jon72vega
Well-known member
What's the model # on your new impact gun?
Above 1200 Sq/FT My new garage build! 30x50 !
- Thread starter Xti04
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Shop progress and cleanup is continuing slowly. Found after reorganizing my fluids I had several half opened fluids of various sorts. I consolidated them which lead to a better fit on my shelving. Jeff is on the hunt for one more shelf so I can get the stuff off the top of it.
I mentioned my workbench getting a strengthening program a few posts ago, heres how it went. My bench is always a mess because I hold onto things that I "might need someday". It ***** and I never have a clean clear space to operate out of. My bench is also a metal bench, but has a hollow top which feels weak when I am really pulling hard on something in my vise. If I strike an object in the vise the whole table has a ring to it. So I decided to beef up the top
. I loosened and moved the vise and then went around and removed the end cap
so I could shove some 2x8s inside the cavity to add some extra heft to the table.
The first three went in fine. The last one was a *****. I had to cut it down to make it fit. 
With the hard part done I was able to reinstall the end cap and push it back into its place. Now I just have to get new bolts for the vise and drill thru the wood and add thru bolts for the end caps.
looking much better. Only things on it are upcoming projects. I need an rca to optical adapter for my soundbar and I got all the stuff together to finish wiring on my south wall.
Cleanup keeps going, next up was my old chemical shelving.
the stainless table is where parts have landed for 2 years which renders it useless. Time to fix that. After a quick wipe down of the shelves, I got to work loading them up. Managed to have room for all my parts, and then some. 
Yeah I use a lot of brake clean. Those are stacked 4 deep in there. This year, and with a hookup thru Jeff I plan to try and get a 55 gallon drum of it that can live outside between the shops in no mans land. Add to that a bulk washer fluid setup and I will be good to go. The stainless table is looking beter and once I finish up my chainsaw I can have it all clean and good to go.
Last projects from yesterday were hanging up a few items my son got for Christmas. He got some wall hangers for his bass and my guitar, so with the guidance of the laser, I got those handled quickly.
The second project was hanging up some acrylic holders on the wall for his records. Since album covers are like mini art works themselves we let him display them. Laser saved the day again here. After centering his bed, I was able to get measurements that got it as close to even as possible. Then I setup the laser and got the lower row in. Next up was just deciding the height for the second row. With the wife happy with my choice we got the second row up.
The musical influence of this kids father is pretty apparent. He loves the vinyl, almost makes me want to get him a better record player than the one he has, but he is going to have to learn to take care of things better than he does currently.
Last project for the weekend is hauling off a bunch of junk from the shop along with scrap metal/ parts from the past weeks work. Keep slowly chipping away at the shop stuff until it cleans up, next flat surface will be my table saw/ router bench. It needs a deep clean and serious sawdust removal.
I mentioned my workbench getting a strengthening program a few posts ago, heres how it went. My bench is always a mess because I hold onto things that I "might need someday". It ***** and I never have a clean clear space to operate out of. My bench is also a metal bench, but has a hollow top which feels weak when I am really pulling hard on something in my vise. If I strike an object in the vise the whole table has a ring to it. So I decided to beef up the top
. I loosened and moved the vise and then went around and removed the end cap so I could shove some 2x8s inside the cavity to add some extra heft to the table.The first three went in fine. The last one was a *****. I had to cut it down to make it fit. With the hard part done I was able to reinstall the end cap and push it back into its place. Now I just have to get new bolts for the vise and drill thru the wood and add thru bolts for the end caps.
looking much better. Only things on it are upcoming projects. I need an rca to optical adapter for my soundbar and I got all the stuff together to finish wiring on my south wall.Cleanup keeps going, next up was my old chemical shelving.
the stainless table is where parts have landed for 2 years which renders it useless. Time to fix that. After a quick wipe down of the shelves, I got to work loading them up. Managed to have room for all my parts, and then some. Yeah I use a lot of brake clean. Those are stacked 4 deep in there. This year, and with a hookup thru Jeff I plan to try and get a 55 gallon drum of it that can live outside between the shops in no mans land. Add to that a bulk washer fluid setup and I will be good to go. The stainless table is looking beter and once I finish up my chainsaw I can have it all clean and good to go.
Last projects from yesterday were hanging up a few items my son got for Christmas. He got some wall hangers for his bass and my guitar, so with the guidance of the laser, I got those handled quickly.
The second project was hanging up some acrylic holders on the wall for his records. Since album covers are like mini art works themselves we let him display them. Laser saved the day again here. After centering his bed, I was able to get measurements that got it as close to even as possible. Then I setup the laser and got the lower row in. Next up was just deciding the height for the second row. With the wife happy with my choice we got the second row up.
The musical influence of this kids father is pretty apparent. He loves the vinyl, almost makes me want to get him a better record player than the one he has, but he is going to have to learn to take care of things better than he does currently.
Last project for the weekend is hauling off a bunch of junk from the shop along with scrap metal/ parts from the past weeks work. Keep slowly chipping away at the shop stuff until it cleans up, next flat surface will be my table saw/ router bench. It needs a deep clean and serious sawdust removal.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Eclectic mix of music...but I like it!
Do you have a link for the record holders?Shop progress and cleanup is continuing slowly. Found after reorganizing my fluids I had several half opened fluids of various sorts. I consolidated them which lead to a better fit on my shelving. Jeff is on the hunt for one more shelf so I can get the stuff off the top of it.
I mentioned my workbench getting a strengthening program a few posts ago, heres how it went. My bench is always a mess because I hold onto things that I "might need someday". It ***** and I never have a clean clear space to operate out of. My bench is also a metal bench, but has a hollow top which feels weak when I am really pulling hard on something in my vise. If I strike an object in the vise the whole table has a ring to it. So I decided to beef up the top
With the hard part done I was able to reinstall the end cap and push it back into its place. Now I just have to get new bolts for the vise and drill thru the wood and add thru bolts for the end caps.
Cleanup keeps going, next up was my old chemical shelving.
Yeah I use a lot of brake clean. Those are stacked 4 deep in there. This year, and with a hookup thru Jeff I plan to try and get a 55 gallon drum of it that can live outside between the shops in no mans land. Add to that a bulk washer fluid setup and I will be good to go. The stainless table is looking beter and once I finish up my chainsaw I can have it all clean and good to go.
Last projects from yesterday were hanging up a few items my son got for Christmas. He got some wall hangers for his bass and my guitar, so with the guidance of the laser, I got those handled quickly.
The second project was hanging up some acrylic holders on the wall for his records. Since album covers are like mini art works themselves we let him display them. Laser saved the day again here. After centering his bed, I was able to get measurements that got it as close to even as possible. Then I setup the laser and got the lower row in. Next up was just deciding the height for the second row. With the wife happy with my choice we got the second row up.
The musical influence of this kids father is pretty apparent. He loves the vinyl, almost makes me want to get him a better record player than the one he has, but he is going to have to learn to take care of things better than he does currently.
Last project for the weekend is hauling off a bunch of junk from the shop along with scrap metal/ parts from the past weeks work. Keep slowly chipping away at the shop stuff until it cleans up, next flat surface will be my table saw/ router bench. It needs a deep clean and serious sawdust removal.
Making some more progress slowly but surely. I tackled this back corner of the shop this morning. My saw / router table was a dusty mess. I drug it outside and blew it off then unloaded all the woodworking tools from underneath and wiped it all down. Tools went into a tote and the milk crate is bicycle tools I need to find a home for. Looking much better now. 
Next up I moved to the left of the table. This corner has been a wreck for 2 years and a catch all of junk.
I started under the boat swim platform and had it cleaned up in no time. Felt good to see open floor. Next, I moved around the side of the boat and cleaned up and swept out that area. Finally I attacked the back corner. 
There was a tote full of **** I cleaned out of an old cart that has been sitting there for 2 years. I drug the tote out, swept it up and tossed half the contents of the tote. The rest needs to be distributed to my tool box and cart. With all this cleaned up, I have a lot more room now, which meant I could better store my stuff. Miter saw found a home in the corner,
screw cart got moved down and is yet to be cleared off but coming soon and under and around the boat is cleaned up nicely.
theres a few things that have to find a home or go away that landed on the table saw. Will see what happens to them in the near future. The progress I am making out here feels amazing. My wife and her amazing organization is a big motivator, if I can make it half as clean as she would then I have won in my mind.
Next up I moved to the left of the table. This corner has been a wreck for 2 years and a catch all of junk.
I started under the boat swim platform and had it cleaned up in no time. Felt good to see open floor. Next, I moved around the side of the boat and cleaned up and swept out that area. Finally I attacked the back corner. There was a tote full of **** I cleaned out of an old cart that has been sitting there for 2 years. I drug the tote out, swept it up and tossed half the contents of the tote. The rest needs to be distributed to my tool box and cart. With all this cleaned up, I have a lot more room now, which meant I could better store my stuff. Miter saw found a home in the corner,screw cart got moved down and is yet to be cleared off but coming soon and under and around the boat is cleaned up nicely.theres a few things that have to find a home or go away that landed on the table saw. Will see what happens to them in the near future. The progress I am making out here feels amazing. My wife and her amazing organization is a big motivator, if I can make it half as clean as she would then I have won in my mind.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Mark!
Looks like a lot of action, shop is looking great, and you are making me feel quite guilty of the condition of my shop at the moment, but its great to see you focusing on getting thing tidied up in there, its a great feeling! Here is to a great 2026!
Btw - saw this in traffic yesterday and thought of you! So funny you stopped and saw the centurion!
Looks like a lot of action, shop is looking great, and you are making me feel quite guilty of the condition of my shop at the moment, but its great to see you focusing on getting thing tidied up in there, its a great feeling! Here is to a great 2026!
Btw - saw this in traffic yesterday and thought of you! So funny you stopped and saw the centurion!
Happy new year Mike! Too cool that you saw that. The cleanup has been long needed and I am happy that I am doing it with a good spirit. Guys on here with tidy shops have been a source of envy for me, and now that things have a " place" I feel good seeing them go back to their home. The goal is that I can transfer this positive energy into my real job too and become a more efficent version of myself there as well as at home.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Mark!
Looks like a lot of action, shop is looking great, and you are making me feel quite guilty of the condition of my shop at the moment, but its great to see you focusing on getting thing tidied up in there, its a great feeling! Here is to a great 2026!
Btw - saw this in traffic yesterday and thought of you! So funny you stopped and saw the centurion!
Not a lot happening around here the past week or so other than knocking out some jobs for a few folks. Had an ancient Buick dropped off for an intake reseal and timing cover reseal. Pouring coolant out everywhere. My buddy finally got on my schedule to drop off his landcruiser making some noise. He came by a month or so ago and I couldnt find the source of his noise. Driveshafts felt tight, no bad engine or trans mounts etc. Well last night I found it. His front driveshaft had eaten the rear u joint. I pulled the shaft and it was bad. It did not look like this a month ago for sure. 
I got this bad boy locked in the vise and then remembered my vise isnt bolted down yet, so I got the snap rings out and took it to the press to get it apart. Jeff had never done a u joint so I got to teach him how to do one. 20 years of automotive work and he had never done one. I couldnt believe it., but Audi uses cv for their propeller shafts and axles. No pics as u joint replacement always takes extra hands but it went together and was nice and quiet and returned to a happy owner.
I grabbed some more sheet foam this afternoon for the shop, to continue working on insulating the spaces.
I wanted to get foam behind the area I am about to redo with my pressure washer shelf.
this is the not often seen side of my shop where the wifes car lives. Its next for a full clean up, but with snow forecasted for tomorrow I may wait to pull all this out and rearrange. My electrical panel is on the other side of the compressor and I also have to get some new material to mount it to so I can insulate behind it.
I got this bad boy locked in the vise and then remembered my vise isnt bolted down yet, so I got the snap rings out and took it to the press to get it apart. Jeff had never done a u joint so I got to teach him how to do one. 20 years of automotive work and he had never done one. I couldnt believe it., but Audi uses cv for their propeller shafts and axles. No pics as u joint replacement always takes extra hands but it went together and was nice and quiet and returned to a happy owner.I grabbed some more sheet foam this afternoon for the shop, to continue working on insulating the spaces.
I wanted to get foam behind the area I am about to redo with my pressure washer shelf.this is the not often seen side of my shop where the wifes car lives. Its next for a full clean up, but with snow forecasted for tomorrow I may wait to pull all this out and rearrange. My electrical panel is on the other side of the compressor and I also have to get some new material to mount it to so I can insulate behind it.madison069
Well-known member
Organizing is a never ending project. Shop is looking good though!
Cody thanks to you and @zmotorsports I am once again getting GJ suckered! I now have an ultrasonic cleaner in my cart along with some new shelving for the shop. This bunch around here spends my money faster than my kids do!
madison069
Well-known member
GJ affects everyone this way. I’m currently looking at more toolboxes even though I have 26” craftsman toolboxes, I just want the depth.
I also had to pump the brake on other purchases influenced by GJ, wallet needs to play catch up since other project takes my money too!
I also had to pump the brake on other purchases influenced by GJ, wallet needs to play catch up since other project takes my money too!
Thats exactly how I felt. I had all these items in the cart after the past couple of days, but I cant finish up my pressure washer station if I dont get the wall insulation completed and electrical panel resecured. Those items are in the way and taking up space on a bench that I am working to clean off. My goodies will have to wait in the cart a bit longer.
I finally got some quotes on bulk brake clean as well. I bought as many cases as I could afford when my local advance opened a new store and had it on a major discount. I still have a few cases left, but after pricing it out in bulk it comes down to about 10 dollars a gallon if I buy a 55 gallon drum. It takes 10 cans to make a gallon, and that works out to about 33 dollars a gallon. Will wait another month or so and see if thats the route I go or not.
I finally got some quotes on bulk brake clean as well. I bought as many cases as I could afford when my local advance opened a new store and had it on a major discount. I still have a few cases left, but after pricing it out in bulk it comes down to about 10 dollars a gallon if I buy a 55 gallon drum. It takes 10 cans to make a gallon, and that works out to about 33 dollars a gallon. Will wait another month or so and see if thats the route I go or not.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Agreed. Although I had been half on and half off looking at ultrasonic cleaners for the past couple of years, I just pulled the trigger when it came up again on my thread.
I tried to justify or rationalize it by thinking I could use it on the tractor restoration project this summer. But let's be honest, it was more of a want than a need at this point. I've gotten by without one for my entire life and been just fine.
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
Mike, just think how happy your wife will be when you show her how nice your new “tool” cleans her jewelry!
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Funny you mentioned that Sterling. Yesterday a small set of fine mesh baskets arrived, just an el' cheapo 3-set package, and she asked what they were for. I told her to put her jewelry in when I try to clean them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Just giving her a little "teaser" about what's to come.......at least that's how I'm rationalizing it.
Busy day today, started with an ignition lock cylinder for my neighbor. It did not go well so not a lot of pics other than the final carnage I had to go thru to get it out since the key wouldnt turn.
Kids swing had seen better days
so the wife grabbed a slightly bigger replacement for me to hang up. Its the third time replacing it in 6 years, and should last until this set comes down because they are too big for it. Jax approves of it. 
I was moving my press this morning and since it was on my mind I 3d printed a release knob for the jack.
I got a couple of sheets of foam in, and was able to finish this lower layer down the east wall. I had to move the press and the chemical shelving and unload a ton of stuff to get the shelf out of the way.
first sheet went in where the press resides and after a good cleaning I got it reinstalled in its home. With the shelf moved the other way I got the last panel in and redoing that area to not be such a catch all of ****. I also went ahead and hing some OSB behind my press to serve as a board to hang some of my press tooling on.
I also got some foam started on the opposite side of the garage, but havent tackled the area behind my panel yet. Pretty busy day before calling it to have pizza with some friends at the house.
Kids swing had seen better days
so the wife grabbed a slightly bigger replacement for me to hang up. Its the third time replacing it in 6 years, and should last until this set comes down because they are too big for it. Jax approves of it. I was moving my press this morning and since it was on my mind I 3d printed a release knob for the jack.
I got a couple of sheets of foam in, and was able to finish this lower layer down the east wall. I had to move the press and the chemical shelving and unload a ton of stuff to get the shelf out of the way.
first sheet went in where the press resides and after a good cleaning I got it reinstalled in its home. With the shelf moved the other way I got the last panel in and redoing that area to not be such a catch all of ****. I also went ahead and hing some OSB behind my press to serve as a board to hang some of my press tooling on. I also got some foam started on the opposite side of the garage, but havent tackled the area behind my panel yet. Pretty busy day before calling it to have pizza with some friends at the house.Attachments
With the forecasted weather looking pretty bad for us this coming weekend, I backed off working on the shop and have been focused on making sure we have everything we need for the weather. I picked up kerosene, diesel, and propane for heaters and filled up the vehicles with gas. I have a gutter to move that spits water out onto the driveway so I will temporarily reroute it to keep it from icing over. With my prep done for the incoming weather, I got on to clearing out my driveway of cars that are here.
I was able to fix an Audi for another shop by running a basic setting of a coolant thermostat that Jeff recommended. The lower hose got hot as soon as I ran the basic setting. Up next was a Chevy traverse that showed up with a charging system light. I reused the original nut with a plastic cap because I like OEM nuts and bolts when I put stuff together versus the cheap hardware that comes with an alternator. Well the alternator had a slightly longer stud and wasnt clamping down as tightly as it should and melted the plastic cap.
I went back with a proper nut and it fixed it until a new cable gets here.
We finished the land cruiser timing belt, and I got the shop mopped up and while the cruiser was sittingnin the driveway it started a steady drip. When we topped up the radiator we had spilled some water. The massive lower radiator tank held quite a bit until it started dripping again. I was worried we might have punctured the radiator, but took a second to slow down and process it all. I took time to blow it out and dry everything which got it handled. It was a stressful few minutes as I was worried I was about to buy a 300 dollar radiator. Glad its handled and not posing an issue for the owner.
I got home today and had some time to knock out a couple of things. I was able to mount my pressure washer shelf and finish that setup.
I mounted the bike rack first to make sure all was clear. Then I installed the shelf and the hanger for the gun and foam cannon. 
I have new rubber feet for my compressor thanks to @SilverJimmy, and was able to get my compressor off the pallet its been sitting on. I had grabbed longer bolts last night and they are still just a bit short. The nut started, but is only on about a thread or two.
For winter prep my last project was to take care of this gutter
a trip to home depot netted me a gutter adapter and a hose. 
not a permanent setup but will keep the water off the driveway when its supposed to ice. I finished my weekend prep with a score from Total wine 
Be safe my southern buddies!
I was able to fix an Audi for another shop by running a basic setting of a coolant thermostat that Jeff recommended. The lower hose got hot as soon as I ran the basic setting. Up next was a Chevy traverse that showed up with a charging system light. I reused the original nut with a plastic cap because I like OEM nuts and bolts when I put stuff together versus the cheap hardware that comes with an alternator. Well the alternator had a slightly longer stud and wasnt clamping down as tightly as it should and melted the plastic cap.
I went back with a proper nut and it fixed it until a new cable gets here.We finished the land cruiser timing belt, and I got the shop mopped up and while the cruiser was sittingnin the driveway it started a steady drip. When we topped up the radiator we had spilled some water. The massive lower radiator tank held quite a bit until it started dripping again. I was worried we might have punctured the radiator, but took a second to slow down and process it all. I took time to blow it out and dry everything which got it handled. It was a stressful few minutes as I was worried I was about to buy a 300 dollar radiator. Glad its handled and not posing an issue for the owner.
I got home today and had some time to knock out a couple of things. I was able to mount my pressure washer shelf and finish that setup.
I mounted the bike rack first to make sure all was clear. Then I installed the shelf and the hanger for the gun and foam cannon. I have new rubber feet for my compressor thanks to @SilverJimmy, and was able to get my compressor off the pallet its been sitting on. I had grabbed longer bolts last night and they are still just a bit short. The nut started, but is only on about a thread or two.For winter prep my last project was to take care of this gutter
a trip to home depot netted me a gutter adapter and a hose. not a permanent setup but will keep the water off the driveway when its supposed to ice. I finished my weekend prep with a score from Total wine Be safe my southern buddies!
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Mark, I was gifted a bottle of the Eagle Rare for my efforts at work. I'm not a big bourbon guy, but it is definitely good stuff. I generally gravitate towards Canadian or Irish whiskey.
The 100 series LC with the 2UZ is a want... I'd love to build an 80 series with an LS or a 2UZ.
The 100 series LC with the 2UZ is a want... I'd love to build an 80 series with an LS or a 2UZ.
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The Eagle Rare is just kinda hard to find. I have never found it on a shelf for a normal price so I grabbed a bottle, I have one open already so this will be a backup. Driving that 100 series around last night and today is making me want to find one. Such great vehicles. Dead reliable, and so capable off road. Makes me want to import a rhd diesel one from Japan.
Weather has been a bust here. Its raining and will ice over tonight. We are ready for the temps to drop tonight and I am about to head out and cover my ac unit.
I spent a good portion of yesterday trying to fix the 4wd on my buddies avalanche. He was worried about being able to get to his house without 4wd. He had replaced the transfer case motor and encoder and still had no 4wd. He took the motor apart and spun the shaft until it lined up. Now the encoder is off so it wont shift. All he had to do was move the shaft a bit on the transfer case to make it line up. He took it as is and made it home and with our weather as is he should be fine.
I bought a battery and went and dropped it onto my JK over at my sisters house. Got it fired up and running.
It has not moved in several years as evidenced by the dust. I took my scanner too and ran a quick scan. I found a p0755 code which is the 2-4 shift solenoid per the code. I need to see if it will drive home or if I am going to have to tow it home. I am hoping I can get it home and repaired this week.
I spent a good portion of yesterday trying to fix the 4wd on my buddies avalanche. He was worried about being able to get to his house without 4wd. He had replaced the transfer case motor and encoder and still had no 4wd. He took the motor apart and spun the shaft until it lined up. Now the encoder is off so it wont shift. All he had to do was move the shaft a bit on the transfer case to make it line up. He took it as is and made it home and with our weather as is he should be fine.
I bought a battery and went and dropped it onto my JK over at my sisters house. Got it fired up and running.
It has not moved in several years as evidenced by the dust. I took my scanner too and ran a quick scan. I found a p0755 code which is the 2-4 shift solenoid per the code. I need to see if it will drive home or if I am going to have to tow it home. I am hoping I can get it home and repaired this week.
Its wet but not so wet I am afraid of it freezing into a sheet if ice. I was promised 13 inches of snow and a half inch of ice, not two inches of rain! Its east TN at its best, weather either goes right over top of us or does something crazy here in the valley. This time we dodged it.
I had a light day at work since most everyone else stayed home due to the " weather" I went in and checked on both of my closest hospitals and then after lunch the meetings I had were cancelled so I called it a day and came home to clear my driveway which the sun had already done for me. I put down a little bit of salt for tomorrow for my wifes salon parking and found my truck batteries had finally bitten the dust. I checked my records and its been 2 years since I did my last lof. Only 5k in those 2 years so I went ahead and got 2 new batteries, oil and a new Motorcraft filter. 
got the old batteries out, terminals cleaned and trays blown out. I got 4 and a half years out of these so I guess thats good enough. Its 13 degrees outside tonight so I did a quick test drive and then called it a night. Stay warm out there!
got the old batteries out, terminals cleaned and trays blown out. I got 4 and a half years out of these so I guess thats good enough. Its 13 degrees outside tonight so I did a quick test drive and then called it a night. Stay warm out there!Tonight I get to brag on my boys and I am having one of those proud dad moments even though its not something crazy. Wife text me and said there was a water leak in the salon from the water heater. When I saw the pic it hit me that the condensate line had frozen. She wasnt answering her phone and the kids are home due to weather, so I caught my boys on a rimg cam and told them to get dressed go get moms phone and call me. With the phone in hand they called and I walked them thru the shop where my hest gun was and to grab an extension cord and head outside. I guided them to the condensate drain pipe after a couple of back and forth pics and they were able to thaw it out and save the day for the family! I was very proud of their ability to work together and fix an issue without any supervision.
They will pick each other to death any other time so I was very happy they were able to complete something I felt was critical at a time when I could not get to it.
Not too much goingnon this past week, few jobs in and out of the shop, and then we got hit with the snow we missed the week before. Nothing too crazy, about 3 inches or so. I did get my obligatory winter wonderland photo before commencing to clear out the driveway. 
I took the boys down to the neighbors house to play for a bit
but they were more interested in making snowballs with their 3d printed snowball makers than sledding. I took the Acty put Saturday morning while the roads were still bad to perform an East Tennessee tradition where men go out to " check out the roads " and managed to make it home in one piece without hitting a curb, driving off the road, or hittimg another car. 
Road conditions were not great but by the afternoon almost all of it had cleared.
I got glasses for the first time in 20 years since my lasik surgery and the depth perception has had me feeling drunk all weekend. Friday my instrument cluster looked like it was tilted towards me on the left side and things are getting better as the days have worn on. Not much else going on here, I have done a lot of shoveling and used the backpack blower since it was powdery snow to clear the driveway. I have a bunch of cars to get through here along with getting my JK over here to check out the shift solenoids and get it prepped to sell.
I took the boys down to the neighbors house to play for a bit
but they were more interested in making snowballs with their 3d printed snowball makers than sledding. I took the Acty put Saturday morning while the roads were still bad to perform an East Tennessee tradition where men go out to " check out the roads " and managed to make it home in one piece without hitting a curb, driving off the road, or hittimg another car. Road conditions were not great but by the afternoon almost all of it had cleared.I got glasses for the first time in 20 years since my lasik surgery and the depth perception has had me feeling drunk all weekend. Friday my instrument cluster looked like it was tilted towards me on the left side and things are getting better as the days have worn on. Not much else going on here, I have done a lot of shoveling and used the backpack blower since it was powdery snow to clear the driveway. I have a bunch of cars to get through here along with getting my JK over here to check out the shift solenoids and get it prepped to sell.
Todays project was replacing the clutch in a tacoma. The trans jack has already proven its worth with the third transmission job since purchasing it in December. 6 speed and 4wd this trans was long and rear heavy. 
Jeff had it all ready to go and I helped remove and reinstall it after swapping the clutch out. We worked quick and got it back together and had time to start a GJ project. Seeing the expansion joints done in several shops @madison069 and @SilverJimmy got me inspired. Add in that I could see my expansion joints packed with sawdust, brake dust, rust and general shop nastiness and I knew what needed to be done.
I started by blowing out the long expansion joint that runs from the doors to the back of the shop and started with it. The backer rod went in with some help from my Mac hose pick. I found that stretching the backer rod let it slip in since some spots were a bit tighter than others. I got the first of the long joints done and need to move my wifes car and boat to do the other. I ordered a case of sika flex self leveling sealant and am looking forward to my joints staying nice and clean.
A local bike shop down the road from me is closong after 40 years. The owner is retiring and set everything at 50% off. I went in and the place had been wiped out. I started looking and found some deals that would work for me.
New tires for my carbon road wheels , a new tire for my mtn bike ,bushing tools, shimano and sram brake bleeding tools, a new Shimano GRX rear derailleur and a set of Ultegra 11 speed hydraulic disc shifters. Plans are to upgrade my gravel bike from 9 to 11 speed which I am excited about. I need a few more items before I start the swap, and I need to dedicate time to get out and ride. I have lost all my endurance built up from several years of riding hard during covid. The last 3 years of working 7 days a week have killed any chance of me getting out to ride. I am hoping that getting my bike all setup to ride again and some fresh tires will be motivation to get back after it.
Jeff had it all ready to go and I helped remove and reinstall it after swapping the clutch out. We worked quick and got it back together and had time to start a GJ project. Seeing the expansion joints done in several shops @madison069 and @SilverJimmy got me inspired. Add in that I could see my expansion joints packed with sawdust, brake dust, rust and general shop nastiness and I knew what needed to be done.
I started by blowing out the long expansion joint that runs from the doors to the back of the shop and started with it. The backer rod went in with some help from my Mac hose pick. I found that stretching the backer rod let it slip in since some spots were a bit tighter than others. I got the first of the long joints done and need to move my wifes car and boat to do the other. I ordered a case of sika flex self leveling sealant and am looking forward to my joints staying nice and clean.
A local bike shop down the road from me is closong after 40 years. The owner is retiring and set everything at 50% off. I went in and the place had been wiped out. I started looking and found some deals that would work for me.
New tires for my carbon road wheels , a new tire for my mtn bike ,bushing tools, shimano and sram brake bleeding tools, a new Shimano GRX rear derailleur and a set of Ultegra 11 speed hydraulic disc shifters. Plans are to upgrade my gravel bike from 9 to 11 speed which I am excited about. I need a few more items before I start the swap, and I need to dedicate time to get out and ride. I have lost all my endurance built up from several years of riding hard during covid. The last 3 years of working 7 days a week have killed any chance of me getting out to ride. I am hoping that getting my bike all setup to ride again and some fresh tires will be motivation to get back after it.
Got some more of the backer rod installed today. I kept using my trusty mac pick tool to work the backer rod into the saw cuts and I have the whole lift area handled currently. This should work to keep from disrupting work on the shop by allowing me to do one half at a time. I also got my car inside and serviced. 
Lof and rotate, set tire pressures and missed my opportunity to wash it since it was pretty chilly still. We kicked back with a fire outside instead. Hopefully I can get it cleaned up tomorrow as the salt spray is driving me crazy.
Lof and rotate, set tire pressures and missed my opportunity to wash it since it was pretty chilly still. We kicked back with a fire outside instead. Hopefully I can get it cleaned up tomorrow as the salt spray is driving me crazy.My Sika flex finally showed up today and since its a sunny 65 degrees outside I wanted to try and get some of these expansion joints caulked. Got the box opened, 
and got after it. 
I immediately realized after snapping this pic that I probably should have taped off the floor. I finished out the tube and will tape the joints moving forward. I settled on cutting the tips loke this to help with laying down the caulking. 
made for a much better layout. I was not expecting this stuff to be so runny, but I guess considering it self levels that should have been expected.
Next up was getting this BMW onto the lift to inspect an "oil leak" from the exhaust. This tiny amount comong around the clamp has the owner worried. He has worried himself sick over this
It appears to be condensate and soot mixed together. Not oily at all. He was ready to put a turbo on it before I looked at it. The dpf wpuld have cooked off most of this but since its no longer there it is collecting in this low spot.
and got after it. I immediately realized after snapping this pic that I probably should have taped off the floor. I finished out the tube and will tape the joints moving forward. I settled on cutting the tips loke this to help with laying down the caulking. made for a much better layout. I was not expecting this stuff to be so runny, but I guess considering it self levels that should have been expected.Next up was getting this BMW onto the lift to inspect an "oil leak" from the exhaust. This tiny amount comong around the clamp has the owner worried. He has worried himself sick over this
It appears to be condensate and soot mixed together. Not oily at all. He was ready to put a turbo on it before I looked at it. The dpf wpuld have cooked off most of this but since its no longer there it is collecting in this low spot.
madison069
Well-known member
Depending on the concrete floor finish, if it’s smooth, I bet the sealant will cut flush with the floor nicely when you shave the excess off. @SilverJimmy did his without tape and got good results. I did mine with tape and also got good results. Just depends on the finish really.
madison069
Well-known member
Here is the razor I used to cut the sealant flush
Razor incoming! Thanks Cody! I started with the sealant in my wifes car bay. I left her car outside last night and shut the door. Well? It closed on the sealant. So I popped the door up a bit and checked it this morning. Some of the little drips had cured and came right off. I have a very smooth finish on my floor and those bits came right off. I was surprised by how tacky the sealant was still in the gaps. I will recheck it tonight and see how it feels. I am hoping I can get most of this sealant down next week on Tuesday before I head to a work conference for a few days. That will give it plenty of time to cure up and then cut it flush when I get back.
madison069
Well-known member
I know I left mine down 2 days to cure and then I trimmed it flush. Maybe the cold is affecting the cure time. Didn’t notice and tacky feeling with mine but there’s a lot of variables. So hopefully it just needs more time due to the cold.
My shop is not heated and I am sure the cold of the slab is slowing down the cure of it all. I plan to get the rest of it prepped this weekend and ready to go. I also have to get my truck in for maintenance before this conference. The mighty Ford is going to be my hotel on wheels since the hotel is booked out and I dont want to try and find another hotel. Looking forward to a longer test of my camping setup.
In other news, I have found that with the leaks my topper has that I am not satisfied with it. I have looked at a couple of different options and lots of YouTube reviews of different setups. I came across this channel showing an all aluminum topper with a rooftop tent. The RTT is hard sided too which would be better for weather, allow the kids a spot to sleep comfortably, and the topper is very nice.
They offer multiple levels of customization, but include led lighting in the RTT and the topper along with multiple side door options or panoramic glass for the topper. I have messaged back and forth a bit and the price is actually not bad at 4100 for the set. My cousin paid 4600 for just the topper on his tundra, and then another 3k on his RTT. This was not the direction I thought I would be heading but I may end up ordering this set once I square up this JK I bought and get it sold. It takes about 3 months for fabrication and shipping, and they make it to the specs of your truck. We will see how this goes and if the shipping is somewhat reasonable I may jump on this.
In other news, I have found that with the leaks my topper has that I am not satisfied with it. I have looked at a couple of different options and lots of YouTube reviews of different setups. I came across this channel showing an all aluminum topper with a rooftop tent. The RTT is hard sided too which would be better for weather, allow the kids a spot to sleep comfortably, and the topper is very nice.
They offer multiple levels of customization, but include led lighting in the RTT and the topper along with multiple side door options or panoramic glass for the topper. I have messaged back and forth a bit and the price is actually not bad at 4100 for the set. My cousin paid 4600 for just the topper on his tundra, and then another 3k on his RTT. This was not the direction I thought I would be heading but I may end up ordering this set once I square up this JK I bought and get it sold. It takes about 3 months for fabrication and shipping, and they make it to the specs of your truck. We will see how this goes and if the shipping is somewhat reasonable I may jump on this.
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
For trimming the SikaFlex I just used a folding Snap-On razor blade gasket scraper. The kind that uses a standard metal backed razor blade.
A blade kept sharp for about 100 feet and then I’d change it out when I noticed tearing instead of a clean cut.
Where the control joint went under my doors I caulked the joint and then taped some heavy plastic sheet down over the caulk to keep it from sticking to the door gasket. Worked great!
And I didn’t tape any of the joints off before I caulked, when I trimmed off the excess the concrete was pretty clean of caulk and what was left I just sanded it off flush with my cheap Ryobi orbital sander. Very happy with my results, my friends now give me **** and ask me what wax am I using and if I bought an orbital floor buffer!
A blade kept sharp for about 100 feet and then I’d change it out when I noticed tearing instead of a clean cut.
Where the control joint went under my doors I caulked the joint and then taped some heavy plastic sheet down over the caulk to keep it from sticking to the door gasket. Worked great!
And I didn’t tape any of the joints off before I caulked, when I trimmed off the excess the concrete was pretty clean of caulk and what was left I just sanded it off flush with my cheap Ryobi orbital sander. Very happy with my results, my friends now give me **** and ask me what wax am I using and if I bought an orbital floor buffer!