From Shop Class To Show Time
About this episode
The podcast dives into the evolving landscape of automotive technician training, highlighting GM's successful retention and apprenticeship programs that blend hands-on experience with modern technology education. The hosts discuss the challenges of servicing older vehicles alongside new tech, the importance of legitimate automotive schools, and the complexities of electric vehicle fires. They also cover recent recalls affecting high-voltage batteries and steering components. The episode wraps with a lively sold car roundup featuring classic cars like the 1969 AMX, 1971 Chevelle, and 1957 Ford Thunderbird, debating their values and unique features.
Ever wonder who keeps carburetors, vacuum lines, and timing lights from fading into history? We dive into the real engine behind reliable repairs: master technicians who mentor the next generation. From GM’s retention strategies and structured apprenticeships to the practical steps a curious student can take, we map a clear path into a modern shop while preserving the old-school feel that tablets can’t teach.
The headlines got hotter than a runaway pack as we unpack current recalls, including EV battery fire risks and what smaller fire departments can and cannot do when lithium-ion ignites. We translate recall notices into plain steps you can take—VIN checks, dealer conversations, and realistic expectations—without the noise. Then it’s onto our sold-car showdown: a sleeper-priced AMC AMX, a tidy ’57 Thunderbird, a six-figure Defender, and a shockingly affordable Mercedes SEL that proves entry price and ownership cost are two different lanes.
Community keeps the hobby running, so we spotlight cruise-ins and charity meets where tacos, trophies, and mentorship collide. These events are where future techs meet shop foremen, where schools find parts and partners, and where stories become careers. We round it out on the factory floor with Toyota’s use of humanoid robots to handle repetitious tasks, and what that means for human roles, from maintaining automation to elevating quality control. Through every segment, one theme holds: when seasoned pros share their craft and rookies lean in, the whole ecosystem—shops, owners, and enthusiasts—gets stronger.
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technician retention
"That's where technician retention comes in handy. Experienced service technicians not only know how to work on older vehicles."
Technician retention means keeping good mechanics working at a shop for a long time, so they can fix cars well and teach others.
Technician retention refers to the ability of automotive service centers or dealerships to keep experienced service technicians employed over time, which is important for maintaining quality repairs and knowledge transfer.
Buick GMC
"Mandel or Mandel everyone to pronounce it is a past chairman of the Buick GMC National Dealer Council several years ago"
Buick and GMC are car brands owned by a big company called General Motors. Buick makes cars and GMC makes trucks and SUVs.
Buick and GMC are automotive brands under the General Motors (GM) umbrella, known for producing passenger cars and trucks respectively.
General Motors
"The young technician is not only learning through GM and all their tests and programs and training"
General Motors is a big company that makes cars and trucks under different brand names.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive manufacturer that owns brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
carburetor
"This is a spark plug. This is a carburetor"
A carburetor is a part in older cars that mixes air and gas to help the engine run.
A carburetor is a device in older gasoline engines that mixes air and fuel for combustion. It has largely been replaced by fuel injection in modern cars.
spark plug
"This is a spark plug. This is a carburetor"
A spark plug is a small part in a car's engine that helps start the engine by making a tiny spark to light the fuel.
A spark plug is a device that delivers electric current from the ignition system to the combustion chamber to ignite the air-fuel mixture in gasoline engines.
key fob
"This is a key fob"
A key fob is a little remote that lets you open and lock your car without using a regular key.
A key fob is a small remote control device used to lock, unlock, and sometimes start a vehicle remotely.
trade schools
"GM's customer care and after sales division has a relationship with a number of trade schools and donates"
Trade schools are special schools where people learn how to fix cars and do other jobs instead of going to a regular college.
Trade schools are educational institutions that focus on teaching specific skills and trades, such as automotive repair, to prepare students for careers in those fields.
alternator
"It's just not pulling wrenches and taking off an alternator and ask us how well we are"
An alternator is a part in a car that makes electricity to keep the battery charged and power things like lights and the radio when the car is on.
An alternator is a component in a vehicle that generates electrical power to charge the battery and run electrical systems while the engine is running.
Chevrolet
"Actually Richardson Chevrolet sent me to that training school"
Chevrolet is a company that makes cars and trucks. Many people know it because it has been around for a long time and makes many types of vehicles.
Chevrolet is a brand under General Motors known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to trucks. It has a long history in the American automotive market.
body shop
"And then they can drill it down you into body shop stuff. Yeah, are you into paint?"
A body shop is a place where cars get fixed when their outside parts, like doors or bumpers, get damaged or scratched.
A body shop is a specialized automotive repair facility focusing on repairing and restoring the exterior parts of vehicles, including panels, paint, and structural components after collisions or damage.
engine overhaul
"Are you into service department heavy-duty repairs engine overhauls that sort of stuff?"
An engine overhaul means taking the engine apart, fixing or replacing parts, and putting it back together so it works like new.
An engine overhaul is a comprehensive repair process where an engine is disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and rebuilt to restore it to good working condition.
service department
"Are you into service department heavy-duty repairs engine overhauls that sort of stuff?"
The service department is the part of a car shop where mechanics fix and take care of the engine and other parts that make the car run.
The service department in a dealership or repair shop handles maintenance and mechanical repairs such as engine overhauls, oil changes, and other mechanical work.
computers
"Because the the sensors and the computers are it all ties together"
Computers in cars are like tiny brains that help control how the car runs and keeps you safe.
Computers in cars, often called ECUs (Electronic Control Units), manage and control various vehicle functions such as engine performance, safety systems, and infotainment.
sensors
"Because the the sensors and the computers are it all ties together"
Sensors are little devices in cars that help the car know what's happening around it, like how fast it's going or if something is close by.
Sensors in modern vehicles detect various conditions such as speed, temperature, and obstacles, and send data to the car's computers to help control systems like braking, engine management, and safety features.
Jaguar I-Pace
"Jaguar jaguar eyepace Hello jaguar eyepace 2020 to 2021 They're advising you to park that vehicle outside because the high voltage battery may overheat and catch fire."
The Jaguar I-Pace is a fancy electric SUV. Some 2020 and 2021 models have a problem where the big battery can get too hot and might catch fire, so owners are told to park it outside to stay safe.
The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric luxury SUV produced by Jaguar. The 2020-2021 models have been reported to have issues with the high voltage battery overheating, which can lead to fire hazards, prompting safety advisories to park the vehicle outside.
high voltage battery
"They're advising you to park that vehicle outside because the high voltage battery may overheat and catch fire."
In electric cars, the high voltage battery is like a big rechargeable battery that powers the car. It can get very hot if not managed properly, which can be dangerous.
A high voltage battery is the main energy storage component in electric vehicles, supplying power to the electric motor. These batteries operate at much higher voltages than traditional car batteries and require careful thermal management to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Hyundai Ioniq
"Uh, same thing with the Hyundai Ioniq five and Ioniq nine 2025 to 2026 high voltage battery may catch fire."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric car that runs on a big battery instead of gas. Some 2025 and 2026 models might have battery problems that could cause fires.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fully electric compact crossover SUV known for its advanced electric powertrain and modern design. The 2025-2026 models have been reported to have potential high voltage battery fire risks.
electric car fire
"That is a battery car. They could not get it out. No, there's special. They finally had to call in a special fire truck To squirt the foam on it. Yeah Yeah, I got a nephew that got he's out of the marines and so he went to work for the fire department went through all the Training at the university got certified all that good stuff They never taught them and they still don't teach them how to put out an electric car a full electric car fire because the way it burns"
When an electric car catches fire, it can be hard to stop because the battery can keep burning inside. Firefighters need special tools and ways to put out these fires safely.
Electric car fires are challenging to extinguish because the lithium-ion batteries can reignite even after initial suppression. Special firefighting techniques and equipment, like foam and specialized fire trucks, are often required to safely put out these fires.
steering knuckle assembly
"...loss of steering control from a cracked steering knuckle assembly..."
The steering knuckle is a part that helps your car's wheels turn when you turn the steering wheel. If it cracks, it can make steering unsafe.
The steering knuckle assembly is a key component of a vehicle's suspension and steering system. It connects the wheel hub to the suspension and allows the wheels to turn when steering.
Hyundai Kona
"...our final recall of the week is the Hyundai kona for 2026 loss of steering control from a cracked steering knuckle assembly..."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that people drive every day. The 2026 version has a problem where a part in the steering can crack, making it hard to steer the car safely.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its modern design and technology features. The 2026 model has a recall related to steering control due to a cracked steering knuckle assembly, which can affect vehicle safety.
AMC AMX
"For every seat. Yeah, so the first one up today is going to be a 1969 amx Amx"
The 1969 AMX is an old American sports car that people liked because it looked cool and was fast for its time. It was made by a company called AMC.
The 1969 AMX is a classic American muscle car produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC). It is known for its sporty design and performance during the late 1960s muscle car era.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"1971 Chevrolet man chavelle Now, is it a real ss? It's got the ss stripes on it."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is an old American car famous for being fast and cool. The 1971 version is a popular classic car that many people like to collect.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car produced by Chevrolet in the 1960s and 1970s. The 1971 model is part of the second generation and is known for its powerful V8 engines and iconic styling.
SS stripes
"Is it a real ss? It's got the ss stripes on it."
SS stripes are special paint lines on some Chevrolet cars that show the car is a sportier, more powerful version.
SS stripes refer to the distinctive paint stripes found on Chevrolet Super Sport (SS) models, indicating a higher-performance variant of the car.
Ford Thunderbird
"[715.3s] Ford Thunderbird now, this is before they jacked it all up and started going away from a real Ford Thunderbirds [721.7s] Yeah, it's a two-seater port window. It really it looks good 57 Ford Thunderbird. What do you think that sold for?"
The Ford Thunderbird is a famous old car from the 1950s that was made for people who wanted a stylish and fun two-seat car. The 1957 version is especially known for its cool look and sporty feel.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car introduced in 1955 as a two-seater personal luxury car. The 1957 model is part of the first generation, known for its distinctive styling and sporty character before later models became larger and less focused on sporty design.
porthole hard top windows
"I'm not a big fan. No, look, it's got the porthole hard top windows I would turn it into a donk in the fender skirts"
These are small round windows on the roof of some old cars that help you see better out the back and look cool.
Porthole hard top windows refer to small circular or oval windows on the hardtop roof of certain classic cars, notably on some 1950s models like the Ford Thunderbird. They add a distinctive styling element and improve rear visibility.
fender skirts
"I would turn it into a donk in the fender skirts It would be nice to have the fender skirts on it and then the blonde behind the steering wheel"
These are covers that go over the back wheels of some cars to make them look smoother and cooler.
Fender skirts are panels that cover the upper portion of the rear wheel wells on cars, often used in classic car styling to create a smoother, more streamlined look.
Land Rover Defender
"This would be a 1984 Land Rover Defender 84 It just if it had a turret on top of it, it'd..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough and strong car that can drive on rough roads and in the wild. People like it because it looks cool and can go places many other cars can't. The 1984 version is an older model that some people think about like a military vehicle.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and iconic boxy design, especially popular since the 1980s. The 1984 model is often celebrated for its military and utilitarian uses, which is why it might be imagined with a turret on top. It's a symbol of adventure and toughness in automotive culture.
swap meet
""We've got a swap meet going on february 28th, which is next saturday from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. And it's where in rosenberg. I haven't been to a good swap meet in the long just down in rosenberg""
A swap meet is like a big market where people sell car parts and other car stuff. You can go there to find parts you need for fixing or improving your car.
A swap meet is an event where car enthusiasts and vendors gather to buy, sell, or trade automotive parts, accessories, and sometimes vehicles. It's a popular way to find rare or vintage parts for restoration or repair projects.
Ford Mustang
"...d then we can find yeah all the the car clubs the mustang clubs and stuff that's over there Yeah, this one..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular fast car from America that many people love because it looks cool and goes fast. Lots of people join groups to share their love for these cars. It's a famous car that many people talk about.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and cultural impact since its debut in the 1960s. It has a strong enthusiast community, including numerous car clubs dedicated to preserving and celebrating its legacy. The Mustang is often discussed for its blend of power, style, and affordability.
tariffs
"The u.s. Supreme court just yesterday ruled many of president donald trump's tariffs illegal... tariffs issued under other authorities including duties on vehicles"
Tariffs are extra taxes that a country charges on products coming from other countries. This can make cars or parts from other places more expensive.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries or respond to trade issues. In the automotive context, tariffs can affect the price and availability of imported vehicles and parts.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
"Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has signed the deal with agility robotics of oregon"
This is the part of Toyota that builds cars and parts in Canada.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada is the Canadian manufacturing subsidiary of Toyota, responsible for producing vehicles and parts in Canada.
Agility Robotics
"Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has signed the deal with agility robotics of oregon"
This company makes robots that can help with jobs like moving things in factories.
Agility Robotics is a company specializing in the development of humanoid robots designed for tasks in logistics and manufacturing.
Toyota Rav 4
"...wl induction hood The automaker which builds the rav 4 Yeah, it's there. It's got the cowl induction. T..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that is easy to drive and good for families because it has lots of space. It has special parts like a cowl induction hood that help the engine work better. Many people like it because it is reliable and saves gas.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV known for combining car-like handling with SUV versatility, making it one of the most popular vehicles in its segment. Features like a cowl induction hood can enhance engine performance and styling. The RAV4 is valued for its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency.
Toyota Corolla
"Yikes I think we went to the corolla thing at the corolla manufacturing where they did..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small, simple car that many people buy because it is easy to drive and doesn't break down much. It's made in big factories where lots of cars are built. People like it because it saves gas and lasts a long time.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars worldwide, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Visiting a Corolla manufacturing plant highlights its importance in automotive production and its role in making dependable vehicles. It's often praised for low maintenance costs and longevity.
stamping plant
""There's several floors. Yeah, that's true. Yep, and that it's uh, it's with an add-on Stamping plant at the back. So it all starts back there. It works its way up toward the front""
A stamping plant is a place where flat metal sheets are pressed into shapes to make car parts like doors or hoods.
A stamping plant is a factory facility where sheet metal is shaped into parts by pressing it with dies. This process is essential in automotive manufacturing for creating body panels and structural components.
cruise in
"It's a cruise in like you've never attended before With a donation to surely's kids, you'll get a free loopy tortilla breakfast taco"
A cruise in is like a car party where people bring their cars to hang out, look at each other's rides, and have fun together.
A cruise in is a casual car gathering where enthusiasts bring their vehicles to show off and socialize, often featuring a variety of car types and sometimes contests or awards.
modern classic
"plus chili pepper trophies for the best hot rod best modern classic and best classic There's no entry fee and no registration."
Modern classics are newer cars that people already think are special and worth collecting.
A modern classic refers to relatively recent cars that have gained appreciation for their design, performance, or cultural significance, often considered collectible but newer than traditional classics.
hot rod
"plus chili pepper trophies for the best hot rod best modern classic and best classic There's no entry fee and no registration."
A hot rod is an old car that someone has changed to make it faster and look cooler.
A hot rod is a classic car, typically American, that has been modified for increased performance and a distinctive style, often featuring engine upgrades and custom bodywork.
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