Project Showcase

For my project, I demonstrated the following:

• Removing the bumper using ratchets and sockets
• Repairing the bumper with a heat gun and body dollies
• Reattaching the bumper using ratchets and sockets

The top three things I learned from this showcase were:

1. How easy it is to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from both this lab and my job to quickly repair a bumper.
2. Using a heat gun to repair a bumper is much easier and faster than replacing the entire bumper.
3. I was able to take tools that were readily available and repair the bumper at no additional cost, making it look almost brand new.

This project connects to my personal interests and background in several ways:
I’ve always been passionate about cars, trucks, and even 18-wheelers—anything from working on them to performing full restorations. I currently work at Rice Auto Body in Hamilton, Ohio, and a major reason I work there is because of my stepdad. He’s been in my life since I was two and worked at Rice Auto Body. The skills I’ve gained during my junior and senior years at Butler Tech, combined with the experience from my job, have been invaluable. In an auto body shop, teamwork is crucial. You rely on your coworkers to get the job done quickly and ensure customer cars are ready on time.

In reflection, one thing I would have done differently during my journey with this showcase is:
I would have been more diligent about recording the process. There were a few times when I forgot to un-pause the camera after stepping away to grab other tools, which resulted in missing some steps while I was working on the bumper.

One thing I am most proud of after completing this showcase is:
I’m proud of how I was able to use my skills and knowledge to teach my classmate. By working together, we quickly removed the bumper, made repairs in just a few minutes, and efficiently reattached the bumper. Our teamwork made the process smooth and effective, and it felt great to see the results of our combined efforts.