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Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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ScottS

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Oct 29, 2005
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Location
kansas
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!



Chris

Words to live by folks.

Lucky (blessed may be a better word) is the person who can provide for their family and enjoy it at the same time. It took me a few years of trying different routes till I came back to what I am doing now. I will say I am not as motivated as the fine folks in this endeavor.

I do industrial maintenance at a color concentrate facility, we do color and additives for plastics. I am the maintenance manager, world class enterprise, and safety rep for the facility.

I haven't worked in 25 years. :)

I left off the other part of the quote; I do partake in the part I left out. :)

Scott
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
Back from our racing diversion so this is a little out of sequence but to continue with the clutch replacement prior to the race. While Cameron was in the barn working on the car I noticed behind him...

IMG_5288.jpg


...he was using a roll around cart to place his tools on...


IMG_5287.jpg


... and rather than just piling them in a heap he kept them in an organized manner. Over the years I've only made suggestions on work methodology and practices and some of them seem to be taking hold. :) Oh, BTW, before it comes up, I just noticed...yes the screws slots on the cart are clocked. Remember those work methodologies I mentioned earlier...some habits die hard I guess? :dunno:

IMG_5310.jpg


While replacing the clutch we found the clutch linkage "Z" bar had some cracks on the end levers ...

IMG_5312.jpg


...both ends, so those were repaired and reinforced so that will never happen again.

IMG_5316.jpg


Once that was completed it needed to be...

IMG_5313.jpg


...powder coated of course! :D

IMG_5330.jpg


When it was installed...

IMG_5329.jpg


...it didn't look out of place. It will be durable and should look good for many years to come. Do it right once and move on. ;)


IMG_5290.jpg


The bell housing, now cleaned up, was installed with the new clutch...

IMG_5289.jpg


... transmission and linkages installed and adjusted. Then of course he had to try it out at the track and it seems to have worked...

IMG_5350.jpg


The first day of qualifying he made 27 passes! There's no replacing seat time is there? How do you get to Carnegie Hall?....practice, practice, practice!:bounce:


Thomas
 
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BB767

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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

Thanks Russ. Actually the building is pretty well done. While it may continue to evolve, looking over my original list, there are only a couple of items left that I'm taking a wait and see attitude about. I didn't want to get it close to finished and then never get around to those last few details. The equipment and tools on the other hand are really just getting started. Now that I have a nice shop to work on them, it's really a pleasure doing that work. :thumbup:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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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.

Mr Johnson never threw anything away that could possibly be of some use and he was a champion of repairing rather than replacing. Yes I do think he would be highly pleased with what is going on with his shop, tools and equipment. Apparently this thread has saved at least a few Walker floor jacks from an ignoble end and hopefully set in motion other such restoration projects on worthwhile tools and equipment.

Now as for energy, I have to admit that for most of my projects I am honestly so excited about them I can't wait to get to them. It may sound too simplified but I try to live a healthy lifestyle, and am blessed with a truly wonderful partner in Chris. Don't under estimate the importance of supportive spouse, even if she can create some really nasty quizzes and tests! Don't be lulled into thinking she's forgotten about it guys. :eek:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
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.

Thanks Old One. While restoring a vintage air compressor like that would be fun, I am quite happy with the safety and innovative features of my Eaton. Looking at that tank, I'm not too sure I'd like to be around it pumped up to 150 psi? :wtf:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Words to live by folks.

Lucky (blessed may be a better word) is the person who can provide for their family and enjoy it at the same time. It took me a few years of trying different routes till I came back to what I am doing now. I will say I am not as motivated as the fine folks in this endeavor.

I do industrial maintenance at a color concentrate facility, we do color and additives for plastics. I am the maintenance manager, world class enterprise, and safety rep for the facility.

I haven't worked in 25 years. :)...


Scott

Scott, you sound like a happy camper. Life is just too short to not enjoy as much of it as you can. You are like my Grandfather, who said and felt much the same about his job. He never had to go to "work" either.

Thanks for sharing those thoughts with us.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
:3gears:

Good Results??? Hardware??

Cameron and I both go to the track with the same goals:

1. Be safe and courteous.

2. Don't break the equipment...if possible.

3. Help out your fellow racer whenever and however possible.

4. Have fun.

5.hummm, I don't think there is anything else......:headscrat

With that in mind we had great results! We both lost our pairings but that wasn't on the list so a great time was had by one and all. As one of our fans said when they came to the pits to chat, "it's always fun to come and talk with you and see you flog the daylight out of the cars!" (remember goal #2...if possible) :bounce:

IMG_5341.jpg


Both are raced in Factory Stock (F/S). The Impala is a 327/300 hp, 4 speed car that has run as quick as 14.18 @ 98 mph.


IMG_5339.jpg


The little Chevy II has an L79, 327/350 hp, 4 speed that has run as quick as 12.92 @ 110. I qualified with a 13.07, but clutch tantrums prevented it from being competitive. :sad: I'll get him "next time". :) The humidity didn't drop as predicted so times were off a bit.

While we may have lost the pairings we do have what I think are the coolest license plates at the track! :thumbup:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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How does the car hook up on those pizza cutter tires?

Those are of course bias-ply tires since we race in factory and pure stock classes. Getting off the line quickly with them is one of the greatest challenges known to mankind. :dunno: If it were easy, especially with a 4 speed car, anyone could do it. I think that's one of the reasons Cameron made so many passes. He's not giving up! :D

Thomas
 

ScottS

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Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
53
Location
kansas
Thomas,

Got to go to this place Got to see some WW2 war birds run. It is a relaxed atmosphere. Got there and my camera would not work. :(. I noticed the clocking of the fasteners everywhere. The hose clamps on the pushrod tubes ( I am assuming that is what they are) were out in front and proud to be on display, screwdriver slots were all in the same position. The radials were marking their spots. :) They were selling rides and the glider was selling rides as well.

There was a little Chevy II running around like yours with a different stance and wheel combination.

I had someone invite me out there and our gracious host's property was on the south end of the runway, His Beechcraft bonanza was in the garage. The smokers for the BBQ were in full swing and food was good. It was hot, 98,99F

Highjack over. :)

Scott
 

cool50

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2009
Messages
275
Location
Il
Glad to hear you had a safe and fun weekend. I've spent so many weekends at the track, with friends and family, man I miss those days. Thanks.
 

oberst

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Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
205
The little Chevy II has an L79, 327/350 hp, 4 speed that has run as quick as 12.92 @ 110. I qualified with a 13.07, but clutch tantrums prevented it from being competitive.

While we may have lost the pairings we do have what I think are the coolest license plates at the track! :thumbup:

Thomas

Maybe you oughta let Cameron take a peek at that clutch on the Chevy II :thumbup:
 
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BigAl62

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Apr 18, 2011
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Location
suburbs of Chicago
Tom, through out this thread I see that your enthusiasm and work ethics have rubbed off on your son. You must be very proud of him! Good to see he enjoys drag racing, too! You and Chris have done good!
 
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BB767

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Dec 24, 2009
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Philo, IL
ok, enough with the Chevys.. tell me what ya know about that yellow Torino? :)

Rick, the fellow who owns it has been Pure Stock racing it for many years now, really nice chap as well. It's a 428 Cobra Jet, auto. Runs low to mid 14's as I recall. You don't see many of them, but he's always there, year after year.

You might see some additional information/photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pure-stock-drags

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Dec 24, 2009
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Philo, IL
Thomas,

Got to go to this place Got to see some WW2 war birds run. It is a relaxed atmosphere. Got there and my camera would not work. :(. I noticed the clocking of the fasteners everywhere. The hose clamps on the pushrod tubes ( I am assuming that is what they are) were out in front and proud to be on display, screwdriver slots were all in the same position. The radials were marking their spots. :) They were selling rides and the glider was selling rides as well.

There was a little Chevy II running around like yours with a different stance and wheel combination.

I had someone invite me out there and our gracious host's property was on the south end of the runway, His Beechcraft bonanza was in the garage. The smokers for the BBQ were in full swing and food was good. It was hot, 98,99F

Highjack over. :)

Scott

Hey there Scott,

I've heard of that event and it sounds very enticing. :) My idea of flying would be off a grass strip with an Aeronica 7EC, low and slow. :thumbup:

Thanks for the report.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Dec 24, 2009
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Philo, IL
Glad to hear you had a safe and fun weekend. I've spent so many weekends at the track, with friends and family, man I miss those days. Thanks.

It's a great family sport isn't it? Take a trip to the track and rekindle the interest! It's all good Cameron tells me!

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
Maybe you oughta let Cameron take a peek at that clutch on the Chevy II :thumbup:

Hey, hey, hey...don't go planting ideas in his head now! Actually the Chevy II works just fine if I don't power shift it. Problem is, to run with all those big block cars I have to power shift it. That's worth .1-.2 off my ET's. It uses a Holley with vacuum secondaries, and lifting off the throttle to shift closes them and I lose a little momentum. It all adds up to .1-.2 seconds of momentum lost.

Of course it's great sport to rip off power shifts anyway. :3gears:

Drive it like you stole it and show no mercy. It was built to take it!


Thomas
 
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BB767

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Tom, through out this thread I see that your enthusiasm and work ethics have rubbed off on your son. You must be very proud of him! Good to see he enjoys drag racing, too! You and Chris have done good!

BigAl, what father isn't proud of their son? :thumbup: I don't want him to be a smaller version of me, rather I want him to figure out what he wants to be and work to be the best at that. Chris and I are blessed with two terrific kids. We just try to lead by example and then they have to go their own way. I went to college with too many kids who were in programs "because that's what my folks want me to do". Most of them weren't very happy I might add.

Thanks for your continued interest in the thread. :)


Thomas
 

ZRX61

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Aug 15, 2006
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Location
Solar Blight Valley, SoCal
Rick, the fellow who owns it has been Pure Stock racing it for many years now, really nice chap as well. It's a 428 Cobra Jet, auto. Runs low to mid 14's as I recall. You don't see many of them, but he's always there, year after year.

You might see some additional information/photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pure-stock-drags

Thomas

There's one for sale near here, guy wants $12K for it, but it needs restoring. I kinda like em :)
 

BigAl62

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suburbs of Chicago
Oh my God, page 3?! How did this happen? (this is a bump I guess) Tom must be busier than a 7 peckered billy goat in a herd of nannies in heat! (I used to work for a good ol boy from down south and I picked up all kinds of weird sayings)
 

hobbitss

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May 31, 2010
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341
Location
Southestern Massachusetts
Oh my God, page 3?! How did this happen? (this is a bump I guess) Tom must be busier than a 7 peckered billy goat in a herd of nannies in heat! (I used to work for a good ol boy from down south and I picked up all kinds of weird sayings)

Flying or More likely a stretch of great weather and lots of daylight since the sun is up around 5 AM and sets around 8PM... He is probably lost in one of his happy pursuits and has forgotten all about his fan base... :(

Either that or he has found some treasures in the last couple of old structures left and he is keeping them from us... :(

He could at least post a gratuitous Anvil Image or his plans for the runway/test track for us to drool over while he is playing.... :drool:

TOOLS???!!!
 
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BB767

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Hello everyone, I had hoped to have more to post but it seems as if you'd like to see what I have at this point so here we go.

This is the official start of the Walker Floor Jack Reassembly Extravaganza or the WFJRE. :D

IMG_5357.jpg


There are a few blind holes that various parts or shafts swivel in...

IMG_5356.jpg


...that needed lubrication before reassembly. I use LubriPlate where grease is necessary because, well, "It's the Film" :dunno: I find it to be of very high quality mostly.

IMG_5358.jpg


After one side was prepared...

IMG_5359.jpg


...and all the subassemblies were in place...

IMG_5360.jpg


...that side was partially assembled.

IMG_5361.jpg


Powder coated articles don't photograph their true colors well unfortunately. You'll just have to come and see it in person. :)

IMG_5362.jpg


I have the other side reassembled also but once I got home I realized I don't have a photograph of it so you'll just have to...stay tuned. I am sorry I don't have more for this particular post but this is it. I'll have more on here tomorrow. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Reassembling the Walker is like enjoying a fine wine. Something to be savored. :thumbup:

Thomas
 

ZRX61

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Aug 15, 2006
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Location
Solar Blight Valley, SoCal
The difference between pilots & A&P's..... we just punch a hole in the lid & leave the brush sticking out.. ;)


There are a few blind holes that various parts or shafts swivel in...

IMG_5356.jpg


...that needed lubrication before reassembly. I use LubriPlate where grease is necessary because, well, "It's the Film" :dunno: I find it to be of very high quality mostly.
Thomas
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
Oh my God, page 3?! How did this happen? (this is a bump I guess) Tom must be busier than a 7 peckered billy goat in a herd of nannies in heat! (I used to work for a good ol boy from down south and I picked up all kinds of weird sayings)

Flying or More likely a stretch of great weather and lots of daylight since the sun is up around 5 AM and sets around 8PM... He is probably lost in one of his happy pursuits and has forgotten all about his fan base... :(

Either that or he has found some treasures in the last couple of old structures left and he is keeping them from us... :(

He could at least post a gratuitous Anvil Image or his plans for the runway/test track for us to drool over while he is playing.... :drool:

TOOLS???!!!

BigAl, I tried to make a mental image of that :wtf: and well, I figured I'd just let that one pass.

Joe I could NEVER forget about all my friends here, honest. But I'm up at the crack of dawn and frequently eating dinner late in the night and Too Pooped To Post or TPTP! :bounce:

I'll try to do better but much of what I've been up to is rather uninteresting or unrelated to the property. Necessary work but not terribly noteworthy I'm afraid. Don't give up on me just yet. Darling Daughter is helping me post the 8mm home movies of the shop on YouTube and I'll get a link on here shortly. Many thanks again for all your and everyone else's interest!

Thomas
 

D.J.

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Sep 16, 2009
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Location
New Haven IL
For those of us not up on the lingo could you please explain what A&P is? I'm sure it has something to do with flying, am I right?
 

ZRX61

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Aug 15, 2006
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Location
Solar Blight Valley, SoCal
Airframe & Powerplant, we get to play with the parts of aircraft that pilots aren't (usually) intelligent enough to understand ;)

Flight crew only needs to consist of one pilot, a monkey & a rottweiller.

The monkey is there to press buttons & pull levers etc

The pilot is there to feed the monkey & the rottweiller

& the rottweiller is there to attack the pilot of he tries to touch any buttons etc

Tom is that rare breed who knows how to fly.. and understands how it all works.. AND is still willing to go fly the damn things in spite of knowing how many things could go wrong at any second... ;)
 
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