April 29 to May 1 instead so that students won’t have to put on the show immediately before finals week.

In addition to the primary car show on Saturday, April 30, the weekend will again include a cruise-in on Friday night and a swapmeet on Sunday – successful additions to the show that were new last year.

Visit www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/cars to learn more about the show and to register a vehicle. The registration fee to enter a vehicle in one of the many show categories is $20, but the event is free for the public to attend. The public is encouraged to come and view the approximately 250 vehicles expected to be on display on the McPherson College campus.

17th Annual C.A.R.S. Club Car Show at McPherson College
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., April 30

Feature cars
Pre-WWII: 1904 Haynes Apperson, 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sedan, 1931 Auburn Cabriolet Coupe, 1940 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood
Post-WWII: 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Woody Convertible, 1953 Manta Ray, 1956 Continental Mark II, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Posted On: April 19, 2016
By: MC Admin

While his name is on the recognition letter for the Jay Leno/Autoweek Scholarship, Adam Mashiach sees the other names that lie just out of sight.

He sees the names of those who supported him and worked by his side as he drove himself and achieved receiving the largest automotive restoration scholarship available at McPherson College – the only institution that offers a bachelor’s degree in the craft.

“I’m still taking it in,” Mashiach said. “I just look at it as an affirmation. While I got the scholarship, I see it as more of a group effort.”

The first name the Encino, Calif., senior sees is that of his grandfather, who restored and repaired Cadillacs in California for celebrities such as singer Nancy Sinatra and actress Angie Dickinson.

Mashiach spent a lot of time in his grandfather’s shop. He was fascinated by seeing the underside of a car on the lift. He’d play with his grandfather’s tools and invent new ones for him – some that even got regular usage. He came to love the smell of oil, grease and rubber.

“It’s what’s always been there,” he said. “I can rely on for my passion and for fun.”

The next name is “Petersen” as in “Petersen Museum.” He was a regular visitor to the museum in his childhood, and it was where he saw his first Bugatti. But he never imagined he’d have the opportunity to work there. But last summer, he got to do just that as an intern at Petersen.

The experience strengthened his long interest in French Art Deco vehicles from 1920 to 1940 – the stylized swoops and curves, the unique colors, the blend of industry and artistry.

“They just created these works of art that were like mechanical sculptures,” he said.

The final names are the friends he made at McPherson College in the automotive restoration department and who partnered with him on two unique projects – creating from scratch a classic Model T speedster (nicknamed the “Nayslayer”) and a board track racer modeled after historical plans. The projects will be used by the program to demonstrate what MC students in the program can achieve.

Ed Barr, assistant professor of technology, praised Mashiach and those who worked on the special project.

“Adam is a critical thinker who takes directions well and who applies everything he has learned to new situations,” Barr said. “I see him working in the lab outside of class more than anyone else. Seeing his evolution as a thinker and craftsman has been a true joy.”

Posted On: December 7, 2015
By: MC Admin

The McPherson College Auto Restoration program continues to reach new heights, returning home from London with the 2015 International Historic Motoring Award.

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Posted On: November 30, 2015
By: MC Admin

McPherson College’s bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration has been known for years as the premier destination for restoration education. Now that recognition has risen to the international stage with the program winning the International Historic Motoring Awards 2015 Industry Supporter of the Year.

Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, and Paul Russell, chair of the program’s National Advisory Board and owner of Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Mass., represented the college in accepting the award at the ceremony and gala dinner in November at London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

“This is a wonderful recognition of everyone who has worked so hard to make the automotive restoration program a success – our campus community, alumni, advisory board and supporters” Gutierrez said. “This is the international stage affirming the quality and value of what we’ve built during the last 40 years.”

McPherson College Automotive Restoration program was in fantastic company among the other finalists for the award. These included such well-known organizations as: Hagerty, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, Porsche Motorsports North America, and Royal Automobile Club.

The automotive restoration program was established at McPherson College in 1976 with a $1.5 million donation of capital and project cars from Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue. In 2001, the program moved to a four-year bachelor’s degree – making it the only automotive restoration program offering a comprehensive liberal arts and technical education in the craft.

Launched in 2011, the International Historic Motoring Awards recognize and celebrate the skills and achievements of the worldwide historic motoring industry. The event comprises 14 award categories ranging from Museum of the Year to Motor Sport Event to Personal Achievement.

It is judged by an international panel of experts from museums and collections, major events, historic motor racing and the world of modern car design. The awards are presented in association with EFG Private Bank and Octane Magazine.

Posted On: October 21, 2015
By: MC Admin

The McPherson College Automotive Restoration program has been named a finalist in the Industry Supporter of the Year category for the 2015 International Historic Motoring Awards.

Car enthusiasts across the globe submitted nominations for the competition. The winners of each of the prestigious awards will be announced at the International Historic Motoring Awards ceremony and gala dinner at London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel on Nov. 19.

The other finalists for 2015 Industry Supporter of the Year are: Hagerty, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, Porsche Motorsports North America, and Royal Automobile Club.

Posted On: June 29, 2015
By: MC Admin

Today marked the final day of The Great Race.

We set out from San Bernadino, CA up into the mountains to begin the day. This was to be only a half day of racing with the lunch stop being our daily finish before our official grand finish at Santa Monica, CA.

The morning proved tough on many cars with steady hill climbs followed by long and winding drops. You could smell our brakes for the whole second half of the morning!

Our lunch stop was at the famous and spectacular Neathercutt Automotive Collection. This collection covered almost 100 years and encompassed the most sought after and rare automobiles from years past. We enjoyed the cars and even the wonderful assortment of music machines and orchestrals.

The Grand Salon at the Nethercutt Collection

After lunch we set about in parade formation to the official race finish line on Santa Monica Pier.

The finish in Santa Monica

Once we crossed the line, a sense of relief washed over us. We made it all the way from Kirkwood, MO. Tallying up the odometer, we surmised that the Fairlane has covered over 3400 miles from Kanas to Missouri to California all without missing a beat. We are proud with our race and loved every minute of it.

Tonight at the awards dinner we were handed the plaque for second place. We have be fortunate to win the past two years but are still thrilled that we got to drive Route 66 and become part of the family that is The Great Race.

The team with Corky Coker

As we look to next year, we hope to improve our car, scores, and standings but overall have the adventure of a lifetime, just like this year.

After all, that is what The Great Race is: The adventure of a lifetime that you can do every year.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, donors, visitors along the route, and of course everyone who cheered us on over the past week at home and abroad. We greatly appreciate and love all of your support.

Best Regards,

McPherson College 2015 Great Race Team

The end of the race and Route 66

Posted On: June 28, 2015
By: MC Admin

Today brought us up from Lake Havasu, AZ to Twentynine Palms, CA to end the day in San Bernadino, CA.

The morning took us across the state line to our start line on Route 66 in California. Today was another test of our car and driver to maintain speed and perform in the hot desert temps.

Cars lining up at the morning start

Our morning legs took us into Joshua Tree National Park where we were treated to some fantastic scenery in the form of funky tree and rock formations.

A Joshua tree in Joshua Tree National Park

Lunch was provided in Twentynine Palms, CA and gave us a small break from the heat and sun.

The afternoon legs took us through more barren desert with temperatures reaching north of 100 degrees! Throughout all of it the Fairlane performed flawlessly.

The barren desert of the afternoon leg

As we pulled into San Bernadino, CA we were greeted by Justin Smeltzer, a fellow student and Great Race team member from last year.

The Fairlane at the night stop in San Bernadino, CA

Being in California, we had to make a pit stop after our “official” dinner at In & Out.

The team enjoying some well-deserved In & Out

Tomorrow it is the final push to Santa Monica, CA and the finish line of The 2015 Great Race!

Posted On: June 26, 2015
By: MC Admin

Today we left the cool heights of Flagstaff, AZ and descended into the heat of the desert.

The start line out in the desert of Arizona

The morning start brought us down out of Flagstaff to just outside Radiator Springs. Long speed runs were again on the map for today with a few low speed sections for confusion.

Burma Shave advertising along Route 66

Lunch was provided by the good people of Kingman, AZ. We had a chance to cool down and stretch our legs before the road to Lake Havasu, AZ through Oatmen, AZ.

At the lunch stop we were greeted by the folks who donated the very 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 we were driving! It was an honor to meet them and they were thrilled that we were using the car as intended.

Scenery near Kingman, AZ

After lunch we headed for Oatmen, AZ. The afternoon of the race took its toll on many cars with temperatures reaching triple digits and slow speeds up mountain passes. Fortunately, our Fairlane with an auxiliary fuel pump and fan performed flawlessly all day!

It felt good pulling into Lake Havasu, AZ and getting to walk around a bit. As soon as we pulled in though, we were greeted by a McPherson Alum from the class of ’61!

The team meeting with a McPherson Alum

Tonight we are recovering from the energy-draining heat and getting ready for, hopefully, one last day of high temperatures until we reach California.

Posted On: June 25, 2015
By: MC Admin

Today marked the sixth day of the race and took us out of the New Mexico heat and way up to Flagstaff, AZ.

Crossing the Arizona State Line on the way to our morning start

The morning took us out of Gallup and on to part of Route 66. It was a solid morning with lots of long timed speed runs and speed changes over far and winding roads.

The long road to Winslow, AZ

Between our morning run and lunch stop we drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forrest. This offered some amazing views and a few photo opportunities.

The team enjoying some time out of the car

On the way to Winslow, AZ, we even found a car in need of serious restoration work!

The team checking out an abandoned car before lunch

Lunch in Winslow gave us a break from the mid-day heat. We reloaded on water before stopping at the most famous corner in Winslow, AZ.

Winslow, AZ

At the start of the afternoon run

The afternoon took us up out of the heat towards Flagstaff. We were again treated to steady speed roads, but this time there was a section of low speed, stop, and turn instructions to mix it up.

As we entered the tree line, we were again blessed with some stellar views and even a controlled burn site, which add some excitement!

The smokey forest near Flagstaff, AZ

When we rolled into Flagstaff, AZ we were awarded another ACE! Our hard work paid off today!

Austin affixing the team’s third Ace

Tonight we rest in Flagstaff, AZ and prepare for the long, hot day that tomorrow will be.

Chat again in Lake Havasu, AZ.

Quicklinks

Category: Auto Restoration

About 275 Vehicles Arrive for 17th Annual C.A.R.S. Club Car Show at McPherson College

C.A.R.S. Club Show Coming April 30 To McPherson College Campus With Special Feature Vehicles

Recipient of Largest Automotive Restoration Scholarship at McPherson College Sees Recognition as Group Honor

Amanda Gutierrez, Vice President of the McPherson College auto restoration program on KSAL Morning News

McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program Wins Prestigious International Historic Motoring Award

McPherson College Automotive Restoration Among Finalists For Prestigious International Historic Motoring Awards

GR+9: San Bernadino, CA to Santa Monica, CA

GR+8: Lake Havasu, AZ to San Bernadino, CA

GR+7: Flagstaff, AZ to Lake Havasu, AZ

GR+6: Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AZ