cochran.jpg

Cochran Garage

Posted by 141drew Posted onMay 3, 2013 at 10:27 AM and filed under News & Editorial


Random thought for the day… The above photo is a shot of my grandpa’s Garage as it stood in 1942. He passed away shortly thereafter and this photo is really all I know of him visually (he’s the guy on the far right). I’ve been thinking a lot lately of reproducing this garage on my property. I don’t think it would be too hard or more importantly, too expensive to do.

The wheels are rolling…


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Chaz

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I'm a big fan of architecture... I'm not sure of your setting, but the idea is a grand one. So many folks want what is either "cheap" or "Trendy".
Design SHOULD mean something to the owner. It should tell a story. It should make an observer smile.
You are right on target here. Hopefully your city fathers will allow you to erect the signage as well.
 
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NHBandit

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Very cool ! The "lollypop" style sign to the right of the window appears to be a Wolfs Head sign which would make sense since the other rectangular sign is Also Wolfs Head oil. Both styles turn up fairly regularly at gas & oil shows, Ebay, etc. Do you have them yet ?
 
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gipp

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Ryan you are on target with your idea to build a tribute garage. Thinking further about comment regarding city fathers, etc. Seems to me I've seen pictures of your interior space and why not build the front elevation inside on a wall? You can have all the signs and best thing is you can sit at your counter and enjoy the sight. Once inside a building you don't see the outside.
I know you'll keep us posted.
 
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Rolleiflex

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That would be really cool. There is a very similar garage in my Grandparents little town back in North Carolina. My Dad says he went to school with the owners kids. I am making a trip back there this month and I hope to get to take a look inside. It's been closed up for as long as I can remember (late '70s) so hopefully it has some hidden gems!
 
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coljar

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03-09-2006_055134pm_2_zps184da5e7.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Lucky for me, I don't have to recreate my grandfather's garage. I still have it, but I wish I had those pumps and signs. A pit room was added a couple of years after this picture was taken.
 
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Gregg33

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coljar said:
03-09-2006_055134pm_2_zps184da5e7.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Lucky for me, I don't have to recreate my grandfather's garage. I still have it, but I wish I had those pumps and signs. A pit room was added a couple of years after this picture was taken.
Click to expand...

How cool is that! I can only imagine the value of those pumps today!
 
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Tman

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You have been showing that photo and talking about this garage for years, I KNOW you are going to do it and looking forward to seeing it come to fruition!
 
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coljar

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It's a very cool picture because your grandfather is in it. I have several old pictures of both of my grandfather's stations, but not one with him standing in front. He always had to be the photographer.
 
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justanengineer

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NHBandit said:
Very cool ! The "lollypop" style sign to the right of the window appears to be a Wolfs Head sign which would make sense since the other rectangular sign is Also Wolfs Head oil. Both styles turn up fairly regularly at gas & oil shows, Ebay, etc. Do you have them yet ?
Click to expand...

I'd be curious as to where his station was at that they sold Wolf's Head that early as I believe it was primarily a NE US company until sometime in the 60s-70s. They didnt have "PA's finest" in TX in the 40s, did they?
 
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ed_v

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Zeke said:
I think the front elevation on a more modern building would be the cat's ***.
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I dunno... I like old buildings.

Ryan,

You have to do this! I know, I'm not flipping the bill for this one, but I love the idea. It would be a very cool family tribute and a great place for the Tardel Coupe to rest :thumbup:


My question is, how close would you try to re-create it? Would you try to source old windows and doors, do a weathered wood siding (appears thats what it is in pic), ....and so on?

edit: perhaps that is metal siding?

I have always wanted to do something like this.

Very cool pic btw.

Ed
 
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Toolman12

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What a great way to honor and remember your grandfather My grand dad passed when i was very young and don't remember him at all and no one in the family has any pictures of him you are lucky to have that wonderful picture good luck on the build please keep us up on your progerss.
 
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Ryan

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justanengineer said:
I'd be curious as to where his station was at that they sold Wolf's Head that early as I believe it was primarily a NE US company until sometime in the 60s-70s. They didnt have "PA's finest" in TX in the 40s, did they?
Click to expand...

Ada, Oklahoma... And I already have the signs!

I think I'd like to do front facade as close to original as possible. However, I would add bay doors to the side of the structure. But generally, I'd do this one like an old building - that's what it should be.

It will be sitting next to my modern style office... And I think the contrast would be cool.
 
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Zeke

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I guess you don't plan on any A/C or heat other than a wood stove. I said modern building thinking of masonry or concrete. But, I guess one can insulate old looking corrugated sheets.

I suppose you should have a dirt drive right up to the front door, too. ;):D
 
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NUTTSGT

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Ryan, that's a great picture, do you have anymore ?

I'd agree with gipp to do a front facade of it on the inside of your garage.
 
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OldH1

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Great idea!! Do you have any pics of the interior so you can recreate the layout and design of the interior as well.
 
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Ryan

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Unfortunately, that's the only pic I have... I'd like to reproduce the exterior as close to possible to the original, but the inside will be a working shop so I don't think I'll do many concessions there. That being said, just about everything I have and use is old stuff, so it should look right.
 
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FLI

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Well, based on all the positive response, when is it gonna start? Can't wait to see it.
 
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gricegear

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Ryan, that is a great idea!! You're already ahead of the boat by having the signs. I'm still collecting signage for mine. I have seen this photo on the Hamb before and always wondered what the story was behind it. Thanks for sharing with us. If you ever wanted the picture recreated in a pencil drawing, let me know, I'd be glad to help out. Hope to be following this build thread soon!!
 
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phartman

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[I]"I don’t think it would be too hard or more importantly, too expensive to do."[/I]

Huh? What? Are you nuts??? It's always more difficult and expensive than you think it will be. :lol_hitti It's just like building a hot rod. If it's not more difficult and expensive, you didn't do it right.



:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
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Larosa

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its just superb a nice vintage collection i wonder if we travel with time machine to that country what would be the reaction of the mechanics there when we take our honda accord for servicing
 
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