Howdy, my name is Nathan and I USED to be a regular figure on this and other LX based forums... everyday and all day. So what happened.... not completely sure to be honest. Last fall I was upset with ALL things LX, I had an engine melt a piston and almost throw me into a wall. So there I was, all by myself with an engine and S/Cer that had to come out of my Magnum. No shop to take it to, no one to get to do the work while I stood by and learned. So I downloaded the ProCharger install manual and reversed it... slowly but surely I removed item after item and got a little more confidence as I went. Then it happened.... I pulled the engine and transmission and realized all that standing around asking questions and watching had paid off, I was able to do the job myself.... VERY slowly but I didn't break anything. So it started gnawing at me, I realized that I wasn't an insurance salesman and needed to do something that I could be proud of, something that challenged me. So in June of this year I started at NASCAR Technical Institute, a division of Universal Technical Institute. Here is my usual day: 5:25 a.m. Wake up 6:00 a.m. Show up at school, I am available to tutor if anyone needs it in the Lounge 6:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Class 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Work at Harris Teeter (Deli) Then study time, talk to wife, and well not much time for much else. So yeah, I don't work everyday after class but it seems like I do. I am going to make another thread on the status of Redfox-Racing and my re dedication to it... but this thread is on school and my disappearing act. Here are some pics from the time I have been at school. Here is our school lab: Here is our fab shop and spec engine room, haven't made it to these classes yet: Chassis Dyno is in the back. The Spec Engine class is open to only 2-4 students each 3 week course, sometimes the engines are built for K&N Series cars or the Craftsman Series Trucks... I WILL be in that class: Here is the Chrysler 41TE Auto transmission I disassembled, checked, and reassembled with my other 2 lab partners and we apparently set a record for time complete in class. Here WAS my arch nemesis during the 1st part of my brakes class, a brake drum from a 1995 Ford E Series. It took me 21 minutes to disassemble and reassemble this the 1st time but by the end of the 3 weeks for part of my final I did it in 5 minutes. I have THROWN myself into school as I was far behind the curve to begin with but I started to use my skills I learned on studying in college and began to really make a name for myself.... driving probably the COOLEST car in the student parking lot doesn't hurt either. I present to you my school transcript, I never was an exceptional student but now I know WHY I am doing this and what I want to get out of it. I have had 9 Three week courses (21 total with 7 being Fab, Aerodynamics for setting up a NASCAR, and Pit Crew Training) and have been the top student in 5 of them with an average of 3 people of the 25-30 failing each class so they are not easy. I also have taken my 1st set of ASE Tests and well I passed So yeah, I am going to be around more now that I have gotten into the groove of things here at school and plan on getting Redfox-Racing back on track. I am learning a lot am quick to realize that while I am getting a bunch of theory and some hands on training I am still very inexperienced and will be happy starting out wherever I can at whatever shop I can. Sorry this was so long, kinda been meaning to write this for a while and well I have my only week long break till I graduate so I thought now would be a good time. Nathan
Yeah, I knew why you were missing on the forums and up here right by US and working hard to do what YOU really love to do. Wishing YOU continued success. Our nephew went there a few months but just couldn't quite get a grip on everything and finally had to give it up. I think as much as anything he missed his family and friends back in New York too much. Hopefully ONE weekend you'll get to hang out with Tee and I at one of our local cruise ins or car shows. Jim and Tee
That is just awesome Nathan! Congratulations. Nothing like the feeling of real self accomplishment. (maybe you could tell Rick what he's doing with that TransZformer)
Very cool, Nathan. I am so very proud of you. Seriously. I knew a little bit about your absence through FB, but never really new that led you to your current route. Commendable to say the least. I think RedFox Racing forum was suspended. When you are ready, please let me know and I will reinstate the forum. Congrats and my well wished for continued success in school.
We are actually getting into CAN operation in my Advanced Diag class, to tell the truth the 1st day of electronics I almost blew up my meter as I stuck it in the wall to check the volts but had it set on amps... A few months later I pass my ASE Electronics class... I had truely been busting my a$$. As for the issue I barely glanced at it... Will have to read it tomorrow
LMAO....thanks Dave Congratulations Nathan! If I had the time I'd love to do what you are doing. Maybe when I retire I'll do that and hit up a culinary school to professionalize my hobbies! LOL Seriously though....not many have the sack to go out do what they love. Kudos to you brother!! Rick As far as the car....I'm hoping its just an old CV or U joint!!
Congratulations and good to hear from you again. I am sure the neighbors are happy that you're not tearing them down in your driveway, but rather at school. Good luck with new career and getting pointed where you want to go. Ed's bustin' at the seams. You should give him a call.
Way to go Nathan. I've wondered what happened to you also. To actually follow your dreams is something most will never have the courage to do. Best of luck and I look forward to your progress with all of your endeavors.
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