Hi, my name is Noah Durham. I am a Junior at McPherson College studying automotive restoration and business. You may have heard of McPherson after our historic 2nd in class podium win at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. With industry connections spanning around the country, and support from automotive leaders and car collector enthusiasts from around the globe, McPherson stands alone as the only college offering a 4-year bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration. McPherson’s world-renowned degree program prepares tomorrow’s automotive restoration leaders in every aspect of automotive restoration technology. From chassis to engine rebuilding, to sheet metal and body, to trim and upholstery, students like me are being equipped to impact and lead the industry that we love.
I am also an avid Land Cruiser enthusiast. I own a 1976 Fj-40 affectionately named “Sunflower”, that I am currently providing a full mechanical refresh and complete chassis restoration. Last Summer, I had the privilege of interning at Over the Mountain Cruisers, in Birmingham, AL. During this invaluable experience, I completed sheet metal work and rust repair on several Fj40s, provided general maintenance and repair on multiple years and most series of Land Cruisers, and completely rebuilt a 2f Toyota engine. My goal is to one day own my own Land Cruiser restoration shop that focuses on factory restorations and full-service mechanics to keep these amazing vehicles on the road.
This March, Sunflower and I will compete in the Phillips 66 Road Rally, a 2,000-mile rally covering the historic sections of Route 66 from McPherson, KS to Holbrook, AZ and back. This road rally will consist of 5 McPherson College students driving their own pre- 1980s restored vehicles and 2 professional McPherson College photographers and videographers to document all the adventures on our journey. Along the way drivers will be required to make numerous stops at historic sights and take pictures to earn points for their vehicle. I plan to document my journey on social media, submit an article for Toyota Trails, and publish a complete write up on IH8MUD.
I bet you are wondering how you can help. That’s easy! Though any and all assistance is welcomed and appreciated, there are 3 main ways you can help. (1) Follow me on social media (@cruisingwithnoah) and like and share my posts. (2) Donate new or used parts for Sunflower’s build. Much will be needed to get her ready for her 2,000-mile journey. I also need numerous spare parts on hand just in case the inevitable break down occurs along the way. (3) Donate money, give prepaid debit or gas cards, or provide store credits at national auto parts stores. Any assistance for spare parts, gas, and other expenses will go a long way. Everyone that donates in any way will receive a shoutout on social media, will be mentioned on IH8MUD, and will be highlighted and thanked in my article(s). Send me a sticker! I will also place a sticker from all my donors on Sunflower.
I am also an avid Land Cruiser enthusiast. I own a 1976 Fj-40 affectionately named “Sunflower”, that I am currently providing a full mechanical refresh and complete chassis restoration. Last Summer, I had the privilege of interning at Over the Mountain Cruisers, in Birmingham, AL. During this invaluable experience, I completed sheet metal work and rust repair on several Fj40s, provided general maintenance and repair on multiple years and most series of Land Cruisers, and completely rebuilt a 2f Toyota engine. My goal is to one day own my own Land Cruiser restoration shop that focuses on factory restorations and full-service mechanics to keep these amazing vehicles on the road.
This March, Sunflower and I will compete in the Phillips 66 Road Rally, a 2,000-mile rally covering the historic sections of Route 66 from McPherson, KS to Holbrook, AZ and back. This road rally will consist of 5 McPherson College students driving their own pre- 1980s restored vehicles and 2 professional McPherson College photographers and videographers to document all the adventures on our journey. Along the way drivers will be required to make numerous stops at historic sights and take pictures to earn points for their vehicle. I plan to document my journey on social media, submit an article for Toyota Trails, and publish a complete write up on IH8MUD.
I bet you are wondering how you can help. That’s easy! Though any and all assistance is welcomed and appreciated, there are 3 main ways you can help. (1) Follow me on social media (@cruisingwithnoah) and like and share my posts. (2) Donate new or used parts for Sunflower’s build. Much will be needed to get her ready for her 2,000-mile journey. I also need numerous spare parts on hand just in case the inevitable break down occurs along the way. (3) Donate money, give prepaid debit or gas cards, or provide store credits at national auto parts stores. Any assistance for spare parts, gas, and other expenses will go a long way. Everyone that donates in any way will receive a shoutout on social media, will be mentioned on IH8MUD, and will be highlighted and thanked in my article(s). Send me a sticker! I will also place a sticker from all my donors on Sunflower.
