When is the completion date for America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™?

The students have until May 5, 2027, to complete the transformation, with a local reveal set for later that month.

What happens to the completed truck after the FIS reveal?

The finished Toolbox will be featured at SEMA 2027 in Las Vegas in November and later appear on an eight-part RACER Network television series.

Who is involved in mentoring the students during the Build?

Students work alongside mentors and professionals from Einspahr Auto Plaza, DEWALT, House of Kolor and Northern Tool + Equipment, including renowned builder Keaton Lee.

How can the community follow the progress or get involved?

Monthly build updates are shared on Northern Tool's YouTube and social platforms. Contact Einspahr Auto Plaza in Brookings to learn more about following or supporting the Build.

America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™ from Einspahr Auto Plaza

On September 9, 2026, Northern Tool + Equipment announced an inspiring school-year project: America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™, challenging 14 Native American CTE students from Flandreau Indian School (FIS) to transform a 1976 Ford F-350 utility truck into a showpiece of modern trades.

This hands-on project, proudly sponsored and guided by Einspahr Auto Plaza, is about far more than reviving a classic vehicle; it's about skills, confidence, craftsmanship and opening new doors for the next generation of trades professionals in South Dakota!

What Is America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™?

America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™ is the signature project of Build IV, the latest in the Northern Tool Build Series. Fourteen FIS students have teamed up with mentors and professionals to reimagine a hardworking 1976 Ford F-350 utility truck, giving its six utility compartments and bed a new life as showcases for different skilled trades and career paths. Unlike previous builds centered on racing or performance, this project puts the trades themselves at center stage.

Over the school year, students gain direct experience in automotive repair, welding, fabrication, paint and bodywork and design. With access to professional-grade tools and newly revitalized shop facilities, including a reopened paint booth, the FIS team is getting hands-on exposure to real-world projects and mentorship from industry professionals.

Students have until May 5, 2027, to complete the transformation. After its first unveiling in May, the finished Toolbox will hit the national automotive spotlight in November as a featured vehicle at SEMA 2027 in Las Vegas. The journey is being documented monthly on Northern Tool's YouTube channel and will ultimately be an eight-episode television series premiering on the RACER Network in October 2027.

The Mentors & Partners

The students are the story, but strong industry partnerships are making this possible. Einspahr Auto Plaza is proud to be an official mentor and local partner on Build IV. Our trained Brookings auto service technicians are working side by side with students, helping them understand vehicle systems, tackle real automotive challenges and gain insight into professional pathways beyond the classroom. We believe in investing in the future of the trades and creating career connections right here in Brookings and beyond.

Build IV also features custom builder Keaton Lee, exclusive tool partner DEWALT and paint experts House of Kolor, each providing tools, expertise and inspiration that will impact these students for years to come. The collaborative spirit among all partners is about giving students access, opportunity and real-world possibilities, and not just a logo on the project.

America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™ Grand Finale

The grand reveal is set for May 2027 near Flandreau. After this celebration, the newly reimagined Ford F-350 will travel to the world-famous SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where it will stand as a featured vehicle in November 2027.

This will not only celebrate the achievements of the Build Team but highlight the skills and futures available through the trades. Following the event, the project's story continues with its television premiere, shining a spotlight on what local students can accomplish with the right tools, mentorship and opportunities.

America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™ Sponsors

This initiative would not be possible without strong support from Northern Tool + Equipment, DEWALT, House of Kolor and Einspahr Auto Plaza. Northern Tool drives the Build Series nationally, providing expertise and outreach. DEWALT outfits the FIS shop with thousands of dollars' worth of professional-grade tools. House of Kolor is reopening and supplying the paint booth, and Einspahr Auto Plaza offers mentorship and local industry connections.

The intent is to make an impact that lasts far beyond this year's project, strengthening the CTE program for current and future FIS students.

How to Follow the Build

Watch the progress unfold through monthly YouTube updates and social content from Northern Tool. The full story, including all the ups and downs, will be told in an eight-episode RACER Network series beginning October 2027. For more ways to stay in the loop, or to learn more about our role and mentorship opportunities, contact Einspahr Auto Plaza in Brookings.