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

[Red Leader]

p.s. i have been scouring c.l. and local yard sales lately for the first time in my life just because i am interested in old American power tools only because of this thread. thanks a lot.

This is where the fun begins. Just make sure you have a BIG, OPEN, CLEAR space. You are going to start filling it, fast

 

[Red Leader]

It looks fantastic from my house!! Man, that really brightens the place up. I like the way you mitered the intersection with the wood too. The devil is in the details!

I hate my floor now. Thanks.

Thanks Paul - yes, the floor really does lighten things up! We'll see how the wood turns out. It was a weird idea, but looks better to me than the cracks, so at least we are moving in a positive direction. Thanks for your thoughts. I really want to get caught up on some other builds, including yours, shopnuts, Jeff's, etc.

It feels good to get back in the game!

 

[Red Leader]

Congratulations, Dave. That looks Awesome!

It is really amazing what can be accomplished with a great vision, a lot of hard work, the right tools, an understanding significant other, a heater and not to forget the stapler, pirate and armadillo!

Take a breather. The finish line is in sight.

For anyone paying attention to this build, Jeff just nailed the key to the whole entire project.

 

[Red Leader]

Well guys, I'm at sort of a pause right now. I was going to knock out the 3rd pad, but the crack repair stuff hadn't come yet. Then on Wednesday it came and I was pretty stoked. I started mixing it up and man it was the messiest stuff I'd ever used (operator error).

I put it on last night and there was just no way it was going to set up in time for me to coat over it. Besides, I filled the joint with sand before laying the epoxy repair down and the sand had just a little moisture in it, so I wanted that gone before the floor went down.

Now, here is the 'uh oh' part...the epoxy repair is still tacky. I'm using Integraflex 1921 which is a premium product, and I'm pretty sure I got my 1:1 mix pretty close...but I've never used this stuff before and I'm not sure how it sets up. I know it is supposed to be flexible and I think I read it should have 50% elongation, but I'm not so sure about the tackiness. I can press it with my thumb and see my thumbprint. Something is telling me that that isn't quite right. Right now, I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt because it has been cold here (high 30s, low 40s at night) so I'm better the cure time (normally 24-30 hrs) has been dramatically lengthened...but we'll see what this is looking like in another day.

I'm planning to call Fred tomorrow (Alpha Garage) and get his take on it just to see what he thinks. I really, really don't want to have to grind it out of there if it isn't curing, but I will consult with wise council before doing anything dramatic. Besides, my focus will be shifting to the big walkway project we now have going on and will be doing all weekend, which will give the floor the chance to cure, if it is going to.

Keep your fingers crossed guys!!!!

 

[Huxley]

I just finished reading your thread and wanted to thank you for all the pics, posts and vintage tool info. over the years.

At first, I assumed you were grinding the floor to level it out. Did you have to hit all of it to prep it for the epoxy.? Is it level now? I am definitely leaning towards tile after witnessing what you went through.

Thanks again and keep it up!

 

[Red Leader]

Update -

So I didn't hear from Fred yet but I've checked on the floor and over the course of several days the epoxy filler has hardened beyond the point of being tacky. Now it feels a little more like a hard rubber. Here's hoping that is how it is supposed to be.

I'll have a few low spots to fill in but then I'll try to get those done soon and then it will be on to the next two pads!

I haven't done any work in several days because we were preparing to re-do our walkway in pavers. Well, we did that yesterday from 8am-11:30pm and then today for the first half of the day. Wow! And I thought the garage stuff was hard.

Hopefully we'll get a stretch of a few more nice days and I can lay the rest of the floor down. Stay tuned!

 

[Red Leader]

I just finished reading your thread and wanted to thank you for all the pics, posts and vintage tool info. over the years.

At first, I assumed you were grinding the floor to level it out. Did you have to hit all of it to prep it for the epoxy.? Is it level now? I am definitely leaning towards tile after witnessing what you went through.

Thanks again and keep it up!

Well, you are very welcome. it is my pleasure

There was absolutely no hope of leveling out that floor in there. However, what I quickly learned is that concrete is hard to grind [with a 4" hand grinder on your knees]. And so passing a grinder over the surface just takes down the high areas, much like a file passing over a rough metal surface. So what I ended up doing was angling the grinder so it could 'dig in' the concrete a little more. As long as I moved fast and was consistent, it didn't really leave pronounced rings in the floor from the grinding wheel. But yes, you should get that rough surface on the entire floor for the epoxy.

I would strongly recommend you renting a walk behind if you want to epoxy the floor. I did save money in the long run, but it also nearly beat me to death over the course of 20 hours of grinding.

Keeping it fun here at the 1950s Craftsman Garage

 

[Red Leader]

Well, the epoxy repair came out good! Except where I had to grind it away because I didn't mix it well enough! I got a little apprehensive about reports of this stuff (Integraflex 1921) hardening up within 15 min and so having a very narrow window of working time. However, for me, this was not the case and the colder weather probably plays into that.

I had to grind out about 1/3 of what I put down, but I'm okay with that. My fault, not product fault. This time I made sure to get my ratios right, then mixed for a good 5-7 minutes. This stuff is sticky!

Here was the process...

If you have some big, ugly, nasty cracks in your floor and need to seal them with something, I definitely recommend Integraflex Just make sure you mix it thoroughly.

There are a couple ways of doing the repair to get it level with the floor - at first, I tried filling in the crack and then using a scraper to scrape the epoxy flat with the concrete. That didn't work because the epoxy had the consistency of cold molasses and would pull itself up out of the crack when a putty knife was dragged across it. I never really did observe the epoxy getting to the hardening stage of putty to be able to scrape it flat, so I just waited for the whole thing to dry and then used ol' faithful (angle grinder) and ground it down flat. This is the most foolproof way to me. Not only to you make sure it is perfectly flat with the floor, but then you get a nice prepared surface for it. It took to the angle grinder well.

Actually...when I ground on it...it smelled kind of sweet, like some kind of candy. I kinda liked it Sure beat the smell of concrete dust

We're getting another nice, small streak of good weather on Friday with days in the 70s and nights in the 40s. I will attempt (on Friday) to epoxy both bottom pads (separately) and then clear coat together the next day. I have found the base color coat to be a little more stressful to work with - it needs to be laid down FAST. The clear coat is more fluid and in my experience give a longer working time, which is nice.

Look for some updates on Friday/Saturday!!! We're getting in the home stretch!!!

 

[mrgm]

im glad you posted this.

 

[Huxley]

Looking good. You should send a $5 donation to Harbor Freight HQ in honor of that grinder.

Any drainage issues around the foundation that you need to take care of before the Winter? The water under the slab that caused those cracks came from somewhere. Could have been addressed long ago though.

 

[Wingnut65]

Nice work , Dave. A good job is rarely an easy one. It looks like you are doing this the right way.

Any drainage issues around the foundation that you need to take care of before the Winter? The water under the slab that caused those cracks came from somewhere. Could have been addressed long ago though.

I was thinking the same thing as I saw this photo

Please consider using some good sealant on these craks on the bottom of the control joint before you install the wood. I'd hate to see the wood rot from the bottom up because of moisture coming through the crack. I suggest sealant because it will still allow movement in the four slabs. That epoxy looks awesome, but making the whole slab too rigid may introduce new stress cracks.

Keep up the good work!

 

[slickgt1]

You are one dedicated dude. Seriously I keep watching this and my knees hurt. I'm literally considering taking and Aleve lol.

I think he is going to seal the wood before installing it as well. Red, I suggest Zar oil based poly. I keep using the stuff everywhere, and just doesn't disappoint.

 

[Red Leader]

Seriously I keep watching this and my knees hurt. I'm literally considering taking and Aleve lol.

Hahaha...might as well. My knees will live vicariously through you.

I kept telling myself...was this all worth it? Totally, absolutely. Will I ever do it again? nope

 

[Red Leader]

Alright guys, final work on the two pads begins tonight! Wish me luck.

-RL

 

[Red Leader]

Looking good. You should send a $5 donation to Harbor Freight HQ in honor of that grinder.

Any drainage issues around the foundation that you need to take care of before the Winter? The water under the slab that caused those cracks came from somewhere. Could have been addressed long ago though.

You and Jeff both voiced this concern. In Colorado, we have a prevalent clay in the soil called Bentonite, which caused a lot of shifting and settling. In talking with the neighbors, some of them who may have been around when this development was first built, said that they didn't really compact anything, so a lot of settling and shifting occurred.

The concrete looked like that since I had moved in. We have a very dry climate here, and I have had no moisture issue in the garage. However, I am going to run with the advice given and seal the cracks underneath the wood. If anything, it could only help.

 

[Red Leader]

All cracks filled and ground -

After sweeping, ready for vacuuming and wiping down -

BOOYAH!!!!

Clear goes on tonight.

 

[Huxley]

Congratulations! Looks really nice.

 

[Jack Olsen]

The finish line.

That's got to feel good.

 

[jeepnut24]

Looking good. You should send a $5 donation to Harbor Freight HQ in honor of that grinder.

Any drainage issues around the foundation that you need to take care of before the Winter? The water under the slab that caused those cracks came from somewhere. Could have been addressed long ago though.

It probably has more to do with our shifting soil here. Seems to be a problem all over the west side of town. Moisture usually isn't a problem out here.

 

[redintex]

Outstanding job!

Just FYI - it was 41 here Thursday morning. It was 91 Friday, and 90 today. There's Texas weather for ya'.

redintex

 

[TireTracks]

Now you can't just drag stuff across the floor. Can't scratch the artwork.

Time for a forklift!!

 

[Red Leader]

Alright guys, I got the clear on both pads tonight, and to try and finish it up and just be done with it, I decided to do them both at the same time (2x batch) because so far my experience had shown me that the clear has more working time.



Well, lemme tell ya, it was a complete circus tonight




First thing, my mixing ratio cups were all messed up and nasty from previous batches and dust/dirt from sitting in the garage, so I grabbed some paper cups from the office and had used them for one previous batch, but a double batch was something completely different - it was basically like trying to mix half my floor in dixie cups Seriously, 5 cups of hardener, 10 cups of main part. I feel like I lost count in the middle. Let's keep our fingers crossed on the ratio



Seriously, if you ever do epoxy in your garage, don't do that.



So, I pour all 15 cups of stuff together and now its time to mix. Uh oh...now I forgot my watch. So I'm freaking and running throughout the house trying to find my watch. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, 1) Epoxy has to have a minimum of 3 SOLID minutes of just mixing, and any less could mean you end up with a goopy floor. 2) you only have about 15-20 minutes of working time, as soon as you mix the two together. Hmmm...fun. The saving grace here was the working time of the clear coat. I have no idea what would have happened if I was doing the base coat!


So then, get it all mixed together, cut in the edges/corners, then pour half on one side, half on the other. Now, since the first coat is down, you can't wear spike shoes, you just have to wear normal shoes. I'm weird. I was wearing socks and sandals. So, I pour it on the floor and I'm spreading it around with about 1/2 to go and then squiiiiiiiiish! Put my left foot right in it. so I thought...ahh...maybe I'll just hurry and spread it around and keep my sandal on and it will be okay. Nope...just imagine dress shoes in an oil puddle. Get it? So I take my sandal off, throw it outside, and try to really, really watch it so I don't step it in with my sock.





No deal. About 3/4 of the way in...squiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiish! Right in the sock!

So I grab my sock, yank it off, throw it outside, and then realize my other sandal just got hit as well. So now I'm down to 1 sock, and I'm still trying to squeegee all this stuff around. Almost done...







Sure enough...squiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiish!!!




Now my foot is the casualty. So I hop out and throw myself on the group, wipe the foot with a dry part of the sock, and realize my other sock is coated, too.

Whoops! So now I'm grabbing my roller (which is attached to a broom handle, which is attached to a shop vac hard hose extension, rolling this thing around on the floor, hopping on one foot. I could have written my own comedy routine.


Then I noticed dirt splotches, in the clear coat, presumably from my sandal that had just kind of picked up dirt along the way. Well, thankfully, I was able to wipe the dirt spots out with...my socks.


It was an 'adventure' to say the least. But the floor looks pretty spankin' good! We'll see if it still looking that way tomorrow, but I am hopeful. Then maybe I'll finally be done with this little escapade. I put down a little aluminum oxide for traction around the area that the car door opens up to when it is in there (the wife will appreciate that one).


I'll try to have an update tomorrow with pictures!


-RL

 

[Red Leader]

Now you can't just drag stuff across the floor. Can't scratch the artwork.

Time for a forklift!!

I'm hopefully going to get some rolling bases for the table saw, RAS, jointer, and bandsaw. The workbench (which weighs around 150-250lbs, is already on rollers (thank goodness!!!).

I was draggin' stuff around on the floor on t-shirts.



You know...keeping it high class in the 1950s Craftsman Garage

 

[tinbender 66]

Not quite as good as a video, but I had a pretty funny movie playing in my head!! I bet it turns out just fine.

 

[Red Leader]

The finish line.

That's got to feel good.

Thanks Jack.

The feeling hasn't quite sunk in yet



For some reason, 'finish line' is not quite clearly defined with the garage build

 

[Red Leader]

Congratulations! Looks really nice.

Thanks! You can't quite see the dirt particles from that far away, but its not too shabby.


Should be okay for gettin' some sawdust thrown on it

 

[Red Leader]

You are one dedicated dude. Seriously I keep watching this and my knees hurt. I'm literally considering taking and Aleve lol.

I think he is going to seal the wood before installing it as well. Red, I suggest Zar oil based poly. I keep using the stuff everywhere, and just doesn't disappoint.

By the way, do you know where I'd pick up some Zar?

 

[Red Leader]

Outstanding job!

Just FYI - it was 41 here Thursday morning. It was 91 Friday, and 90 today. There's Texas weather for ya'.

redintex

Thanks for the compliment. Its hard to feel like I'm finally done...after spending so many hours on my knees crawling around in concrete dust

 

[-Brent-]

It looks really classy, RL. Nice work.

 

[peelman]

So what you're saying is that in addition to an awesome looking floor, you have a great funny story to tell, seems like a win-win to me It would only be better if you'd been recording the whole thing for posterity

 

[Red Leader]

So what you're saying is that in addition to an awesome looking floor, you have a great funny story to tell, seems like a win-win to me It would only be better if you'd been recording the whole thing for posterity

Man, it was ridiculous. Glad I don't have to do that again!





So I checked the floor this morning and it is curing up well...will still leave a fingerprint mark if pressed, but it was in the 50s last night and it has only been about 11 hours since I did it, so it is coming along nicely.


Next up will be the trim!

 

[Wingnut65]

The Gloss Coast Hop! That would have been awesome to see, or at least have the Mrs. catch a shot of it.

Glad to hear the epoxy floor is behind you now. Or is it, beneath you now? Take the rest of the week off, Dave. You deserve it.

 

[gilr]

Why not mix a small batch of the clear and brush it on the wood? I would still use the crack sealer in the cracks where you will install the wood regardless of what you treat the strips with.

 

[luvit]

Dave, your crack-repair really looks great.
under my circumstances, i opted-out of doing that 6 months ago, but your ambition and results are so inspiring.
.

 

[shopnut]

Funny circus story Red Leader - what are you going to do for act two?

I'm amazed at how shiny it was even without the clearcoat on yet. Great job. I think floors are pretty stressful, especially when applying a time sensitive material, and I'm glad this job is almost behind you.

 

[slickgt1]

By the way, do you know where I'd pick up some Zar?

I would try ACE, and Benjamin Moore. Two places that seem to always stock it. Stay away from the water base one. You really need the oil. Also, BM, carries the scratch resistant one. That one, is a ******* to even sand when it fully cures.

Project looks good. I was laughing my head off reading your post, and using your socks in such an effective way. I would have done the same. Next time, I suggest a video, you could be the next youtube sensation.

Looking good, almost there.

 

[E.rodz]

good to see ya jumped over a huge hurdle and finished up the epoxy! looks great you will love this no doubt.kinda laughed at all of those cool old tools and your using a pos. grinder way to small for the job at hand.don't feel bad though we have all done it. Now the shop reorganization begins. A couple of weeks you will be in shop heaven and it will all be worth the effort.Thanks for sharing!

 

[onething]

Who knew cheap = funny?

Looks great and I enjoyed the story. I bet you'll be telling that one for years.

 

[Sunbimmer]

I think the brown/black combo on the outlets looks good. It's a crazy-minor detail -- but this looks like it's going to be a garage with some excellent details.

I totally agree with mr. Olsen, great eye for detail you have I like it

 

[markviii]

I haven't checked in for awhile (too busy as always). The floor came out great! Tom and I (well, mostly Tom) have lots of crazy stories with the Restored 1930s Auto Shop over these past 7 years. Thanks for sharing your life story. Your "little escapade" just adds to the shop history (like Tom's digging up the in-ground Rotary!).

And, I don't think there is a "finish line" when it comes to our working shops. Every "mistake" adds character to the project. It's all a work in progress - not a bad thing when you're making history.

Chris