Hammer, Tongs and a Sweet Ride….

We don’t want our readers misled into thinking we’re all about action and adventure here at Ooh. Actually, we’re interested in the endless variety of amazing things there are to do in the world. So, passing a thought for the technically minded, we secured this interview with Mike Coman, who can teach you how to weld, hammer, grind and paint your way to your newly restored classic automobile!

‘I’d always been into Classic cars, minis mainly, and in 1998 decided to return to college and turn my hobby into my career… I just feel that Classic cars have got a ‘soul.’ They are an important part of our social history’ he says, noting how much better it is for the environment to restore a classic than to buy a new “green car”.

None of us at Ooh would know where to start operating on a car, but Mike assures us that classic cars are comparatively accessible: ‘take some sort of course to start you off, like the ones here at Leeds, and join an online forum…just beware online of the ‘pub genius’ types who don’t actually know much at all.’

Mike’s currently restoring a Classic Mini with a 1.6 16v Honda engine in it: ‘that’s 150bhp’ Mike explains with glee. We think this sounds like duct-taping a display finishing firework to a shoebox. Mike’s been publishing the project’s progress, ‘or lack of it…’ in Practical Performance Car Magazine

We wanted to know more about the courses offered at Leeds College of Technology and Mike explains they cater for all levels of student availability, ranging from 1 day introductory courses, through ten week evening courses and 1 year diplomas. Students vary all the way through from young career starters to retirees wanting to start new projects.

‘Two ex-students are now working [for a car restoration business] in Switzerland – they both flew over to interview and were both given jobs!’ Mike tells us.

Finally, we wanted to know what it is that students find best about the courses. ‘Students usually say that it’s the little tips and nuggets of information that really form the best bits of what they take away from the course along sometimes with lifelong friends.’

Mike is keen to share his passion for Classic car restoration and would consider setting up his own courses if possible. In the mean time feel free to tap into his wealth of knowledge by emailing him here.