Jeff’s Gearhead Garage Project

As older people retire and die, often tools, manuals, literature, and “stuff” get thrown out by spouses and children who have no interest in the cars we grew up with. 

WE NEED TO PRESERVE THESE TREASURES!

Chicagoland member, Jeff Heilman, has initiated a project, Jeff’s Gearhead Garage Project. He realizes that we need to provide a path for young people to enter a career in auto restoration or maintenance.  This would help introduce young people to resources to help them determine if this might be a career path they would enjoy.  Some of these resources are The Bridge Teen Center, McPherson College, and others. 

When we grew up our schools offered shop classes beginning in seventh grade.  Students were given the opportunity to take classes in auto repair, electrical, plumbing, wood & metal shop, drafting, design, etc.  These have been eliminated in our public-school systems.

Many of us are concerned that the love of old cars will die out.  He had some suggestions that we might consider.

• He thought we could use our club websites as a resource for training, jobs and maybe even some scholarship help.
• Have cruise nights specifically for young people and their projects. We could use McPherson College’s annual show as a model.  This would encourage people to meet, bond, and love the old car hobby.  We can use our car clubs as a base and a way to grow our clubs.
• We could develop a list of employers who could offer summer or after school employment. Hopefully, this could attract younger people and get them started in the auto restoration business. 
• Lastly, open our clubs to help young people appreciate the cars of the “greatest generation”. The styling developments, the engineering developments, the safety features, and the general creativeness of the times.

Often the cost of tools is prohibitively expensive for mechanics in training.  If you have anything you wish to donate for this cause, a Buick receptacle will be set out in the vendor area at our National Meet.  If you are unable to attend but would like to donate, contact Jeff directly at brklynfin@aol.com or call (847)809-6909.

IF YOU HAVE SOME TOOLS OR OTHER STUFF THAT NEEDS A GOOD HOME, BRING IT WITH YOU TO THE 2022 BCA NATIONAL.