Check out our current and past projects gallery here
Wondering how you will be graded in this course? Download the course rubric here.
Welcome!
Welcome to Automotive Technology 11/12. Our shop is all about inquiry and project based learning with as many hands-on authentic experiences as possible. Our shop culture is based on respect and inclusive learning where everyone is welcome, regardless of previous knowledge.
Automotive Technology 11/12 Big Ideas
- Vehicle operation, service, and maintenance include consideration of social and environmental impacts.
- Personal service and maintenance interests require the evaluation and refinement of skills.
- Tools and technologies can be adapted for specific purposes
Class Project
This year are going to rebuild this 1980 Jeep CJ 5!
Engine
Our Jeep has an AMC 304 V8 Engine. We will be completely disassembling the engine, rebuilding what needs to be rebuilt and cleaning up the rest. Get more information about this engine here: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines/about/amc/amc-v8/
Engine Rebuild Manual available in class
Transmission
The Tremec 176 Transmission is a medium duty, four speed, top loading transmission that will be receiving an overhaul. Read more about the transmission here: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transmissions/manual/t176/
Transfer Case
Our transfer case is the real gem in the Jeep. Our 1980 Jeep CJ5, and only in this year, has a Dana 300 Transfer Case with the extra short output shaft. This is one of the best transfer cases ever build and the short shaft is the most desirable to Jeep builders. Read more about it here: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/model-300/
Transfer Case rebuild manual available in class
Axles
The axles will be getting a full overhaul also. Our Jeep has a Dana 30 front axle and a AMC 20 rear axle. Both are great axles and, with a little modification correcting some factory flaws, are well suited to this vehicle. Read more about the axles here:
http://1983cj7.blogspot.com/2011/10/dana-30-front-axle-rebuild.html
https://www.jeeptech.com/axle/d30.html
http://1983cj7.blogspot.com/2011/07/amc-20-rear-axle-rebuild.html
Axle Extras
Disc Brake Conversion
In addition to doing a full brake system rebuild, our brake crew will be doing an overhaul on the disk brake conversion for the rear AMC 20 axle. Our new system will retain a mechanical e-brake system and provide better stopping power for our larger tires.
Axle Truss
One of the weak points of the AMC 20 axle is the axle tubes have a tenancy to spin in the center-section. We will be fixing this be creating an axle truss system to prevent axle tube bending or spinning.
Fuel Injection Conversion
Some brave students have taken on the fuel injection swap. We will be using a mixture of custom made parts and junkyard Chevy Throttle Body Injection parts to convert our engine to a more modern fuel delivery system.
Bodywork
Our CJ5 will be getting both custom made and factory replacement panels to repair the considerable body damage. Some of our Career Technical Center (CTC) students that will be specializing in welding are tackling this project.
Upholstery
One of my favorite rebuild jobs on the Jeep is the Levi’s Jeans edition upholstery. We have a crew that is salvaging what it can from the original seats to rebuild the seats. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. This project will require some collaboration with our Textiles Teachers and some incredible attention to detail.
Leitch Tech latest news
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BBQ and SUMO!
Congratulations to our VEX EDR teams. That was a great BBQ yesterday and we have our first fully functional VEX EDR Sumo Robot! Thanks everyone.
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Robot Programming Challenge Winner
Congratulations to L. B. for being the first to program a functioning autonomous sumo robot!
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Time to order parts!
Some groups are ready to order auto parts for their groups. Be sure to let me know ASAP when you know what you need. – Mr. Leitch
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Engine Progress
One way or another that engine is coming out tomorrow! Great work today engine crew in Block A.
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Jeep Crews
Fantastic progress on the jeep everyone. Engine will be out as soon as our engine hoist gets an overhaul.
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Robotic Engineering 9 Race!
Great Job to everyone that competed in the Vex IQ race. We had some incredible designs.
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Welcome to Leitch Tech!
Thanks for joining our shop. You have made a great choice! This year you can look forward to rebuilding a classic Jeep, competing with world class teams in one of the biggest robotics competitions in the world – First Robotics – and having fun with in-house robotic design challenges.
