type550
Well-known member
I know you don't do anything by halves Andres, but I was really hoping for something like this from you...
Modern Garage in Far East
- Thread starter abstamaria
- Start date
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thank you for writing to say that, mjweimer. I was afraid few would like a minimalist style. Thank you, too, Allen, HOTFR8. I am happy you like the place.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
What a Transporter Should Look Like
I was chuckling when I read your post with the pictures, type550. Before the Isuzu, I was looking for a suitable "vintage" truck or bus to convert to a transporter, to look like the Ferrari transporter you posted. I considered a London double-decker bus, as a local bus company had retired these and they were just parked, rotting away, in some lot.
Ultimately, the Isuzu - used surplus from Japan -was the practical and inexpensive solution. I did plan to modify it to look "vintage." I thought, put in round headlamps, vintage fog and driving lamps, chrome the bumpers and mirror stalks, install a vintage grill, split the windshield ... The cab is easy enough to modify. I was looking at the Ferrari transporter for inspiration, and in addition the ones below. We think alike
The local sports car club now has my transporter and intends to carry out the "vintage-look" plan. They are in the design stage.
For your 550, the "fastest car carrier in the world," the Mercedes Blue Wonder shown below, would be fantastic. I attached a picture of the interior as I was sure you would relate to it and find it appealing.
Andres
I was chuckling when I read your post with the pictures, type550. Before the Isuzu, I was looking for a suitable "vintage" truck or bus to convert to a transporter, to look like the Ferrari transporter you posted. I considered a London double-decker bus, as a local bus company had retired these and they were just parked, rotting away, in some lot.
Ultimately, the Isuzu - used surplus from Japan -was the practical and inexpensive solution. I did plan to modify it to look "vintage." I thought, put in round headlamps, vintage fog and driving lamps, chrome the bumpers and mirror stalks, install a vintage grill, split the windshield ... The cab is easy enough to modify. I was looking at the Ferrari transporter for inspiration, and in addition the ones below. We think alike
The local sports car club now has my transporter and intends to carry out the "vintage-look" plan. They are in the design stage.
For your 550, the "fastest car carrier in the world," the Mercedes Blue Wonder shown below, would be fantastic. I attached a picture of the interior as I was sure you would relate to it and find it appealing.
Andres
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type550
Well-known member
There are 2 other options I would like to pursue for my spyder...
(The double decker bus would have looked sweet!)
(The double decker bus would have looked sweet!)
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Double Decker Bus
I apologize in advance for this off-topic digression, but feel badly for those English double-decker buses wasting away unloved. The sports car club wanted to buy one (the bus company would have given it away) for the purpose shown below. Where to park it, who would drive it, and other considerations placed a damper on the project. If I had time and the money (and a place to park it!), that would be fun to do.
I apologize in advance for this off-topic digression, but feel badly for those English double-decker buses wasting away unloved. The sports car club wanted to buy one (the bus company would have given it away) for the purpose shown below. Where to park it, who would drive it, and other considerations placed a damper on the project. If I had time and the money (and a place to park it!), that would be fun to do.
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type550
Well-known member
I was thinking more as a double decker car carrier
Google is an evil tool - when I typed in 'bus car carrier' I got this!
Google is an evil tool - when I typed in 'bus car carrier' I got this!
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abstamaria
Well-known member
550 Transporter
Hahaha. YES! What is the white one? That would be great. I love it.
(I enjoy the variety of vehicles that live in the garages of GJ, especially the Citroen and other vintage vans of the European and English members. And the firetrucks!).
That transporter would be a nice project to dream of, type550.
Hahaha. YES! What is the white one? That would be great. I love it.
(I enjoy the variety of vehicles that live in the garages of GJ, especially the Citroen and other vintage vans of the European and English members. And the firetrucks!).
That transporter would be a nice project to dream of, type550.
type550
Well-known member
It is a Matador - the ugliest truck made, but highly desirable 
thought you would like this one too...
thought you would like this one too...
illmatyk
Well-known member
Thats ***** that Subic closed down. I'll try to check out Clark the next time i go there.
Thanks for info on the tools too.
Thanks for info on the tools too.
HOTFR8
Banned
Abstamaria, your transporter is very practical and I have seen many similar converted tilt trays built here fully enclosed.
Some wild transporters.
I have seen similar to this before as it is just a front wheel drive with a tandem trailer grafted onto the back section of the chassis. I believe type550 could do something better.
Even a tow rig like mine would look good with your car on a neat trailer.
Some wild transporters.
I have seen similar to this before as it is just a front wheel drive with a tandem trailer grafted onto the back section of the chassis. I believe type550 could do something better.
Even a tow rig like mine would look good with your car on a neat trailer.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Sitting With Friends
In 1986, I inherited a small fridge from my father-in-law who had used it in his jail cell (he was freed when Marcos was overthrown) and kept in my workshop. It was useful when my car friends visited or helped with the work.
These days, most of my friends are my age or older and don't or are no longer allowed to drink, so I don't have a refrigerator in the workshop anymore. I have this small sitting area though, which has been a great place to sit with friends and continue our never-ending debates about marques, repair techniquess, and so forth. I did not plan to have it, but the area is now also a favorite place for me to read car magazines.
In 1986, I inherited a small fridge from my father-in-law who had used it in his jail cell (he was freed when Marcos was overthrown) and kept in my workshop. It was useful when my car friends visited or helped with the work.
These days, most of my friends are my age or older and don't or are no longer allowed to drink, so I don't have a refrigerator in the workshop anymore. I have this small sitting area though, which has been a great place to sit with friends and continue our never-ending debates about marques, repair techniquess, and so forth. I did not plan to have it, but the area is now also a favorite place for me to read car magazines.
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They need to let me out of the ASYLUM more often so I can visit wonderful threads like this.
I really like that high density storage system for infrequently used items. The library at college had a similar system for books. Although students really didn't like it that much because they had to wait for someone else to retrieve a book in another aisle before getting theirs, I could see it working extremely well in a shop where only one or two people might use it.
Thanks for sharing it all with us, Andres. Your fine photography skills add greatly to the whole experience.
I really like that high density storage system for infrequently used items. The library at college had a similar system for books. Although students really didn't like it that much because they had to wait for someone else to retrieve a book in another aisle before getting theirs, I could see it working extremely well in a shop where only one or two people might use it.
Thanks for sharing it all with us, Andres. Your fine photography skills add greatly to the whole experience.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thank you, Shopnut. The high-density storage system has worked very well for me. i enjoy visiting the asylum and related shop, and cone away with many good ideas. My best, Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Any chance of seeing more pics of the Rollmaster? Not just what's in it, but detail photos of the box itself. It's the coolest tool box on GJ.
Mike, there is apparently much interest in Rollmasters, so I have taken pictures (one shown below) and posted them in a thread in the "Tools" section, started by someone else specifically on the Rollmaster. Here is the link:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1166822&posted=1#post1166822
Regards,
Andres
cobraman
Active member
What type of garage door is being used?
Beautiful setup.
Beautiful setup.
kc-steve
Well-known member
There are 2 other options I would like to pursue for my spyder...
(The double decker bus would have looked sweet!)
Kewl. But I am wondering how a guy in Australia has a photo of a VW with "Art's ..." located a just few blocks from where I live. And I have never heard of Art's. After checking Google maps, the business doesn't exist anymore. It is a used car lot now. The telephone is also a tip off having the "JA" prefix.
Steve
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Cobraman, the single, wide roll-up in the 2-car garage is galvanized iron, fabricated by a local (Manila) company. The roll-ups for the 6-car garage are also by a local company, but use double-wall aluminum slats, with foam in between. I understand the system is Australian.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Our Old Garage
Sorting my files, I found this old photograph of my Lotus Elan in my old garage. The photo was taken after its 3rd restoration, when the 3-car garage was beginning to fill up. We went vintage racing again after that. The shop was "open" style, had steering wheels and posters on its walls, spray lubricants and other supplies on racks, - quite different from the current garage.
I visited this garage the other day, not having seen it for about 8 years. I took the photo from the far end, and the bay I was in, which has aluminum roll-up doors as well, is not visible here. The occupant who just left painted a mural where I had my work bench.
The brick floor actually worked well for me.
I quite happily restored the Lotus three times in this garage.
Sorting my files, I found this old photograph of my Lotus Elan in my old garage. The photo was taken after its 3rd restoration, when the 3-car garage was beginning to fill up. We went vintage racing again after that. The shop was "open" style, had steering wheels and posters on its walls, spray lubricants and other supplies on racks, - quite different from the current garage.
I visited this garage the other day, not having seen it for about 8 years. I took the photo from the far end, and the bay I was in, which has aluminum roll-up doors as well, is not visible here. The occupant who just left painted a mural where I had my work bench.
The brick floor actually worked well for me.
I quite happily restored the Lotus three times in this garage.
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Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
That mural is horrible.
On the previous page you told us, you aren't allowed to race anymore? How come? It's a damn pity with the fine collection of cars you have/had. You are still allowed to do trackdays though? Or did I miss something?
I'm also not allowed to race anymore, but that has something to do with my girlfriend and money.
The transporter is great. I love vintage transporters. I added some to my picasaweb:
http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisdrenthe/RaceTransporters1#
http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisdrenthe/RaceTransporters2#
On the previous page you told us, you aren't allowed to race anymore? How come? It's a damn pity with the fine collection of cars you have/had. You are still allowed to do trackdays though? Or did I miss something?
I'm also not allowed to race anymore, but that has something to do with my girlfriend and money.
The transporter is great. I love vintage transporters. I added some to my picasaweb:
http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisdrenthe/RaceTransporters1#
http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisdrenthe/RaceTransporters2#
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abstamaria
Well-known member
The American lady who lived in the house had that mural painted, and also one of a large waterfall on what was a 2-story white wall. She took care of rescued widlife, including gibbons and birds, and was a very nice person. But I agree with you about the mural.
As I mentioned in a pm to you, there is a track day for vintage sports cars at the end of the month. My best friend is bringing a TR4A that I used to race, so I might just borrow it. Andres
As I mentioned in a pm to you, there is a track day for vintage sports cars at the end of the month. My best friend is bringing a TR4A that I used to race, so I might just borrow it. Andres
Brian R
Well-known member
Andres,
Just a post to tell you tha I love your garage, photography, house and Lotus. I'm a fan of that rolling toolcart too. My family owns a little cottage on the Chesapeake Bay that was built as a hunting shack some 50 plus years ago. We toyed with demolition and then rebuilding from scratch. I wanted something modern and minimalist but at this point found my wife was not a fan of this style. We ended up going the renovation route and so it was arguing over style was a moot point.
I have a Vincent Rapide motorcycle that is a long story in itself. (15 plus years saving and looking - then buying and now has sat in garage 5 plus years waiting a restoration). Much like your Lotus, it should be sold on. However, as much as my wife does not want to live in a modern house, she is blown away by the Vincent and knows how much I love it and so she persuades me to keep it. I have not done much with it but I do admit to admiring it ("sic transit gloria mundi") on the workbench and dreaming of the day I drive it.
Thanks for sharing your sublime garage and space.
Just a post to tell you tha I love your garage, photography, house and Lotus. I'm a fan of that rolling toolcart too. My family owns a little cottage on the Chesapeake Bay that was built as a hunting shack some 50 plus years ago. We toyed with demolition and then rebuilding from scratch. I wanted something modern and minimalist but at this point found my wife was not a fan of this style. We ended up going the renovation route and so it was arguing over style was a moot point.
I have a Vincent Rapide motorcycle that is a long story in itself. (15 plus years saving and looking - then buying and now has sat in garage 5 plus years waiting a restoration). Much like your Lotus, it should be sold on. However, as much as my wife does not want to live in a modern house, she is blown away by the Vincent and knows how much I love it and so she persuades me to keep it. I have not done much with it but I do admit to admiring it ("sic transit gloria mundi") on the workbench and dreaming of the day I drive it.
Thanks for sharing your sublime garage and space.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Thank you, Brian. A Vincent Rapide! Wow! Is there a picture anywhere in this forum? If not, open a new thread and post photos, please. I would be very interested.
A friend had a Black Shadow many years ago; I do not know if he still has it. No, you must keep the Rapide. It doesn't take up much space and, later, you can always ride it.
Your Chesapeake Bay cottage must be lovely.
Andres
A friend had a Black Shadow many years ago; I do not know if he still has it. No, you must keep the Rapide. It doesn't take up much space and, later, you can always ride it.
Your Chesapeake Bay cottage must be lovely.
Andres
Brian R
Well-known member
Here is the Rapide as purchased 5 years ago. It is a "B" series motor with a "C" series frame. Sadly, it is now mostly apart waiting to be put back together (hopefully will not suffer Humpty-Dumpty's fate).
I also included a picture of my 1968 BMW R50/2 with circa '50s Steib S501 sidecar. This one I was able to restore and finish in the dirt floow basement of my first house in the early 90's.
Yes, bikes take up little room and are better suited to my limited mechanical abilities. I am in the process of cleaning / sorting out garage and will post a thread of that and my bikes when the pictures are less embarassing.
Regards,
Brian
I also included a picture of my 1968 BMW R50/2 with circa '50s Steib S501 sidecar. This one I was able to restore and finish in the dirt floow basement of my first house in the early 90's.
Yes, bikes take up little room and are better suited to my limited mechanical abilities. I am in the process of cleaning / sorting out garage and will post a thread of that and my bikes when the pictures are less embarassing.
Regards,
Brian
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Wonderful motorcycles, Brian! You are very lucky. As an aside, the "black" BMWs have quite a following here. I would love one like yours, with the sidecar.
Yes, please start a thread on your garage and the motorcyles, regardless of present condition. That will be very interesting to me and I am sure many others.
Regards,
Andres
Yes, please start a thread on your garage and the motorcyles, regardless of present condition. That will be very interesting to me and I am sure many others.
Regards,
Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Floor Jack
I bought this floor jack some time ago for the low clearance, but a bonus is the rubber O-ring on each wheel. The O-rings protect the floor from scratches when the jack is being moved, but compress into their grooves when the jack is loaded. Very clever and considerate of the manufacturer to provide that.
I bought this floor jack some time ago for the low clearance, but a bonus is the rubber O-ring on each wheel. The O-rings protect the floor from scratches when the jack is being moved, but compress into their grooves when the jack is loaded. Very clever and considerate of the manufacturer to provide that.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Storage
Except for air-conditioning pipes that I have to cover, the garage is complete, so there is little to add now. Here is a detail of the high-density storage system in the workshop. Since the few old cars I have are of different makes, I attached chassis tags to the cabinets to remind me where parts go.
Except for air-conditioning pipes that I have to cover, the garage is complete, so there is little to add now. Here is a detail of the high-density storage system in the workshop. Since the few old cars I have are of different makes, I attached chassis tags to the cabinets to remind me where parts go.
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993James993
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2008
- Messages
- 524
Hello Andres, I love the details in your posts. I have often seen vintage Porsche chassis tags offered on-line and have successful resisted the urge to purchase them. Now that you have provided an excellent utility I will probably purchase them the next time.
Please continue to share such interesting details with us.
Please continue to share such interesting details with us.
Curt_pnw
Well-known member
Re: Floor Jack
Hi Andres,
I like the design of the wheel o-rings, it really is a good idea. What company made the jack?
Hi Andres,
I like the design of the wheel o-rings, it really is a good idea. What company made the jack?
993James993
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2008
- Messages
- 524
I'm betting it's an ACJack.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Yes, it is an AC jack, well known to Porsche guys like James.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
New Race Circuit at Clark Field
I apologize for this off-topic post, but some of you remembered the former U.S. Air Force base Clark Field, 100+ kilometers North of Manila, so I wanted to post these pictures taken at the Manila Sports Car Club race meeting this Sunday at the brand-new circuit there.
The track has been laid, but the paddocks and buildings have yet to the built; this gave the circuit a comfortable, friendly, club-level atmosphere, which I enjoyed. Here a Westfield 11 drifts into the first turn one.
This inaugural club race used only the short track, a very technical circuit with tight turns. This was suited for the small-displacement vintage sports cars, my basic interest, although the Porsche 911s set fastest time of the day. There are no sound restrictions, so the Porsches were incredible and exciting to watch. The Martini-liveried 911 won Group 1 and the hillclimb as well.
Andres
I apologize for this off-topic post, but some of you remembered the former U.S. Air Force base Clark Field, 100+ kilometers North of Manila, so I wanted to post these pictures taken at the Manila Sports Car Club race meeting this Sunday at the brand-new circuit there.
The track has been laid, but the paddocks and buildings have yet to the built; this gave the circuit a comfortable, friendly, club-level atmosphere, which I enjoyed. Here a Westfield 11 drifts into the first turn one.
This inaugural club race used only the short track, a very technical circuit with tight turns. This was suited for the small-displacement vintage sports cars, my basic interest, although the Porsche 911s set fastest time of the day. There are no sound restrictions, so the Porsches were incredible and exciting to watch. The Martini-liveried 911 won Group 1 and the hillclimb as well.
Andres
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993James993
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2008
- Messages
- 524
Hello Andres, I think that your last post is very much on topic. It reflects the passion that you have for racing and these wonderful cars, both of which heavily influence your wonderful garage. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, especially that last photo of the Porsches! I'm sure I speak for everyone, well all would love to see more!
dr john
Member
Sir,
May I chime in here for a moment? I recently "discovered" GJ and saw a feature on your garage on the front page. I signed up so I could see all the pictures of your {and Jack Olsens] garage and cars. I love it. Personally, I'm not too modern/minimalist, but thats for ME and does NOT mean I don't/can't appreciate it. Your place simply blows me away! Thank you for sharing.
That being said though, the best picture is not of the garage, but of your dog. What a great photo of a great guy. Condolences [even at this late date] on the loss of your canine family member.
May I chime in here for a moment? I recently "discovered" GJ and saw a feature on your garage on the front page. I signed up so I could see all the pictures of your {and Jack Olsens] garage and cars. I love it. Personally, I'm not too modern/minimalist, but thats for ME and does NOT mean I don't/can't appreciate it. Your place simply blows me away! Thank you for sharing.
That being said though, the best picture is not of the garage, but of your dog. What a great photo of a great guy. Condolences [even at this late date] on the loss of your canine family member.
illmatyk
Well-known member
Re: New Race Circuit at Clark Field
Awesome pics! By any chance, would you happen to know if there are aby driving schools in that area? I know of Tuason Racing School, but if memory serves me correct that is all the way by Subic....
Also, how often are races held? I'd like to see Clark Raceway sometime.
I apologize for this off-topic post, but some of you remembered the former U.S. Air Force base Clark Field, 100+ kilometers North of Manila, so I wanted to post these pictures taken at the Manila Sports Car Club race meeting this Sunday at the brand-new circuit there.
The track has been laid, but the paddocks and buildings have yet to the built; this gave the circuit a comfortable, friendly, club-level atmosphere, which I enjoyed. Here a Westfield 11 drifts into the first turn one.
This inaugural club race used only the short track, a very technical circuit with tight turns. This was suited for the small-displacement vintage sports cars, my basic interest, although the Porsche 911s set fastest time of the day. There are no sound restrictions, so the Porsches were incredible and exciting to watch. The Martini-liveried 911 won Group 1 and the hillclimb as well.
Andres
Awesome pics! By any chance, would you happen to know if there are aby driving schools in that area? I know of Tuason Racing School, but if memory serves me correct that is all the way by Subic....
Also, how often are races held? I'd like to see Clark Raceway sometime.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Illmatyc, I believe only the Tuason racing school in Batangas is open. But look at the schools in the U.S., like Bondurant's. I went to Skip Barber's school in Lime Rock, where they were using Formula Fords. That was quite an experience and is highly recommended.
The local club still has to fix their race meeting schedules at the new track, but I expect 3 races next year.
The local club still has to fix their race meeting schedules at the new track, but I expect 3 races next year.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Dr. John, thank you. Yes, I think Chewbakka's picture is the best one, too. I miss him; he was a good companion and friend. We picked up an 8-month-old Rottweiller puppy the other week; he's quite a handful. I like your avatar. Andres
Kail
Well-known member
I would love a shop of this fashion, but I simply have to much "stuff" and not enough space. Plus a days work here would destroy that place.
illmatyk
Well-known member
Yeah, I've been wanting to attend a driving school in the U.S. as well but I go to the Philippines more than I go to the U.S. mainland.
Next time I go to the Philippines I'll try to make Clark Raceway a stop.