Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[ZRX61]

Ok, since there might be some folks out there who actually enjoy the aircraft stuff in this thread, and I am after all a "commercial aviator" here's a view we get to see frequently but you guys in the back never do...

Thomas

Most of those little white bits stuck all over the bottom of that crate are made by a friend of mine, he owns Sensor Systems

 

[BB767]

Most of those little white bits stuck all over the bottom of that crate are made by a friend of mine, he owns Sensor Systems

And thus is a multi, multi gazillionaire no doubt. Nice to have friends like that Rick. Does he share your enthusiasm for anvils too??

Aircraft passing that close will often activate the radar altimeter of the aircraft on top. If the speeds are close to compatible the two aircraft will be flying in "formation" for several seconds or more. The radar starts to work at a range of 2,500' so if it's just a 1,000' below, the radar senses the object and thinks it's the ground. It's a little disconcerting flying at night at 35,000' and see your radar altimeter suddenly tell you you're only 1,000' above the ground!

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

And thus is a multi, multi gazillionaire no doubt. Nice to have friends like that Rick. Does he share your enthusiasm for anvils too??
Thomas

He's not short of a few shekels, I sometimes get to attack his Staggerwing with tools etc.

 

[BB767]

I had a request for a better look at the mounting of the two vises on the stainless steel topped benches.

This one in the lift room is on the right side/end of that bench.

I used cap screws...

... which are really just large Allen headed bolts...

... but Snap On called them cap screws and Fastenal did too. Fine, whatever. I do admit I think they look more finished than normal hex headed bolts would for what that's worth.

The vises came with a template to install them. I drilled them in a series of ever larger holes, lots of cutting oil and using a 1/2" drill to get through the 12 gauge stainless steel top. I had to frequently sharpen the drill bits to get all 8 holes done. Stainless is tough stuff!

For the folks looking for my boots in shop pictures, there they are....again. Add another picture to the count.

The bench top has a lip that tucks underneath the front edge so I had to make sure that the bolt going through the bench would clear that lip...



...and that the washer would mostly clear it. This also shows the end caps that were TIG welded to ends of the tops to finish the ends off.

By putting those end caps on it really finished off the ends of the tops. I still had to cut the front washers for clearance though.

And the other vise was installed on the left side/end of the bench in the north room. The tool box on the left can be rolled out of the way if need be.

Depending on what needs to be done, having the vises on different ends gives some versatility.

Thomas

 

[dcm5652]

Now we know what is taking so long about finishing the Walker Jack, we see the "Tester's" paint on the bench, it takes a long time to paint a jack with those little bottles and brushes.

 

[dcm5652]

I was going to send you and Chris a p.m. but I don't see how. I just got through looking at the pictures on LCOC and saw you and her and your cars, nice.Maybe we will meet at one of those meets.

 

[BB767]

Now we know what is taking so long about finishing the Walker Jack, we see the "Tester's" paint on the bench, it takes a long time to paint a jack with those little bottles and brushes.

I was going to send you and Chris a p.m. but I don't see how. I just got through looking at the pictures on LCOC and saw you and her and your cars, nice.Maybe we will meet at one of those meets.

Well yea, it does take a long time. Those ding dang brushes are just so itsy bitsy, but a bigger brush won't fit in those itsy bitsy little bottles. What's a poor guy suppose to do?

Chris and I are going to the Pontiac, Michigan LCOC meet in July with both Lincolns. You'll probably recognize the cars before you do us, so if you're there at the meet, please stop by and introduce yourself.

BTW, the Walker work has rotated to the top of the list again. The reassembly is underway.... finally. Cameron and I got a start on it yesterday and it's #1 project till it's done! Very happy with what I'm seeing so far.

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

.. gets angle gauge, checks alignment of vise jaws to bench front....

 

[hobbitss]

.. gets angle gauge, checks alignment of vise jaws to bench front....

Don't bother...

Follow the tile line on the floor and you can see that it is not lined up properly...


Or!!! The Bench is miss aligned in which case yeah get the Angle Gauge...

 

[hobbitss]

Yea, its for people like you willy3486 that I post the odd aviation material. A little peek into my "work" world.

Great name for a business BTW!

Thomas

For the gEEky aircraft members of the group... There was a netcast by a Pilot, Ray Maxwell, called "Maxwell's House" on the "This Week In Tech" network...

He would talk about the many things he had done over the years but his best episodes were about Piloting Aircraft and Hot Air Balloons both in the USA and Canada... The show only lasted about 6 months but was really good, it just didn't have a marketing base for advertisers... I miss it...

By the way This Week In Tech shortens to TWIT and it is found at twit.tv
And Maxwells House is found at http://twit.tv/mh

And now back to your regularly scheduled Garage Fix...

 

[BB767]

For the gEEky aircraft members of the group... There was a netcast by a Pilot, Ray Maxwell, called "Maxwell's House" on the "This Week In Tech" network...

He would talk about the many things he had done over the years but his best episodes were about Piloting Aircraft and Hot Air Balloons both in the USA and Canada... The show only lasted about 6 months but was really good, it just didn't have a marketing base for advertisers... I miss it...

By the way This Week In Tech shortens to TWIT and it is found at twit.tv
And Maxwells House is found at http://twit.tv/mh

And now back to your regularly scheduled Garage Fix...

Thank you for that Joe, I am not familiar with any of it. Just part of the wide range of information found here.

Now about that vise jaw misalignment issue....on a swivel vise? Not real sure what's being referenced here?

Thomas

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

Just because it is a swivel vise does NOT mean is should be left not lined up with the tile on the floor. Your attention to detail is a disappointment.

 

[ZRX61]

oh man, what have I started, LOL!!

 

[ZRX61]

Now about that vise jaw misalignment issue....on a swivel vise? Not real sure what's being referenced here?

Thomas

This pic:

Rear jaw insert alignment with bench edge. If you look at the jaw insert you can see the alignment is off by about 3/64in...also doesn't align with tile edges on floor below..

 

[hobbitss]

This pic:

Rear jaw insert alignment with bench edge. If you look at the jaw insert you can see the alignment is off by about 3/64in...also doesn't align with tile edges on floor below..

That's it... Let us know when we can help you out with more of these little details...

 

[BB767]

Just because it is a swivel vise does NOT mean is should be left not lined up with the tile on the floor. Your attention to detail is a disappointment.

This pic:

Rear jaw insert alignment with bench edge. If you look at the jaw insert you can see the alignment is off by about 3/64in...also doesn't align with tile edges on floor below..

That's it... Let us know when we can help you out with more of these little details...

I'll be the first to admit I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box. That whole alignment "thing" was just going waaaayyy over my head till you guys clarified it for me. I kept looking and looking and I just couldn't figure out what I was missing. It's all in the details isn't it? Thanks for keeping me on my toes; I'm counting on all of you!!


...probably didn't help that'd I had been flying all night either but still......how could I have missed THAT ?

Trying harder Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

I'll be the first to admit I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box. That whole alignment "thing" was just going waaaayyy over my head till you guys clarified it for me. I kept looking and looking and I just couldn't figure out what I was missing. It's all in the details isn't it? Thanks for keeping me on my toes; I'm counting on all of you!!


...probably didn't help that'd I had been flying all night either but still......how could I have missed THAT ?

Trying harder Thomas

It's things like this that brighten a long hard day at work....

 

[ZRX61]

Just I'd bump this quote from the very first post in this thread...

I'll post some more pictures if there is any interest.
Thomas

 

[omr]

Just because it is a swivel vise does NOT mean is should be left not lined up with the tile on the floor. Your attention to detail is a disappointment.

it's just sloppy work , i am so disappointed in him ..

 

[ZRX61]

Tough crowd tonight

 

[Vernmotor]

Just checking in I only 6 pages behind this time LOL

 

[soj]

Rear jaw insert alignment with bench edge. If you look at the jaw insert you can see the alignment is off by about 3/64in...also doesn't align with tile edges on floor below..

I don't understand why you guys are surprised by this. Any time a guy uses round, socket head capscrews to avoid having to line up the hexes on regular capscrews (otherwise known as "bolts"), you know he is going to cut corners in other places as well. It all started when that little electrical box cover got the best of him!

 

[hobbitss]

I don't understand why you guys are surprised by this. Any time a guy uses round, socket head capscrews to avoid having to line up the hexes on regular capscrews (otherwise known as "bolts"), you know he is going to cut corners in other places as well. It all started when that little electrical box cover got the best of him!

I also was wondering about the cap screws... Why not use Carriage bolts if you don't want to deal with aligning hex bolts???
I think the cover plate alignment issue was a distraction to keep us from spotting other "out of line" details... Where is that Angle Gauge????

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming!!

Ladies & Gentlemen, Tom, Chris, & Cameron bring you the eight wonder of the World, the only powder coated Walker Jack in existence!

 

[ZRX61]

I don't understand why you guys are surprised by this. Any time a guy uses round, socket head capscrews to avoid having to line up the hexes on regular capscrews (otherwise known as "bolts"), you know he is going to cut corners in other places as well. It all started when that little electrical box cover got the best of him!

Brutal... LOL!!

 

[Bob Heine]

We're like a pack of dogs. If Thomas doesn't throw us a fresh piece of meat (a.k.a. Walker Jack, maple garage banquet cabinet) we get just plain nasty. Apparently a bowl of kibble (a.k.a. twin vises on a stainless benchtop) doesn't cut it. Where's the BEEF!

 

[hobbitss]

We're like a pack of dogs. If Thomas doesn't throw us a fresh piece of meat (a.k.a. Walker Jack, maple garage banquet cabinet) we get just plain nasty. Apparently a bowl of kibble (a.k.a. twin vises on a stainless benchtop) doesn't cut it. Where's the BEEF!

TOOLS!!!!!

Well maybe a gratuitous photo of the anvil would help........

 

[BB767]

It's things like this that brighten a long hard day at work....

it's just sloppy work , i am so disappointed in him ..

Tough crowd tonight

I don't understand why you guys are surprised by this. Any time a guy uses round, socket head capscrews to avoid having to line up the hexes on regular capscrews (otherwise known as "bolts"), you know he is going to cut corners in other places as well. It all started when that little electrical box cover got the best of him!

I also was wondering about the cap screws... Why not use Carriage bolts if you don't want to deal with aligning hex bolts???
I think the cover plate alignment issue was a distraction to keep us from spotting other "out of line" details... Where is that Angle Gauge????

We're like a pack of dogs. If Thomas doesn't throw us a fresh piece of meat (a.k.a. Walker Jack, maple garage banquet cabinet) we get just plain nasty. Apparently a bowl of kibble (a.k.a. twin vises on a stainless benchtop) doesn't cut it. Where's the BEEF!

TOOLS!!!!!

Well maybe a gratuitous photo of the anvil would help........

I go away to work for a couple of days and sheer madness reigns in the mean time. Absolute and complete madness I tell you! Chris they're finally out of control. Time for that test of yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

TOOLS!!!!!

Well maybe a gratuitous photo of the anvil would help........

Or at least a restored vise...

 

[BigAl62]

I used to be an Anarchist, but there were too many rules! Time to crack the whip Tom, get us loonies back in line!

 

[3bay]

Thomas the Tease

That poor old Walker jack...bet its feeling neglected bout now!

Prolly starting to collect a little dust I'd think!

After all...its the "Worlds First Powder Coated Walker Floor Jack"!!!

 

[smrflng]

Glad to see you are still hard at it. My guess is that like all other garages it will never really be finished. Keep up the great work.

Russ

 

[BB767]

Today is qualifing at Martin (US 131 Drag Strip) and the weather is improving throughout the day and weekend. Tomorrow, with fantastic conditions forecast, we might set personal bests?! Standby as Cameron in his Impala and a shiney new clutch and I with the little Chevy II, try to uphold the honor of the restored 1930's auto shop. We'll be channeling all fast cars that went through that shop in years gone by!!

Someone is suppose to be setting up a live web cast of the event. Don't know the details but maybe one of you guys can sluth it out.

Thomas

 

[Vernmotor]

Thats a pretty good track..we runner up there last time..So expect you to do that good !!

 

[BB767]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a link to the live web cam for the race at Martin today, Saturday. There will be test and tune from about 0900 to 1200 EDST, an hour break and then the pairings start about 1300 or so. One of the guys has a video camera that can be mounted on various cars as they run down the track. It was on the Chevy II yesterday for one run.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/fast-racing-series

There is a Chevy II that is almost identical to mine, color and everything! This is his first time out and the engine isn't even broken in yet so his times are way down right now. He's running abour 1 1/2 seconds off the pace. Beautiful restoration though.

Thomas

 

[ManicMechanic360]

There is still one thing that im sure is on everyones mind. Where do you get the energy to do all this good stuff? You are a true fountain of youth. Also I am glad to see that in todays use it and throw it world that someone actually has the time and decency to rebuild old worn tools and bring them back to there former glory. Im sure Mr. Johnson would be very pleased.

 

[hobbitss]

There is still one thing that im sure is on everyones mind. Where do you get the energy to do all this good stuff? You are a true fountain of youth. Also I am glad to see that in todays use it and throw it world that someone actually has the time and decency to rebuild old worn tools and bring them back to there former glory. Im sure Mr. Johnson would be very pleased.

You don't think the soda machine in the shop is just for show do you???

 

[markviii]

Finding the energy to do all that he does comes from doing what he chooses to do because he enjoys it. The things we get involved in are not "work". Having many varied activities to spend our time on helps keep life interesting (and busy!). I know if I get frustrated on finding the solution to something I'm working on or if my attention is not staying engaged in the activity, I just change to a different type of activity which energizes me. One thing's for sure; I don't get bored and neither does Tom! We do tend to over-schedule ourselves at times, though!

Joe,
The pop machine is for other people! It's very rare for Tom to drink "sody fizz" (as he calls it). That's for the guests (though Cameron drinks some). I don't drink pop either (carbonation is bad for you and I don't drink any caffeinated beverages - neither of us drinks coffee nor alcoholic beverages).

Chris

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Finding the energy to do all that he does comes from doing what he chooses to do because he enjoys it. The things we get involved in are not "work". Having many varied activities to spend our time on helps keep life interesting (and busy!). I know if I get frustrated on finding the solution to something I'm working on or if my attention is not staying engaged in the activity, I just change to a different type of activity which energizes me. One thing's for sure; I don't get bored and neither does Tom! We do tend to over-schedule ourselves at times, though!

Joe,
The pop machine is for other people! It's very rare for Tom to drink "sody fizz" (as he calls it). That's for the guests (though Cameron drinks some). I don't drink pop either (carbonation is bad for you and I don't drink any caffeinated beverages - neither of us drinks coffee nor alcoholic beverages).

Chris

All that work and no Caffeine I'm calling B.S.

 

[Old One]

Hej, Nice job on the building. I didn't see an old air compressor. Should you have a need for an old relic that works, I have one on ebay.