From the shop:
- our new Snap-On, hand spin, computer wheel/tire balancer is installed and working.
- our new Snap-On, pneumatic bead assist is installed on our existing AC electric and pneumatic tire machine. This allows us to change low profile, high performance tires on wheels up to 20" diameter. Thanks to Specialist High Skill Major budget.
- we have also purchased new Channel Lock pliers set, on sale at Canadian Tire.
- 2006 Mazda 6 (customer); Mr. Girling from Girling Auto Body came to our shop and discussed damage with both students and the vehicle owner. We used plastic zip ties to hold broken plastic body pieces together until proper repairs could be done,due to front end collision.
- 2005 Nissan Altima (customer); owner was concerned about brake noise; students raised vehicle with AC electric and hydraulic Bear vehicle scissor lift; raised all wheels from lift using Space Saver pneumatic bottle jack vehicle lift; remove all wheels/tires from vehicle (1/2" drive, 19mm, 6 point, deep, impact socket and 1/2" drive pneumatic impact wrench/gun); remove brake system, hydraulic caliper mounting bolts (2 per caliper) and calipers (leaving brake system, hydraulic flex hose attached); inspect brake system, disc pads and clean out any dust/dirt; re-install all parts; torque wheel lug nuts to 100'lbs.; replace engine oil (5W30) and filter; check all fluids including automatic trans-axle, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant (low); check tire pressures (35psi); check wiper blades and all exterior lights (OK); test drive vehicle (OK).
- 2005 Saturn Ion (customer); customer was concerned about noise around engine area; students raised vehicle with Bear vehicle lift; found exhaust system heat shield above right front drive shaft was broken; students removed heat shield; student braze welded broken heat shield with gas torch; student reinstalled heat shield.
- 2001 Ford Focus (customer); customer wanted us to install front plastic weather panel under front of vehicle; students raised vehicle with Bear vehicle lift; students fitted panel in place and secured with plastic zip ties.
- 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (customer); raise vehicle with Bear vehicle lift; raise vehicle with Space Saver vehicle lift; remove all plastic wheel hub caps, remove all wheel lug nuts, remove all wheels and rotate (front wheels/tires move straight back and rear wheels/tires move forward but cross); install wheels/tires, install wheel lug nuts and torque to 100'lbs. (1/2" drive, 19mm, 6 point, deep, impact socket and 1/2" drive torque wrench); install plastic wheel hub caps; replace engine oil (5W30) and filter; check all fluids and tire pressures (35psi); check all exterior lights and windshield wiper blades (OK); vehicle needs engine air filter at next engine oil/filter service.
- 2002 Dodge Caravan (customer); raise vehicle with AC electric, hydraulic Hydra Lift; remove all plastic, wheel hub caps; remove all wheel lug nuts; remove all wheels/tires; inspect brakes; remove brake system front hydraulic caliper mounting bolts, calipers (leave flex lines on), brake pads, and caliper mounts; sandblast mounts of rust; re-install all brake components; install all wheels/tires, lug nuts and torque 100'lbs., and plastic hub caps.
- 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix (donated); raise vehicle with Hydra Lift; remove exhaust system including pipes, and dual mufflers, and tail pipes (AC electric angle grinder) after catalytic converter; remove fuel system tank (hydraulic transmission jack, 1/2" drive pneumatic impact wrench/gun); remove fuel system sending unit (ball peen hammer and chisel); remove remaining fuel in tank (siphon hose, 5gal. plastic fuel container).
- 1993 Ford Aerostar (donated); cut apart vehicle with gas torch.
- 1999 Chevrolet Lumina (donated); cut apart vehicle with gas torch.
- vehicle engine (donated) projects continue.
- vehicle transmissions (donated); students disassemble and discuss components of both manual and automatic transmissions and trans-axles.
- plastic model projects; students build a plastic vehicle model of their choice; requires patients, dedication, and fine motor control; allows student to visualize the change that paint makes to any vehicle.
- Grade 9's continue to work with vehicles, wood, and metal.
From the board:
- Safety: electric power tools
- Tools & Equipment: computer wheel balancer
- Theory: friction and braking
