Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT 1950s Craftsman Garage retro remodel

[Red Leader]

OK - too much family time - you're neglecting your subscribed!

More pics, more progress!!!

btw - my wife told me to tell everyone they can come down to take care of the kid (aka change diapers, get spit up on, change laundry) so that I can start working on the garage again.

 

[Vernmotor]

Tell Her no.. that's what she is supost to do ! LOL ducking and hiding

 

[mdbeck1]

btw - my wife told me to tell everyone they can come down to take care of the kid (aka change diapers, get spit up on, change laundry) so that I can start working on the garage again.

You do understand that several of us are getting ready for the "grandkid" stage in our life. We might just take you up on this.

So WHERE did you say you live at? I'll have to get it cleared with SWMBFAO.

 

[couchmechanic]

RE:LESSONS LEARNED SO FAR:

1. Buy masking tape in bulk, you'll need more than you think
2. Things that should take the quickest usually end up taking the longest
3. You will forget where you put your pencil. I think a pencil holder at each work station is starting to sound like a really nice idea.
4. If you are too quick on your prep work, it will end up biting you in the **** on the tail end
5. If you can't find it, or afford it, you might just be able to make it! Give it a shot!
6. Let ideas soak in for a time, as they'll usually mature and you'll end up with something cooler than what you first thought up.
7. If you screwed up, there is a good chance that you'll be able to fix it, so don't sweat it
8. Stuff will break (drill bits, screws, tape measures, saw blades, etc). Don't worry about it too much and have spares
9. Buying tools that you didn't need at the time but knew you'd need down the road was a complete and total LIFESAVER. I can't remember how many times I though, "****...I need X tool...wait...I have X tool because I got it a while back before I needed it!!!!"

Man I read your post laughed a little commented in my mind I won't do that. I am still learning the hardway.

 

[PsRumors]

So, I ended up with something peculiar the other day....

By daveamy at 2011-08-02

And check that out! Has a 'born on' date of 11-49. Shucks, looks like it missed the '1950' mark by a month. Guess it's time to get rid of it.

.

Did you pay more than when it was new?

This is from my 1950 Sears Power Tools Catalog, printed 7.1.49....Your grinder is a '50's model

 

[Red Leader]

.

Did you pay more than when it was new?

Nope

And just for fun, when I calculate out how much 48.95 cost in 1950, it equates to $438.41 in today's money. So...I definitely got it for less that what it would have cost new

 

[PsRumors]

I love the old Sears stuff. Just wish more of it was around here. All the Sears stuff is north...

 

[Red Leader]

Well guys, a little update.

Its been several days since I posted in this thread, for good reason. Back at the start of the week Mrs Red Leader was taken to the ER...was a little scary. Since then she has been on a strict program of eating and LOTS of rest. Fortunately (thank God) she has steadily been improving. Today was the first day that she really didn't exhibit any of the previous symptoms that originally took her to the ER. Hopefully soon she'll be back to her old self and kick this thing for good

In garage related news...

One of the last posts I made indicated that I may have a pretty big announcement to make about the garage, that it wasn't 100% guaranteed, and to keep your fingers crossed.

Well, good news - it came through

I can't tell you what it is without pictures, so I'll have to snap some photos and make another post about it, but get excited. I know I am

Sorry to leave you all hanging...but expect another update soon!

 

[tinbender 66]

Thinking good "get well" thoughts for Mrs. RL!!
If you're excited it must be good. Can't wait..............

 

[omr]

best wishes to your wife but damn you for the tease ..lol

 

[flybefree]

Concur...glad she is doing better/unveil it aleady! I can't believe how much those grinders cost back in the day...no wonder we had a homemade one on the farm when my grandpa was farming.

 

[Wingnut65]

Prayers for Lady Red. Rest and relaxation should help out. And, SHE should do the same!

There you go again and just keep us hanging. Hopefully we aren't waiting for pictures of son # 2??...

 

[couchmechanic]

Hey Red leader, My family and I are praying for your wife. Hope all is well! GOD Bless

 

[widerberg]

Yikes, RL. Sorry for the scare with your wife. With a new baby, too, I know that must NOT have been fun for you. Relieved she's doing better, though! Can't wait to see the big garage reveal

 

[Red Leader]

Thanks guys for the support. The prayers are ABSOLUTELY appreciated. She has a doctor's visit today and we're praying all is well.


As far as the garage goes, I'll give a little hint...

I have mentioned in previous posts that the two biggest (and most expensive) projects for the garage that I couldn't foresee happening for at least a few years mainly due to cost were the floor, and the ceiling...

That's all for now!

 

[shopnut]

I think you've been watching too many darn reality TV shows:

"And the person going home tonight is" .....(long pause)....... "We'll tell you right after this break."

Thanks for nothing, RL

Glad to hear the wife is on the rebound.

 

[tinbender 66]

That's all for now![/QUOTE]

Dog.

 

[Red Leader]

Okay, announcement time!

So I sorta kinda hinted at what this announcement could be. And in all honesty, maybe in the grand scheme of things its really not that big of an announcement, but it is HUGE for the 1950s Craftsman Garage, since I am working on an extremely limited budget.

With that said, the announcement is....


















(drum roll).......................



















I now have a ceiling!!!(not installed, of course)



So, I was talking to my dad the other day about a ceiling for the garage and was telling him my idea of a corrugated steel ceiling (which would still be wicked cool!) but brought up some very real concerns with noise echo from that type of ceiling, especially working with some very loud woodworking tools. I didn't think about it from that angle before, so I listened to him. We talked about drop ceilings and I really liked the idea of being able to still have access to the rafters for some storage.

So, I started looking at how these things go together and what supplies are needed. My garage space is about 18x22, or roughly 400sq ft. I looked online at Lowes - just one box of the 12' main beams (box of 20) was over $400 (http://www.lowes.com/pd_89091-61-HD...URL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=12%27+main+beam&facetInfo=) ...WAY too much for my budget, and that was only one component!

So, like I normally do, I kept an eye out for used stuff. Almost the same night, I found an ad for 'Used drop ceiling materials'. I go to check it out, and I come home with the goods!!!

By daveamy at 2011-08-12

By daveamy at 2011-08-12

By daveamy at 2011-08-12

By daveamy at 2011-08-12


So for about $100, I got about $1300 worth of material:

12' main beam x25 ($417 for 20 pack @ Lowes)
4' cross tee x 3 box ($170 per box @ Lowes)
2' cross tee x 7 box (roughly $50/box)

...which adds up to about $1277 and doesn't include what also came with the package:

Roughly 1000' hanging wire ($$??)
A few pieces of 'L' shaped wall molding

The best part about it is that since 'grandma' came to visit the new baby she brought me a savings bond they've been keeping for me for a while and that helped fund this endeavor. I didn't even have to touch the budget!

I'm really excited about all this because I totally thought it was going to be a good few years before I got to the ceiling and the floor, but now things are actually going to happen!!!

Once the grid is up, 2x2 ceiling tiles will be installed. I have found some classified ads that list 2x4 tiles at $1/tile, which means $.50 per 2x2 tile (cut in half), which then I can paint and install on the cheap (bout $40 for the whole ceiling). Eventually when I have either more time (yeah right haha) or more money, I can cover them with some matching wood trim facing, or something even cooler like this:

So yeah, that's the announcement. I know a lot of folks on this board with major garage builds simply make a nonchalant post about this stuff (and already installed to boot) I know its not really a huge deal, but its a major 'check' of the list for some of the bigger garage project supplies needed.

Maybe next I'll find a smokin' deal on some tile! We'll see!!!

 

[flybefree]

Rl: that is a pretty darn good deal...it pays to have a plan and to be patient! Looks to be in like new condition too.

 

[Bob Heine]

I'm a fan of suspended ceilings, especially in a shop environment. When you decide to add wiring, compressed air and dust collection systems to the shop, you can easily access the space above the ceiling and hide the gnarly bits. The 2'x4' troffers you already have will give you great general lighting and you can easily move them and add more as you find more bargain fixtures. Most of those fixtures can be split wired for two levels of lighting.

Are you going to paint the track? You have the black, green and tan theme already.

My father was a teacher and author who made light bulb changing a DIY project. His first power tool was a Craftsman 1/4" drill, which was outrageously expensive in 1952. I think it was $29.95 - single speed and only powerful enough to drill holes. At one point he added a clamp-on circular saw attachment to his arsenal but it was useless on anything thicker than 1/2-inch. When he passed away in 1968 I inherited the drill and even though it rarely sees use, I've kept it working and even replaced the cord with a real 3-prong plug (it originally had a pigtail you had to attach to the outlet cover.

 

[tinbender 66]

Great deal RL!! You're one of the best CL sleuths on here. There was a guy recently on the local CL that had new ceiling tiles (8K sq. ft.) @ .50 apiece.

 

[Red Leader]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to try to get some more work done on the inside of the garage door today. Little by little, it will get done.

In other DIY news, got the dryer hose line replaced with a hard steel vent (replacing the crappy flexible stuff). The work never stops!

 

[BUGTHUG]

Hey what does the 50's style grinder look like? I have a little scroll saw like your magnetic one, but I think its a little smaller than that?

 

[Wingnut65]

Congrats on the ceiling. So things are looking up! Or at least will be...

That is a great hall for a hundred Were they actually installed/used grids or spares that have never been out of the box??

I still have detail work on my garage door to finish as well. Then there's the second door...

 

[Red Leader]

Hey what does the 50's style grinder look like? I have a little scroll saw like your magnetic one, but I think its a little smaller than that?

Do you mean early, early fifties, or mid to late 1950s?

 

[Red Leader]

Congrats on the ceiling. So things are looking up! Or at least will be...

That is a great hall for a hundred Were they actually installed/used grids or spares that have never been out of the box??

I still have detail work on my garage door to finish as well. Then there's the second door...

Thanks! Its all new. Someone had the suggestion here to paint the grid black and that is exactly what I'm going to do.

I'm not sure when I'll get it up - I need to do some more reading on drop ceilings. Plus, I want to make some strategic swing-down storage holds for the ceiling, so it will take a bit of planning. Honestly, I'd like to finish up with the garage door, re-paint the line on the wall and door, then start getting to work on the workbench

 

[KaiserM715]

Very cool garage!! BTW: Fatherhood is one of the most amazing things a man can experience. Congrats on the addition to your family.

 

[Bobcat719]

Unbelievable thread! I am so thankful that I got to read this thread! Congrats on the new arrival and on all of the amazing progress you have made on your garage. I too am in Colorado (Springs) and am looking to make my garage more functional, so this is some real motivation for me! Thanks again, you rock!

 

[Red Leader]

Thanks kindly gents

Soon I'll have a real update. I got to paint 2 out of the three steel supports for the garage door, as well as 4 more hinges. Slow going these days

I've been a little worried about the sag on the door as well. A couple of suggestions I've found were to A) get a new garage door (not happening) or B) try and fix it with some threaded metal rod - same kind of technique used on sagging fence doors.

I may visit the hardware store and see what I can find - I've got an idea that would both fix the sag when the garage door is closed and also when it is open.

Maybe soon we'll see if I'm crazy

 

[flybefree]

RL: cable and turn buckle might be easier to install than a threaded rod...we use that on sagging door in the barn sometimes.

Hope all is well with wife and baby.

Shaun

 

[NASMAN]

That is going to be crazy nice. Sure wish I had those tools to work with. We need more pictures please. Love it. Lin says part of it should include a diner section.

 

[Red Leader]

That is going to be crazy nice. Sure wish I had those tools to work with. We need more pictures please. Love it. Lin says part of it should include a diner section.

The workbench idea I am working on will incorporate several diner elements, including the ribbed polished aluminum trim around the table, white formica table top, neon lighting and polished trim as well as a lighted sign. I would like to make a fold down bench in another corner of the garage that would have more of a 'diner' feel to it, but I have also been known to be ambitious

And thank you for your generous compliments!

 

[Red Leader]

Okay, here is all I have to show for myself for the past week.

The wife was super gracious to allow me a few hours of uninterrupted time in the garage (thanks hun!). They are asleep right now...I could technically do more, but I am too tired right now

By daveamy at 2011-08-16

By daveamy at 2011-08-16

By daveamy at 2011-08-16

This kid is kicking our **** right now so I either have no time, or I'm tired as all get out. Its all good since he completely rocks and we love him. SO...whenever I get the chance to get out there and do more, I will. I'm about halfway done with the trim paint at the current moment (actually it feels more like 65% done, but why set ourselves up for disappointment?)

 

[Red Leader]

RL: cable and turn buckle might be easier to install than a threaded rod...we use that on sagging door in the barn sometimes.

Hope all is well with wife and baby.

Shaun

Actually, this is a BRILLIANT idea. Its what I was thinking all along...I just needed someone to bring it out of me haha j/k

So, with the wire, where do you get it, and how do you attach threaded ends to it? Can a store like HD do that while you are there as long as you know how long you need it?

 

[Red Leader]

Hope all is well with wife and baby.

Shaun

Wife is good, tired. Baby is good, a little fussy these past few days. Must miss his dad while he's at work all day!

Thanks for asking!

 

[Red Leader]

Unbelievable thread! I am so thankful that I got to read this thread! Congrats on the new arrival and on all of the amazing progress you have made on your garage. I too am in Colorado (Springs) and am looking to make my garage more functional, so this is some real motivation for me! Thanks again, you rock!

Colorado Springs! Right on! We need to start a 'Colorado Garages Unite!' thread or something like that. You have a garage on here? Would love to see it!

And thank you for your kind comments! They help keep me going.

-Dave

 

[tinbender 66]

Lookin' good! Now you have infected me with some sort of garage door virus. I used to see them as just big square things to keep the wind out. Now they've become a canvas.

Those kind of projects are cool because you can make a big difference for a small amount of cash. Keep 'em comin' as you have the time.

 

[Wingnut65]

The door is looking good. That wood will look good stained with the black as the accent. I will consider removing the hinges on the second door. That looks good when you did it.

The turnbuckle would help, but would need to be on the bottom panel only pulling up the center. They are available at HD and Lowes and are either in hardware or fencing departments.

Glad to hear the family life is rather normal for a newborn. It just takes time to get in a routine. But he has other plans. And I can't help but notice your Sig line... your son has his own version of feedback to offer you!

tinbender: I agree that this thread gave me the idea that the door could be a canvas. Hope you can spend some time on a remedy for that virus...

 

[flybefree]

Or tractor supply store...at least around here they have that sort of stuff for substantially less than Lowes or the Home Despot.

 

[Red Leader]

Or tractor supply store...at least around here they have that sort of stuff for substantially less than Lowes or the Home Despot.

Yep, unfortunately we're not that cool. We have a (overpriced) Grainger, and some Ace Hardwares. I do like Ace, but even then, the hardware stores of today are WAY different then how I imagine they used to be. At least out here, it's picking between the lesser of several evils.

I went to Lowe's the other day to grab some ductwork for the dryer vent and to price out tile. I usually never go to Lowes but it was somewhat drummed up here, especially for certain things, like the tile. I was pretty bummed. Even the tile is made in China. I'm thinking, really? I like the idea of tile in the garage, but I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't bother me every time I'd look at the floor. If I did do tile, it would be because I came upon a great big cache of it at one of the 2nd hand places. The RaceDeck stuff is looking very, very good about now. Yes, it is expensive, but Made in USA means a lot to me for this garage.

All that aside, I do like the wire/turnbuckle idea. I'd have to do 3 or 4 of them, across each of the panels. Would hate to put it across the whole garage door just to be a little surprised when I tried to open the thing