California Seminar Features Tour of AIM by Dennis Jacinto On October 21 and 22, Joe Davis gave another presentation of his Electrical Rebuilder’s Association (ERA) Technical Education Series training classes in Sacramento, Calif. Joining him as an instructor for the Saturday segment was Mohammad Samii of Sammy’s Auto Electric in Champaign, IIl., who runs the training program for event cosponsor the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA). This is the second seminar sponsored by both rebuilder organizations. Automotive Import Manufacturing (AIM) held the event at their Rancho Cordova facility. Also hosting were Component Parts Company (CPC) and Lester Catalog Company. Activities began Friday with a tour of the AIM facility, which is very interesting not only for the remanufacturing operation, but because it is the site where the early Saturn rockets were built. The core stor- age building is seven stories tall and com- pletely open inside. The rigging that held the rockets upright is still in place. Upon arrival we were greeted by AIM President Steve Seabourne, founder Frank Seabourne and David Morrill. The tour was led by Plant Engineer Craig Rogers, Vice President of Manufacturing Gary McQuillen and Production Engineer George West. These gentlemen led the group through the entire operation from teardown to final assembly and packaging. Of par- ticular interest was that much of the equipment used at this facility was designed and built on site. On Friday evening, Davis gave the first part of his presentation tailored specifically for those new to rebuilding (L to R): Dennis Jacinto, Lester Catalog; Roxanne Bertell, Danny Jacinto and Tim Roll, Component Parts Company. or desiring a refresher course on electronics. On Saturday morning a continental breakfast was served com- pliments of Lester Catalog and CPC. The second part of Davis’s presentation ran from 8:30 to noon, when lunch was served to all attendees, again compli- ments of CPC and Lester. During lunch and breaks AIM, CPC, Lester and Mark Kothe of the APRA were on hand to answer questions and show their wares. Kothe demonstrated a new product he helped design for the APRA which is called Auto Electric Pro. It’s an inexpensive Web application that allows rebuilders who perform on- car work to obtain wiring schematics. After lunch Samii presented a review of contemporary charging/starting sys- tems and components. His course delved into the relationship between the alternator or starter and the rest of the vehicle’s components. For those who Mark Kothe, APRA technical service director. perform on-vehicle work, this was a very interesting class. Thanks to all those who made this event possible. A fantastic two days of learning and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Dennis Jacinto is owner of Lester Catalog, Newcastle, Calif. Rebuilder and guest speaker Mohammad Samii (L), tours AIM with a group of seminar attendees.