Palmdale High's "FalconGarage" students with current projects
We at the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show, like to encourage our future generations, who will be responsible for the continued success of the classic car industry, to explore and learn about classic cars, automotive history and technology. Much of this is being accomplished in high school auto shops and trade schools.
Palmdale High School, in Palmdale, CA, has had an automotive program for most of its 55 years of existence. The program is filled with devoted students who want to further their training in the automotive field. This is done through large scale projects, as well as internships at local auto dealerships. The FalconGarage, named for the school’s mascot of Fighting Falcons, is a place where these ambitious students can share their passion. During evenings and weekends, these students will reach beyond their own comfort levels and attempt to build numerous rods and classics, just as many students have done over the previous school years.
A popular field trip for instructor,Timothy Green, and his students is the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. The group frequents this event to gather parts and pieces for their many current projects. One long-term project for the class has been the build of a 1971 Camaro as a ¼ mile car. The final goal is to build a car that will run consistently in the 12′s, but also capable of putting down a 10 second run without breaking. I told you that this was an ambitious group. With their perseverence along with the dedication and know-how of their instructor, I’ll bet we will see that Camaro project come to fruition.
Students from the FalconGarage also began work on two classic’s this past fall. The first being a 1955 Chevy pick up along with a 1956 Chevy pick up, which are commissioned to become “resto-mods” (a restored vehicle built into a street rod). The projects will include design work, tear-downs, and full rebuilds. One will have a traditional 350 carbureted drive train, while the other will have a fuel-injected LS2 power plant. The plan is to take time over two school years to make certain that these vehicles are done right. Keep an eye out for updates on their progress over the next few months!
FalconGarage engine build
We appreciate the work that our area automotive instructors do in teaching and encouraging our future generations of auto enthusiasts, helping them further their knowledge and interest in the automotive industry. If you are an auto instructor and would be interested in your class attending a future Pomona Swap Meet, as our guests, please contact Matt Zarzana at 714.538.7091 or matt.jzarzana70@pomonaswapmeet.com.
REMEMBER- Children 12 and under are always admitted FREE to the Pomona Swap Meet.
There have been countless studies done to prove it, but virtually everyone knows that spending quality time with a kid is the greatest gift you can give them. And sharing your appreciation for collector cars is a great way to nurture their interest in a hobby that you can enjoy together for many years to come. Visit takeakidtoacarshow.com for more info.
-Matt Zarzana
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There were no spectator numbers available as we went to press, but take it from an eyewitness, the crowds were huge. There were entrants from Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Canada. The organization was first class, with booths offering a wide variety of food and drink, including a BBQ’d, smoked turkey leg that I could not resist. There I was walking around, visiting with folks, gnawing on my turkey leg, sipping a cold beer and taking pictures of some of the most beautiful cars in the world. It just doesn’t get any better.
