Written by Bianca Lenssen, Student Journalist
Staff and students at Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (PF) in Orillia have salvaged a 1947 Mercury M100 Half Ton car with the intention of repairing it to its former glory. The car originated in Simcoe County, and it has been there ever since. The car was sold to PF in early October from a man who bought it from its original owner, who had kept it sitting in his barn for nearly 35 years. The car is currently not in working condition.
Mr. Torrie, the auto teacher, has 3 of his Grade 10-11s classes working on it. Their multi-year plan is to restore it to either a rad-rod or shiny new design, but the car is still far from this point. The students are being trained by ear, and are currently learning how to remove the car’s box and fenders. Next they will start sandblasting and replacing rusty parts with sheet metal, and Mr. Torrie hopes that next semester the motor will be out.
Mr. Carron, the woodshop teacher will also have classes working on the box of the truck in the future as well. “We are hoping that this is going to be a good experience for the students this year and in the years to come.” said Mr Torrie, regarding the project.
Here is the car in the PF auto shop on October 14th, 2018.