Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

If you find yourself down here for any length of time, let us know, I daresay there are a fair few people who'd love to meet up.

[goes off to look up flights from Christchurch to Auckland] lol

Right enough, Chris did some research on those flights and we'll keep you informed.

BTW are those people "who'd love meet up" with me the one's you're driving mad at work taking about the shop? Any chance they might have some pitchforks and torches when they'd meet up with me? Juuuust wonderin..........

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

It's a machine designed to service spark plugs back when they did such things rather than replace them as we now do.

Ummmm... I still wire brush the spark plugs in the lawn mower, yard vac' & craftsman tractor.....

 

[dxco]

I registered on this site just to compliment you on the most deluxe garage I have ever seen -The attention to detail and the work of restoring the post-type lift instead of buying an ugly cable lift for less money was perfect. The soda machine & booth were nice touches also. Very nice work -well worth the effort I'm sure. I'd never come in the house again!
DX /DSM IA
PS Thanks for taking the time to put up all of those pic's for us to see!

 

[dxco]

I didn't notice the first time -Check out the light fixture on the front of the car port! -Details...

 

[dxco]

I didn't notice the first time -Check out the light fixture on the front of the car port! -Details...>>>>>>>Is that an in-wall speaker in the lift-room? Also, is the wall covering done with FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel) -I've installed that stuff in car washes. It should last a lifetime in a garage (as long as it's a no-tobacco-smoking area).
DX /DSM IA

 

[Sick Puppy]

Right enough, Chris did some research on those flights and we'll keep you informed.

BTW are those people "who'd love meet up" with me the one's you're driving mad at work taking about the shop? Any chance they might have some pitchforks and torches when they'd meet up with me? Juuuust wonderin..........

Thomas

Nah, I'm pretty sure they're the likes of 'Naki kid et al who are on here! Those I spoke to about it at work would have smiled benevolently at me, and thought to themselves "Geek!"

But I've transferred to another office, I don't talk so much there now...

 

[markviii]

dxco - yep, Tom's into details. He likes to replicate what he envisions in his mind and doesn't rest until he's accomplished it. And yes, that's RFP on the walls. He used it in a brick garage we built before restoring this property and is very enthusiastic about it. It's expensive, but will last a lifetime (no tobacco smoking in this family).

Once we get the index done, it will be easier to find where the pictures/discussions of these things are located in this thread (and the index will also help to study for the upcoming test!). I'm sort of glad we've kept everything on the same thread (flooring, lighting, heating, etc.) because it's easier to remember if we've included all the pictures. The project has been so all-encompassing, so this has helped keep the documentation manageable.

We've turned a lot of people into Garage Journal lurkers. Once they started looking at our thread, they would peek at others and are now hooked. There's so much to be learned here and so little time!

Chris

 

[Dustoff]

Thomas & Chris,

I have been a GJ fan for a while, registered recently and posted infrequently. I read the whole thread over my lunch break(s) and wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for the work you have put into your thread and shop. The shop, the lifts, the history, the floorjack fetish are all nice, but that alone would not keep my interest for 76 pages of postings. What I have found fascinating is the reaction of the people...you have brought out a little of the best in an aweful lot of people...and considering the state of humanity (particularlly on the internet) that is quite an achievement. To be honest the thing I most admire is the civility and simple consideration shown for everyone who has posted here...the stuff is cool, but even a Walker floor jack is junk without somemone to care for it.

The book would find a receptive audience, folks who care about things like you care about things like to know that they are not alone...that the entire world has not devolved into a a giant disposable fast food wrapper...you are writing about legacy...and that is worth reading 76 pages of posts.

Reference the state of humanity and your wide exposure here....do be careful.

Fly safe.

Shaun

 

[Hemihead2]

Well said, Dustoff.

 

[BB767]

I didn't notice the first time -Check out the light fixture on the front of the car port! -Details...

Here's a closer look.......

Now look at the original light that was outside at the roof peak....

...this from about 1968. It doesn't show up very well but the shade is green, to match the roof I suppose. That's why I used green, to match the original and the roof as well.

It still shows up somewhat here in 1995.

All the outside barn lights are similar is profile but each one is sized differently because they light a different sized space.

The shade over the main carport is 18", it's installed on a large structure and needs to light up a large area. On the overhead door on the left the shade is 16" and over the man door it is 12". All are brown to match the roof and trim, but also tie in with the one on the old shop out front.

Thanks dxco for noticing. It sure is fun for me when people start to see those sometimes small details that are scattered inside and outside the buildings. You made my day.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I didn't notice the first time -Check out the light fixture on the front of the car port! -Details...>>>>>>>Is that an in-wall speaker in the lift-room? Also, is the wall covering done with FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel) -I've installed that stuff in car washes. It should last a lifetime in a garage (as long as it's a no-tobacco-smoking area).
DX /DSM IA

There is a post on the entire shop sound system on page 32, post #638. Yes the speakers are flush mounted in the ceiling of each room. Also correct about the FRP, see page 17,post #337. I expect it to last my lifetime and my son's!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

.... -The attention to detail and the work of restoring the post-type lift instead of buying an ugly cable lift for less money was perfect.....
DX /DSM IA
PS Thanks for taking the time to put up all of those pic's for us to see!

I guess it's a good thing that the original in ground lift has worked out so well because I did go to.... well..... rather extremes to insure the original one functioned correctly and was nice to look at as well. But cable lifts have their purpose too. That's why I installed one in the barn because.....

...this car would never.......

...... ever have.....

.....been able........

......to fit on my old ramp style lift. Form follows function here. It may be an ugly cable lift, but it sure came in handy for us!

Many thanks dxco for the enthusiastic support.

Thomas.

 

[flightlessbird]

What model is the sports car?

 

[BB767]

Thomas & Chris,

I have been a GJ fan for a while, registered recently and posted infrequently. I read the whole thread over my lunch break(s) and wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for the work you have put into your thread and shop. The shop, the lifts, the history, the floorjack fetish are all nice, but that alone would not keep my interest for 76 pages of postings. What I have found fascinating is the reaction of the people...you have brought out a little of the best in an aweful lot of people...and considering the state of humanity (particularlly on the internet) that is quite an achievement. To be honest the thing I most admire is the civility and simple consideration shown for everyone who has posted here...the stuff is cool, but even a Walker floor jack is junk without somemone to care for it.

The book would find a receptive audience, folks who care about things like you care about things like to know that they are not alone...that the entire world has not devolved into a a giant disposable fast food wrapper...you are writing about legacy...and that is worth reading 76 pages of posts.

Reference the state of humanity and your wide exposure here....do be careful.

Fly safe.

Shaun

Shaun I didn't respond right away as I wanted to give this some thought. Those are very keen and insightful observations of yours which I suspect were right from the heart. You certainly have a gift summing up many different aspects in a short, concise manner that gets right to the core of it. You have brought up a point that some others have as well, regarding my interaction with those who have taken a moment or two to reply here. Whether I have brought that out of them or maybe, perhaps the subject has with its basic forthrightness I can't say. The fact remains almost everyone who has been connected to this thread has contributed in a most positive manner which has greatly enhanced it.

Clearly this thread has been very much a two-way street. Chris and I have really enjoyed posting here and I think that comes through. More than that there seems to be a good number of folks who are intrigued by what's going on in this little area of the world and have found kindred spirits here. Some of the stories that have come out and the various contacts we have made because of this thread are wonderful gifts, truly. While it is correct that it has taken some effort and time to do the posts, what we have received back from all concerned here has been immeasurably rewarding and for that we thank everyone.

Shaun, your sincerity is felt and greatly appreciated, as is recognition of the effort you made to craft your comments.

All that said, I not sure a floorjack fetish is quite accurate terminology, I mean I do find myself with a few of them and they are lovely to operate and look at but do you really think that when it comes right down to it that, well,...... fetish, that could be misconstrued on so many levels, why just look at the root meaning of the word..............

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

All that said, I not sure a floorjack fetish is quite accurate terminology, I mean I do find myself with a few of them and they are lovely to operate and look at but do you really think that when it comes right down to it that, well,...... fetish, that could be misconstrued on so many levels, why just look at the root meaning of the word..............

Thomas

The word ya looking for is affectionardo

 

[BB767]

The word ya looking for is affectionardo

Yea, yea that's it... affictionardo. Much better.........

Thomas

 

[BB767]

What model is the sports car?

Not quite sure which sports car you were referring to flightlessbird, but if it was this one.......

....then that would be a 1961 Lotus Mk19. It definitely follows Colin Chapman's theory of "adding lightness". To give you an idea how how small it is, the tops of the doors come to about my knee caps, really. I'll try to get some better pictures of it posted. It is a beautiful machine with gorgeous lines....runs veeerrry competivily too!


Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

Yea, yea that's it... affictionardo. Much better.........

Thomas

With your swapping the E for an I, an idea for a new word popped into my head:

"Afflictionardo"

One who not only enjoys collecting tools & other garage paraphenalia... but is almost beyond any help the medical profession could employ to stop the rampant tool collecting.

As in:
The poor man suffered his entire life being an unmitigated SnapOn afflictionardo"

PERFECT!

 

[flightlessbird]

I was wondering about the Can Am car on the rack.
Off this afternoon to work on a later Lotus, A 23b. Unfortunately not V8 powered.

 

[markviii]

flightlessbird - the car on the lift you were referring to is Norm Cowdrey's 1967 McKee, formerly owned by Paul Newman and featured in his movie "Winning" (check out the opening 4 minutes of the film). Tom knows more about it and you can look up articles about it on the internet by googling "Norm Cowdrey McKee". Hanging out with this racing team from San Diego has been a fun experience. We were certainly honored to have them in residence at our place, giving them a stopping off place where they could work on the cars after Road America in WI and before the final races in Lime Rock, CT and Watkins Glen, NY in September. A few drivebys took place while we were loading and unloading all the cars in July and August. I think some people thought we were really opening up an actual working garage specializing in race cars! I was definitely more aware of maintaining our security procedures during that 6 weeks. Tom has pictures of me steering the McKee onto the transport that would take it to Lime Rock.

XRX61 - Tom's "typing while tired" get the better of him sometime, as when he types "defiantly" instead of "definitely". We need to start a GJ dictionary for all of the new words you and others have coined! I especially love "afflictionardo" (much better than "fetish"), although "affectionardo" could be the less serious condition of the first (as with being a "fan" is less serious than being a "fanatic").

Chris

 

[rustyfords]

Here's what Terry was referring to.....

It's a machine designed to service spark plugs back when they did such things rather than replace them as we now do.

Not sure when this was made but I'm guessing sometime in the 40's to 50's.

The plug was inserted in a hole that used a rubber skirt to seal the threaded part of the plug. It's covered here by a protective arm that swings out of the way seen at the top center. The dark round object at the right center is a rubber skirt with a different size hole in the center for smaller or larger plugs depending on the one in use.

Once the plug was inserted if you wanted to clean it you'd depress the tab marked "abrasive blast" and very fine powdered grit would be blown on the electrode end which would clean off all the old carbon and other deposits. Once done with that pressing the "air blast" key would blow pure air that would remove all the abrasive just blown on it.

After the plug was cleaned you could insert the plug in either of the fittings (depending on plug size) seen in the center, swing up the black arm to connect it to the top of the plug and then rotate the black knob on the left to send voltage through the plug to test it and see if there were any cracks in the porcelain. This machine, though dirty still performs the cleaning function remarkable well. I have not tried to send any voltage through a plug yet. When I get a little more time I'll post pictures of everything with a plug being serviced. Just wanted to get this posted.

And there's more ........... on the way if you can stand it.

Thomas

My grandfather had a smaller version of this in his shop and used it constantly.

 

[hobbitss]

With your swapping the E for an I, an idea for a new word popped into my head:

"Afflictionardo"

One who not only enjoys collecting tools & other garage paraphenalia... but is almost beyond any help the medical profession could employ to stop the rampant tool collecting.

As in:
The poor man suffered his entire life being an unmitigated SnapOn afflictionardo"

PERFECT!

That is how I read it also.... I acquired the affliction at an early age and expect it is a lifelong condition.....

The tool department at Sears used to be a religious experience....
Now it is more of a Sanctuary from an otherwise tool-less world...

I like TOOLS!!!......

 

[banzaitoyota]

....then that would be a 1961 Lotus Mk19. It definitely follows Colin Chapman's theory of "adding lightness". To give you an idea how how small it is, the tops of the doors come to about my knee caps, really. I'll try to get some better pictures of it posted. It is a beautiful machine with gorgeous lines....runs veeerrry competivily too!


Thomas

You now have officially crossed over the line into the YOU ****!!!!!! category

The chevies are very nice, but the Lotus is automotive art in its purist form

 

[markviii]

Here's an update of the state/country list (from page 54 or 71?). If I missed you, sorry. Just let me know. I don't want to leave anyone out of the fun!

"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 35 states have posted. (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)(and #41 on 9/27/10 from NH). Only 9 more states to go!

State (& Possessions included because Tom flew there at one point in his career)
** = 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 (20)(I know there are more!):
France
UK (many locations)
Scotland
Switzerland
Australia (several locations)
Canada (many locations)
Sweden
Netherlands
New Zealand
Ireland
Iceland
Portugal
Hong Kong
India
South Africa
Turkey
Afghanistan
Iraq
Denmark
Philippines

 

[markviii]

Now, now, now, banzaitoyota... I'm sure Tom thanks you very much for the elevation to the coveted YOU ****!!! category, but don't encourage him on these vintage race cars. We had great fun hosting the team at our shop and I know deep down he'd like to race one instead of just working with the pit crew (the team is putting the pressure on in a friendly jesting way), but, like the air strip to the south of the property suggested early on by ZRX61 I think, it will be a dream unfulfilled. (Blame me for putting the brakes on it if you want.) Driving one (not just being a passenger) around a track in non-race conditions is another matter. He'll probably get to do that sometime. He loves his Chevys and drag racing and is beginning another project car, so the need for speed continues.

 

[BB767]

My grandfather had a smaller version of this in his shop and used it constantly.

That does not surprise me. If you have access to one of these units it's just soooo nice to be able to keep the plugs **** and span. With older machinery that doesn't have electronic ignition systems the plugs would typically run much dirtier but once clean they would run just so much better. The best part is how easy it is to clean them. These cleaners are truly quite effective. The advent of disposable plugs spelled their demise for most shops.

Is your grandfathers now gone or is it still in the family?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

That is how I read it also.... I acquired the affliction at an early age and expect it is a lifelong condition.....

The tool department at Sears used to be a religious experience....
Now it is more of a Sanctuary from an otherwise tool-less world...

I like TOOLS!!!......

Somehow that does not surprise me Joe! I've loaded and removed 3 boxes of various tools so far when cleaning out the lean to. I'll photograph them and then post it. Looks to be a pretty diverse group so far and a few that I have no idea of their purpose. Hope you guys can help me out identifying them.

There's one more PSMCDR race of the season in Martin, Mi mid October. The Chevy II qualified to run against a 1968 Corvette, 427, 4 speed car last week in Stanton, MI. That would have been a great race but we got rained out, sad, sad, sad. We're both planning on going to Martin so we hope to stage the race just the same. Once that's over my time will free up.....somewhat. Thanks for your patience.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

You now have officially crossed over the line into the YOU ****!!!!!! category

The chevies are very nice, but the Lotus is automotive art in its purist form

Hey, hey, hey...... I resemble that remark! I completely agree that they should be considered art. Lovely to look at, from any angle and the sounds that come out of those pipes.........lucky guy, that's what I am....and I know it!

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

The chevies are very nice, but the Lotus is automotive art in its purist form

*cough* Maclaren *cough*

 

[Dustoff]

ZRX61....I said I read this stuff on my lunch break dude! Enough with the Afflictionardo thing! I almost choked on my wife's best cold cut sandwich over that one...well done.

Thomas, you Sir are most welcome...glad to be a tiny part of something positive even for 5 minutes over lunch at work.

Shaun

 

[markviii]

Hi everyone.

We have another speed-reader here on this Garage Journal thread! Don't get in trouble by studying on work time. The pool is expanding and the competition is getting pretty stiff for high score on the future test. Don't let the new content distract you from the previous content which is extremely important, though, since it's like math, everything builds on the basics (in this case, that basic is "Garages where we work and play and dream". (Note: I'm forced to put a vocabulary section on the test because of some precocious posters.)

Chris

 

[rustyfords]

That does not surprise me. If you have access to one of these units it's just soooo nice to be able to keep the plugs **** and span. With older machinery that doesn't have electronic ignition systems the plugs would typically run much dirtier but once clean they would run just so much better. The best part is how easy it is to clean them. These cleaners are truly quite effective. The advent of disposable plugs spelled their demise for most shops.

Is your grandfathers now gone or is it still in the family?

Thomas

All of what survived from my grandfather's shop (including the spark plug cleaner) now resides with my Dad....who is getting too old to actively mess with old cars. There are some nice old tools in this collection, but I feel weird about asking for them. I know they're coming to me sooner or later, but for now, I know that my Dad gets some degree of comfort from just having those things of his Dad's around, and that's a good enough reason to keep them right where they are.

 

[supazuk]

I love your shop I've been drooling of it for a while ... posting just so you can add NH

 

[markviii]

Thanks for the compliment on our shops and welcome to GJ supazuk. I added NH to the list at #41. There's a lot of info on this forum, even if you're not actually building a garage. I like to look at General Discussion and Free Parking every day for new and/or continuing threads.

Chris

 

[BB767]

Thanks for the compliment on our shops and welcome to GJ supazuk. I added NH to the list at #41. There's a lot of info on this forum, even if you're not actually building a garage. I like to look at General Discussion and Free Parking every day for new and/or continuing threads.

Chris

(Note to my charming wife: Chris, supazuk has been on this site since Oct 2007, years before us and I'm sure well versed in it's virtues. )

I'll be home soon Chris!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I love your shop I've been drooling of it for a while ... posting just so you can add NH

Hi supazuk, are you aware that excessive drooling can raise the humidity level in a shop which might cause the tools to rust? Do be careful. Thanks for the comment and representing NH.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I was wondering about the Can Am car on the rack.
Off this afternoon to work on a later Lotus, A 23b. Unfortunately not V8 powered.

OK flightlessbird, here's Norm's car that Chris was talking about....off the rack so to speak.....













It is a McKee Mk.10 Wedge, the only one in existence, now owned by Norm Cowdrey and was indeed once owned and driven by Paul Newman in the opening sequence of the movie "Winning" and seen here, below, driven by none other than......



Chris herself That's Norm Cowdrey, the car owner on the far left, and Roland Johnson (no relation), ace car prep mechanic for the other race cars.





We thought it best to start her off by pushing it! I'm sure I heard her making engine noises as it rolled along



Do you suppose Mr Johnson ever envisioned a car like this in front of his shop?





Those bottom two pictures are only separated by15 years with the McKee and Studebaker in roughly the same spot.

Thomas

 

[Jeremy W]

I like the studebaker better

 

[flightlessbird]

Thanks for the pics. I visited the Bruce McLaren festival in New Zealand in January this year. A large selection of similar cars plus F5000 etc. Absolutely brilliant

 

[m4ff3w]

I found this thread last night and was saddened when I reached post 1560 and found it to be the last one.

Thanks for sharing. I'm probably younger than most who've posted, but I appreciate seeing the old tools & transformation immensely.

I look forward to more pictures!