realvc
Well-known member
What a great update to this wonderful thread. Thanks again for sharing the many great episodes in the on going life of "The Shop."
Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Thomas and Chris,
Just a "Thank You!" for sharing your stories about the restoration of Virgil's place. Both of you and your family and friends are an inspiration. About the time I think that you can't top what you've most recently told us, you bring us another chapter, this time about Earl. You remind me once again that the real treasures are not the posessions we accumulate, but the friendships we forge.
Put me down for a copy of the first edition of the book I hope you bring us someday. And again, thank you for sharing your stories.....
GGB
Just a "Thank You!" for sharing your stories about the restoration of Virgil's place. Both of you and your family and friends are an inspiration. About the time I think that you can't top what you've most recently told us, you bring us another chapter, this time about Earl. You remind me once again that the real treasures are not the posessions we accumulate, but the friendships we forge.
Put me down for a copy of the first edition of the book I hope you bring us someday. And again, thank you for sharing your stories.....
GGB
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Thomas, Earl must be Gus's favorite 'Uncle' with all the gifts he has bestowed on him!
I can't remember if it was the Smithsonian or the Library of Congress that funded a project to record the voices of this nation's 'Living History'; seems like Earl would be a great candidate for a similar project. Something like 'The History of the American Automobile As Told By Those Who Lived It' or perhaps a series covering 'Aircraft Propulsion Advances By Those Who Lived Them'.
You are indeed fortunate to count Earl among your many friends.
I can't remember if it was the Smithsonian or the Library of Congress that funded a project to record the voices of this nation's 'Living History'; seems like Earl would be a great candidate for a similar project. Something like 'The History of the American Automobile As Told By Those Who Lived It' or perhaps a series covering 'Aircraft Propulsion Advances By Those Who Lived Them'.
You are indeed fortunate to count Earl among your many friends.
raging bull
Active member
Thats one cool shop and the story behind it is great!
markviii
Well-known member
I can't find my notes right now, but we use to have a special time on the monthly meeting agenda for "Ask the Expert" or "Inquiring Minds Want To Know". It was a time for Earl to solve all your old car questions, anything from "what's this sound mean when I start the engine 'cold' on my ___ car" to where can I find a part for..." to "what was the name of that repair shop near the corner of University and 5th that disappeared 40 years ago". He can still do that. If your car was in the parking lot, he would normally handle the "problem" right after the meeting. Earl could always answer the questions, have the part for you or knew where to find one (usually from another car guy). (If he can't give the answer or if he's not there, the other three 90-year-olds in the club can probably come up with the answer between them or they just say, "wait to ask Earl.")
Chris
Chris
SVE Performance
Well-known member
The Willys engine you were given came out of a Willys car not a Jeep More than likely prewar. Bill
I also enjoy seeing what he found in the sheds. However you sound like you need a fix real soon. I've been following this thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143056
Nice link mdbeck1. There is just so much great material here at the Journal isn't there. It just goes on and on and..........
Thomas
Don't forget the swimming pool and a landing pad for Clarks' helicopter. That was mentioned a while back too!!
Wow Thomas.....I am touched that you would put in a helipad just for me.
I am here at beautiful Sun N Fun in Florida. Lots to see here. I saw FIFI the only B29 left flying today. What a restoration job and piece of flying engineering art. For those of you on the forum here that like all things mechanical....you have to put a visit to the Oshkosh or Sun N Fly in on your bucket list.
Unbelievable spectacles in their own right.
Thanks Clark
How could I possibly call myself a friend if I wasn't willing to put in a heliport for you Clark? As long we're doing it, let's do it right!
Clark speaks the truth for those who have never been to the EAA fly in, Oshkosh, Wisconsin (home to Snap On Tool Co.) or Sun N Fun fly in , Lakeland, Florida. You owe it to yourself to go at least once.
Thomas
That's one of the reasons it's taking so long to clean out the Tool Shed and Lean-To. I don't have a need for much of the material in there and I'm trying to find new homes for it rather than just scrap it out. I'm slowing working my way through it all, but not fast enough for Joe I'm afraid.
Thomas
That is a terrific way to look at folks such as Earl, "Living History". How many individuals are there like him out there, all over the world. They have so much information to share from a life time of experience. Earl has always been willing to generously help out fellow enthusiasts any way he can and indeed I'm honored to count him as a friend.
Thomas
Thanks GGB, "The Book" is not out of the question but I've got some more pressing matters at hand right now, like getting Tool Shed material on here for Joe!
There is a local farmer around here, probably in his 80's, who has self published 7 or 8 books on various subjects but mainly on growing up on the farm in the Mid West and they are hilarious. He's had good success doing it, so self publishing is a possibility. I'll put you down for a copy, promise. Thomas
I remember that program, I think it was the Library of Congress doing it. Earl would be wonderful candidate I agree. I don't know if they are still doing it but it's a good suggestion Omphaloskeptic, thanks.
Thomas
Thanks Bill for that. I'll check with Earl and see what the history of it is. For all I know he's thinking the block is the same and therefore would make a perfect spare or something along those lines. Over the decades he's proven to be a pretty sharp guy so he had something in mind I'm sure. I'll let you know what I find out.
Thomas
How could I possibly call myself a friend if I wasn't willing to put in a heliport for you Clark? As long we're doing it, let's do it right!
Clark speaks the truth for those who have never been to the EAA fly in, Oshkosh, Wisconsin (home to Snap On Tool Co.) or Sun N Fun fly in , Lakeland, Florida. You owe it to yourself to go at least once.
Thomas
Thomas,
Snap On may have a plant in Oshkosh, but their corporate home is in Kenosha. Since neither of us are cheeseheads we can be forgiven.
Terry
Thomas, your description of Earl just reminded me of my Dad's A&P who is a mere age 87. And to make it even more interesting, he was in WWII with Pappy Boyington's Black Sheep Squadron! I wish I lived close enough to get to know him, as my Dad says he's got some great stories.
Dad is 77, and just took his last solo flight last Wednesday, and has decided to stop flying unless accompanied by another pilot. He has been to EAA at Oshkosh quite a few times and also made Sun N Fun in 1993. I was able to go with him to EAA for the 50th Anniversary, and in 5 days only got to see a fraction of it all. We flew up in Dad's 1946 Stinson Voyager, and camped out next to the N/S runway. What a way to see the planes coming in and going out! It's one of my favorite memories of being with my Dad.
I'll be anxiously awaiting the book, but understand getting the "Tool Shed" done for Joe. Put me down for a copy of that one, too. Till then, I'm sure I'll survive with your other stories-keep 'em coming!
GGB
Dad is 77, and just took his last solo flight last Wednesday, and has decided to stop flying unless accompanied by another pilot. He has been to EAA at Oshkosh quite a few times and also made Sun N Fun in 1993. I was able to go with him to EAA for the 50th Anniversary, and in 5 days only got to see a fraction of it all. We flew up in Dad's 1946 Stinson Voyager, and camped out next to the N/S runway. What a way to see the planes coming in and going out! It's one of my favorite memories of being with my Dad.
I'll be anxiously awaiting the book, but understand getting the "Tool Shed" done for Joe. Put me down for a copy of that one, too. Till then, I'm sure I'll survive with your other stories-keep 'em coming!
GGB
OH.............I knew that.............fool on the hill.............again!
I don't know why, but until you pointed that out, somehow I always associated Snap On with Oshkosh, but I knew better, that they were in Kenosha. Can't explain it, not gonna even try. Just keep me honest will ya? Thanks Terry.
Non cheesehead, but red faced Thomas
What a great memory of Oshkosh (the place that's not Snap On headquarters I mean). Back in college I rode a motorcycle there, driven a car a couple but all the times I flew in were the best (and the most stressful!). I even got Miss Chris to fly in a couple times BC (Before Children). But I didn't fly anything as cool as a Voyager though. Neat stuff doing it with your Dad in his plane. Priceless. Is the plane staying in the family?
Your Dad's A&P sounds like a fellow you could spend a week with and still not be bored. I hope he writes a book!
Thanks GGB for the memories.
I've got a few more coming here.Thomas
hobbitss
Well-known member
I also enjoy seeing what he found in the sheds. However you sound like you need a fix real soon. I've been following this thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143056
Hey!!! Thanks for the temporary Fix...
I've read the thread and referenced other forum threads... Cool Stuff...
Unfortunately I really like looking at images of a big pile of stuff and finding treasures mixed in...
Must be a recurring case of Wreck Diver's Brass Syndrome...
There must be a few pictures pre-clean up of the Tool Shed that we can peruse for possible treasures??
Old tools rule....
Hey!!! Thanks for the temporary Fix...
I've read the thread and referenced other forum threads... Cool Stuff...
Unfortunately I really like looking at images of a big pile of stuff and finding treasures mixed in...
Must be a recurring case of Wreck Diver's Brass Syndrome...
There must be a few pictures pre-clean up of the Tool Shed that we can peruse for possible treasures??
Old tools rule....
Well OK, pre-clean up I can do easy enough. I didn't realize that you might find that all that interesting.
I'm knee deep right now helping Cameron with his truck transmission and that's put me a little behind. We're waiting on a part so I can resume my work out in the vast unknown regions of the Tool Shed/Lean-To and help you out Joe. As always, thanks for your interest.
Thomas.
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Joe ,
Really, I'm not trying to rub it in.
I've been IN that very shed. Almost a spiritual experience.
A sensory overload for sure.
Believe me , its worth the wait.
Craig
Really, I'm not trying to rub it in.
I've been IN that very shed. Almost a spiritual experience.
A sensory overload for sure.
Believe me , its worth the wait.
Craig
hobbitss
Well-known member
AHHHHhhhhhhhhh..... You've been "IN" the fabled TOOL SHED.....
Did you take Pictures??? Video??? Treasures???
Did you get your hands dirty???? Anything???
You can tell me I wont Blab...
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Joe
Sorry no photos or videos taken. All of that is for Thomas to reveal to the world.
I did however bring home through the endless generosity of Sir Thomas the go-kart chassis jig and 3 frames in various states of construction. I also brought home the 318 Chrysler motor. However, that Hay Budden? I got to touch it while it still sat unmoved from its resting place for so many years before being brought back to life.
The place is just overwhelming. So MUCH stuff !!!! And to think some 28 TONS
went to the salvage yard.
Craig
Sorry no photos or videos taken. All of that is for Thomas to reveal to the world.
I did however bring home through the endless generosity of Sir Thomas the go-kart chassis jig and 3 frames in various states of construction. I also brought home the 318 Chrysler motor. However, that Hay Budden? I got to touch it while it still sat unmoved from its resting place for so many years before being brought back to life.
The place is just overwhelming. So MUCH stuff !!!! And to think some 28 TONS
went to the salvage yard.
Craig
markviii
Well-known member
Craig,
Don't lead everyone astray on the actual # of tons of stuff sent to the scrap yard (it's wayyy more than that - oh, I know you're just not wanting to give away a test question)! And there's still more to come, as you know, from the hallowed ground known as the tool shed. Joe and everyone else will have to patiently wait.
Chris
Don't lead everyone astray on the actual # of tons of stuff sent to the scrap yard (it's wayyy more than that - oh, I know you're just not wanting to give away a test question)! And there's still more to come, as you know, from the hallowed ground known as the tool shed. Joe and everyone else will have to patiently wait.
Chris
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Hello Chris !
Quite right.
Its probably a good thing I didn't meet you folks until well after the cleanup.
I might have tried to haul it all off myself one pickup load at a time , to my uh ahem "salvage" yard !
Craig
Quite right.
Its probably a good thing I didn't meet you folks until well after the cleanup.
I might have tried to haul it all off myself one pickup load at a time , to my uh ahem "salvage" yard !
Craig
58 tons-with a 'T" is the total so far that was recycled from the property and there is still a lot more to go. And now as I look back, a good lot of it was removed and loaded by hand since we couldn't get big power equipment in the buildings back then. It went out the door piece by piece.
So today I got a few more pictures of material that will be removed as I work my way through.
This is a very old General Electric Tungar battery charger. It's roughly the size of a bread box.
Model number 6RB33B1. It charges 1 to 6 6-volt batteries, 6 amp D-C 5.5 amp A-C 115 volts A-C 60 cycles.
I don't know how old it is nor I have plugged it in. For now it waits patiently in the tool shed in as found condition.
It was on the back of the old wood bench, here a clearer image of that bench. Under the four corners of it reside 4 tires mounted on rims, the last tires to be removed from the property. That total will stand at 284 tires of all sizes removed.
I discovered today for the first time that the old wood bench with the blacksmith's vise also had two tail vises.
That's a pretty unusual feature. The curved styling on them is commonly found on old tail vises.
Here's the tail vise on one of my turn of the century cabinet makers benches with a very similar shaped tail vise.
Note that this vise uses a wood screw for the vise, not metal one.
Here's a better view of a tail vise open and...
..closed. It's primarily used to clamp stock on the bench top between dogs and is designed to not rack the vise when it's clamping.
Here's another cabinet makers bench I've had for some time now with two tail vises - this view looking at it from underneath, leaning against a wall. The tail vises are top right and bottom left ends of the bench.
Both vises have metal screws on the tail vises and are strikingly similar in design to the one in the Tool Shed. A bench having two such tail vises is unusual. Nobody in the family as any knowledge of that old bench, it's history is lost.
Couple of boxes of old license plates. Here's a 1952. Oldest one I saw was 1929.
Two old steel wheels and a large gear in front that would run a chain I believe. They are about 3' (.9 m) in diameter
Anyone need a Pontiac "Strato Streak" valve cover? I'll make you a deal you can't refuse.
This is a sign that use to be positioned near the bottom of the hill, approaching the shop.
Before it got cut up to cover a window this was a metal beer sign.
When we were leveling the pad for the barn this straight 8 cylinder crankshaft was uncovered, buried in the dirt. With a little polishing I bet it'd be just like new.............or maybe not.
Plastic dome, two piece base, 6 volt DC, model 17-B, Federal Beacon Ray rotating beacon, sometimes called a "Gum Ball". What do you experts think, 1940's or 50's? I can't find any reference to the two piece base like this one has.
BTW Joe, I also found a dead possum in the Tool Shed, but I declined to take or post pictures, sorry.
Thomas
So today I got a few more pictures of material that will be removed as I work my way through.
This is a very old General Electric Tungar battery charger. It's roughly the size of a bread box.
Model number 6RB33B1. It charges 1 to 6 6-volt batteries, 6 amp D-C 5.5 amp A-C 115 volts A-C 60 cycles.
I don't know how old it is nor I have plugged it in. For now it waits patiently in the tool shed in as found condition.
It was on the back of the old wood bench, here a clearer image of that bench. Under the four corners of it reside 4 tires mounted on rims, the last tires to be removed from the property. That total will stand at 284 tires of all sizes removed.
I discovered today for the first time that the old wood bench with the blacksmith's vise also had two tail vises.
That's a pretty unusual feature. The curved styling on them is commonly found on old tail vises.
Here's the tail vise on one of my turn of the century cabinet makers benches with a very similar shaped tail vise.
Note that this vise uses a wood screw for the vise, not metal one.
Here's a better view of a tail vise open and...
..closed. It's primarily used to clamp stock on the bench top between dogs and is designed to not rack the vise when it's clamping.
Here's another cabinet makers bench I've had for some time now with two tail vises - this view looking at it from underneath, leaning against a wall. The tail vises are top right and bottom left ends of the bench.
Both vises have metal screws on the tail vises and are strikingly similar in design to the one in the Tool Shed. A bench having two such tail vises is unusual. Nobody in the family as any knowledge of that old bench, it's history is lost.
Couple of boxes of old license plates. Here's a 1952. Oldest one I saw was 1929.
Two old steel wheels and a large gear in front that would run a chain I believe. They are about 3' (.9 m) in diameter
Anyone need a Pontiac "Strato Streak" valve cover? I'll make you a deal you can't refuse.
This is a sign that use to be positioned near the bottom of the hill, approaching the shop.
Before it got cut up to cover a window this was a metal beer sign.
When we were leveling the pad for the barn this straight 8 cylinder crankshaft was uncovered, buried in the dirt. With a little polishing I bet it'd be just like new.............or maybe not.
Plastic dome, two piece base, 6 volt DC, model 17-B, Federal Beacon Ray rotating beacon, sometimes called a "Gum Ball". What do you experts think, 1940's or 50's? I can't find any reference to the two piece base like this one has.
BTW Joe, I also found a dead possum in the Tool Shed, but I declined to take or post pictures, sorry.
Thomas
IMCA38
Well-known member
I also found a dead possum in the Tool Shed, but I declined to take or post pictures, sorry.
Are you SURE it was dead??
That "play dead" thing is kind of their schtick you know.......
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Hello Thomas !
See Joe. I told ya !
Thanks for the photos Thomas. Its just like being there !
Craig
See Joe. I told ya !
Thanks for the photos Thomas. Its just like being there !
Craig
rburke65
Well-known member
I'm all ears on your 'make me a deal I can't refuse' on the Pontiac covers. Thanks.
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Thomas, ya' know, with just a bit more excavation I wouldn't be surprised if you discover Solomon's treasure house, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Library of Alexandria! When you have your 'retirement home'* foundation dug, you will probably need to have an on-site archaeologist present.
* Somehow, the words 'Thomas' and 'retirement' just can't be used in the same sentence.
* Somehow, the words 'Thomas' and 'retirement' just can't be used in the same sentence.
markviii
Well-known member
Hey, I just remembered two of our tenants are archeologists! I'll keep that in mind when we're ready to excavate for the house footings. This will be soo much more interesting for them than the work they do before road crews on the state roads begin their work (sorting through piles of rocks looking for native American remains, arrow heads, and fossils). Thanks, Omphaloskeptic, for the tip!
Chris
Chris
hobbitss
Well-known member
58 tons-with a 'T" is the total so far that was recycled from the property and there is still a lot more to go. And now as I look back, a good lot of it was removed and loaded by hand since we couldn't get big power equipment in the buildings back then. It went out the door piece by piece.
So today I got a few more pictures of material that will be removed as I work my way through.
This is a very old General Electric Tungar battery charger. It's roughly the size of a bread box.
Model number 6RB33B1. It charges 1 to 6 6-volt batteries, 6 amp D-C 5.5 amp A-C 115 volts A-C 60 cycles.
I don't know how old it is nor I have plugged it in. For now it waits patiently in the tool shed in as found condition.
It was on the back of the old wood bench, here a clearer image of that bench. Under the four corners of it reside 4 tires mounted on rims, the last tires to be removed from the property. That total will stand at 284 tires of all sizes removed.
I discovered today for the first time that the old wood bench with the blacksmith's vise also had two tail vises.
That's a pretty unusual feature. The curved styling on them is commonly found on old tail vises.
Here's the tail vise on one of my turn of the century cabinet makers benches with a very similar shaped tail vise.
Note that this vise uses a wood screw for the vise, not metal one.
Here's a better view of a tail vise open and...
..closed. It's primarily used to clamp stock on the bench top between dogs and is designed to not rack the vise when it's clamping.
Here's another cabinet makers bench I've had for some time now with two tail vises - this view looking at it from underneath, leaning against a wall. The tail vises are top right and bottom left ends of the bench.
Both vises have metal screws on the tail vises and are strikingly similar in design to the one in the Tool Shed. A bench having two such tail vises is unusual. Nobody in the family as any knowledge of that old bench, it's history is lost.
Couple of boxes of old license plates. Here's a 1952. Oldest one I saw was 1929.
Two old steel wheels and a large gear in front that would run a chain I believe. They are about 3' (.9 m) in diameter
Anyone need a Pontiac "Strato Streak" valve cover? I'll make you a deal you can't refuse.
This is a sign that use to be positioned near the bottom of the hill, approaching the shop.
Before it got cut up to cover a window this was a metal beer sign.
When we were leveling the pad for the barn this straight 8 cylinder crankshaft was uncovered, buried in the dirt. With a little polishing I bet it'd be just like new.............or maybe not.
Plastic dome, two piece base, 6 volt DC, model 17-B, Federal Beacon Ray rotating beacon, sometimes called a "Gum Ball". What do you experts think, 1940's or 50's? I can't find any reference to the two piece base like this one has.
BTW Joe, I also found a dead possum in the Tool Shed, but I declined to take or post pictures, sorry.
Thomas
Battery Charger looks like a Keeper... Something to keep Gus company...
Did you open the drawers on the Wood Bench???? Is that a Snow sled on the right side of the Bench Photo... I sense Treasures!!!!
Are you SURE it was dead??
That "play dead" thing is kind of their schtick you know.......
Good one IMCA38
...... but unless they can mimic the smell of a dead possum
, this one was D E A D! Mercy!Thomas
Yah, except for the smell of that possum. Part of the charm of country living I guess!
Thomas
IMCA38
Well-known member
... but unless they can mimic the smell of a dead possum
Yeah, that raunchy, awful smell and the oozing, dripping, ..........Oh, never mind!
It's just plain gross when they aren't playing around.
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Battery Charger looks like a Keeper... Something to keep Gus company...
Did you open the drawers on the Wood Bench???? Is that a Snow sled on the right side of the Bench Photo... I sense Treasures!!!!
Joe I tried to open a couple but they are stuck at the moment so I didn't push the issue. I'll get them open eventually. After all, that's where the gold bars are stored, right?
There is an amazing variety of material out there. Some treasure, some trash. A little bit of everything it seems but that's what makes it fun cleaning it all out.
Thomas
Yeah, that raunchy, awful smell and the oozing, dripping, ..........Oh, never mind!
It's just plain gross when they aren't playing around.
Well, it wasn't quite that bad. I think I'm a few days after the fact and it's getting less noticeable daily. Still, not the most pleasant, natures way and all that............
Thomas
Just to make ya all a little jealous, FIFI is hangered (if that is the word) at Addison Airport, just ten minutes from the house. I have had the pleasure of seeing FIFI take off and land on several times in the last couple of months.
Add I get to see her in the hanger, quite often. Addison is the base for a whole flock of vintage aircraft, always fun to see them flying.
Mike
Add I get to see her in the hanger, quite often. Addison is the base for a whole flock of vintage aircraft, always fun to see them flying.
Mike
W_A_Watson_II
Well-known member
Plastic dome, two piece base, 6 volt DC, model 17-B, Federal Beacon Ray rotating beacon, sometimes called a "Gum Ball". What do you experts think, 1940's or 50's? I can't find any reference to the two piece base like this one has.
Have you tried a Patent search on the number? Might give you a starting year.
ihredo4
Well-known member
Thomas, The steel 3' diameter wheels you posted are likely those from an impliment like a grain drill. As for the gear we had a flair box with an end gate seeder on it. It had a gear similar to this that was attached to a wheel on the wagon that drove the seeder. The one you have is much larger but maybe for a high wheel wagon? This is a similar wagon with the seeder attached.
