View the 2022-2023 OTC Catalog HERE!

Rod and Custom, Restoration Technology

72 Weeks / 1800 Clock Hours

Turn your interest in classic cars into a lifelong career! If you are thinking about, or already enjoy restoring and working with classic cars and vintage automobiles, the Classic Car Restoration training program at Ohio Technical College can help you gain real-world skills that can translate into a great career.

This program emphasizes the history and tradition behind classic car restoration, while also teaching students more about today’s modern automotive technologies. Within the growing field of classic and antique car restoration, professionals with a comprehensive and practical education can go far. Become a classic car purist and recreate the beauty of a classic automobile just as it was when it was built, as a testament to the staying power of iconic cars.

Graduate Success

Classic Car Restoration alum Colton Rees (AR-29/2018) is living the dream in Hunting Beach, CA working for DWS Classics. Rees returned home to Garden Grove, CA after his OTC graduation, walked in the door to DWS Classics and asked for a job. He’s been there a little over a year and is loving the opportunity to work on some great cars with great people. He says he’s easily the youngest technician in the shop, that currently employs four other restoration technicians. The short-bed Chevy pick ups seem to be the “hot thing’ right now as far as restoration projects. Rees says it’s a less expensive investment for first-time customers venturing into restoring a vehicle. Rees says it’s important for current students to understand the importance of paying attention to details – as those details can make or break the reputation of a restoration shop. Check out DWS Classics’ website and see their 2018 SEMA build – that Rees worked on.

- Colton Rees Classic Car

Age should never hold you back from achieving your goals. As we age, we may find our interests change and we yearn to learn something new. Classic Car Restoration student John Paliobeis (AR-34) was someone who had the opportunity to go back to school, and was eager to learn more. He made OTC Student of the Month and was an over achiever at graduation in scooping up three major recognitions. He earned the top spot as class Valedictorian, Perfect Attendance Honors and the class voted him to receive the OTC Citizenship Award.

- John Paliobeis Classic Car

Classic Car Restoration graduate Connor Hershberger made the most of his training opportunities, one that included getting his ALLDATA certification. It is a free industry certification that is open to all students in all programs. Hershberger was the first Classic Car Restoration to take the inatitive and earn the certification. There are so many opportunities for students to add to their training experience that only costs their time and effort. The more you bring to an employer the more valuable you are in the industry as a whole.

- Connor Hershberger Classic Car

Fact Ohio is ranked #4 wih the highest employment level in welders, cutters, solderers and brazers

Fact Ohio Tech was named Tomorrow's Technician National School of the Year award winner

Projections Growth over 3% is projected for diesel, collision and motorcycle technicians by the end of the decade (*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Fact Graduate in as little as 12-18 months!

Overview

This comprehensive program is designed to allow students to let their imagination and creativity run to create custom vehicles. This course was created for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the specialty industries of classic car restoration, street rods, customs and concept vehicles. Students will learn to plan and design their custom project and create real-world estimates. Then students will learn fabrication techniques, make external body modifications and modify the suspension system. Other areas of instruction will include mobile electronics, paint and refinishing, custom paint and graphics, interior modifications and engine and drive train modifications. The course provides the fundamental core skills as well an advanced skill so that students can continue on to careers in the vehicle customizing, restoration, collision repair, custom paint, and mobile electronics industries.

This Rod and Custom, Restoration Technology program will also focus on engine and drive train restoration, ignition, fuel and exhaust systems, metalworking, upholstery and trim restoration, welding, damage repair, suspension and chassis restoration, painting and refinishing. Students are prepared for entry level positions as restoration technician, auto body/collision repair and refinishing technician, fabricator, service writer, service and parts manager, service manager, specialty shop technician, repair business owner and welder.

CLASSIC CAR RESTORATION, STREET RODS, HOT RODS & CUSTOM VEHICLES

Pursue a career in the specialty industries of classic cars, street rods, hot rods and custom vehicles. Students will plan and design their custom project, learn fabrication techniques, make external body modifications and modify the suspension system.

GAME CHANGING TRAINING

Training and instruction will include electricity, electronics, paint and refinishing, welding, metal working, custom paint and graphics, interior modifications, engine and drivetrain modifications. To finish the project vehicles, students will perform interior modifications including upholstery, then perform final assembly tasks and detail the vehicle for delivery.

Get your Degree!

As a graduate of this Associate of Applied Science Degree program, you’ll enter the industry with the confidence of obtaining a career degree after receiving personal guidance from Ohio Technical College instructors who are all industry-experienced professionals!