Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

If I could find a tenth of the energy that you and Chris have, I would be one happy camper. It seems like lately, with work during the day, and dealing with my parents briefly in the evening, I don't have time to think, let alone get anything done. Then when the weekend comes, my wife and I have to rush just to get little things done like mow the yard and some quick house cleaning. Hopefully things will slow down here shortly
And as always, I am amazed as to what you have done or are working on when I come back to this thread. I like to go a week or so between reading it so I get a good dose of what has been going on lately

Kevin, if you every watched a TV program called Ted Macks "Original Amateur Hour" back in the early '60's you'll recall perhaps a cure for your low energy level. His main sponsor was Geritol ( I think I'm spelling it correctly ) It was for people who had low energy and the product was reportedly "made with a 1/2 pound of real calves liver" and was suppose to be just the thing to perk you up. I'm sure it worked just as advertised, heck Ted even endorsed it personally. So there ya go. Now aren't you glad you read this thread?

If it does help I also find my day(night) job does get in the way of my personal life sometimes too. Just skip sleep, eating and you'd be surprised how much more time you'll have.

Hang in there my friend and thanks for all your contributions to this thread.

Thomas

 

[thammel]

Then there was Serutan, which is Natures spelled backwards!

Tom

 

[BB767]

Thomas , thanks for taking the time to put up photos of the the reconstruction ! I'm working for a small renovation company in Champaign that specializes in that type of work. Isn't it amazing how a simple little off kilter plate cover can drive you nuts?

Oh I suppose sometime like that could be bothersome to some people, but it doesn't affect me at all. The fact that this happened 4 years ago, that you can see it allllllll the way across the lift room, that's it's right out front and center for everyone who comes into the shop to see, that it's a subtle comment on my manhood or that I had nightmares for weeks and weeks thinking about the countless hours I spent trying to straighten it up to no avail, that who in the world would want me to fly them anywhere if I couldn't put a simple little stupid trim plate on................... You think it drives me nuts? No way, I'm perfectly happy with it that way, really, honest, no kidding, it's OK, no problem and no worries, I mean why would I let a little something like that haunt me and take over my life and cause me to look at it EVERY TIME I'm in the lift room from every angle .................. I'm SO glad you had to bring this up again.........thanks a lot sheesh, way to go.......

Oh by the way, you're quite welcome about the restoration pictures. I'm happy to share this with others.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Then there was Serutan, which is Natures spelled backwards!

Tom

Aha! Another trivia expert! I had forgotten about that one. Thank you Tom

Thomas

 

[Steve V.]

Oh I suppose sometime like that could be bothersome to some people, but it doesn't affect me at all. The fact that this happened 4 years ago, that you can see it allllllll the way across the lift room, that's it's right out front and center for everyone who comes into the shop to see, that it's a subtle comment on my manhood or that I had nightmares for weeks and weeks thinking about the countless hours I spent trying to straighten it up to no avail, that who in the world would want me to fly them anywhere if I couldn't put a simple little stupid trim plate on................... You think it dives me nuts? No way, I'm perfectly happy with it that way, really, honest, no kidding, it's OK, no problem and no worries, I mean why would I let a little something like that haunt me and take over my life and cause me to look at it EVERY TIME I'm in the lift room from every angle .................. I'm SO glad you had to bring this up again.........thanks a lot sheesh, way to go.......

Oh by the way, you're quite welcome about the restoration pictures. I'm happy to share this with others.

Thomas

Yeahbut........you're talking to guys that clock the screws on light switch plates. Not that I would know anything about that. My wife and kids just don't understand.



Steve

 

[BB767]

Here are a few more pictures from 2006.

This is the lift room, early '06. The lift is down, visible are pieces of the white FRP that I used on the walls throughout the shop, original windows are on either side of the center doorway. Below the shelves to the right of the right window are 3-55 gallon drums. One is empty into which I flushed the old fluid out of the lift and the second drum contained used tractor hydraulic fluid, Case IH Hy Tran that was pretty darn decent for used and good for thoroughly flushing out the old gook that was in the lift at that time. I managed to flush the entire system 5 times before I was happy that the fluid coming out was not contaminated anymore. The last drum contained new Hy Tran which is what I use in the lift. High quality hydraulic fluid. All the old fluid went to a farmer friend who burned it in his shed heater so it went to good use.

Picture is from last year. The wall brackets that are holding my air hose to the left of the window can be seen in the top picture. They are the original ones, repainted and reinstalled in the same spot now with stainless steel mounting hardware.

Here's a little closer view of the shelving Mr Johnson made for the lift room. Far right, below you can see the lift control cabinet as it was.

Here are the shelves cleaned up, repainted and reinstalled. I sanded the wood shelf boards to clean them up. For my Scotland lurkers, that's Mac Millan oil the the top shelf, right side. The oil cans are all metal. The pipe to the right of the shelf contains the wiring from the lift control cabinet.

A little bit different view. The 4 small holes above the lift cabinet were from brackets that held up a single shelf. You can see it in the second old picture below the wall calendar. I thought I would reinstall that shelf, but it turned out to be in a bad place when I have to service the lift fluid. So I didn't use it and filled the holes.

To be continued.

Thomas

 

[dankicksass]

Thomas, my hat's off to you. I saw your garage photos from page one on numerous blogs a while ago but never had I thought I'd see this much. I used to work in a shop with a fully-rotational Rotary lift and it scared the **** out of me the first time a car spun on it. It was a bit newer than yours, air-over-hydraulic, but not nearly as well kept, much closer to the "before" pictures, leaks included. I was used to overhead asymmetrics and a bit younger version of myself... but I digress. Just seeing the wealth of equipment and the restorations you've done has made losing most of a night's sleep worth it.

 

[Tim.]

Jason, it's always impressive when someone drives his car to the strip and competes with quick times, but to do it after a 1,000 mile trip is quite impressive! It's very interesting to see different types of cars running on the strip that you never see state side. You guys down there have always embraced quick machinery and we've always felt a kinship with you because of it.

Thomas

Not only that, I'm sure you'll notice he's driving on the correct site of the car....

....Tim.

 

[BB767]

Yeahbut........you're talking to guys that clock the screws on light switch plates. ............. My wife and kids just don't understand.



Steve

Steve I really hate to generalize here but, most women just don't seem to get it..........period. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, just that they don't get it.........at all. Clearly you do and understand there really isn't any other way to do it, that's just how it's done.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas, my hat's off to you. I saw your garage photos from page one on numerous blogs a while ago but never had I thought I'd see this much. I used to work in a shop with a fully-rotational Rotary lift and it scared the **** out of me the first time a car spun on it. It was a bit newer than yours, air-over-hydraulic, but not nearly as well kept, much closer to the "before" pictures, leaks included. I was used to overhead asymmetrics and a bit younger version of myself... but I digress. Just seeing the wealth of equipment and the restorations you've done has made losing most of a night's sleep worth it.

Dan, those old lifts can get your attention for sure if they're not well maintained and have some age on them!
Sorry about the sleep.


Thomas.

 

[BB767]

Not only that, I'm sure you'll notice he's driving on the correct site of the car....

....Tim.

Oh I noticed alright. BTW, does the gas spin anti clockwise when you pour it into you gas tanks down there?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I now have a picture that shows the interior walls before the FRP was installed. I'll put all these in the correct sequence ( I hope).

Fabrication ( fab) room as it was originally. Just past the horizontal band saw (orange paint on cover) is the all cast iron work bench.

The fab room mostly cleaned out. The window seen was removed and a new one placed around the corner to the left about where the man door is (under the sheet plastic) Cast iron bench just to the right out of frame. Original wood outside wall as seen.

Removal of the outside wood wall, wall studs are still installed. The cast iron bench and trip hammer are in silhouette.

The wall has now been replaced with concrete block, original wall studs removed and the interior work has begun. Conventional framing with perhaps the exception of using treated 2 X 4's on the floor plate. I did that in case the floor got wet or moisture found it's way into the inside of the wall it wouldn't rot that plate. The cast iron bench hasn't been moved much during all this, it's just too heavy.

Sorry the quality is so poor but you can still make out the fab room. Ceiling is done and walls have been insulated, waiting for the FRP. That's the cast iron bench right in the middle.

Fab room nearly done. That's the cast iron bench still in roughly the same spot.

Fab room just needs floor tile to be completed.

Tile is done. This is the fab room opposite corner.

The fab room much as it is today. The cast iron bench back where it's always been.

Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

THOMAS !!! PLEASE!! PLEASE tell me you still have the power hammer. ?!?! Is it a Little Giant ?

 

[BB767]

THOMAS !!! PLEASE!! PLEASE tell me you still have the power hammer. ?!?! Is it a Little Giant ?

Ok I'll tell you I still have the power hammer. There are several pictures of it posted earlier on page 38, post # 752.

Thomas

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Oh I suppose sometime like that could be bothersome to some people, but it doesn't affect me at all. The fact that this happened 4 years ago, that you can see it allllllll the way across the lift room, that's it's right out front and center for everyone who comes into the shop to see, that it's a subtle comment on my manhood or that I had nightmares for weeks and weeks thinking about the countless hours I spent trying to straighten it up to no avail, that who in the world would want me to fly them anywhere if I couldn't put a simple little stupid trim plate on................... You think it drives me nuts? No way, I'm perfectly happy with it that way, really, honest, no kidding, it's OK, no problem and no worries, I mean why would I let a little something like that haunt me and take over my life and cause me to look at it EVERY TIME I'm in the lift room from every angle .................. I'm SO glad you had to bring this up again.........thanks a lot sheesh, way to go.......

Oh by the way, you're quite welcome about the restoration pictures. I'm happy to share this with others.

Thomas

The plate wouldn't bother me too much. Because of the way the old building was built somethings just can't be helped. But that bottom left plate screw being 5 minutes off 12 o'clock would drive me nuts.
________
Yamaha YBR 125 history

 

[BB767]

The plate wouldn't bother me too much. Because of the way the old building was built somethings just can't be helped. But that bottom left plate screw being 5 minutes off 12 o'clock would drive me nuts.

Yup, me too. That's why that got corrected just after I took that picture and noticed it was off. There are certain standards that just need to be maintained you know?

Thanks for keeping me on my toes though.

Thomas

 

[markviii]

Now Tom... I do too get it!
"Steve I really hate to generalize here but, most women just don't seem to get it..........period. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, just that they don't get it.........at all."

Generalizing is not a good thing - at least you said "most". I always line up the screws on light switch plates (vertical)(and outlet covers, too - horizontal). I guess I never knew it had an actual name. Not all women are clueless. I just have always done it that way without thinking about it that way, but it doesn't bother me if it doesn't get done (if someone else is doing the work).

Chris

 

[BB767]

Now Tom... I do too get it!........

............Generalizing is not a good thing - at least you said "most". I always line up the screws on light switch plates (vertical)(and outlet covers, too - horizontal). I guess I never knew it had an actual name. Not all women are clueless. I just have always done it that way without thinking about it that way, but it doesn't bother me if it doesn't get done (if someone else is doing the work).

Chris

And that folks is why I married that young lady. That and...........

......anytime your wife gets excited about sitting in a race car is defiantly a good thing! I'm not too sure about the MARK VIII thing getting painted on the side though............ That might be carrying that a little far but hey, whatever, it's all good.

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

And that folks is why I married that young lady. That and...........

......anytime your wife gets excited about sitting in a race car is defiantly a good thing! I'm not too sure about the MARK VIII thing getting painted on the side though............ That might be carrying that a little far but hey, whatever, it's all good.

Thomas

Classic cars, Pickup Trucks. Farm tractors, Good looking women and race cars all in one place!!!! So there is a Heaven....
And Dug smells tools......

 

[BB767]

Classic cars, Pickup Trucks. Farm tractors, Good looking women and race cars all in one place!!!! So there is a Heaven....
And Dug smells tools......

What he said...............

Thanks for a day brightener while I'm on the road.

Thomas

 

[Call me the Breeze]

Thomas, in your "Fab room" what did you use for the walls? I really like how it turned out

 

[JC23]

Thomas,

Add my name to the long list of lurkers on your thread who can no longer keep from just sitting here, drooling. I dig the 'keeping history' theme the most.

If you'd like to start a thread within your thread, how 'bout telling us YOUR favorite room or area of your Kewl shop and why. My vote is for the welding/fab area. I would enjoy working there very much.

And thanks for putting all that time in on both the shop and this thread.

 

[BB767]

Thomas, in your "Fab room" what did you use for the walls? I really like how it turned out

It's product referred to as FRP. There is more information about it in the thread in a few places. If you have a problem finding which post(s) I'll see if I. It's great material but somewhat costly.

Thomas

 

[JamNut]

Thomas,

Greatly enjoyed all 1384 posts! Took me most of the day to skim through the posts, now I'll go back and reread the parts that interested me the most. I love old tools and machines and your restoration of the old shop is an inspiration for my new one!

Thanks again!

K.

 

[GTBOP5.0]

Thomas & Chris-
Long time lurker- first time poster. You're thread brought me to the GJ several months ago and I love it! What a great place! Thanks for taking the time to post the story of you're garage in such detail- quite fascinating. The history and old photos really make it special. The time management and organizational skills you have are equally fasinating! Thanks also for the great hospitality when I had the pleasure of a tour last Sunday. Definitely a first class operation. I should have taken you up on that go-cart frame for some great garden art- Ha! Thanks again-
Gary

 

[markviii]

Gary,

Tom and I were pleased to share the shop with you. We have lots of fun doing that and we're glad you had a good time. (Makes Tom take a break from his labors!)

Chris

 

[BB767]

Thomas,

Add my name to the long list of lurkers on your thread who can no longer keep from just sitting here, drooling. I dig the 'keeping history' theme the most.

If you'd like to start a thread within your thread, how 'bout telling us YOUR favorite room or area of your Kewl shop and why. My vote is for the welding/fab area. I would enjoy working there very much.

And thanks for putting all that time in on both the shop and this thread.

JC23 thanks for checking in with us and wading through all this. Your idea has some merit and perhaps I'll do just that when I'm home and when I get a free moment.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas,

Greatly enjoyed all 1384 posts! Took me most of the day to skim through the posts, now I'll go back and reread the parts that interested me the most. I love old tools and machines and your restoration of the old shop is an inspiration for my new one!

Thanks again!

K.

K. hello and glad you found it informative. Skimming and going back is a great way to handle the volume of posts that are now here. There is good and bad with all of it. There is a lot of information contained here but that can bog you down trying to go through it all. I believe you're the first from Afghanistan to check in. I don't know where we stand with the country count lately, maybe Chris can update that. I have often wondered if our service personal would find this thread of interest. It would seem at least a few do. Thank you for your service.

Thomas

 

[markviii]

Yes, a first! Updated the country list as soon as I saw JamNut's post. I'm sure getting through all those posts helped you relax from the rigors of your daily work over there.

We're almost to 336,000 posts (since this started in January - so we're close to 45000/month). Amazing!

Chris

 

[Fishwacker]

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/New%20Shop/SoundSyssm3.jpg[/IMG]


Remember the one that I COULD NOT get the trim plate to fit square?!#* Yea that one, but I don't let it bother me in the slightest, nope not at all. I've put it almost completely out of my mind and moved on, yes siree bob. No worries about that one.



Thomas

Hi Thomas,
I believe your concern about the squareness of the sound system control plate might be eased if you take a good look at the board it is mounted to. Your side and top edges are perfectly square, but the bottom appears to be out because the board is split on the right edge causing the bottom of the board to hang lower than it would without the split. I think it adds a bit of character to the place. Thanks again for taking the time to share and inspire. G

 

[markviii]

Now, now, now, Fishwacker,
You're just thinking that a rationalization will help him get over it. Since others can see it, he'll keep looking for a solution!

Chris

 

[BB767]

Thomas & Chris-
Long time lurker- first time poster. You're thread brought me to the GJ several months ago and I love it! What a great place! Thanks for taking the time to post the story of you're garage in such detail- quite fascinating. The history and old photos really make it special. The time management and organizational skills you have are equally fasinating! Thanks also for the great hospitality when I had the pleasure of a tour last Sunday. Definitely a first class operation. I should have taken you up on that go-cart frame for some great garden art- Ha! Thanks again-
Gary

Gary let me add to what Chris wrote. You came an awful long way so it nice to hear that you enjoyed yourself. We had a great time and were really impressed with your old truck. Nice piece! Anytime you get bored with it I know a place where it would be warmly received. Email a picture of it out in front of the shop.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

wow that is one sweet transformation! totally awesome! i'm impressed.. now that place can truly pass for a functional garage.. if only they can maintain or transform auto parts that well, then it would be one helluva place. *applause*

Hi Tony and welcome to the thread. Make no mistake, it's no Foo-foo garage but a true working, breathing shop. Sparks fly and metal filings hit the floor!

This is a recent project.

It a cart for the snow blower.

Made with scrap metal........

........ left in the shop. Needs powder coating to finish.

Fabrication in the fab room..........

......using tools........

......and equipment left in the shop. All thanks to Mr Johnson from so long ago.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Now, now, now, Fishwacker,
You're just thinking that a rationalization will help him get over it. Since others can see it, he'll keep looking for a solution!

Chris

No Chris he may be on to something here. The "adds character to the place" thing, yea that's it.... it adds character.......

Here are some other details that add character, the soffit from the original shop roof overhang.

I left it unfinished, just as it was but painted. Same for the header over the doorways..........

That just oozes with character don't you think?

Thank you for the thought.

Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

Thomas ,
Those are great details. Its amazing the lengths you went to in preserving original features of the structure
Those stainless door jambs are very slick , great idea!

 

[Armour]

For my Scotland lurkers

Still loving this thread, did any more go kart parts turn up when you were clearing out the buildings?

Al

 

[reone98]

Thomas,
here's another Walker for your collection.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72885

 

[jinxd]

Breeze...I did a Tohiem 39 as Sinclair and got all my parts from www.vicsplace.com. I know there are a lot of suggestions here so count this as one more. Good luck. - Eddy

 

[jam0o0]

i'll add my thanks to the others who have posted. it's been really fun seeing all the old stuff and hearing all the old stories. i hope to have something like this for myself someday.

 

[markviii]

Here's an update of the state/country list (from page 54). If I missed you, sorry. Just let me know.

"Here is a list of states (**) that are represented so far. If you've posted, but haven't identified your location, you can PM me if you want and I'll ** the state or add the country of origin. So far there are 35 states. (4/29/10 - we now have 37 thanks to Todd and Tom in Nebraska and West Virginia)(also welcome Jay for #38)(I can't remember who was #39, but #40 on 7/3/10 is wats56 from WY).

State (& Possessions included because Tom flew there at one point)
** = posted
**AL
**AK
AMERICAN SAMOA (AS)
**AZ
AR
**CA
**CO
**CT
DE
Wash DC
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA (FM)
**FL
**GA
GUAM (GU)
HI
ID
**IL
**IN
**IA
**KS
**KY
**LA
**ME
MARSHALL ISLANDS (MH)
**MD
**MA
**MI
**MN
**MS
**MO
MT
**NE
NV
NH
**NJ
**NM
**NY
**NC
**ND
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (MP)
**OH
**OK
**OR
PALAU (PW)
**PA
PUERTO RICO (PR)
RI
**SC
**SD
**TN
**TX
UT
VT
VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI)
**VA
**WA
**WV
**WI
**WY

Countries represented so far (18):
France
UK (many locations)
Scotland
Switzerland
Australia (several locations)
Canada (many locations)
Sweden
New Zealand
Ireland
Iceland
Portugal
Hong Kong
India
South Africa
Turkey
Afghanistan
Iraq
Denmark