Dyer’s students get opportunity to repair 1967 Camaro in class

The Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) class at Bearden took a hands-on approach this semester by repairing and restoring a 1967 Camaro.

The car had previously been used for drag racing, a form of competitive car racing. It had been kept in Knox County Schools’ storage for several years, and teacher Mr. Robert Dyer thought it would be a great way for his advanced MLR classes to gain experience on car restoration.

“I had CTE office send it over, and we basically finished up what another auto program started,” Mr. Dyer said.

MLR 3 and MLR 4 both worked on the car to repair it; they had to fix wiring issues, fix the fuel system and engine, and detail and polish the car, along with several other repairs.

Kristopher Trikones, a sophomore in Mr. Dyer’s class, was one of the many students that was able to learn and benefit from this unique experience.

“When we first got the drag car, it had sat in a trailer for six years and before that point, we had been doing preventative maintenance to your everyday cars,” Trikones said. “It for sure excited the class.”

The car project allowed for a complete restoration of a car, switching it up from the class’s normal, common car repairs they had previously been accustomed to. MLR classes allow for students to be in a productive and educational environment, and it allows for teenagers to learn about cars and how to fix them.

“Through MLR classes, you not only learn about maintenance, you get to physically do it yourself,” Trikones said.

In the future, Mr. Dyer plans to continue similar projects with his advanced MLR classes. He plans to remodel a 1988 Camaro in his classes next year, and he hopes to continue these projects for years to come.