Restoring history

Corbin Tech students repair 1947 Willis Jeepster

Click here to see the Nov. 21, 2009, Neighbors section in its entirety


By Erica Bowlin for the Times-Tribune

“I never thought I’d see that thing running again,” said Tom Elliot of his 1947 Willis Jeepster.

Elliot has owned the Willis for about 15 or 20 years, and it has been sitting and collecting dust for many of those years.

Until Leonard, Elliot’s son and a Corbin School bus driver, stopped in to take a peek at the automotive technology class that was being held at the Corbin Technology Center.

Mark Nantz was teaching the class when he and Leonard began discussing the vehicle. Leonard described his dad’s Jeepster and asked if Mr. Nantz he and his students would consider fixing it up.

“We’ve worked on some interesting vehicles during the nine years that I’ve been working here at the Corbin Technology Center,” said Nantz. “But none compare to Tom Elliot’s Willis Jeepster. When Leonard asked if we’d be willing to get it back in shape, we were glad to help out.”

The old Jeepster was in surprisingly good shape. The students, along with instructor Nantz, were anxious to get started. The Jeepster was hoisted onto the lift earlier this week, and the work began. The first item of business was the installation of a new gas tank.

“We started by making a list of parts we needed. We noticed it needed some brake work, some new wiring, that kind of thing. But other than that, it is in pretty good condition,” said Nantz.

Mark Nantz teaches several different classes at the Corbin Technology Center, and each class seemed perfectly matched to the work that needed to be done to get the old Jeepster running once again.

The classes are made up of students from Corbin, Whitley, and Williamsburg high schools. One class will focus on the brakes, while another class will be responsible for working on the transmission, and so forth.

“The students are really excited to get into this project. It’s a unique opportunity and many of them have never seen anything like this, so it’s a good educational opportunity for them,” said Nantz, and added, “Tom Elliot is a great guy too, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving.”

Nantz will supervise the students as they work to get the Jeepster in running order before next year’s Nibroc Parade.

Nantz became interested in automotive technology while attending Corbin High School himself. He had always been interested in vehicles and repair, but after attending the automotive technology class, he knew it was something he wanted to do as a career.

Nantz became an ACE Master Technician and worked at Paul Steely Ford in Williamsburg for six years.

After the dealership closed, he went on to take the position as Automotive Instructor at the Corbin Technology Center. The program is open to students from Corbin, Whitley and Williamsburg high schools. Some students take the course as an elective, hoping to learn basic skills, and some will move on to college to pursue careers in automotive technology.

“It’s pretty interesting that I ended up right back where I started, this time not as a student, but as an instructor,” said Nantz.

The students in Mr. Nantz’s classes are excited to get the chance to work on such a rare breed of Jeep.

Jerrod Foley of Williamsburg High School is anxious to learn about the classic Jeepster.

“I like working on old vehicles. The newer ones are more complicated. Working on this old Jeepster will definitely be a memorable experience for all of us,” he said.

Jimmy Lambdin of Corbin High School is grateful to Mr. Nantz for all the lessons he’s learned in the automotive technology courses he has taken and said the Jeepster will provide a unique learning experience that many few students will ever get the chance to work on.

Elmer George of Whitley County had never been exposed to anything like Mr. Elliot’s classic car.

“It’s got a four cylinder flathead engine; I’ve never seen anything like it in my life!”

Williamsburg High School student Josh West agrees. He seemed in awe of the Jeepster.

“It’s pretty cool.”

Elliot will check in from time to time to see how his Jeepster is coming along.

Tom Elliot is a Corbin native and business owner. He owned and operated Bacon Creek Gun Shop for many years and recently opened Bacon Creek Pawn Shop. He looks forward to the day when he can drive his old Jeepster again.

“I feel very fortunate to have an educational facility nearby that is willing to work on it.

I think it’s a good chance for these kids to learn from this. They’ll get the chance to learn about things you don’t even see on cars anymore,” he said, and added, “I hope it’s ready by next year’s Nibroc. It would be great to be able to drive it in the parade. To be honest, I never thought I would be able to drive it again. It’s a real blessing.”

Erica Bowlin is a former Miss Whitley County. She is a mother and homemaker currently living in Lily. She can be reached at ericalynnbowlin@yahoo.com