Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BigDaddyUSMC]

Y MANIFOLD STORY Continues

Jacob & I have found the JERAULDS BELLY TANK...
Or should I say we fund out what happened to it. I was cut in half , lengthened & made in to a totally different style of Land Speed Car ,a STREAMLINER....
Kind of sad the Jeraulds car is gone , but Jacob & I had a great time looking for it...

Well We have a new CRAZY project. In our search for the Jeraulds race car. We met Fred Lobello. Fred is a legend at Bonneville & is one the the pioneers of Land Speed Racing on the salt & dry lakes. Fred is 89 years young & he wonted to get his old Belly Tank back to Bonneville this year. Jacob asked if he needed help & fred said YES. We have jumped into the project with both feet. jacob is head fabaricator & is going to drive the tank at Bonneville. I'm Jacob's loyal side kick as always & crew chief.

We will be running Fred's vintage belly tank with a Ford model A 4 cylinder flathead , A Winfield head & 2 Riley side draft carbs. We are going for the V4F class worlds land speed record. I'll keep you updated on our progress on the car & let you know how we do at Bonneville
Attached are few photos of Fred , Jacob & I working on the car.

 

[flybefree]

Everytime I stop by I am amazed at the new things I read...I have started taking more pictures of my place and carefully considering ways to restore/reuse things. I can't wait to see the million mark...unbelieveable. Shows a certain type of person is just drawn to the inspiration they find here and at other great posts on GJ...and that there are large numbers of such persons even today.

Shaun

 

[R1chy]

...Well We have a new CRAZY project. In our search for the Jeraulds race car. We met Fred Lobello. Fred is a legend at Bonneville & is one the the pioneers of Land Speed Racing on the salt & dry lakes. Fred is 89 years young & he wonted to get his old Belly Tank back to Bonneville this year. Jacob asked if he needed help & fred said YES. We have jumped into the project with both feet. jacob is head fabaricator & is going to drive the tank at Bonneville. I'm Jacob's loyal side kick as always & crew chief.

We will be running Fred's vintage belly tank with a Ford model A 4 cylinder flathead , A Winfield head & 2 Riley side draft carbs. We are going for the V4F class worlds land speed record. I'll keep you updated on our progress on the car & let you know how we do at Bonneville
Attached are few photos of Fred , Jacob & I working on the car.

This project needs a thread of its own, let us know if you start one so we can subscribe.

R1chy

 

[BB767]

Y MANIFOLD STORY Continues

Jacob & I have found the JERAULDS BELLY TANK...
Or should I say we fund out what happened to it. I was cut in half , lengthened & made in to a totally different style of Land Speed Car ,a STREAMLINER....
Kind of sad the Jeraulds car is gone , but Jacob & I had a great time looking for it...

Well We have a new CRAZY project. In our search for the Jeraulds race car. We met Fred Lobello. Fred is a legend at Bonneville & is one the the pioneers of Land Speed Racing on the salt & dry lakes. Fred is 89 years young & he wonted to get his old Belly Tank back to Bonneville this year. Jacob asked if he needed help & fred said YES. We have jumped into the project with both feet. jacob is head fabaricator & is going to drive the tank at Bonneville. I'm Jacob's loyal side kick as always & crew chief.

We will be running Fred's vintage belly tank with a Ford model A 4 cylinder flathead , A Winfield head & 2 Riley side draft carbs. We are going for the V4F class worlds land speed record. I'll keep you updated on our progress on the car & let you know how we do at Bonneville
Attached are few photos of Fred , Jacob & I working on the car.

Hi there Charles. What an amazing coincidence. Lou was over visiting my shop just last week and we were finalizing our travel plans. He and I have been planning since last year to travel together to Bonneville for Speed Week this August. I'll be there with Lou for the whole event. In fact we'll be there ahead of time to set up the pit area for the San Diego Roadster Club and throughout the event lend a hand to any club members that need some assistance. I haven't talked to Lou since your post but I'm certain Lou is well aquatinted with Fred so we'll be there to help and cheer you guys on! Jacob may not be able to run his Dad's tanker, but looks like he'll be driving a vintage tanker on the salt just the same. The best part is I'll be on hand to witness it!

Little did I know what the future would hold when I first spotted the Jerauld manifold among the, er, ah "treasure". It has set an amazing chain of events in motion hasn't it? No screen writer could ever come up with stuff like this!

Y MANIFOLD STORY Continues........ indeed!!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hi Thomas & Chris,
Just another 'Lurker' checking in from Michigan. I've been reading this thread for months (mostly during lunchtime at work) and I finally 'caught up'. I've been wanting to compliment and thank you since the early pages, but I felt the need to wait until I was current. I share many of your interests, such as drag racing (have attended NHRA events at Las Vegas, Norwalk, Joliet, and Pomona), old tools (who doesn't like old tools???), old Chevys (currently have a 62 Impala, 55 Bel Air wagon, 57 Bel Air 2-door hardtop project, and a 59 Corvette), all things mechanical, etc, etc. Heck, I even 'clock' my screws whenever possible, and foolishly believed I was the only one that suffered from this behavior...

Your attention to detail, in combination with your patience and obvious mechanical skills set you apart from the vast majority of the population. I would be remiss if I didn't also compliment and thank Chris for her many contributions to this thread. You are certainly lucky to have found someone as supportive and energetic as her to spend your life with. And no Chris, I wasn't trying to get special consideration during grading of the upcoming test!! (unless, of course you feel that would be appropriate...).

Like so many others who follow this thread, I find the work you do restoring the shop and it's contents very inspirational. Your gesture of donating the intake manifold put a serious lump in my throat. That was a true class act.

I enjoyed following the Walker Jack restoration so much, I've been watching Craigslist in case a nice one turns up for sale in my area. During my search, I found a very old model for sale in California. It's from the 20's, which may be a bit too old for your use, but very cool none the less. Here's the link:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/tls/2512189315.html

I'd like to be able to watch you race at one of the Michigan tracks, hopefully yet this year. Please refresh my memory on the dates you are running. If I'm able to make it, I'd love to meet you in person and shake your hand. After reading this whole thread, I strangely feel as if I already know you...


Best Regards, John

Hello to you John and a personal welcome as well. I've been a little busy with some projects but still wanted to thank you for your very kind comments. I believe you have found kindred souls here on the thread.

Chris also sends greetings as we are away, defending her title with the finest Mark VIII in the country. (guys, I figure if I can keep her preoccupied with her Mark that's time away from preparing even a pop quiz. Good thinking, eh? )

As you must have just read, the Jerauld manifold has just taken another interesting turn, so that story is still unfolding here. Not only is Jacob able to drive a vintage tanker in a quest for his own speed record, with any luck I'll be able to lend personal assistance in the effort and channel Mr Johnson for having somehow, indirectly brought us both together which ultimately set the whole deal in motion. Who knew?

I'd enjoy very much meeting you if you get the chance as we are friends who just haven't met, yet. Cameron and I will be racing in Stanton, MI

Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race
September 16th and 17th
Mid Michigan Motorplex, Stanton MI
http://www.midmichmotorplex.com/

and quite possibly Martin, MI

FAST and F/S National Race
October 14th and 15th
US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, MI
http://www.us131motorsportspark.com


As I've mentioned to countless others, please check back with us here as there is more to be had with this thread, so to speak. The "things that happen" on the way to restoring a 1930's auto shop.

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

I hope you guys take lots of pics to share of the flats and I wish you and Cameron all the best at the track. I'm posting a link to the races at Noble so if any of you want to come to Oklahoma for some fun you can. October 15th and it's pretty family freindly so you can bring the kids if you want to.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/na...ommitment-list-noble-october-15th-2011-a.html

 

[BigDaddyUSMC]

Y-MANIFOLD

Here are a few photo of us stuffing Jacob into the Belly Tank just to make sure his old **** fit,

Here is a photo of the car we are restoring & racing this year at Bonneville
I think Fred said this photo was taken in the early 1990's

 

[charlief1]

I remember pics of that from years ago. Very cool.

 

[ManicMechanic360]

Keep up the good work

 

[donnie]

Thomas hope to say Hi to you on the Salt. Along with the crew on Fred's belly tanker. I will be crewing on the 9602 truck.

 

[BB767]

OK, I admit it, I'm just a little behind here. So Chris was off defending her...

...President's Emeritus Award, successfully with what is believed another perfect score.

Driving to these shows are not without their challenges. The blue tape is painters tape that I apply to keep chronic areas from getting too bug splattered and stone chipped while driving on the way. It peals off readily and with just a light polish we're good to go once there.

The new rotary lift in the barn was extremely helpful with prepping the undercarriage, until we ran into several hours of heavy rain on the way.

But we managed in spite of the heavy rain. Once the car is well prepped it doesn't take that much effort to "freshen" it up.

All in all Chris was happy, able to defend her title so I guess I get to keep the shop and barn for another year. If she's happy, I'm happy.

More shop "stuff" is on the way..........

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Everytime I stop by I am amazed at the new things I read...I have started taking more pictures of my place and carefully considering ways to restore/reuse things. I can't wait to see the million mark...unbelieveable. Shows a certain type of person is just drawn to the inspiration they find here and at other great posts on GJ...and that there are large numbers of such persons even today.

Shaun

Hey there Shaun, sorry about the delay getting back to you. I just wanted to make sure Chris had a successful "outcome" with her Mark.(see above)

Yea, this thread does contain a myriad of material it seems, which is good and bad I suppose. At times it has taken on a life of it's own, witness Jacob and his land speed quest in a tanker. Charles tells me they will bring the Jerauld manifold along with them to the salt in a couple of weeks. I didn't foresee any of this happening but it is fascinating to watch it all unfold.

Thanks for your interest in the shop and I truly hope this thread will assist you with yours. I find that hugely satisfying and comments like yours really do make all the effort to present material here very worthwhile. Standby for more....

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I hope you guys take lots of pics to share of the flats and I wish you and Cameron all the best at the track.........

That's the plan charlief1. I won't know until I'm out there if I can post from the flats, but if not I'll all wind up here once I'm back. The "few" pictures I've posted here on the thread are but a small sample of all the ones I've taken....so far. I'll do my best to document Charles and Jacob's efforts plus other material I think will be of interest to everyone. Stick with me here.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas hope to say Hi to you on the Salt. Along with the crew on Fred's belly tanker. I will be crewing on the 9602 truck.

Hello donnie, thanks for checking in. Your truck number is noted and I should imagine we'll get together. I expect to be spending the bulk of my time in the San Diego Roadster Club pits helping out where needed but Lou tells me he'll let me "off leash" every so often. I'll be easy to spot, I'll be the guy grinning from ear to ear...

... and wearing a Garage Journal tee shirt.

See you in a little over a week!

Thomas

 

[BigAl62]

I thought this was Tom:

 

[Vernmotor]

LOL at bigAl

 

[rjcsandiego]

And to complete the circle, Tom. I met Fred Lobello in the late 70's. He was a neighbor and friend of my former wife's family. Have fun on the salt with Lou!

 

[dcm5652]

Tom would have a seeing eye (bow-tie) on a leash.

 

[BB767]

And as rjcsadiego says; to complete the circle, here is the final installment on the Walker Floor Jack restoration project.

Once the final assembly was completed the jack needed to be serviced to get it in proper working condition. Here the lift arm is being greased using synthetic grease (charlief1 would be so proud.)

Next each of the front wheels has it's own grease zirk so...

...they were serviced as well. Note the zirk for the left wheel. BTW charlief1 you are correct, I should have used blue Loctite on the rear wheel set screws. I'd planned on doing that for the longest time, but when it came time for that installation I just didn't do it. Duh! That has now been corrected! Thank you sir for the reminder.

An aerial view of the wheel zirk servicing, contrasting with it's older brother.

This was the way the cover plate finally turned out. As you all know, Don and I redid these letters umpteen million bazillon times and this is the final version. Don asked for the cover plate back for one last shot at doing it to his satisfaction and here it is. This reflects what the actual raised letter stampings look like on the cover so that's what it will stay as. Not exactly prefect, but that's how Walker sent it out the door. Everything is powder coated so they should look good for many, many years to come. Note the crisp raised letters on the left, older jack. Those are so much more precisely made. They would powder coat up beautifully....but you know that one is staying original paint.

So here it is in action....finally at work doing what it was designed...

...and manufactured to do. Sweet Old Bill's saddle protector hard at work protecting that powder coating!

These last two pictures are some of my favorite contrasting pictures of...

...Before...

...After...

Take a close look at both of them and remember the next time you come across some nasty, old equipment about to be junked. Envision the possibilities.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I thought this was Tom:

Terrific picture BigAl. Many thanks for that!! If we tried to do something like that today we'd likely get fired for it or at least severely reprimanded ( an interview without tea as Rick calls it). Folks just don't have the sense of humor the way they use to it seems. Thanks again my friend for the day brightener.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Tom would have a seeing eye (bow-tie) on a leash.

There you go!!!!!!!!!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

And to complete the circle, Tom. I met Fred Lobello in the late 70's. He was a neighbor and friend of my former wife's family. Have fun on the salt with Lou!

I just don't see how I can't have fun out there. I first started reading about Mickey Thompson and his Challenger car on the salt flats in Popular Mechanics in 1960 and then followed Craig Breedlove and Art Arfons dueling back and forth a few years later. That place has always been kind of hallowed ground to me, don't know why it just has.

I'll pass greetings on to Fred, Lou and everyone for you. Should be there this time next week!

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

LMFAO! Thanks Thomas and more than happy to help you out. Looks really nice and I hope to see more of the resto.

Now to use a quote from Hobbits, TOOLS! LOL

 

[hobbitss]

LMFAO! Thanks Thomas and more than happy to help you out. Looks really nice and I hope to see more of the resto.

Now to use a quote from Hobbits, TOOLS! LOL

Tools!!!!

Pass it on....

 

[BB767]

With apologies to Joe I've been neglectful concerning tools and the tool shed. I haven't forgotten, really. Now that the Walker is up and running my attention is on the ..............BB; aka Barn Bench.



I really need to finish that one up Joe, really. It's been so unhandy not having a proper bench to work on out there, plus what a great place to work on the tools coming out of the tool shed!! So the base, drawers...



...and doors have been started. I'm using Watco Danish Oil (anyone from Denmark in attendance here?) on the the lower cabinetry. I love using Danish Oil, it's easy to work with and I've had excellent results with it on past work. The base has 4 coats on it right now and I expect another 4 more to go to build up the finish I want. I'm buffing between coats with 0000 steel wool. The tactile feel on the face surfaces already is quite pleasant, visually pleasing and inviting to the touch. The kind of surface where you really love running your hands alllllllllll over it. It's hard to resist with it leering at you seductively, daring you to walk by and not touch it's super smooth, velvety and creamy sides................but I digress........




The shelf above it is now finished also...



...so it matches the bench below.



The tops are being treated with Varathane Satin Floor Finish (the bottom of the tops shown here ) which it quite hard, protects the wood and is scratch resistant. This newest material is self-leveling and does a decent job of hiding brush marks. The bottoms got two coats and the tops are probably getting 3 - 4 depending on how it goes. Sanding after the first coat with 220 and thereafter with 380. The whole base and tops are being sealed on all reachable surfaces to get as uniform moisture absorption as possible. I keep the barn humidity at 25-30% so while I retain ownership I don't think that will ever be a problem.

Coming up next is the solution to that pesky airline running behind the bench. Stay tuned!

Thomas

 

[markviii]

Nice description of those bench surfaces! I'm not jealous!
Chris

 

[cool50]

Tom, I see you have a few Lincolns, My dad has a 1991 Mark vii in need of major restore. He has owned it since new and drove it every day for about 9 yrs. He keeps it in his garage and always wish it can get it restored. Now that I am finishing up my projects I'm thinking of restoring it over the winter. Do you know any Lincoln clubs or anywhere I can find some info/help? Thanks Anthony

 

[charlief1]

Nice description of those bench surfaces! I'm not jealous!
Chris

See what you started Thomas. Where's the ky? Sorry if I offend but it was way too easy.

 

[markviii]

Thanks for posting in Anthony. For Lincolns, here is the link to the international club, LCOC (Lincoln & Continental Owners Club. --
http://lcoc.org/ There were many fine Mark VIIs at our national meet in Pontiac, MI last month. The last meet of the year is in Redmond, WA, in September.

We're always looking for new members. You'll notice that we have regions everywhere, so there's probably one near you. The Midwest Region is centered around St. Louis. The Lakeshore Region is around Chicago. Both have many activities throughout the year. You can find their newsletters on the main LCOC homepage.

Also, for all things Lincoln, try http://www.lincolnsofdistinction.org/

Good luck on that restoration. It's a good garage project!

Chris

 

[tinbender 66]

http://lcoc.org/ There were many fine Mark VIIs at our national meet in Pontiac, MI last month. The last meet of the year is in Redmond, WA, in September.

Why don't you just hop in that Lincoln and cruise on out to Redmond ? I'm about an hour from there.

 

[charlief1]

Anyone else think it's ironic that lincolns are meeting in Pontiac? LOL

 

[ZRX61]

The tactile feel on the face surfaces already is quite pleasant, visually pleasing and inviting to the touch. The kind of surface where you really love running your hands alllllllllll over it. It's hard to resist with it leering at you seductively, daring you to walk by and not touch it's super smooth, velvety and creamy sides................but I digress........

Thomas

Get a room....

 

[BigAl62]

Get a room....

He seems to have plenty of room, but no privacy! lol

 

[markviii]

tinbender 66 - there were also lots of fine Mark VIIIs, though mine was (and is) the best! There was a '98 with <100 miles on it (trailered, of course) that still had the plastic covering the seats ("because that's how it came from the factory") was okay, but not stunning. It did win its class and a Lincoln trophy because it wasn't up against any real competition in the Primary class. I doubt he'll trailer it to WA. We won't be able to take our car either. Prior commitments... Probably next spring near Minneapolis will be our next opportunity.

charlief1 - yep, Lincolns in Pontiac; quite a unique experience. And we had a tour of the Chrysler Museum to boot! We had 10 mighty fine Lincolns parked in the circle drive for a photo op on July 29. We caused quite a stir with the general public at the museum that day. Many came to our show on Saturday because of that. Friday evening, some club members went down Woodward Avenue (in their Lincolns) to an Irish Pub and then back to the hotel.

Joe - Tom never forgets about TOOLS, though he may get side-tracked (he would never admit, within my hearing, to tools being his first love, but when he's with the guys...). After all, in the Center of the Universe, everything revolves around tools and garages.

In any case, I'll keep him!

ZRX61 -- we did! (oops! TMI!) And BigAl62 is correct (but it's probably all our fault)!

Chris

 

[Red Leader]

Wow, I don't think I've commented on this garage yet. What is my problem?

3400+ replies should say plenty about your project. It is probably one of, if not the finest undertaking I've ever seen on a garage. The vintage touches and attention to detail are second to none. I haven't even read through the entire thing but one of these days when I have hours to kill I'll have to make that happen.

Even so, just the limited pages I've been able to view have floored me.

You, sir, have impeccable taste. Keep it up, you're inspiring a lot of people, myself included. And now, for some reason, I feel an irresistible urge to go find an old Walker jack

You have my utmost respect

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thomas, after reading your thoughts of the BB finish, I wondered how Chris would feel. She's a fine wife to state she is NOT jealous of BB, however, I don't feel 'THE ANVIL' would be as understanding... Watch your step the next time you take an evening stroll with 'THE ANVIL', you might find yourself on 'THE ANVIL' horn of a dilemma!

P.S. - You've made the Walker into a piece of 'Industrial Art', again!

 

[BB767]

Tom, I see you have a few Lincolns, My dad has a 1991 Mark vii in need of major restore. He has owned it since new and drove it every day for about 9 yrs. He keeps it in his garage and always wish it can get it restored. Now that I am finishing up my projects I'm thinking of restoring it over the winter. Do you know any Lincoln clubs or anywhere I can find some info/help? Thanks Anthony

Anthony, as Chris mentioned the LCOC is an excellent resource. Some of our members are experts on various aspects and years of Lincolns (I cover the mid sixties Lincolns for authenticity) from the earliest cars to present. All the members help is done on a voluntary basis. Additionally, members can point you to good folks to work with regarding specialty Lincoln parts. If you take your Dad's Mark project on I would highly recommend joining the LCOC and the local chapter for you probably would be the North Shore Chapter. An added bonus is they are all just great, friendly people, one of the reasons Chris and I have been members for over 30 years now.

Feel free to contact me via a PM if you need additional information. Good luck, Mark VII's are terrific automobiles.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

http://lcoc.org/ There were many fine Mark VIIs at our national meet in Pontiac, MI last month. The last meet of the year is in Redmond, WA, in September.

Why don't you just hop in that Lincoln and cruise on out to Redmond ? I'm about an hour from there.

Paul, if that invitation includes a hop around the patch in the P51 I rather suspect I could find my way out there. Yes, yes I'm sure I could.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

...Tom never forgets about TOOLS, though he may get side-tracked (he would never admit, within my hearing, to tools being his first love...).
In any case, I'll keep him!


Chris

Well Chris I have to admit I bought my first tool set to support my go kart, both of which were probably my first loves....but this was long before I met you. There is a difference between first loves and true love after all.

Good to hear you'll keep me. In that case I'll be home soon!!

Love Struck Thomas

 

[BB767]

Wow, I don't think I've commented on this garage yet. What is my problem?

3400+ replies should say plenty about your project. It is probably one of, if not the finest undertaking I've ever seen on a garage. The vintage touches and attention to detail are second to none. I haven't even read through the entire thing but one of these days when I have hours to kill I'll have to make that happen.

Even so, just the limited pages I've been able to view have floored me.

You, sir, have impeccable taste. Keep it up, you're inspiring a lot of people, myself included. And now, for some reason, I feel an irresistible urge to go find an old Walker jack

You have my utmost respect

Indeed what is your problem Red Leader? Seriously, I do appreciate the generous comments. I would encourage you at some point reading through the thread, maybe a little at a time. I'm confident you'll find it worthwhile- for sure different. Just a few pages at a time and by this time next year I'll bet you'll be all caught up!

BTW, you really can't go wrong with a vintage Walker. It would look great in that fantastic shop project of yours. No slouch that!

Welcome to our little corner of the world.

Thomas