Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[buzzworth]

I started reading this thread on 12/23/11 and have just reached page 100/post 2000 from 12/10. (my reading time is limited to after work...and I'm retired from the business world)
It reads better than any book. There's history, there's drama, there's comedy, and there is love.
I hope the next 100+ pages bring us even closer.

Thanks for the life story Thomas&Chris.

sean

p.s....Thomas, do you read Airways Magazine? I seem to remember some stories about Air Micronesia.

(back to reading)

 

[BB767]

Here are some stills captured from the 8 mm home movies of the shop done in the 1950's and early 60's that I'm trying to get posted on youtube.

The building in the back, bright white with two windows and a door with a window in it is the original shop. The north room addition is where the tan color concrete block starts just to the right of the door. The lift is just in front of the silver propane tanks (red outline) and is outside before the 3 walls surrounding it were added in 1962. This is the first time I had ever seen the shop before the lift had been enclosed and with the lift situated outside. The propane tanks are about where a second doorway was added...

...when the lift was enclosed. Here you can see that doorway in the above picture, between the two windows.

Here's another picture of the lift outside with the lift seen as the dark object in front of the silver propane tanks. The lift front wheel chocks (red circle), are seen below and also the lift controls (circled blue)...

...front wheel chock.

...lift control, far right.

Here is a portable welder pulled by a late 1920's Dodge I believe, the concrete wall with a window in the background is the north addition. The small open trench just behind the car running to the shop is for a water line installed from the house. I found that water line when I was doing some digging around there. It had been abandoned years before, all rusted through.

This I believe is that same portable welder (red circled) without it's 2 wheel trailer some 50 years later and surprisingly enough in just about the same spot. That widow above it is the same window in the north addition as in the previous picture. What are the odds?

In the back left is the shop Jeep pickup truck in front of the lift room.

Here is Mr Johnson in front of the lift room, with his Walker floor jack after it was unloaded from the back of the Jeep truck.

I know that property so well, especially the shop and to see it in those earliest pictures without the lift room is so strange and terribly special to me as I love history so much. I am extremely thankful to the family for sharing those old 8 mm films with me and in turn, I can share some stills from it with you here. I'm trying to get it posted on youtube soon. Thanks everyone for your patience.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Now play fair!! That may be how MILs are typically portrayed in some families, but that's never been my mom's way!

Chris

OK to be honest my MIL is a great gal and has always been supportive of me.........well almost always.

Kiss and make up now Chris??

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas and all....The log house project started in 1995 and progressed for a couple years with the addition to it and outbuildings.

I've started a new place that is going to be a timberframe. The new garage is started and there is a thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120063

I'll update it soon as the timbers will be raised starting next monday 1/9.

Time now for indoor projects as the cold winds blow.
sean

p.s....what do you mow with? tractor or ZTR? (i'm "only" on page 75 of this thread and reading every post...whew)

Sean, when you get to this page to answer the question, I mow with the ZTR of course. Doing it my tractor would probably destroy 1/2 the trees out there. It's not terribly maneuverable and pretty unwieldy for mowing but is it great at moving snow!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

buzzworth... you are not the only one with a restored Log Cabin........ we rebuilt it in the mid 90's and added a bathroom...

Ah, indoor plumbing... living the high life I see.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I started reading this thread on 12/23/11 and have just reached page 100/post 2000 from 12/10. (my reading time is limited to after work...and I'm retired from the business world)
It reads better than any book. There's history, there's drama, there's comedy, and there is love.
I hope the next 100+ pages bring us even closer.

Thanks for the life story Thomas&Chris.

sean

p.s....Thomas, do you read Airways Magazine? I seem to remember some stories about Air Micronesia.

(back to reading)

There's even...

... an anvil in a staring role! It just doesn't get any better than that now does it?

BTW Sean, I have not read Airways Magazine but would love to, especially anything about Air Mike. Some stories from out there are legendary.

Thomas

 

[Boosted1]

Man those pics from the 8mm tape compared to today are great!

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

Thomas, WOW those old pictures and information are great details. What a find.

 

[BB767]

Man those pics from the 8mm tape compared to today are great!

Thomas, WOW those old pictures and information are great details. What a find.

I thought so too as is the video. So much history around that place. I was using the anvil today...

...and thought about all the items Mr Johnson made or repaired while using that same work surface. Hearing it ringing again from the hammer blows was a welcome sound indeed.

My buddy, one of Mr Johnson's sons, called today saying he had found some more pictures from around the shop that are from the 1960's. We're getting together tomorrow so I can pick them up and add them to the ones I've already got but haven't posted yet. Hope they scan well!

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

Are you going to try and put the movies on vido for the family Thomas. That would be a great Christmas gift for them next year.

 

[BB767]

Here's something for all you drag racing enthusiasts. Last fall at the Pure Stock Drag Race in Stanton, MI, I had a camera mounted inside the '66 Chevy II during one of the races with Bob Telep and his 1969 396 Camaro.(if you remember, he's the talented gentleman who refurbished the Sun Distributor machine.) I'm in the right hand lane and you can see Bob's red Camaro out my left window pulling up to the burnout box. Here's a link you can click on:

For those unfamiliar with drag racing, you do a "burn out" before the actual race to warm up the tires. That's what all the smoke around the 1:00 point is from. Banging gears all the way. That run is labeled as the 12.91 ET @ 109.26 mph pass I did that weekend. Fortunately you don't see Bob's car during the race which means he was behind me! Pressure is always on when racing friends.

Gear Bangin' Thomas

 

[BB767]

Are you going to try and put the movies on vido for the family Thomas. That would be a great Christmas gift for them next year.

charlief1, that's already been done.

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

charlief1, that's already been done.

Thomas

Totally cool Thomas.

 

[Kevin54]

Thomas & Chris......When anyone talks about "Livin' the Dream", both of your names have to be right at the top!!! To go through life and never once say "I'm bored" has to be a great feeling.

And Thomas....I just don't know how you find time to do it all From drag racing, to rebuilding garages, to restoring items most people would have scrapped, to flying all over the world....you've done more than a dozen people combined could wish for. I seriously think that you and Chris could write a book about your lives and it probably be a bestseller. I know that I've been through 200 pages here on this thread and not been bored by reading.

 

[dcm5652]

Thomas you are not supposed to look down when racing...that's when everything will usually go wrong, nice run though it brought back memories from the early 70's when I was running a blown small-block in a 23 "T" roadster.

 

[BigAl62]

Tom, your drag race video brought back memories of drag racing my Mustangs (1980 Cobra and 1988 GT).

 

[BB767]

Thomas you are not supposed to look down when racing...that's when everything will usually go wrong, nice run though it brought back memories from the early 70's when I was running a blown small-block in a 23 "T" roadster.

Well dcm5652, you are correct of course. I would classify it more as a glance than a look down. Here's what I was glancing at...

...an air/fuel meter display.

It displays what the air/fuel ratio is and is an aid in jetting the carburetor to an optimum setting. It only gives accurate information at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) under load. (Note to R1chy: make a note to self: Better add the meaning of WOT to the crib sheet for the test. ) The only time I'm not too busy and I'm at WOT is crossing the finish line so that's when I glanced at it.

BTW, regarding looking down; did you see where Mother Chevrolet put the tachs in those cars? They don't call them knee knockers for nothing!! Talk about having to look down............What were they thinking?!

Thomas

 

[tinbender 66]

Cool video!! You're pretty handy with that Muncie shifter!!

 

[BB767]

Thomas & Chris......When anyone talks about "Livin' the Dream", both of your names have to be right at the top!!! To go through life and never once say "I'm bored" has to be a great feeling.

And Thomas....I just don't know how you find time to do it all From drag racing, to rebuilding garages, to restoring items most people would have scrapped, to flying all over the world....you've done more than a dozen people combined could wish for. I seriously think that you and Chris could write a book about your lives and it probably be a bestseller. I know that I've been through 200 pages here on this thread and not been bored by reading.

Kevin54 I know you have been with us on this thread a long time and contributed several times which has added to all the useful information found here. Thank you for that.

I truly believe I am Living the Dream and I'm grateful for it and certainly don't let it go to my head, at least I hope not. I was and I think Chris also, were blessed with coming from modest families where we were taught all things are possible through hard work and effort. Growing up we could have/do most whatever we wanted as long as we earned it, nothing was given to either of us. With both of us having similar backgrounds we really are a good team.

You will always find time to do the things you want, but you have to prioritize. There are still some things I haven't achieved yet, but will in good time. Some of what I've done has been called work- restoring the old shop comes to mind- but I don't see it that way at all. I still can't wait to get out there and slowly make it the vision I have in my mind. If Chris didn't support me the way she does I doubt very much that my/our life would have gone the way it did.

I'm happy to know you haven't been bored with posts here. I just put them out here and figure those who find it interesting and informative will read it and others will move on to other areas more to their liking. I suppose when I sense a lack of interest I'll stop doing this but for now............more is on the way!

Thomas

 

[northern33]

That is one really cool garage!!!

 

[Bob Telep]

Here's something for all you drag racing enthusiasts. Last fall at the Pure Stock Drag Race in Stanton, MI, I had a camera mounted inside the '66 Chevy II during one of the races with Bob Telep and his 1969 396 Camaro.(if you remember, he's the talented gentleman who refurbished the Sun Distributor machine.) I'm in the right hand lane and you can see Bob's red Camaro out my left window pulling up to the burnout box. Here's a link you can click on:

For those unfamiliar with drag racing, you do a "burn out" before the actual race to warm up the tires. That's what all the smoke around the 1:00 point is from. Banging gears all the way. That run is labeled as the 12.91 ET @ 109.26 mph pass I did that weekend. Fortunately you don't see Bob's car during the race which means he was behind me! Pressure is always on when racing friends.

Gear Bangin' Thomas

Well, I guess it's Grandma's car 1, chick magnet car 0!!

Great job, Thomas. You came out of the gate strong, and I never had a chance after that. BTW, I didn't know you had a 4 speed automatic . Shifted like a pro.

Thomas didn't mention it, but he was fighting a balky clutch all day, which made his 12.91 even more significant.

Next time we do battle on YouTube, I hope the viewers will see the Camaro going through the traps!

 

[BB767]

These are some pictures of how the shop and specifically how the lift was used circa late 1960's-early70's.

This is in the lift room with the all glass overhead door in the background left. The open doorway to the fab room is to the right of the engine. The overhead wood beam in the lift room had a falling chain hoist on it for just this type of use. Note the open shop manuals on the far right and in the picture below.

This is almost from the same spot and angle only here, the lift is up and out of view. That provided more floor work space. Background is the clapboard of the outside of the original shop and behind the shop manuals is one of the windows.

Here the lift is about three feet up off the floor and is being used as a work bench. Most of the welding is done at the center of the "H" of the lift. A notched I-beam (blue circled) is placed to provide a bridge between the two lift ramps nearest the camera which helps support the work piece.That notched I-beam was used for many different projects and I still have it and another one that was used in a similar manner. They haven't been clean up yet. Overhead at the top, center is part of the Parts and Labor CASH sign and circled red is the old shop Sun engine analyzer.

From the other side of the room, in the background just behind the welder and next to shop Sun engine analyzer is...

...Miss Ditzler!

This is what the Sun engine analyzer looked like by the time I got the shop...

...it's in poor condition and not a candidate for restoration I'm afraid. I believe it's even beyond the magical skills of Bob Telep to save. It's destiny is to live on as a parts donor I would guess.

Thomas

 

[JimVonBaden]

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Jim

 

[Josh]

Should you have any interest in selling the base cart, I have a sun distributor tester of that vintage / color scheme that probably fits on that cart..

 

[BB767]

Should you have any interest in selling the base cart, I have a sun distributor tester of that vintage / color scheme that probably fits on that cart..

Josh, is yours anything like...

...the one pictured on the left?

I did send you a PM.

Thomas

 

[RADcustom]

Well dcm5652, you are correct of course. I would classify it more as a glance than a look down. Here's what I was glancing at...

...an air/fuel meter display.

It displays what the air/fuel ratio is and is an aid in jetting the carburetor to an optimum setting. It only gives accurate information at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) under load. (Note to R1chy: make a note to self: Better add the meaning of WOT to the crib sheet for the test. ) The only time I'm not too busy and I'm at WOT is crossing the finish line so that's when I glanced at it.

BTW, regarding looking down; did you see where Mother Chevrolet put the tachs in those cars? They don't call them knee knockers for nothing!! Talk about having to look down............What were they thinking?!

Thomas

I'm surprised to see you using such modern technology. I figured you would have one of these sitting on the seat.

I found this while helping my FIL clean out his Dad's shop a couple of years ago. It was in good shape so, I hated to throw it away. (I know, I have the sickness too)
I don't know much about it. I believe it is missing some probes in order to be functional.

There are some ports on the side that I believe are the inputs for the probes.

I had forgotten about it until I ran across it the other day. It reminded me of you and this thread.

 

[hobbitss]

Well dcm5652, you are correct of course. I would classify it more as a glance than a look down. Here's what I was glancing at...

...an air/fuel meter display.

It displays what the air/fuel ratio is and is an aid in jetting the carburetor to an optimum setting. It only gives accurate information at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) under load. (Note to R1chy: make a note to self: Better add the meaning of WOT to the crib sheet for the test. ) The only time I'm not too busy and I'm at WOT is crossing the finish line so that's when I glanced at it.

BTW, regarding looking down; did you see where Mother Chevrolet put the tachs in those cars? They don't call them knee knockers for nothing!! Talk about having to look down............What were they thinking?!

Thomas

I just noticed this and I'm wondering if there is a reason that the Shifter Knob is upside down???

It seems so out of Character...

Any Images from the Tool Shed Archeological Dig????

 

[R1chy]

...It displays what the air/fuel ratio is and is an aid in jetting the carburetor to an optimum setting. It only gives accurate information at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) under load. (Note to R1chy: make a note to self: Better add the meaning of WOT to the crib sheet for the test. )...
Thomas

Noted and understand it is different than the common cry of wOOt by "Restored 1930's Auto Shop" thread subscribers when updates are posted

wOOt (wuːt)
— interj
slang Also written: woot (esp used by players in online games) a shout of joy, victory, etc

 

[landroversforever]

I just noticed this and I'm wondering if there is a reason that the Shifter Knob is upside down???

It seems so out of Character...

Any Images from the Tool Shed Archeological Dig????

I hadn't spotted that!

Thomas, what is going on!!!!!

Its almost as bad as the hideously wonky switch panel

 

[KAP1978]

Thomas

Fantastic blog! I joined 16 Dec and found your shop the same day, I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to more.

Thanks for sharing.

Kindest regards,

Kyle

 

[BB767]

I'm surprised to see you using such modern technology. I figured you would have one of these sitting on the seat.

...

I found this while helping my FIL clean out his Dad's shop a couple of years ago. It was in good shape so, I hated to throw it away. (I know, I have the sickness too)
I don't know...

I had forgotten about it until I ran across it the other day. It reminded me of you and this thread.

RADcustom, what a clever idea! I just can't figure out why it would have reminded you of me and this thread however? Can you imagine the guys at the track if they saw that all wired up to the Chevy II sitting on the seat? That would be a great fun spoof wouldn't it?! But then I'm way too serious to ever do such a thing. Thank you for the excellent day brightener.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I just noticed this and I'm wondering if there is a reason that the Shifter Knob is upside down???

It seems so out of Character...

Any Images from the Tool Shed Archeological Dig????

When you look down at it from above it reads correctly....but you have to turn your head a little to make it work out right doing that. Of course we all know that one should never look down while racing so before each run I study the shift pattern and memorize it so I don't have to look at the knob to shift the car while it's underway. It takes a little extra effort to do this for every run, but I'm willing to put the effort in for the sake of safety.

Joe, I do have some more TSAD images coming, thanks! ( note to R1chy re: TSAD etc................)

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Noted and understand it is different than the common cry of wOOt by "Restored 1930's Auto Shop" thread subscribers when updates are posted

wOOt (wuːt)
— interj
slang Also written: woot (esp used by players in online games) a shout of joy, victory, etc

R1chy, I can see that clearly, you will do just fine on the test. No worries about you what so ever!

Thanks.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I hadn't spotted that!

Thomas, what is going on!!!!!

Its almost as bad as the hideously wonky switch panel

Well, you just had to bring that up............again, didn't you, just had to.............couldn't resist. Nope we're not going to leave that hornets nest alone, let's just poke it a bit with a nice big stick, give it whack or two. Yup, put a sharp stick in my eye............. and then twist it. Let's make sure that all the new guys here know allllllll about the poor dumb airline pilot who can't mount a switch plate square........I feel the love, I truly do...............why do I get the rather distinct impression that I will just never, ever be able to hear the end of that. Of course it doesn't bother me anymore, really...........not much...........


............except I spent sooooooooooo much freaking time trying, I mean really and truly trying to square that plate up and it just wasn't going to happen. Clearly that switch was destined to taunt me from afar................. ding dang, dog gone, stupid plate anyway.......................... well I'll show it, I'll just ignore it!

...hideously wonky... did you have to be that descriptive. How about "slightly off kilter" or "delightfully independent with a mind of it's own". Don't you think those sound much more, well....... easier on the ear? I bet as a passenger you wouldn't want to hear the captain over the PA using hideously wonky describing anything now would you??

Thomas

 

[BB767]

To follow up on the Chrysler engine in the Tool Shed...

First I had to clear a path away to get it out. Since it was in the back it must have been in there a long time.

I mounted an adjustable engine puller on it to help keep it straight when it was hanging from the bucket.

About the time Craig showed up for it I had it outside ready for him. With the John Deere it was very easy and soon on it's way. Craig told me he'll find out exactly what size and age it was and let us know.

While moving items aside I came across a bin full of exhaust manifolds...

...a few of which were Chevrolet Rams Horn manifolds, used on all high performance Chevy small block engines for more than a couple of decades. They are really decent manifolds and very similar to the ones on my '62, '64 Impalas, the '66 Chevy II and for many years used on all small block Corvettes. After a cursory glance that all look in perfect condition.

Also found a full set of...

...what at first glance are some of the widest steel rims I've seen. I haven't taken the time to look them over yet, don't know the manufacturer or size but they look good.

Not to mention all the radiators I found...

Most of which seem to be Harrison units. Mr Johnson did radiator repairs for over 40 years and he stopped in the mid 1980's, so I expect some of them to be quite old. Most of them have numbers stamped on them so finding out their application should be somewhat straight forward. More to come...

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas

Fantastic blog! I joined 16 Dec and found your shop the same day, I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to more.

Thanks for sharing.

Kindest regards,

Kyle

Hello Kyle and thank you. Welcome to a wide ranging thread that has it's moments (just ignore all those comments about the switch plate will ya? ). More is en-route so please check back.

Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

Hello Thomas !
The motor is a 1968 318.
Brian thinks it most likely came out of a farm truck because of the manual bellhousing.
That's as far as I've gotten with it! Its safe at his place as is the Ram. The ****** went out! The Dakota I picked up last summer and just put on the road has been a real pill too.
I may just have to drop that 318 into one of the Johnson go-kart chassis if it keeps up !


Craig

By the way, the 318 is in pretty fair company.
This showed up awhile back to go in a 93 Mustang.

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

Thomas,

Hey the radiator under the Banana box doesn't happen to be a DPCD radiator does it?

Will

 

[BB767]

Thomas,

Hey the radiator under the Banana box doesn't happen to be a DPCD radiator does it?

Will

Will I'm afraid I'm not familiar with what a DPCD radiator is. Could you fill me in and then I bet I'll be able to help?

Thomas