Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

I'll see if I can get some pics of it and send them to you Thomas. Didn't take any while I was working on it. Painted it IH red and it's been sitting in the Texas sun drying for a couple of days now. I did a complete redesign of the braces so it shouldn't rot out in the next 50 or so years if ti's taken care of.

Love to see the pics. When I'm done mowing I use a blow gun and air compressor to blow off all my equipment, tractor, BushHog, Kubota etc. Wet grass clinging to everything is what can cause problems but it's easy to remove if you do every time. Sounds like your redesign will solve some of those problems as well. Then there's always the old fall back of........wait for it.......powder coat it!!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hi Thomas,

I have been lurking for the last ten pages or so.......and I am curious about something.

Do you know what the history was of Mr. Johnson in his younger pre-family years?

> Where was he born?
> What did his Dad do for a living?
> Did he have any siblings who are still living today?

Just curious.....it is natural for all us to want to understand more about our roots......I was wondering about his.

Thanks Clark

Clark what I do know is Mr Johnson grew up on the family farm not more than 4 miles from where he built the shop. I only knew one brother who continued on, working the family farm. If there were other siblings, and I have to assume there were, that's something I don't have personal knowledge of. I rather suspect his training was from the farm and that he was self taught as was pretty normal for the times.

This is Mr. Johnson driving a wagon load of corn, the photograph is dated 1929.

BTW, it looks like I may be following in his shoes as a farmer, details shortly.

Thomas

 

[boilerdude]

Beautiful job.....good to see old shops like this saved....and then some....nice job.

 

[GGB]

Thomas, this thread only gets better-I'll be watching for your "farming" updates!

We are still involved with family farms on my and my Bride's families. Harvest time is still the most enjoyable parts of the year for me. The last round on the last field is both the best and worst time running the combine. Best because I'm done, worst because I'm done. A bit of a challenge to explain this to some folks, but it's a relief when finishing up yet at the same time I wish I could keep going. I try to remember that it's all part of the journey.

Does the farm involve powder coating, too? I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of you and Chris' adventures!

GGB

 

[M1903a4]

Originally Posted by omr
a skosh .

Dagnabbit, that's what I was going to say but it's spelled skouche

Uh, it's actually SUKOSHI, although gaijin like us pronounce it like it was SKOSHI and often truncate it to SKOSH.

Almost everyone I know who uses it frequently learned the word as I did - living on a US military installation in Japan.

(yeah, I know I'm replying to an old post. I'm still trying to catch up.)

 

[BB767]

Beautiful job.....good to see old shops like this saved....and then some....nice job.

Thank you boilerdude and welcome. Locally it has given folks something to consider before just condemning an old building. Given time, care and some effort you can create something pretty special. The barn is a nice work space but it doesn't have that intangible "warm feeling" the old shop gives off whenever I go in there. It echos with all the past events that have taken place within those walls and grounds. You really can feel the vibe.

Thomas

 

[M1903a4]

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

(really big snip)

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

It's a great job - I salute your talent and desire to preserve quality equipment. I had ordered the parts to overhaul my old Walker jack before I discovered this thread. I've owned it since new, so the overhaul will clean and preserve the original paint. It had failed a while back, before parts were so easy to find on the internet, but it never occurred to me to scrap it. I just kept looking from time to time until I found the parts. I've only had it 40 years, so its still got lots of mileage left.

Mike
Si vis pacem, para bellum

 

[BB767]

Thomas, this thread only gets better-I'll be watching for your "farming" updates!

We are still involved with family farms on my and my Bride's families. Harvest time is still the most enjoyable parts of the year for me. The last round on the last field is both the best and worst time running the combine. Best because I'm done, worst because I'm done. A bit of a challenge to explain this to some folks, but it's a relief when finishing up yet at the same time I wish I could keep going. I try to remember that it's all part of the journey.

Does the farm involve powder coating, too? I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of you and Chris' adventures!

GGB

Hello GGB, and welcome to you sir as well. I've mentioned before I have on occasion helped a friend with his harvest, driving a grain truck or tractor pulling a grain wagon(s)or at times driven the tractor- running the auger cart on the fly with the combine. It's fun, hard work. I've been known to come in from a flight where we were cruising 550 mph and a few hours later I'm running a tractor 8 mph down a country road happy as can be. It is all part of the journey isn't it? Embrace the good and the bad.

It's too early to tell if my farming will involve powder coating, but you just never know. Stand by!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Uh, it's actually SUKOSHI, although gaijin like us pronounce it like it was SKOSHI and often truncate it to SKOSH.

Almost everyone I know who uses it frequently learned the word as I did - living on a US military installation in Japan.

(yeah, I know I'm replying to an old post. I'm still trying to catch up.)

Never a worry about replying to an old post M1903a4. I'm glad you found us and thank you for your interest. Hope you enjoy the read. It's something a little different.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

It's a great job - I salute your talent and desire to preserve quality equipment. I had ordered the parts to overhaul my old Walker jack before I discovered this thread. I've owned it since new, so the overhaul will clean and preserve the original paint. It had failed a while back, before parts were so easy to find on the internet, but it never occurred to me to scrap it. I just kept looking from time to time until I found the parts. I've only had it 40 years, so its still got lots of mileage left.

Mike
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Good for you Mike! How about a picture or two when you get it done. I'm at a car show with Chris at the moment so I can't post a picture I took yesterday of an old Holmes jack. I find all that kind of "stuff" interesting as do others here.

Thomas

 

[SkywalkerCR]

Thomas,

Thanks for letting me know about Mr. Johnson and the his roots. Wow... that is pretty incredible. I can't help but think about the mobility of today's society and then to think how people lived back then.

I guess owning the shop and peforming like he did as a blacksmith and then as a mechanic was probably easier as compared to his farming chores days.

The great thing about him as a person is that he realized the talent that he had for making things from metal and fixing things and that he put it to great use to earn an honest living and to raise the size famliy that he did.

In my book that is called "flying right". I can see that you and Chris obviously have those same values. I can see that reflected in the your spirits through the posts you have made to this thread.

I just finished the "annual" on the chopper and when I get some hours on it post inspection.....I will need to start planning my trip to Philo.

Yes, I am amazed by the shop and all that you have done, but mostly I want to meet you and Chris in person and revell in the glow of your kindred spirits.

Good Luck with the farming. Sounds like fun.....as I know, whatever level of work you do with that endeavor, you will be "flying right" doing it.

Say Hi to Chris for me.

Thanks Clark

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

BTW, it looks like I may be following in his shoes as a farmer, details shortly.

Thomas

I know! I know! You bought the field to the south and will be farming on either side of the landing/drag strip.

Sorry Chris, I saw the pot and had to stir it.

 

[3bay]

You definitely are familiar with that equipment Mike, as it is BRB, Before Round Bales. You'll see how this all relates to the shop shortly, honest.

Thomas

Umm, not really, doesn't matter if its round bales or square bales, in both procedures you cut the hay with a hay bine. The tether process is also the same. The only real difference is the way its raked, I rake 2 wind rows into 1 for round bales, but that's only during the summer months when it gets hot and the hay growth slows. I made 4 wagons last week of grass hay, and then finished the field with round bales, my wind rows were big enough the it worked fine with both processes. I prefer square bales but its alot of work stacking it on wagons and then ya got to get it in the barn. Good help is hard to find nowadays!

 

[M1903a4]

Hello there Dave and welcome. Actually I've been called 'da man before but "the MASTER" is a new one. It kinda' has a nice ring to it don't you think Chris? Oh ya that could work very well. Thanks Dave, you are 'da man!

Thomas

Thomas
It's been about six months since you wrote the above. By now I assume the head wound has healed. Did it leave a scar?

 

[mdbeck1]

I know! I know! You bought the field to the south and will be farming on either side of the landing/drag strip.

Sorry Chris, I saw the pot and had to stir it.

You forgot the shooting range for the TANK!!!

I guess that it could go at the end (or side) of the landing/drag strip....



Yeah I know... I'm a trouble maker....

 

[hobbitss]

I know! I know! You bought the field to the south and will be farming on either side of the landing/drag strip.

Sorry Chris, I saw the pot and had to stir it.

I wasn't going to go there,
but, since you've already brought it up don't forget the the helipad, Control/Timing Tower, Olympic sized Pool and Motel for visiting Garage Journal Fans...

Maybe even a little Diner/Pub for the post event discussions while re-hydrating...

 

[BB767]

Thomas
It's been about six months since you wrote the above. By now I assume the head wound has healed. Did it leave a scar?

Mike I can already you're going to be right at home here.

BTW, Chris made sure I'm all healed up and no scar but my uniform hat is a bit of a snug fit now that you mention it.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

You forgot the shooting range for the TANK!!!

I guess that it could go at the end (or side) of the landing/drag strip....



Yeah I know... I'm a trouble maker....

OMG, how could I have forgotten THAT?? I've got just the spot for it though and I kid you not.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I wasn't going to go there,
but, since you've already brought it up don't forget the the helipad, Control/Timing Tower, Olympic sized Pool and Motel for visiting Garage Journal Fans...

Maybe even a little Diner/Pub for the post event discussions while re-hydrating...

Joe, we'll have plenty of room for all that and acres of parking.........soon...........stand by.

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

I know! I know! You bought the field to the south and will be farming on either side of the landing/drag strip.

Sorry Chris, I saw the pot and had to stir it.

I don't think Chris goes in for that but you're supposed to plant it or smoke it, not stir it. I used to bust those that did it though.

 

[BB767]

On the other side of that hedge row is...

...a view you're all familiar with.


Thomas

 

[Nuts]

Ahh the gentleman farmer, it has begun.

Nuts

 

[fastbroshi]

He's gonna build his own airstrip next. Called it!

 

[charlief1]

He's gonna build his own airstrip next. Called it!

Not with all that beautiful hay out there. Hopefully he'll plant some nice produce and grain for that beautiful field.

 

[Shoottx]

OK

Now we see the sold sign, we need specifics, like acreage, tillable, flood plain shape, ya know so we can start the preliminary plans for runway, helipad, tank range, etc.

 

[magnusk750]

Hay drying racks common practice over there?

 

[JC23]

Just remember to schedule yer big GJ meet when the crops are down...

 

[hobbitss]

We need Updated Aerial Images!!

It was a much better day for aerial photography today...

... so my next door neighbor, Weldon and I took his former Tri-Pacer which he converted in 1980 into a Pacer (it was a tricycle gear, now it's a tail dragger)...

...up into the wild blue yonder for a modern aerial view of the shop and property.

As you may recall this was taken it in the late 30's or early 40's we're not exactly sure when. The original shop to the left.

Here it is mid 1970's about 30-35 years later and...

...present day, 2011 or about 35 years or so after the 1970's picture. So these three sets of images are each roughly about 35 years apart. The trees hide much of it from view so we're going to go back later this fall after the leaves have fallen and get some additional pictures.

Incidentally my pilot neighbor, Weldon, whose house is one of the ones just north of my property was a College professor of mine when I was going to the Institute of Aviation, University of Illinois. I was getting my flight and A&P training then. I made a mental note on the take off roll that I started my aviation career 40 years ago this month when I started flight school in Sept, 1971 from the same airport we used today and that's also how long I've known Weldon.

Yup, I'm a very lucky guy.

Thomas

 

[MetalMangler]

A couple of minutes google stalking you later....



So how much of the yellow area are you getting, and what is your design layout for the landing strip, pool, tank range and heliport?

MM

 

[Amitygravel]

Hello Thomas !

Now if you end up having a kegger , I can bartend for the the party !

Craig

 

[Mikea57]

Well, now that you have additional property available, and parts to a tank, the next logical course of action (once you get the tank assembled), will be:

Target practice!!

I haven't checked on this thread lately, congrats on 5,000+ posts and for continuing on your fabulous journey. Simply incredible! This thread is a true gem much like Shopnut's Asylum!

Mike

 

[oberst]

Check it out! Thomas might be able to recoup a little of his investment - Wilton (yes, that Wilton) is having a little contest!

http://www.garagejournal.com/2012/05/have-a-vintage-wilton-vice/

 

[hobbitss]

A couple of minutes google stalking you later....



So how much of the yellow area are you getting, and what is your design layout for the landing strip, pool, tank range and heliport?

MM

Cool!! Might even be enough room for a road course integrated with the Drag Strip/Runway...


Might even have been able to purchase the entire square....
Put the runway/Drag Strip Diagonally across the property...

 

[BB767]

Hay drying racks common practice over there?

Honestly I'm pretty new to this farming "stuff" but no, around here drying racks aren't used to my very limited knowledge. Other more experienced farmers here can correct me.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I have just been so covered up lately I haven't been able to keep up. Flying, car shows

(Chris won another Emeritus Award with her Mark), car club events, shop/ barn projects, buying additional acreage for the drag strip/ landing strip/ heliport/road course/ swimming pool/ tank target range.......did I miss anything else?? So my apologies to everyone for slow posting anything of substance here. I've been working till sundown practically every night I'm home which leaves little time.

OK, so we closed this morning on the new property so I'm now, officially a farmer! A few weeks back a "for sale" sign popped up next door to us here and I just happened to be at the shop when it did. I called immediately and bought it in less than 24 hours.

The shop is on 5 heavily wooded acres at the top, circle in yellow and the new 7 acres , Timber Haven West (THW) is circle in red. It's the corner, less the two houses hidden by the aircraft strut. So the Restored 1930's Auto Shop is now situated on 12 acres.

It just so happens I was the previous owners paperboy back in the early 1960's so I've know him a good share of my life. He was well aquatinted with Mr Johnson, living practically next door to him.

My barn is just on the other side of the hedge row in the center.

It's been pasture or only had hay grown on it for the last 50 years.

This is my new view to the west and where Clark's Heliport will be, NO power lines, and it's flat.

The fence rows have been neglected ...

...and will need some attention but this will be easy compared with my previous "life's work" next door. So I've got ample parking for everyone now. There's more but I need to check and see what the specs call for on a drag strip. Oh and I'll need some volunteer life guards for the pool....

More to follow.........

Happy Camper Thomas

 

[BB767]

Check it out! Thomas might be able to recoup a little of his investment - Wilton (yes, that Wilton) is having a little contest!

http://www.garagejournal.com/2012/05/have-a-vintage-wilton-vice/

Thank you oberst, I'd have never seen this otherwise. I'll have to take a closer look when I get a moment.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

A couple of minutes google stalking you later....

...So how much of the yellow area are you getting, and what is your design layout for the landing strip, pool, tank range and heliport?

MM

Nice view MetalMangler. I've got all that you have circled.
Drainage is not a problem so I've got several choices, hmmmm I'll get back to you on that.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hello Thomas !

Now if you end up having a kegger , I can bartend for the the party !

Craig

And when you come Craig, look at the new playground for your daughter.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Well, now that you have additional property available, and parts to a tank, the next logical course of action (once you get the tank assembled), will be:

Target practice!!

I haven't checked on this thread lately, congrats on 5,000+ posts and for continuing on your fabulous journey. Simply incredible! This thread is a true gem much like Shopnut's Asylum!

Mike

Mike that was awesome, thank you so very much for it.

Hey Chris, guess what I need now and we have the room!!


Thomas

 

[BB767]

Cool!! Might even be enough room for a road course integrated with the Drag Strip/Runway...


Might even have been able to purchase the entire square....
Put the runway/Drag Strip Diagonally across the property...

Oh yea!! Stand by there Joe.

Thomas