Endangered Skills Program

RPM’s Three Most Endangered Skills for 2022

Glasswork
Gauge Rebuilding
Engine Tuning
Glasswork
Gauge Rebuilding
Engine Tuning
Glasswork
Curved, beveled, or engraved glass is a hallmark of the rolling works of art from the past.
  • Curved, beveled, or engraved glass is a hallmark of the rolling works of art from the past.
    Curved, beveled, or engraved glass is a hallmark of the rolling works of art from the past.
  • Like fine jewelry, restoring and rebuilding gauges is quickly becoming a lost art.
    Like fine jewelry, restoring and rebuilding gauges is quickly becoming a lost art.
  • Different from rebuilding carbs, properly synchronizing a multi-carburetted classic is an art form on its own
    Different from rebuilding carbs, properly synchronizing a multi-carburetted classic is an art form on its own
  • Glasswork
    Glasswork
  • Gauge Rebuilding
    Gauge Rebuilding
  • Engine Tuning
    Engine Tuning
  • Curved, beveled, or engraved glass is a hallmark of the rolling works of art from the past.
  • Like fine jewelry, restoring and rebuilding gauges is quickly becoming a lost art.
  • Different from rebuilding carbs, properly synchronizing a multi-carburetted classic is an art form on its own
  • Glasswork
  • Gauge Rebuilding
  • Engine Tuning

The RPM Foundation has identified these three most endangered skills as the first to be preserved:

  • Glasswork
  • Gauge Rebuilding
  • Engine Tuning

Classic automobiles are functional works of art but as the craftspeople who repair and restore them retire and age out, fewer and fewer new professionals step in to replace them.  What can you do to preserve these vital skills?

By polling top restoration shops across the nation, we know which skills are at the highest risk of disappearing; now we are pairing master restorers with apprentices and documenting the process of instruction for posterity. 

 

Double Your Impact

With the support of the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, RPM is shifting into high gear with a donation matching campaign.  Hagerty will match each dollar you donate to the Endangered Skills Program, doubling your benefit to vehicle restoration!

 

Why Your Gift Makes A Difference

Donating to the endangered skills program gives masters and students the resources to preserve and pass on important skills of the restoration trade. Your donation is the front line in keeping classics running; without your support in this area RPM would not be able to record these essential interactions from which future generations may benefit.