MTFCA Forum

In thinking the younger generation did not care. The young man in the black (16 years old) and his friend the same age, approached me about teaching them mechanical skills and other things in general. Lil Donnie I have known since knee high to a bullfrog so to say, and life with a father that has taken a dark road. His friend comes from a really bad home life but he does very well in school and does not want to repeat poor life choices, breaking a cycle. These two young men have given me such a light of hope. Two days with me so far and doing well! We hauled in all my Model T transmissions after noticing rats or squirrels have been chewing on the cardboard and pissing everywhere marking territory. Total take downs, bead blasting, checking everything, and reassembling. Those young eyes really help, "Mr Hank, is this a crack?" WOW, I almost missed one! Tomorrow, They will get a little hands on lathe time with of course adult supervision. These guys are PUMPED UP!

That's just cool. Good for them and good for you.
Bob
In Texas

Thank you for taking the time to teach these young men some skills, and for recognizing that this would be a good thing for them to get into.

After a hard day at work I hope you are able to give them driving lessons, or at least take them for a ride.

One of these days I need to take a trip down to your shop Hank. May be the first long trip For the TT when it gets done! Thanks for not giving up on us young guys!

Brad

"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree....." Good job Hank!

I you lived near me you couldn’t kick me outta there! I am a tad older though at 36.....

Good on you Hank. Those young men have a good head on their shoulders if they want to learn from you. The fact that you would take these two under your wing speaks volumes. They probably dont realize the knowledge gained from working on these 100 year old parts will cross over into all kinds of usefull skills. Please keep us posted on their quest for knowledge.

Now, is there an opening next semester?

Hank,

I thank you for taking the time and effort to tech the younger generation how to use their hands, brains and tools. Sadly the schools today have dropped all hands on skills classes. They are now out of vogue. Educators have lost site of the fact that all students are not going to be programmers, or computer geeks. What these educators have not figured out is who is going to fix their car, washing machine, or other mechanical things in their lives. Future generations will pay the price down the road with these educators that have blinders on.

Hank, for you to take both the interest and time to get younger kids interested in mechanical things and of course model t's, I applaud you for you foresightedness to enlighten these young men. I have been in the automotive service business for over 50 years now and its a sad day to see young men and women with absolutely no idea how to fix or repair the simplest of mechanical things. With broken families and the schools dropping the ball, this younger generation does no much have a chance.

I have offered to our local schools to tour my restoration operations to see what can be accomplished with a little bit of training, exposure to a very rewarding trade. They have turned me down flat. Our top line technicians make in excess of $125k per year, working 5 days a week, 7 hours a day. Not bad for a guy using his hands.

Thanks again for your efforts to help the future generation.

frontyboy

We seriously need a like button for posts like this.

Hank, Thank You

Virtual like button pressed!

...who is going to fix their car, washing machine, or other mechanical things...

Hank, this is late but you mention lathe time?
Win, win for these young fellas! THAT may get their brains clicking.
My 30 some year old nephew LOVED the lathe time he had in the little shop! And even cut a taper, on the fly.
Then explained the how. On a prized brass drift rescued from the scrap... Let it go Duane.
Hope it goes great for these boys!
Out of 7 grandkids, I have 2 that are very interested in these arts! And one more that's just like his grandpa.
Messed up in the head!
Good on you sir. Gently let them find their way.
Thanks Hank.

Hank, good on you for encouraging these your guys. This is really a win win win situation!!
You get the parts cleaned, added potentially two or more T enthusiasts and put them on a new course in life.
It’s people like you that can make a life changing experience for today’s youth.
I too on occasions have young guys call in on their push bikes just to see what I’m up to with the T’s in the garage
but not to the level you have
Alan in Western Australia

I too am late to the party but what you are doing for these young men and, in turn the hobby as a whole, is fantastic. Well done my friend!
Eric

Thank you for what you are doing. It will make a difference for them the rest of their lives.

Hank, thanks for all you are doing! These kids need this.
It's a shame how schools are definitely dropping the ball.

Dick, it's a shame how the schools turn this stuff down. This is just
a small part of the "destabilization" of America, as just what communism wants.
It's happening right before our eyes, enough of that though.

Henry:
you are to be commended ... an investment in our childrens future is time well spent ... we shall never give up , we shall remain strong and rightfully defiant and we shall stand for what is right and good ...always an optimist ...Gene French

AN UPDATE.., July 18, 2020.

Getting some teaching cobwebs out of my head and getting back into the game. My last time at this was back in 2008. Well.., Day 3 and they are really paying attention better than expected. Understanding why parts are clean so well for inspecting, cleanliness is next to Godliness, and learning to enjoy every part of the process. There are no sacrifices for quality in the rebuilding. Every step must be done in a particular order. Read the book as someone before you did all the hard work before you, GET EDUCATED BEFORE DIVING IN! We reorganized the shop, set up a staging assembly line, and more critical inspecting of gears (Taking advantage of young sharp eyesight).

It was about 97 degrees here today with very high humidity. Hank is a wimp! When I put up my "Big Playhouse" I put central heat and air in. Bare raw metal here sure does not like humidity as we all know. Those young men thought they died and went to heaven. As I explained to them, "working in comfort while doing nasty work makes it a walk in the park".

I shared all your comments with them today, they were very appreciative of the positive feedback as they were saying the same about lack of mentorship and opportunities in schools. I Thank You ALL from the bottom of my Heart. This is very good food for the soul!

Kameron enjoying comfort while running the parts washer.

Donnie is now the "Master of the Blaster", But he gave Kameron some time at it.

Utilizing the adjustable height of the 12 ton drive on lift for assembly.

Getting ready for final assembly, (The first 5)


Humbled Hank in dim dar hills of Tin-A-See with dim Youngins"

So Hank, are they both looking forward to owning a T? Do they want to repair one or build them from scratch? You have way more invested than we ever will? What can we do to help?

Thank You David, very kind.

I believe I am going to see how this up and coming year goes with them as far as keeping the flame lit.

Hank

I brought home a trans today to keep from scrap. Complete and turns. Drums look very good. Maybe you can bring the young men up so they can clean and inspect this one. I dont have A/C in the shop.

Holy cats! Those young guys got a lot of work done today!
Thank heavens some days for AC! Your dew-points were likely in the mid to upper 70's today. Ugh. That's rough.
Good for the soul? I guess. All feeling good!

UPDATE..., JULY 20, 2020.

Amazement does not come close to what I have incurred in the past with mentorship/teaching of young people!

I have been spotting them money to help them in reality, due to this upside down world of events and no summer jobs to speak of here. The old normal was "Payday Friday..., Retrain Monday", Not these two, Fashback Me! Their minds are now a sponge wanting more..., Big WOW!

Today was learning why we bead blast, scratch wheel and rewash the parts (removal of all injected particles). Next why we thread chase and inspect (proper thread condition). Then do product improvement by giving light round filing at the ends to ensure the oil works into the spirals on the bronze bushings. We are having a question and answer overview at the end of each day. They are getting gold stars folks! I am going back to my old ways of teaching in ensuring I still have it, Feedback Overview.

Enjoy the pictures.., I have a lot of optimism and do not see any adverse disappointments in the future. Long overdue therapy for me. These are some really up and going guys!

We all need SUPER Adult Supervision..., My Dear Old Dad (My Hero)!

Wow!
That’s really nice those young guys are actually doing something and learning some skills!
This is teaching them how to function in life and be useful!
Not just about learning about Model T’s but staying off their phones and knowing there is other things that’s to do besides using X boxes and I pads.

No big surprise that in the last several years basic and useful things aren’t being taught.
It’s good to see these young men are getting dirty and a little sweaty and learning about life.
Thanks for posting this and keeping these guys moving in the right direction. This generation really needs this especially now.

Oh that takes me back. The old guy looking over your shoulder and sharing knowledge that was sucked up like a sponge. No retraining monday? You have some keepers. I am very impressed Hank.

I LOVE this thread.

Thanks for sharing Hank. No doubt about it...you’re changing their lives.

A crap-ton of work, training in. Worth it.
An 8 yr old grandson wanted some shop time over the weekend.
He's the one that'll slither under a T, hook up the battery to honk the horn.
Ding! Let's see if he can polish points for a magneto... Hold it just-so and slide back and forth until you can see yourself in the points.
Grampa was... He's not quite ready D.
Hank, good work.

OK guys and gals. Here is a challenge. Hank has always given for us. Now it is time for us give to him. We all have extra tools and extra parts.
I know Hank will read this and follow along. What do you have that you are going to dig up and send to Hank for these young men. I have a few ideas, and I am sure you do to. I just need Hanks address and a few parts will be coming his way. It need not be much and maybe the kids will sell some for money to buy what they need. Let us send them some xmas presents in July.

WHO IS IN?

David and Others,

Thank You! But we really do have everything here. From tools and manuals all the way to dirty clothes. I just want to cause a spark in others!

Humbled Hank

I don’t know if the world can take 2 more like you Hank! I have to think about this one. Just kidding god bless you
I will be down shortly

Danny:
the world and especially our country needs many more adults that will take the time to teach others of all ages , but most especially our children ... practical skills and fact and inspire an interest in all things , teach confidence and high personal values ... build men and women of character..." make good men better"... again , i commend Henry and all others who offer their experience and knowledge ... always an optimist ...Gene French

UPDATE JULY 21, 2020.

It keeps getting better! Today they learned after the second wash how to weigh the triple gears, placing them in piles within 0.05 ounces. In the next few days they will learn old school density to mass ratios on a chart system on how to balance the sets at a 180 degree drill out. I could do a shave method but I want them to learn this method so they will be able to progress easier to flywheel balancing. They understand completely how the Model T transmission works...., all of this since last Thursday Folks! I have been quizzing them on what parts do.., they nailed their final exam on this section. Very proud teacher here!

Since they did so well, it was time for a ride or should I say "SMILES, SMILES, AND MORE SMILES" grinning ear to ear! Demonstrating while operating going down the road all their observation and paying attention paid off!

Please share this joy with me, you are all are so deserving! For a bonus.., we signed them up as members today so please welcome them aboard as our future!

Donnies Mother Michelle.., Very proud Mom!


Humble Hank in Tin-A-See

Great to hear Hank. Love the updates and photos. Hands on brain on. I know I want sign up now if rides are involved.

Driving lessons after graduation!

It is candy to the eyes and music to my ears, seeing you taking the time to teach these two young men. It is obvious that they are enjoying spending time with you, heck I would enjoy spending time with you too! Our, young man, Carson sure enjoys talking with you too! It is so good seeing the interest in the cars and the mechanics , like said many times, there is nothing being taught in schools in these fields. It just make the heart feel good!!!! THANKS,HANK. jw

John, You are Awesome in mentoring Carson! He said you were right there and could assist.

Hank

Looks like Matt in CA is also mentoring.

Welcome young members! We're an unsightly/oddball lot tho. Hehehe!
Woohoo!

While I Have been working for Hank he has been keeping me and donnie updated on the thread, I love seeing what everyone is saying and I’m glad I can finally respond!! He has been teaching me everything from etiquette to building and showing me how a transmission works. I’ve loved this opportunity and I’ve also met some good hearted people along with it. I’m very thankful for the welcomes and I’m excited to see where this opportunity will take
me.

I’m one of the two young men in the pictures above ^and can’t express how happy I am to be apart of this community of model T enthusiasts. This hobby is more then vehicle restoration it’s absolute art and not only art but something you can take pride in. don’t mean to get personal but before calling Henry k. Lee and being introduced to this hobby. I had no since of Direction of what I was going to do once I got out of high school but because of Him I now have way more of an idea then I ever thought I would have. All the stuff I’ve learned in the past week not even talking about all the stuff I learned about model T’s you absolutely can not put a price on. I only look forward to learning more and more.

Yesterday Hank took Donnie and I for a ride in the Model T and I loved it, he explained how everything worked and explained what was happening inside the clutch every time he changed gears or put it into reverse. I loved everything about it and hope to learn more ab these beautiful cars!!!

Welcome aboard to you both. Its a great bunch here. You fellas have a real oportunity to get some knowledge from a true craftsman and you are taking it. My hat is off to you both.

The thing you will find with anything top quallity is in the details and pride in workmanship. Its true from restoring parts to fabricating from metal to wood its the same pride that produces quality. Learning from someone like Hank that has experience and can do it all is priceless.

The oportunity for a career in restoration or fabrication of parts is real. The guys that have done this type of work for years are retiring and have nobody to carry the torch. We have a local repair shop in town. They have probably 6 to 8 certified mechanics there. From deisel engines to electonics and fuel injection they are great. One of their office guys brought a carburator to me the other day and asked if I knew somebody that could rebuild it. None of their mechanics have rebuilt an old carb. I think it was 40's era carb.

I look forward to watching this thread with many others. Someday I will get to see Hanks shop and go for a ride but till then I will see it here. Thanks guys you made my day.

The opportunity for a career in restoration or fabrication of parts is real. The guys that have done this type of work for years are retiring and have nobody to carry the torch.

Quite true. There are several Model T parts and services we have taken for granted that are no longer available because the folks who provided them have "aged out" of the game. I'm glad I bought a new gas tank when I did.

Welcome to the forum!

Please make yourelf at home. There's lots of knowledge here. I've spent the last few years reviving a T and there's no way I'd be as far along as I am without the good folks here helping me.

UPDATE JULY 22, 2020.

Today I had errands, shopping (I forgot how much food young men can plow through), bills to pay, etc. Left the young men in charge, trust must be fostered, they passed with flying colors! Their work ethics, team discipline, and time management skills at their age really shocked me! More work was done than expected!

I have received some of the most kindest, sincere, heart felt emails and texts from some of you extending to help with parts and cars! WOW, what a bunch of AWESOME folks you are! We (The Boys and I) really Thank You! We are just going to take this as the parts I have in place to do for now and progress to other items. Do not want to cram it down to fast and go into overwhelm mode. We are talking as a team of future possibilities for them if they wish to carry on with no strings attached, ie, Replacement metal body patch panels (Not currently being available), Round/oval/square fuel tanks, and other items to foster the hobby. I told them, "My hands and joints are giving out to do this all the time. But, What I know now about rest cycles of the joints and body, we have machines in this shop to remove the prolong effects of over extending the wear and tear warranty on the body. I was able to purchase as funds came available."

I believe if this is what they want to do with their lives, the opportunities are endless. There is a lot learn but they are fast at learning for sure.

I would like to extend a personal note: This should not be in anyway about me. It should only be used as a method in promoting the hobby through Mechanical/Industrial Arts. I am starting by demonstrating/showing the progression of Automotive Sciences at it's beginning to current applications up to around 1985 (The end of the carburetor and distributor).

Humble Hank

UPDATE JULY 23, 2020.

A very good day for critical cleaning and inspecting! The young men are learning why the cleaning is so important as critical areas prone to failure can be inspected. I have been using this method for years with excellent results, here it is:

Clean all components with mineral spirits (I have a parts cleaner that regenerates and filters), let dry, Skat or bead blast off all corrosion and varnish, Scratch wheel all surfaces of the components by means of a drill attachment with various styles of wheels and/or a motor driven pedestal wheel. Wash again in the parts washer, let dry. Now wash in a large pan with clean mineral spirits and let dry again. Inspect and start machining surfaces as required. Here is the good thing about a lathe, the light cutting harmonics will show cracks missed in a heart beat! I have seen cracks show up the magna flux missed! I am only taking off maybe 0.002" per pass with a very sharp bit. Makes you sick when you see what appears to be a real good brake or reverse drum turn into scrap metal after one pass. Better than driving down the road.., Clunk, Clunk!!!!!

After machining is complete and meets the standards, rinse again in mineral spirits, then wash in hot water, immediately blow off dry. I then spray down with PB Blaster or some sort of similar product. Rack items on cardboard and cover with an old sheet. This keeps all corrosion away for a good while until ready for assembly.

Any item "Blasted" must be conditioned by means of scratch wheeling or tumbling, A floured biscuit does not stick (Paint) or injecting under pressure a material to an item that has a surface which is porous needs a little help in removal. Multiple washings ensure micro product removal.

The pictures speak for themselves.

After first wash in clean solvent! Let sit over night.

Giving the young men some lathe time!

The young men had about a half day of reading from various sources the operation and do and don'ts of the transmission rebuilding.


Enjoy!

Hank

Hank
There are no words to express the knowledge these young men are learning from you.
I wish I was closer to you to be able to have the chance to learn more about the wonderful Model T.
Henry Ford would be proud.
You make this hobby so much fun.

Hank,

Your title of this thread is incorrect. You need to delete the second and fourth words. I GAVE would be more accurate brother!!!

Carry on,
Dom

Must add that Hank also gifted MTFCA memberships to Kameron and Donnie.

You're amazing, Hank!

UPDATE JULY 24, 2020.

End of a long week of cleaning, inspecting, and adding to the scrap metal pile but we are ready Monday or so for assembly. At breaks and when one is waiting for another before he continues with the next task, they are reading the manuals with pages marked! Big WOW!



Some serious progress!


All the Best,

Humbled Hank

Looks like some real work took place this week. It sounds like they are enjoying the learning process. If you like what you do its not realy work.

You couldn’t have said it any better. I look forward to every day I go to the shop.

Learning and playing at the same time never gets old

Had some visitors today, Bill Webb (aka "Billy Bob Speed Shop") and his friend Mr Mike Shore on their way to Mississippi. They were able to meet Donnie and Kameron which was quite a delight. We stopped work early to show proper southern hospitality and went over a few items Bill had some questions about. A very enjoyable visit, but the bonus was the two young men are being inspired by our club members as we all come from different backgrounds and experiences. The possibilities are endless in young mens minds!

Humble Hank

Hank, I gave you a 5*, you’re changing their lives. You are amazing! It is refreshing seeing young gentlemen acting like that. All of you making my week.

Wish you all the best and thank you keeping us updating. I will be glad having a mentor like you.

Well...., They mastered the inspection and assembly of a Model T Ford semi-automatic two speed planetary transmission. I very pleased with their sense of accomplishment. After doing lucky 13 of them over 8 days, they really nailed it! Three are sold and will list some a little later on the classifieds (I need food money to feed them, they are walking guts at that age..., remember)).




Humble Hank

Congrats guys! Its nice to finish a project that you started. I always enjoy finishing a project because I get to start another. I seem to learn new things on every project. Now you have me looking forward to your next project. Im sure Mr Hank has something in store for you.

Hank, I can't say enough how great this is. You have given these young men some discipline and direction that will affect them for the rest of their lives. They will never forget what you have provided for them. I had a shop teacher in high school that did the same for me, and to this day I am thankful that our lives crossed and I had the opportunity to learn from him. He is the one who inspired me to get the education and training for the career that I have enjoyed for my entire adult life. I still think fondly of him and his mentorship. I know what that experience means to me, and I feel pretty sure your attention here will pay off big time for these two. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank You to All for the kind comments!

I think the Greatest reward in mentoring/teacher is always watching those fireworks go off in their heads from the unknowns coming to light with amazement! And they thought they only received the benefits!

On a side note: With the passing of some of our Great people in the Model T community lately which led us to our path to the hobby.., It is everyones responsibility to carry the torch if they can. Please get involved even if it is just an ice cream run. I am blessed to have this opportunity with these two young men and was searching for years.., they approached me. Please do your part in keeping this alive and well!


Humble Hank Down Yonder.

I teach a high school tech ed class and what I have found is that many young people want to learn woodworking, welding, mechanical stuff they just have had no one to teach them. Many of the kids that are this age had dads that did not have the opportunity to learn so they can’t teach. Combine that with all of the distractions in our society today and young people don’t have the avenue to be taught these things. Thank you for what you are doing for these young men. Maybe everyone on the forum should look for a way to do this!

In line with this, a very fortunate thing has/is happening with my Grand kids. The decision was made to remodel a portion of their families Barn for a room - apartment for the oldest Boy/Brother. The family lives on a farm outside Wimberley, and all have been faithful to the edicts and have stayed close. All three are College Boys, and have been stuck at home for the past several months due to the Virus thingy. My Son in Law, their Dad, has also been working at home during this time and has been an invaluable Mentor and Aide. I still had most of my wood working stuff, air compressor, nail guns (air and electric) saws and all the rest. You would not believe how these Boys have jumped in and worked on this project, no complaining and etc., all have been more than willing and able to do this project, not a negative word nor grumbling has been heard. My Daughter, their Mom, has also jumped in and is as good a Carpenter as one could want. Over time, some of the Boy's friends have been begging to come and help, these are like Boys who have also been quarantined on their respective families Farms, so there has been no concern about cross contamination. Point of the story is that I honestly believe that most of these kids will pitch in and help if given the opportunity. I feel blessed that this has happened like it has, this will be something they can talk about forever,and now have a mutual bond of having done something with their hands to help their Brother, and have learned skills and the ability to work together and to think. As I said, I feel this is something that God has dropped in our lap, and will have an impact on these Boys for the rest of their lives.

Many of the kids that are this age had dads that did not have the opportunity to learn so they can’t teach.

That's me. My dad was raised by his grandma in horse & buggy days. He had wood shop in high school, but when it came to cars he had the mechanical touch of death. I recall watching him struggle through replacing a rusted out water distributor* on the old 1941 Plymouth. It was an agonizing ordeal. Not a pretty sight. So I had no instruction or experience with mechanical stuff until I was in the Army, and that was pretty minimal. Now, half a century later, though I can take a T apart and put it back together, I'm still not a skilled mechanic. So I am both envious and delighted to see what Hank and Donnie and Kameron are doing, as well as the students at McPherson College, and the other young folks who are getting involved at an early age.

*It still confounds me that the vaunted Chrysler engineers would come up with a water distributor made of steel.

Grady,

I admire you and your family's positive attitude. So many people are crying, "Oh, woe is me" and you guys are out making hay while the sun shines.

Good on you and yours.

Today was a kick back day and so will be tomorrow! Very productive in getting some odd jobs done plus learning at the same time.

A simple trick to assist your fan blade, clean well in the recessed areas, and put some Ultra Black Gasket Maker like welds. This will assist in absorbing vibrations which can cause them to break off.

Installing the bendix correctly.

Checking the surfaces for abnormal defects (Light is your friend).

Checking the head for the same. Using self sticking sandpaper on a milled machinery table is a simple and acute method for removing only what is required to get proper plane. I could have fired up the milling machine but show how to do without is just as important. Moving the head back and forth in an oval just works great, vacuuming every once in awhile.

Humble Hank

I am jealous. Can I join your class? I do not eat much. I have a cot, so I can sleep in the shop.

Today they learned to do a scratch and measure method. Light coat of layout dye then straight edge, The heads passed.


Humble Hank

Do these young men have the ability to take shop classes or has the school district cancelled all that?

All the equipment up here was trashed at the high school. No one was allowed to purchase it. Sad.

Funny you should say that David. From my understanding, the shops in the local high schools have limited capabilities, worn out equipment, not the correct instructors in place and promote sports over industrial arts. Yes, very sad to me too. Years ago I offered my services for free to the local high school to assist and inspire, even offered up all the parts to build a Model T from scratch. I was rejected big time! Later I found out.., I was a threat as they saw it! I was not seeking anyones job.., just wanted to give back to my community. I will stay on my beautiful mountain.., They are already talking in the town as the boys have bragging of their new adventures. Words spread fast in a small community.

Humble Hank

You are a threat to modern teaching Hank. Help others, ask nothing in return, integrety, hard working. You are a real threat!

Dallas, you have no idea how right you are. And it's not just recently - it's been that way in the eyes of some of these "wise educational leaders" raised in the modern era... You're --gasp-- ENDANGERING these little kids.

I remember going to shop class (yes, I Was one of those shop rats who loved shop) - I had advacned through metalshop from 9th grade on... My junior year, I was enrolled in Advanced Metalworking - the 3rd year class, where we got to do awesome projects, enter the good ones into the county fair, etc., showing our prowess in the arts... perfecting what we learned on various machines, so we could pursue careers in metalworking, machining, etc. when we graduated.

So first day of this class, raring to go, plans and materials already purchased to make a steam engine (much like my dad made when HE was in school), as my project, figuring it would take most of a semester... Expected to dig right on in, as we were ALL "veterans" of the program. As we found out on that first day, however, was that Ol' Mr. Barnes (you know, the old school shop teacher, missing digits and an infectious love for the trades) had retired that summer, and his replacement was there. Don't remember his name... let's just call him "Mr. Milquetoast".

HE issues the same textbppks we used back in 9th grade - and has us start from page 1, chapter 1, about Safety. OK, I understand why - he doesn't know us, and wants to make sure we don't hurt ourselves, so the whole week was reading the book. We were grumbling, but we knew next week we'd take our refresher tests on welding, lathes, mills, casting, etc... and get to work.

Monday, week 2. "Get out the books, and turn to chapter 2, we're going to learn about hand tools". Pointing at someone "I want you to read the first paragraph..."

Someone posed the fatal question. "Um, Mr. Milquetoast, this is 3rd year metalshop. This is all first year stuff. We need to take our machinery qualifiers so we can start planning our projects..." The look he threw at that kid - "Machinery?!? What do you mean, Machinery?" the kid says "Well, we have projects we need to start for the county fair next summer, some of us have..."

"SILENCE!" We sat there, semi-stunned. "Everything you need to know is in these books. I am NOT going to allow you students to touch any of those dangerous, hazardous machines. You don't need them to learn, and I'm working with the school to get them removed."

A few of us were able to escape that unfolding disaster, and get into a class not run by one of Milquetoast's ilk. We were ALL really heartbroken (maybe the word is infuriatingly pissed, if that's appropriate for a group of dejected high schoolers) over it. But... that's the pervasive mentality that now seems to haunt our schools - if there's even an inkling of a scintilla that little Johnny (or Janie) might stub a toe, we need to remove it so the parent's don't sue the school district for all it's worth.

So I say... for the kids of today... Thank the Lord for the likes of ol' "Humble Hank", for feeding the curiosity (and souls) of our kids. Their future is in the hands of you and those like you who care enough to lead the next generations into the joy of working with their hands!!

You got Umbridge for a teacher instead of Moody.

Hank is definitely a Moody.

Today was how to properly reuse a copper head gasket by means of copper spray and torquing in stages (30, 40, 50 Ft Lbs times three each with 15 minute intervals in between). Before installing the head, they installed all the head bolts with the head and without the head gasket to ensure no bottoming out. Will do a pre start tomorrow!



Humble Hank

Well? Im missing the report cards.

Sorry, time to service their vehicles before school starts. They found out that even a car dealer will lie to you, ie, Ford car, Ford dealer, engine takes 6 quarts oil, they put in only 5. Automatic transmission requires servicing at 60,000 miles according to the manufactures book in the glove box hidden under tampons, straws, ketchup packs, but they said "150,00 miles". Yep, let's sell them more cars! This was Donnies Mom's older Ford, she has worked at the dealership for 15 years!

Immeasurable learning these guys are getting from you Hank. Can't wait for the start-up report guys!
Fruits of your labors guys!
Susanne, Ding ding! You nailed it!
When I was in high school, too dumb, didn't think I'd want metal shop and went to work outside and got A's when at work.
Yet, I gravitated to that shop class/shop work. I did use the surface grinder to finish a carb spacer for a six cylinder Pontiac.
Friends got me "in". Shop teacher was a great man and I had taken ag classes right next door.
I'd perhaps be better off if I took metal shop so I learned later.
This local school has NO shop classes. BUT, they do still offer trap shooting so it's not completely XXXXXX.

I have been learning a lot about servicing vehicles and where to look to find the correct information about the quantities that cars require (not what the dealership tells you) Hank has still been teaching me a lot and I’m very excited to continue learning from this man full of wisdom!!!

Hank is full of something !!!
Kindness, fun, experience. What did you think I was talking about.
Thank you for the update Kameron. I look forward to updates on what you guys are working on. Keep up the good work.

UPDATE AUG, 10, 2020.

A big day with the young men.., Lights came on like a pinball wizard on crack! They learned the fine art of deck checking, stoke balance (length) and combustion chamber clearances. Now they understand balancing the combustion chamber in relationship to compression ratios with the appropriate clearances on the top to prevent too much heat build up (melt down). We did wet set checks on the valves, and went over how to fine tune compression of the engine by means of shims under long reach aviation spark plugs. Later we will get out the oscilloscope with a dynamic-strobe attachment to fine tune arc. Dear ole Dad can't wait to see their expressions in the old glass of water on the valve cover trick with no ripple engine running at idle.

Enjoy the ride with me and these young men folks, It is enjoyable!

Humble Hank

Looks to me like they enjoy it. Thanks Hank, that made my day.

Learning more and more everyday, Hank has been giving us more freedom and trust, letting us do certain things on our own and giving us time to have personal learning experiences, I’m very happy up here at hanks they have been very patient, loving, and caring. This man is one of a kind.

Kameron I'm really happy for you having a chance your path cross Hank path. You will learn alot with this gentlemen. Enjoyed your week-end!

Kameron, you are very fortunate. It sounds like you have made some good choices in learning from Hank. I like hearing what you guys are into and envey most of it. Even the rides in the speedsters!

You guys have probably learned more in the past month than you will learn in nine months in school. You have learned math, history, and psychology without even knowing it. The biggest skills you are probably learning are social skills. Not to mention that you now have friends all over the country that will help you out wherever you travel. Just mention you are Hank's apprentices and doors are open everywhere.

Keep up the good work and be proud of what you have accomplished.

Just like ducks in water!!!!!! Dim dar boys have solo'd!

They listened well with all the transmission rebuilds, reading how they operate, and just a few run around the house instructions, I cut the purse strings. Folks.., I am a proud man as these two both said.., "Wow, this is simple and I love it!" They are hooked!




Humble Hank in Tin-A-See

That,.. Is fantastic!

R/Roger.

Not Model T but... My niece is 16 years old and has always loved old cars. I gave her my 22 year-old pickup but that wasn't old enough. Last weekend she got her first old car, a '51 Packard. She loves driving it. There is no question that this is only the beginning of another old car hobbyist.

Great stuff. I don't venture on the forum too much, except to ask questions, as I know just enough to know that I don't know enough! I'm glad Hank is able to give some of himself to these great boys. He is giving them much more than mechanic and shop lessons. They are learning lessons in life... And the fact they are looking it up and enjoying it, is heartwarming.

As someone else had pointed out here... This COVID thing isn't all bad. It has forced many of us to slow down, think about what is important, and enjoy what you can. I think half the club here would love to go to theulir graduation!

Keep it up guys!! You are ALL doing great!!

Respectfully,
Dennis

With a nod to Steve Jelf: