Students Rebuild 1976 Ford F-350 for SEMA 2027
Northern Tool + Equipment has asked 14 Flandreau Indian School students to rebuild a 1976 Ford F-350 for SEMA 2027.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
Northern Tool + Equipment has launched a school-year project for 14 career and technical education students at Flandreau Indian School. The students will transform a 1976 Ford F-350 utility truck into “America’s Ultimate Trades Toolbox™.” Build IV is the first Northern Tool Build held at a tribal school, and half of the student team is female. The completed vehicle is due to be revealed in May 2027 before appearing at the 2027 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Hands On Trades Training
Students will work on welding, fabrication, automotive repair, paint and bodywork, and design during the project. The truck’s six utility compartments and bed will display tools, craftsmanship, and skilled-trades career pathways.
Everall Fox, Superintendent of Flandreau Indian School, said:
“We are grateful to be approached by a company that wants to invest in our school and growing CTE program without asking for anything in return. No endorsement of products; it's just about the kids and creating a better future for them.”
Industry Mentors Join Build
Custom painter and builder Keaton Lee will mentor the students. Technicians from Einspahr Ford will help students diagnose problems and learn about professional automotive work.
Keaton Lee, build mentor, said:
“This is going to be an amazing experience for the students. I'm excited to get to work with this group and provide them with knowledge that will change their lives.”
DEWALT will equip the school shop with thousands of dollars’ worth of tools. House of Kolor will help reopen the school’s paint booth and provide paint for the project.
Fourteen Flandreau Indian School students will transform a 1976 Ford F-350.
A National Vehicle Display
Students have until May 5 to finish the truck, with a first reveal planned near Flandreau later that month. It will then be displayed as a featured vehicle at the SEMA Show in November 2027.
Joe Escobar, SEMA’s Recognition Program Manager, said:
“This Student Build is proof that the future of the automotive aftermarket and trades is in good hands. I'm proud to showcase what these students will build, and I'm excited for the industry to see their talent at the 2027 SEMA Show.”
Following The Project
Monthly project updates will be published on Northern Tool’s YouTube channel, and Build IV will become an eight-episode television series on RACER Network beginning in October 2027.
