Certificate

Overview

Students learn to apply specialized restoration skills in the repair and maintenance of vintage vehicles. The curriculum emphasizes research, structural, mechanical, electrical, and refinishing skills. The fine attention to detail expected by collectors, museums, and contest judges is also emphasized. Projects involve extensive restoration on select 1900-1972 automobiles with additional work on a variety of antique and classic chassis and components intended to develop an appreciation and transferability of skills necessary for the various facets of the restoration industry. Quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are expected by the industry and reinforced in all restoration courses.

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of automotive restoration businesses, including automotive restoration shops, custom fabrication shops, automotive museums, automotive auction houses, private vehicle collections, specialty parts fabrication, and classic vehicle maintenance and repair.

Recommended High School Subjects

Special Equipment Needs

See program Tool List for major.

Laptop Computer Required 
 

  • Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
  • 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
  • 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended)
  • Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
  • Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
  • Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
  • Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
  • Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

  • develop a comprehensive plan to authenticate a manufacturer’s original equipment application.
  • describe and apply the use of modern repair techniques to accomplish a quality restoration in the current antique and collector car market.
  • emulate, through daily practice, the professional standards of the industry for punctuality, teamwork, attention to detail, steadfastness, and oral and    written communication.
  • prepare for successful employment in automotive restoration and its related areas or graduate from a four-year degree program.

Performance Standards

Students must maintain a 'C' or greater in all RST courses. If a 'D' or lower is earned, the course must be repeated. Students should work closely with their advisors and program faculty to ensure they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.

Curriculum

Fall 2025 Credits
FYE101 First Year Experience 1
RST100 Automotive History in the 20th Century Fall Only 3
RST115 Vintage Automotive Mechanical & Applications I Fall Only 4
RST130 Vintage Metal Fabrication & Applications I Fall Only 4
RST Restoration Directed Elective 3
MPE Math Elective (MTH011 or Higher) 3
Total Credits 18
Spring 2026 Credits
RST120 Automotive Research & Design Spring Only 3
RST205 Vintage Metal Fabrication & Applications II Spring Only 4
RST215 Vintage Automotive Final Assembly & Applications Spring Only 4
MSC106 Introduction to Metallurgy 4
ENL Select One Course: ENL010 or ENL111 3
Total Credits 18
Summer 2026 Credits
RST150 Automotive Restoration Internship Summer Only 3
Total Credits 3