Revive & Drive: A Car Restoration Journey

12th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Revive & Drive: A Car Restoration Journey

Eric Rios

Purpose

This project aims to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to successfully restore a car. By collaborating with a local salvage yard, you'll learn how to source parts and materials effectively. Throughout the project, you'll develop mechanical skills through hands-on practice with tasks like oil changes, brake repairs, and engine diagnostics. You'll document each step of the restoration process in a detailed portfolio, capturing photos, challenges, and solutions. The project culminates in a photo exhibition where you share your journey with the community, alongside a documentary-style video that inspires others interested in automotive projects. Through reflection, critique, and revision, you'll refine your techniques and showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Learning goals

In this project, you will delve into the essential skills and knowledge required for successfully restoring a car. You will develop mechanical skills by practicing basic car maintenance tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, and engine diagnostics. By collaborating with a local salvage yard, you'll gain insights into sourcing parts and materials, which is crucial for any restoration project. Through weekly check-in meetings with a mentor, you'll receive guidance and constructive feedback, helping you refine your techniques and overcome challenges. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your technical abilities but also improve your problem-solving skills and creativity as you work towards achieving your vision for the restored car.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Throughout this project, you will accomplish several key outcomes that showcase your journey and learning in car restoration. You will create a detailed portfolio documenting each step of the restoration process, complete with photos, challenges, and solutions. Additionally, you will produce a documentary-style video capturing the entire restoration journey, featuring interviews with mentors and community partners. This video will serve as an inspiring resource for others interested in automotive projects. Finally, you will organize a photo exhibition in a community space, presenting your portfolio and sharing the stories behind your restoration journey with guests.

Launch

Kick off your car restoration project with a dynamic 'Vision Board Session'. Gather with your peers to brainstorm and visualize the final look of your restored car. This collaborative session will encourage creativity and goal-setting, allowing you to map out your aspirations for the project. Discuss potential challenges and solutions with your peers, setting a strong foundation for the journey ahead. This engaging start will not only fuel your enthusiasm but also provide clarity on the steps needed to achieve your restoration goals.

Exhibition

To culminate your car restoration project, arrange a captivating Photo Exhibition in a community space. This exhibition will showcase your detailed portfolio, featuring photos and stories from each step of the restoration process. Invite peers, teachers, community partners, and local car enthusiasts to engage with your journey. This interactive event will not only highlight your hard work and accomplishments but also serve as an inspiring platform for others interested in automotive projects. Encourage guests to ask questions and share their own experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for car restoration.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Vision Board Session: Gather with peers to brainstorm and visualize the final look of the restored car. Discuss goals, aspirations, potential challenges, and solutions.	Introduction to Car Restoration: Attend a workshop with a mentor to learn the basics of car restoration and the tasks involved.	Visit Local Salvage Yard: Tour the salvage yard to understand the process of sourcing parts and materials. Build relationships with the staff and learn about available resources.	Set Up Project Documentation: Create a digital portfolio framework for documenting each step of the restoration process, including sections for photos, challenges, and solutions.
Deliverables	1. Vision Board: A visual representation of the project's goals and aspirations, showcasing the envisioned final look of the car. 2. Digital Portfolio Framework: A structured template ready for documentation throughout the project, ensuring organized and detailed recording of the restoration process.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Hands-On Workshop: Oil Change - Participate in a guided workshop where you'll learn and practice the steps involved in performing an oil change. Gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques under the supervision of a mentor.	Research and Sourcing Parts: Spend time researching the necessary parts for the restoration project. Visit the local salvage yard again to identify potential parts and negotiate purchases. Document the parts you sourced and the decision-making process.	Weekly Mentor Check-In: Meet with your mentor to discuss progress, challenges faced during the oil change workshop, and insights gained from sourcing parts. Receive feedback and guidance for the upcoming tasks.
Deliverables	1. Oil Change Documentation: A detailed step-by-step guide and reflection on the oil change workshop, including photos and any challenges encountered. 2. Parts Sourcing Report: A comprehensive report outlining the parts sourced, their condition, and the rationale behind selecting them for the restoration project.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Hands-On Workshop: Brake Repairs - Engage in a detailed workshop focused on brake repair techniques. Learn how to assess brake components, replace brake pads, and ensure the functionality and safety of the braking system.	Engine Diagnostics Session: Participate in a session to learn the basics of engine diagnostics, including reading error codes, understanding engine performance indicators, and troubleshooting common engine issues.	Portfolio Update: Document the brake repair and engine diagnostics sessions in your digital portfolio. Include photos, challenges faced, solutions found, and key learnings from both activities.	Weekly Mentor Check-In: Meet with your mentor to review your progress on brake repairs and engine diagnostics. Discuss any difficulties encountered, receive feedback, and plan for the next steps in the project.
Deliverables	1. Brake Repair Documentation: A comprehensive guide detailing the brake repair process, supplemented with photos, challenges, solutions, and reflections on the experience. 2. Engine Diagnostics Report: A detailed report explaining the diagnostic procedures carried out, insights gained, and actions taken to address any engine issues identified during the session.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Hands-On Workshop: Engine Repair - Dive into an in-depth workshop focused on engine repair techniques. Learn how to disassemble and reassemble engine components, replace worn-out parts, and ensure the engine's overall functionality and performance.	Electrical Systems and Wiring: Participate in a session to understand car electrical systems and wiring. Gain skills in troubleshooting electrical issues, replacing wiring, and ensuring the functionality of lights, sensors, and other electronic components.	Portfolio Update: Document the engine repair and electrical systems sessions in your digital portfolio. Include photos, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and key insights gained from both activities.	Weekly Mentor Check-In: Meet with your mentor to discuss your progress in engine repair and electrical systems tasks. Address any issues faced, receive constructive feedback, and outline the plan for the final week of the project.
Deliverables	1. Engine Repair Documentation: A comprehensive guide detailing the engine repair process, including photos, challenges, solutions, and reflections on the experience. 2. Electrical Systems Report: A detailed report explaining the procedures for electrical system repairs, key insights, and actions taken to resolve any electrical issues encountered.
Preparation

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Assembly and Testing: Assemble all restored components and conduct a series of tests to ensure the car is functional and safe. Address any lingering issues identified during testing.	Portfolio Finalization: Review and refine your digital portfolio, ensuring all restoration steps are documented comprehensively. Add final photos and reflections on the overall journey.	Documentary Video Production: Edit and finalize the documentary-style video, incorporating interviews, footage of the restoration process, and personal reflections. Ensure it tells a cohesive story of the project.	Exhibition Preparation: Organize and plan the layout for the photo exhibition. Prepare any necessary materials, such as printed photos, captions, and display stands. Coordinate with the venue for setup.	Weekly Mentor Check-In: Meet with your mentor to review the final stages of the project. Discuss preparations for the exhibition and video presentation. Receive final feedback and encouragement.
Deliverables	1. Assembled Car: A fully assembled and functional restored car, ready for presentation. 2. Finalized Digital Portfolio: A completed digital portfolio with all restoration steps, photos, challenges, solutions, and reflections. 3. Documentary Video: A finished documentary-style video capturing the entirety of the restoration journey, ready for screening. 4. Exhibition Setup Plan: A detailed plan for the photo exhibition, including layout, materials, and logistics.
Preparation