Older and Better Corvettes Bring Technology Home

Juxtapose a 2003 Corvette and a 1966 Corvette.  Watch the mouths water.  Then stand back as students at the Tennessee Technology Center spring into action to make classic vehicles capable of peak performance.

“It’s not often that our students have the opportunity to work on a Corvette, much less two Corvettes from different eras,” said Donnie Allen, Automotive Technology instructor for TTC McMinnville.  “They got to see the complexity of the ’03 versus the simplicity of the ’66.”

The Corvettes were supplied by supporters of technical education who recognized and trusted the reputation of both the automotive program and the machine tool program, which fabricated parts necessary for repair and upgrades.  Kenny Dunn supervised the machining work.

“For the ’66, the engine was disassembled, meticulously checked and reassembled,” said Allen.  “We replaced all necessary components.  “For the ’03, a clutch replacement was required, which meant the rear end and transmission had to be removed and repaired.”

All the while students and instructors were keenly aware that they weren’t working on just any old car.  That is why Colby Mooneyham, Sammy Sliger, Chris Johnson, Cameron Mooneyham and Zack Meeks will number the days they learned by doing on America’s favorite sports cars.   “We’ve got to thank our automotive technology program supporters who furnished the vehicles,” said Allen.