Collision Repair

WyoTech-designed Ford conversion van combines retro styling, advanced technology

Nov. 9, 2016

To mark its 50th anniversary, WyoTech unveiled two vehicles that students, graduates and instructors have customized as part of a “Chop Cut Rebuild” feature at this year’s SEMA Show.

ABRN Wire Reports

To mark its 50th anniversary, WyoTech unveiled two vehicles that students, graduates and instructors have customized as part of a “Chop Cut Rebuild” feature at this year’s SEMA Show. Individuals at the Blairsville, Pa., campus were responsible for designing and building the “Shagadelic Van,” a 2016 Ford Transit van that has been customized to pay tribute to the 1976 “Cruising Van” featured in an iconic 1976 Ford ad. The team also showcased a souped-up Harley Davidson Chopper.

“For more than 50 years, WyoTech has been training the technicians of the future. What better way to highlight the evolution of our organization and the industry than by showcasing the latest automotive technology in an iconic van and motorcycle,” said John Hurd, WyoTech industry relations specialist. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of preparing students to thrive in this hands-on, fast-growing career path, which continues to expand and offer employment opportunities in a variety of fields.”

Ford provided the van to WyoTech and is serving as a corporate partner for this project. WyoTech graduates and instructors outfitted the van with era-authentic elements, such as bubble side windows, swivel rear Captains Chairs, a state-of-the-art audio system and custom shag carpeting, and included a 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo engine, Gibson performance exhaust with custom-fabricated side pipes and 18” booster wheels to make it a thoroughly modern ride.

“Ford Transit has sparked a van renaissance,” said Tim Stoehr, Ford commercial van marketing manager. “It’s only fitting that WyoTech chose Transit—America’s best-selling and most flexible van—for SEMA and to pay homage to the E-Series conversion vans that have become icons of America’s van culture.”

In addition, WyoTech students and staff customized a Harley Davidson chopper-style motorcycle, which was also displayed in the WyoTech booth at SEMA. Together, the Ford van rebuild and customized chopper illustrate the breadth and depth of training WyoTech students can receive.

MAVTV has documented the Ford van tear down and rebuild process with a 12-part series for “Chop Cut Rebuild,” which will air following the 2016 SEMA Show.