The new Structural Repair & Refinishing Program at Lower Lake High School began in 2018 and has come a long way since then. In 2022 we added the industry standard I-CAR Certification Program and this year we will hopefully graduate our first group of students that will have their I-CAR Pro Level One Certification for technicians.
As part of the program, Lower Lake High School has partnered with Lake EDC to gather industry feedback on the training and the link between employment by local businesses. To participate in the project, please consider filling out the employer survey. The survey takes less that 15 minutes.
A summary of the three-year program is as follows:
Year 1: Introductory Structural Repair and Refinishing
Introduction to multiple automotive topics:
- The Collision Repair Process
- Insurance and Business Operations
- Personal Safety
- Vehicle Construction Materials
- Safety Systems
- Tools and Equipment
- Repair Terminology
- Mechanical Systems Terminology
- Refinishing and Corrosion Protection
Year 2: Intermediate Structural Repair and Refinishing
More in-depth research and practice into the following topics:
- Hazardous Materials and Personal Safety
- Movable and Stationary Glass
- Automotive Foams
- Plastic Repair
- Trim, Pinstripes and Decals
- Cosmetic Straightening of Steel
- Removal and Replacement of Bolt on Parts
- Automotive Lighting
- Detailing
- Refinishing and Corrosion Protection
Year 3: Advanced Structural Repair and Refinish
- Automotive Welding: TIG, MIG, Aluminum, Steel, Bronze Brazing, Oxygen-Acetylene Cutting and Plasma Cutting
- Virtual Reality Paint Booth
- Refinish Principles and Practice
- Waterborne Painting Systems
- Testing and Examinations
- Certification in I-CAR Pro — Level One
Basic Automotive Maintenance
Automotive maintenance including oil changes, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire and wheel alignment, cooling system maintenance and basic engine maintenance.
In addition, there are project vehicles in the shop that the students work on to gain hands-on experience. They include:
Factory Five Racing 1966 Shelby Cobra Replica
- 385 HP Blueprint Engines Crate Motor, Ford 306 cu. in.
- Fiberglass Body
- Full Kit was shipped as a tube frame and 45 cardboard boxes full of parts. This kit should take two years to complete, then we will auction it off and buy another kit for the next group of students.
1976 Ford F-100
- Full engine rebuild
- Full body restoration, including new wooden bed and new paint
- Lowered
- Audio System installed
1987 Toyota Pickup
- Blown Head Gasket
- Full Body paint and restoration
- This is a donation, which we will sell and use the money for the ASB Club, the “Lower Lake Mechanics Club”
1988 BMW 325i
- Full Paint and Body Restoration
- Engine Restoration
- Upholstery Restoration
- Wheels and Tires
1950 Ford Truck
- Full Restoration
- Ford Flathead 6V Positive Ground System
2002 BMW M3
- Maintenance and Upkeep
- Vinyl Wrap
