Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[Warg]

I have to live with him, so I just steer clear! I also try to put things I borrow (IF that ever happens - that's why I have my own tool box) back where I found them. Tom will easily agree that I'm "neatness-challenged".

Chris

Chris, you seem to get closer and closer to the "perfect wife" award...
Tom, you lucky b**tard...

-Paul

 

[BB767]

Since everyone loves anvil information (or not) I'll update mine.

I found out Hay Budden didn't use the British stone weight system so the 204 represents 204 lbs. I also found the serial number...

... during the clean up. It shows A9823.

H-B changed their numbering system in 1915 and started over the serial numbers starting with the letter A and then the number. A pretty good guess is it was manufactured in 1917 give or take a year or so. It's a 2 piece, plateless design. I'll never know if Mr Johnson bought it new or used.

Actually starting to get a shine from it today.

This is one of Mr Johnson'e horse shoes reunited last night with the anvil and one of his hammers. The anvil makes a wonderful ring when struck with that hammer. I bet that hasn't happened in over 40 years or more. When I get a copy of "Anvils in America" by Richard Postman I can get definitive information.

This is one of his ladles for the forge.

I'm not sure what these dividers would have been used for.

They were with many of his other blacksmithing tools.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

The newer machine is channeling the Spirit of the original..

You have to wonder about that when it's alone, in the dark, at night. Good thought Joe.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

......... Tom will easily agree that I'm "neatness-challenged".

Chris

Oh you bet I'd easily agree with that, no hesitation at all, none, zero, zip, nada. You are quite correct, yes ma'am. In fact, "neatness challenged" might not be as all inclusive as it needs to be, but I'll go with it for now.

Thomas

 

[markviii]

Oh, you're so forgiving...but, then, so am I. No hidden message there. In 35+ years, there has to be some give and take, right?

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thomas,
It appears the anvil 'danced' its way outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air. Perhaps its time to fab up a dolly for it as you did for your snowblower attachment; very nice work on that by the way.

Happy New Year!

 

[Amitygravel]

Thomas ,
Happy New Year !
Those aren't dividers those are small tongs for use in the forge. I remember seeing that pair the last time I was at your shop
I was struck by how small they were. They had to have been made for holding something very specific. Mr Johnson could very well have made them himself. Tong making is an art to itsself.
The anvil looks great !!


Craig

 

[Nuts]

The little tong set looks like it might be for holding round stock.
Place the rod thru and when you squeeze it binds on the bar.

That is a wag (wild a$$ guess) buy the way.



Now this was funny
""Tidy is as tidy does.... or something like that. It's all in the details isn't it???? I'm having lots of fun with this shop, really and truly.

Now I'm out the door to go wax my anvil.

Thomas""


Nuts

 

[BB767]

Oh, you're so forgiving...but, then, so am I. No hidden message there. In 35+ years, there has to be some give and take, right?

What a set up huh guys? Watch this...


Why of course you're right ...again sweetheart, I give and you take.................


You've got to love a gal who'll do a set up like that for ya, huh?

Thomas

 

[JC23]

Say goodnight, Gracie!

 

[BB767]

Thomas,
It appears the anvil 'danced' its way outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air. Perhaps its time to fab up a dolly for it as you did for your snowblower attachment; very nice work on that by the way.

Happy New Year!

You know how much I like my anvil even if it is a little over weight. So sometimes instead of those long walks at night...

... I'll take it for a ride.

A man and his anvil...... it's a beautiful thing.

Actually, that's how I got it to the lift room from the barn when we did the 1 year anniversary photo shoot. 6 inches of snow the night before. Just didn't want the neighbors seeing me wrestle that thing down the lane in the snow and back. 1 phone call to the chief pilot and my flying career could be over!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas ,
Happy New Year !
Those aren't dividers those are small tongs for use in the forge. I remember seeing that pair the last time I was at your shop
I was struck by how small they were. They had to have been made for holding something very specific. Mr Johnson could very well have made them himself. Tong making is an art to itsself.
The anvil looks great !!


Craig

Thanks Craig for that bit of information. That would explain why they were with all the other blacksmithing tools.

Here is a point of reference for them. I believe they measured about 18" - 20" long but you are correct they are very small on the working end. I'll get a close up of both ends, the hinged end with the open loops are unusual to me.

Here's a heavy duty tool box I uncovered and rescued out of the tool shed.

Inside, more tools....

I haven't had a chance to unload it yet. Looks to be a little bit of everything in there. I bet Rick would just love to have a chance to show his oil quenching expertise on these!

The snow is pretty well melted by now so I can get back into the tool shed and lean-to for some more neat "stuff"!


Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

With that many I'd probably acid dip & then Parkerize them They sell kits to do it at home. Did a bunch of restored M2's back in the '90's

 

[Jarrett]

I am very impressed, now I see where the L-79 lives... very nice!

 

[Noisy Nova]

Goodness graciousness!
I discovered this thread yesterday and read the whole thing.
My eyes hurt.

I can't thank you two enough for this inspirational story.

Now, perhaps it's time to showcase Noisy's own, humble, garage.

 

[BB767]

The little tong set looks like it might be for holding round stock.
Place the rod thru and when you squeeze it binds on the bar.

That is a wag (wild a$$ guess) buy the way.



Now this was funny
""Tidy is as tidy does.... or something like that. It's all in the details isn't it???? I'm having lots of fun with this shop, really and truly.

Now I'm out the door to go wax my anvil.

Thomas""


Nuts

There's an idea I hadn't thought of. Once I get a closer look at the loop end I'll check to see any evidence of that. Good thought Doug, thanks.

BTW, the wax sessions really allow some quality time with the Hay Budden. Highly recommended. Have YOU hugged your anvil today?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

With that many I'd probably acid dip & then Parkerize them They sell kits to do it at home. Did a bunch of restored M2's back in the '90's

A good suggestion. I'll wait until I recover all the various hand tools that will need some attention and go from there. Is ShootersSolution a good way to go or would you recommend something else?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I am very impressed, now I see where the L-79 lives... very nice!

Hi there Jarrett, welcome to the thread. The Chevy II comes from a good home and is presently resting quietly in the barn. The shop is not intended for long term storage as such, but more for a transient visit while work is in progress.

Seems to agree with the little grocery getter though.

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

A good suggestion. I'll wait until I recover all the various hand tools that will need some attention and go from there. Is ShootersSolution a good way to go or would you recommend something else?

Thomas

I can't remember what it was exactly, but we had gallons of the stuff & at least 3 vats going.

 

[BB767]

Goodness graciousness!
I discovered this thread yesterday and read the whole thing.
My eyes hurt.

I can't thank you two enough for this inspirational story.

Now, perhaps it's time to showcase Noisy's own, humble, garage.

Dave, if you read it all in one day you are truly a man among men! Way to go. Just grit your teeth and go for it eh? That's the spirit! Retention for the test might be a problem however, doing it that quick. Good luck!

Thank you for the kind comment and by all means showcase that garage. Let's us know here. I'm intrigued about your Nova.

Thomas

 

[408Chevelle]

This may have been answered multiple times, but what do you do with all of the old hand tools you find? There's so many, how do you restore them all!?

 

[Sick Puppy]

Did I hear my name being mentioned? I go away for a month, and what happens? Nine pages down, at 40 posts a page I know how Nuts feels!

Here's something that might be of interest. Remember this photograph of the property taken in the late 1930's?

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/OriginalPictures/1939AerialViewFull_Edited01sm.jpg

Here's a similar one taken in the mid 1970's about 35 years or so later.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/OriginalPictures/IMG_3130.jpg

If you look closely that's Mr.Johnson working in the open doorway of the lift room. Well OK, you have to look REAL close but that's him. It works better if you can see the photograph in person. This is actually a picture of a picture. It was framed and hanging over Mrs Johnson's dinning room. Good sized, it's about 24"(.6 m) X 18" (.45 m). The family thought I might want it and they were so right!

This is pretty much how I remember the property growing up. Different cars would come and go out back but most of the buildings are the same. There were only 7 cars including the Terraplane, left on the property by the time I bought it 30 years later.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/New Shop Outside/IMG_2985.jpg

And this was take 2 days ago. Best I could without a VERY tall ladder. It's fall so all the foliage is dormant and brown.

Thomas

Darn it, I saved this post for a reason, and can I remember now? Noooo...

As soon as I saw that intact engine, I was sure it was destined to be a future project. With the rate we acquire cars and other things, I'm sure he'll find something to put it in eventually (notice that I didn't say he'd have to get rid of something first -- I don't have that power
-- anyway, in this family, we seem to have a "problem" with disposing of things). (I don't think Tom keeps too many secrets, but if I knew about his secrets, they wouldn't be secrets anymore!)

Chris

I kinda know that feeling, I hoard stuff and my wife rolls her eyes! I am trying though... or rather I am very trying, depends on the mood my wife is in when she sees the garage! I have a lot of work to do there though to be fair...

No worries Ray and to answer your question, yes I am a, ahem..... commercial aviator. We're suppose to start service to Auckland next year when we get our 787's. I'll stay on the 767 for now but it will make coming to visit that part of the world a bit easier. Count on a PM from me when I'm headed that way and remember that goes for you too if you're headed this way.

Thomas

Awesome, feel free to let us know when you're on your way, I for one will try and be there. Better watch out though, you might be getting a shopping list for stuff to bring with you!

With a name like Non Member, and a fun post like that, I detect a great sense of humor. If you come with certified papers we can talk about the adoption, sure.

I wonder now how many other people I've sleep deprived?? Now I'm starting to feel guilty about it all...........geez didn't think about that.......and how about all those poor people in New Zealand being driven mad by Sick Puppy 'cause of this, how about them.....boy I started this with the best intentions, really did, and now look.......shoot for all I know they'll be coming for me any minute now........Chris, don't answer the door, OK? Maybe if I grew a beard or something, wear dark glasses and a trench coat.........boy, who would'a thought it would end this way..............

Thomas

Nah, no worries there, those I tell about this place know what I'm like, some even come to expect it from me! Heck, I'm constantly feeling I'm about three clicks on citing it on facebook...

Chris I'm doing my best to picture you swinging a rail road iron tied to a rope.

Honestly it would never have occurred to me to ever do such a thing, never. It must be true that Texans are juuusst a little bit different than most. Now imagine those folks in New Zealand hearing about this from Sick Puppy? That alone might drive them mad, who knows.

Thanks just the same for sharing.

Thomas

Hey, don't knock it! Steel swinging is a national sport here! Seriously, I can just see people here throwing bits of steel around for one reason or another to get something done, although it would be met with "and no-one got hurt how?". Thinking about it, throwing wellington boots is a competition here in a place called Taihape - don't ask!

Oh boy, I stuck my foot in my mouth huh!

I was hoping you had an inside track on when the test was and could give an advance heads up so I could play hooky that day!

But believe it or not you can still buy these wrench new, I have one thats about 5 years old. I use it a lot on old farm machinery that a lot of the time has square nuts. Most plumbers also seem to always have one or two in their toolbox.

Here is a new one I found on the net for sale, made by a company called Draper. Very little has changed on them over the years.

NWS make one of these too - I was tempted... but not at over $56US!

Trademe Link

It has taken a long time but finally I have caught up with the posts, there was a time when it felt like more posts were being added than I could read in the time I had available. I just want to repeat the above post at it sums my thoughts up well.

Putting my hand up for Cris's list as a relocated Scotsman now living in sunny Wairarapa down in New Zeland (no, I don't know sickpuppy )

W

Now, are you sure, NZ is a small country! lol You didn't happen to sell a torque wrench on trademe by any chance did you? Wairarapa is nice, there's a really good cafe in Carterton called Wild oats if you're in that area...

Thomas and Chris, this is one my favourite threads (old world tools being the other), and it is a pleasure reading and seeing the journey you've taken with the workshop and the property, and the knowledge you've imparted (and inspired others to provide). Thank you for taking us all through it with you, I don't know how I'll do in the quiz, but I look forward to seeing this garage in the flesh! One day...

 

[BB767]

Thomas ,

Those aren't dividers those are small tongs for use in the forge. I remember seeing that pair the last time I was at your shop
I was struck by how small they were. They had to have been made for holding something very specific. Mr Johnson could very well have made them himself. Tong making is an art to itsself.
The anvil looks great !!


Craig

For those who are interested, here are some a close ups of the small tongs.

There's a thin washer in the middle between each half. They open and close quite easily.

The ends of each loop are cut on a compound angle. Diagonal in two planes.

While the loops are round, they are not a perfect circle.

On the other end...

This side had white chalk marks on the tips but turning it over...

...the other side didn't. Neither end showed any wear marks. They are simple but well constructed and measure 15" long. I could see how they would have been made for a specific task perhaps.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

This may have been answered multiple times, but what do you do with all of the old hand tools you find? There's so many, how do you restore them all!?

Hi Zach. Your question about what to do with all the old hand tools is a good one with an easy answer. You can NEVER, EVER possibly have too many tools, period. I keep them, restore them as needed and then put them back to use. As to how to restore them is a subject that's being discussed on the thread at present. It depends somewhat on what the hand tool is that's being restored and how many there are. The shear number I'm finding keeps growing so that's influencing my approach. Items like vices, floor press accessories...

... and floor jacks I'm powder coating for durability. Simple wrenches and such I'm unsure at present what might be best. Check back on this thread from time to time and you'll eventually see how that's resolved. Thank you for your interest.

Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

Hello Thomas
Great photos of the tongs. For the life of me I can't picture any item those would of held while being forged. Did Mr Johnson do any gunsmithing that you know of ? I keep thinking whatever the piece would have been it must have tabs or ears for the tongs to grab around. It would have been a small item for sure. I'm going to e-mail those images to a buddy of mine. We have a pal who is the tong maker for Clifford & Jacobs. Those chalk marks are interesting that they remained after all these years. That tool is a work of art to say the least. Thanks for the photos !!


Craig

 

[Nuts]

My previous guess on the tongs is incorrect, the only way those tongs could pinch on a rod slid thru the eyes, would be to spread the handles, not squeeze them.

I too will have to show these pics around.


Nuts

 

[BB767]

Hello Thomas
Great photos of the tongs. For the life of me I can't picture any item those would of held while being forged. Did Mr Johnson do any gunsmithing that you know of ? I keep thinking whatever the piece would have been it must have tabs or ears for the tongs to grab around. It would have been a small item for sure. I'm going to e-mail those images to a buddy of mine. We have a pal who is the tong maker for Clifford & Jacobs. Those chalk marks are interesting that they remained after all these years. That tool is a work of art to say the least. Thanks for the photos !!


Craig

My previous guess on the tongs is incorrect, the only way those tongs could pinch on a rod slid thru the eyes, would be to spread the handles, not squeeze them.

I too will have to show these pics around.


Nuts

Craig to the best of my knowledge Mr Johnson never did any gun smith work. Never heard that mentioned by any family member either. I agree it's a simple, yet elegant design with excellent craftsmanship. When I got a close look and saw the chalk on the tips I was greatly surprised. To have that survive in place who knows how many decades was a treat.


Nuts, that's my feelings too. Once I examined them and saw the design I knew they wouldn't work as you first suggested.

Thanks to both you gentlemen for following up on possibilities.

Thomas

 

[nissan_crawler]

If I see them I will do. I may have learned basic power mechanics out in Mr Johnson´s shop as a youngster, but when I did all my flight training at the Univeristy of Illinois, Institue of Aviation, I also got my Airframe & Power Plant licences at the same time. Now that´s where I really learned how to use tools correctly and sweat the details. My instructors were old school and they never cut you any slack. Do it right or do it over. Very greatful to all of them.

A pilot that knows an airplane, is a mechanics dream.

If you have any NOS Wisconsin engines/parts, I may be interested. (I apologize if this has been mentioned, I just found this thread, and am only up to page 30 or so.)

 

[hoopty388]

I'm no expert but I might know what those tongs are for.
I live near spring mill state park. They have a working pioneer village there, of course, with a blacksmith.

I think I remember seeing him use one of these. he would take a piece of rod and beat the end flat. he would then hold the tongs and a "pick" hammer in the same hand. with the pick through the opening in the tongs.

think welding a washer on the end of a rod for a fender brace. the tongs would prevent swelling and or splitting.

this would make a much stronger part than just wrapping the piece around a rod like you would, say for a planter.

like I said I am not an expert but I believe that his what his tool looked like.

might look into sending some pics to them they are pretty knowledgable, and their blacksmith is a real nice guy. he loves to chat about the tools in the shop.

 

[Amitygravel]

That makes perfect sense hoopty, any tool would be fabricated to the size of the piece being forged. Unless there was an apprentice or another smith in the shop ' making a tool to use another tool ' would be a given. I think you nailed it.


Craig

 

[hoopty388]

as I said I'm no proffessional, but I have spent alot of time in that blacksmith's shop, always was mystified watching them.

 

[jrmylmach1]

Thomas and Chris,

Well, I just started reading this thread today on my layover in Hong Kong and made it up to page 62. I have to stop there to get some sleep for the flight back to Narita in the morning. I also fly the 767 although it is over here in Japan. So even though I am from Illinois, I guess you can mark down Japan on the country list as I am there most of the month.

I have really enjoyed watching the progress that you made. You really do have a great eye for details. Keep up the great work. If you are ever in Narita drop me a pm.

Jeremy

 

[markviii]

The country list is updated on page 97.
Chris

 

[donhenry]

Hi Thomas & Chris.
I just love this thread, thank you for the time & trouble that its taken to post all that you have done. It has revived many memories for me, having had 2 garages in the family as I grew up. one a city garage, & the other a wayside filling station with a small shed for a workshop. I know that I am a packrat & hate to throw anything that might be useful away. I also know you cant keep everything, you just would not have room. But I do get a sad feeling when I see an old couple die, their family come in and throw virtually everything out to tip when much could be recycled sensibly.
Huh thought I had read every page & then keep getting references to certain previous post & think 'I did not read that'
must go and revise
One question
does your ramp actually NOT TURN in use with that safety post?

I used to work on & under one very similar, which would be raised then turned while working on to enable access by vehicles to a tight corner of the workshop

 

[SpeedCoach]

Gasp

OK - it's taken 3 days, a little eyestrain, and a serious case of bleacher-****...but I made it to the end!

Joking aside - Some serious kudos to you guys on that space. So much history, respect (on your part), and attention to detail. Absolutely incredible.

A big "job well-done" from up in the suburbs!

PS - the manifold story to the gent in California was incredibly cool.

 

[BB767]

A pilot that knows an airplane, is a mechanics dream.

If you have any NOS Wisconsin engines/parts, I may be interested. (I apologize if this has been mentioned, I just found this thread, and am only up to page 30 or so.)

I felt if I'm going to fly them I ought to know what makes them tick. It's been very helpful when doing maintenance write ups. You should see some of the write ups some non A & P's have done. It's hard enough to trouble shoot problems without accurate, concise descriptions.

I know there are many small engine NOS parts that were removed from the shop and placed in storage. As I get to them I'll watch for Wisconsin one's for you.

Only on page 30, you've got some sleep deprivation ahead I believe. Sorry about that.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I'm no expert but I might know what those tongs are for.
I live near spring mill state park. They have a working pioneer village there, of course, with a blacksmith.

I think I remember seeing him use one of these. he would take a piece of rod and beat the end flat. he would then hold the tongs and a "pick" hammer in the same hand. with the pick through the opening in the tongs.

think welding a washer on the end of a rod for a fender brace. the tongs would prevent swelling and or splitting.

this would make a much stronger part than just wrapping the piece around a rod like you would, say for a planter.

like I said I am not an expert but I believe that his what his tool looked like.

might look into sending some pics to them they are pretty knowledgable, and their blacksmith is a real nice guy. he loves to chat about the tools in the shop.

If you would send your friend some pictures and have that confirmed that would be terrific. For now, that sounds very workable. With no blacksmithing in my background I just couldn't have figured it out. Thank you!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas and Chris,

Well, I just started reading this thread today on my layover in Hong Kong and made it up to page 62. I have to stop there to get some sleep for the flight back to Narita in the morning. I also fly the 767 although it is over here in Japan. So even though I am from Illinois, I guess you can mark down Japan on the country list as I am there most of the month.

I have really enjoyed watching the progress that you made. You really do have a great eye for details. Keep up the great work. If you are ever in Narita drop me a pm.

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy. That's an excellent way to use a layover. If you have trouble getting to sleep, just start reading. I'm in Brazil right now on my layover but whenever I get by Narita I'll let you know. Hope you enjoy the rest of it.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hi Thomas & Chris.
I just love this thread, thank you for the time & trouble that its taken to post all that you have done. It has revived many memories for me, having had 2 garages in the family as I grew up. one a city garage, & the other a wayside filling station with a small shed for a workshop. I know that I am a packrat & hate to throw anything that might be useful away. I also know you cant keep everything, you just would not have room. But I do get a sad feeling when I see an old couple die, their family come in and throw virtually everything out to tip when much could be recycled sensibly.
Huh thought I had read every page & then keep getting references to certain previous post & think 'I did not read that'
must go and revise
One question
does your ramp actually NOT TURN in use with that safety post?

I used to work on & under one very similar, which would be raised then turned while working on to enable access by vehicles to a tight corner of the workshop

Don, to have an elderly person pass away and then have the family come in and indiscriminately throw everything away is nothing less than heart wrenching. There is no doubt that is what would have happened to everything in my shop. So much of value, historical and otherwise is lost that way. I hope those that have read this thread and seen what is possible will avoid that fate. I'm not a pack rat by nature, but I still find it difficult to throw out something that I know might be useful. Just keep telling myself you can't save it all, you can't save it..........

As for my lift, with the safety leg in use it will only turn just a very, very few degrees, say less than 5. If I unbolt it, the lift ramp would rotate a full 360 degrees- hence, Rotary Lift. I remember on one occasion when a small British sports car was brought into the lift room beside the lift. This after the lift was swiveled out of the way so it would pass by.

Thank you for taking a moment to share your thoughts and insight. As I've mentioned before, there is more to be posted for those who can stand it. I have some more vintage photographs that I need to get on here and those 8mm films have provide some shop images ( oh yea!!). Getting that transferred to DVD first so I can get a clear idea of what I've got.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Gasp

OK - it's taken 3 days, a little eyestrain, and a serious case of bleacher-****...but I made it to the end!

Joking aside - Some serious kudos to you guys on that space. So much history, respect (on your part), and attention to detail. Absolutely incredible.

A big "job well-done" from up in the suburbs!

PS - the manifold story to the gent in California was incredibly cool.

SpeedCoach, are you a "Karting" enthusiast? Hope you didn't cringe too much at my early efforts 40 years ago with that. It's so much more sophisticated these days! Congratulate yourself for persevering through it and thanks for the nice remarks. Now you need to start booking for the test, I'm afraid to say. Call it the good ( Thomas posting here and reading the thread ) with the bad (mean old Miss Chris and her looming test )

Thomas