Endangered Skills

The Endangered Skills Program identifies restoration crafts that are disappearing from the workforce as experts retire or otherwise leave the field. To combat this, through yearly surveys and other communications with those active in the trade, we will identify which skills are most at risk, leading to the release of our annual list, the Craft Ledger.


Through a forthcoming video series produced by the RPM Foundation we will preserve these rare automotive restoration and preservation abilities in a step-by-step format, ensuring they can be learned by future professionals in the field.


The hard truth is that as masters of auto restoration leave the craft or pass on, their unique skillset disappears. With each departure, we lose another ability integral to the proper restoration and preservation of collector vehicles.


Giving to the Endangered Skills programs fuels our ability to document these vital processes for future restoration professionals. Every skill documented through our  series leads to more historic vehicles remaining on the road.

2026 Endangered Skills List

Restoration Theory


Status: Preserved

Expert: Travis LaVine

While not necessarily an endangered skill in itself, restoration theory and planning is often overlooked or underdeveloped in the world of automotive preservation, both by amatures and professionals. A proper intake process and master restoration plan form the foundation for every successful project, yet few approach it with the depth and professionalism demonstrated by experts like Travis LaVine of LaVine Restorations.


By beginning our Endangered Skills series here, we highlight the importance of thoughtful planning as the catalyst for world-class restoration—setting the stage for the specialized skills that follow.

Multi Carburetor Engine Tuning


Status: Endangered

Expert: Seeking Nominations

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Babbitting


Status: Endangered

Expert: TBD

Babbitting a bearing is the process of applying a thin layer of Babbitt metal, a soft, low-friction alloy typically made of tin, lead, copper, and antimony, to the surface of a bearing shell or housing. This layer serves as a sacrificial surface that conforms to the crankshaft or camshaft journal, providing a low-friction interface and protecting both components from wear, especially under conditions of limited lubrication. The process involves melting and pouring the Babbitt metal into a preheated bearing cavity, then machining or scraping it to precise tolerances. This method is commonly used in engines from vehicles like the Ford Model T, Packard Twin Six, and early Chevrolet inline-sixes.

Gauge Rebuilding



Status: Endangered

Expert: TBD

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Chrome Plating


Status: Endangered

Expert: TBD

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Paint Preservation


Status: Endangered

Expert: TBD

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