tinbender 66
Well-known member
I can't believe I've never checked out the city garage thread before. Lotsa stuff I can use!! Thanks, I bestow upon you my 1000th post!
Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT When Not Committed to the ASYLUM, You Will Find Me Here
- Thread starter shopnut
- Start date
Workspaces between 485 and 705 squarefeet.
Use away - that's why I post this stuff!
You gave me not only your 1000th post (which I will cherish forever, btw
), but also a third page. You're one darn nice guy, tinbender!Wingnut65
Well-known member
Your yard looks great! It sure has been nice not to need to mow. I think the last time I mowed was just before putting out the Christmas decorations in early December. It a little rough now, but I can still see the neighbor's fence.
As for the dandelions, get them before they bloom and multiply. We use Massey, formerly Middleton, to spray our yard. Weeds have not been a problem and the non-winter grass stays green. (Mention our name for a referral if you call them)
And I just realized I need to study your sliding AC storage rack some more. Mine will have to swing, but same concept.
As for the dandelions, get them before they bloom and multiply. We use Massey, formerly Middleton, to spray our yard. Weeds have not been a problem and the non-winter grass stays green. (Mention our name for a referral if you call them)
And I just realized I need to study your sliding AC storage rack some more. Mine will have to swing, but same concept.
fredlangva
Active member
We just got into our brand new house and I've noticed the weeds spourting through the sections of the sod they put down. I'm trying Weed-B-Gone since I had good luck with it before.
Our winter's been a little cooler than yours since we're north of you, but still some unseasonably warm weather. Was actully sweating on Thursday finishing up the painting in the garage.
Fred
Our winter's been a little cooler than yours since we're north of you, but still some unseasonably warm weather. Was actully sweating on Thursday finishing up the painting in the garage.
Fred
Wingnut65 - Thanks. I used TruGreen years ago and my lawn looked worse than it ever did after 6 months. It left a bad taste in my mouth so I have been doing it on my own ever since (probably a bad choice 
). I'm on the once-every-other-week mowing cycle now - not looking forward to the weekly ****!
fredlangva - I still haven't checked out the herbicide aisle at Lowes for the Weed-b-Gone products, but thanks for the tip. All I have done so far is spread on some Bayer grub/ant control because I spotted some yellow patches and noticed the birds (Thrushes, I think) diving down in the grass and that is a tell-tell sign of insects/worms in the yard. The yellow patches in the middle of a lush green section usually mean grubs are chewing on the roots at our place. It's kind of early for grubs though, but it has been an unusually warm winter so who knows.
onething - I'm very much with you on the "keep the St. Augustine happy and it will choke out the rest" theory. I've owned this house (and yard) for 20 years now and that St. A grass is really hearty. But you have to water the heck out of it to keep it healthy, which means you will be mowing it a bunch too. There have been years where I was just sick of the maintenance and I stopped watering it to minimize the mowing, and it has taken it's toll. Weeds move in fast. I have never re-sodded it, but I have stripped many sections of weeds and re-plugged when the St. A got too thin. Right now, the grass looks the best it has in probably 5 years or so, so I better keep a close eye on it.
Mrs. Shopnut has many times wanted to completely re-sod the entire lawn because she sees me pulling crabgrass on those 95F days, but I always tell her "I will lick it this year". I think she is really the brains of this outfit
). I'm on the once-every-other-week mowing cycle now - not looking forward to the weekly ****!fredlangva - I still haven't checked out the herbicide aisle at Lowes for the Weed-b-Gone products, but thanks for the tip. All I have done so far is spread on some Bayer grub/ant control because I spotted some yellow patches and noticed the birds (Thrushes, I think) diving down in the grass and that is a tell-tell sign of insects/worms in the yard. The yellow patches in the middle of a lush green section usually mean grubs are chewing on the roots at our place. It's kind of early for grubs though, but it has been an unusually warm winter so who knows.
onething - I'm very much with you on the "keep the St. Augustine happy and it will choke out the rest" theory. I've owned this house (and yard) for 20 years now and that St. A grass is really hearty. But you have to water the heck out of it to keep it healthy, which means you will be mowing it a bunch too. There have been years where I was just sick of the maintenance and I stopped watering it to minimize the mowing, and it has taken it's toll. Weeds move in fast. I have never re-sodded it, but I have stripped many sections of weeds and re-plugged when the St. A got too thin. Right now, the grass looks the best it has in probably 5 years or so, so I better keep a close eye on it.
Mrs. Shopnut has many times wanted to completely re-sod the entire lawn because she sees me pulling crabgrass on those 95F days, but I always tell her "I will lick it this year". I think she is really the brains of this outfit
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THE MOWER MAY STAY IN THE GARAGE, BUT MANY THINGS DON'T HAVE TO...
I mentioned earlier that the mower gets a spot in the garage, and that is mainly due to the corrosive effects of my humid environment. But that doesn't mean a lot of other stuff can't reside outside somewhere. These four plastic storage cabinets do a great job of housing pressure washers, pool chemicals, and lawn pesticides to free up valuable garage space. I have found that the pool chemicals need their own dedicated cabinet because some are nasty oxidizing agents and metal parts don't stand a chance.
I mentioned earlier that the mower gets a spot in the garage, and that is mainly due to the corrosive effects of my humid environment. But that doesn't mean a lot of other stuff can't reside outside somewhere. These four plastic storage cabinets do a great job of housing pressure washers, pool chemicals, and lawn pesticides to free up valuable garage space. I have found that the pool chemicals need their own dedicated cabinet because some are nasty oxidizing agents and metal parts don't stand a chance.
Nozzlejocky
Well-known member
Looks great, surely an inspiration.
Thanks. Now use that inspiration and get cracking! (just kidding)
Seriously, I hope this thread gave you a couple of ideas for your own place. Everything here was reasonably cheap and easy to build.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wingnut65
Well-known member
We had TG for a few years and had the same experience. We had to hand rip out 3,600 sf of weeds and had someone else reinstall the new sod. That is why we've been with Massey for the past 4 years. No complaints and the yard looks great. Just wish the rain would start so we can turn off the sprinklers...
TG was after me to sign back up years later. I told them the whole story. I got the "Well, your branch is under new management now" story. I'm thinking, it better be, if any more yards ended up looking as bad as mine.
Yeah, its nice when Mother Nature helps us out with some water from above. A ten minute moderate shower is worth an hour of sprinkling.
Yeah, its nice when Mother Nature helps us out with some water from above. A ten minute moderate shower is worth an hour of sprinkling.
Xander
Well-known member
Bump, nice ideas! some of them I already had, but a lot of new little ones are certainly there. In fact a lot of them can be used in many places around the house. Up here in NY we have basements and most of these ideas can be translated right into that.
X...
X...
e-tek
Well-known member
I always love revisiting your spaces Shopnut! You are either the most dedicated organizer here, or have "Organizational Spatial Order Disorder"! Oh wait - you DO call yourself ShopNut!!
ANyways, keep up the great work - hope you're enjoying yourself everyday out there!
ANyways, keep up the great work - hope you're enjoying yourself everyday out there!
Xander - Thanks for the bump! 
I miss having a basement here is FL. It would make a nice cool retreat in the summertime. Unfortunately, basements can unexpectedly turn into indoor pools with our high water table 
e-tek - Thanks! I think I have a bad case of that OSOD - currently I'm organizing all my little electrical components. It never ends!
I'm getting closer to working on my car projects so I'll be reading over your resto threads veeeeeeery carefully. Make sure you include all the gory details.
I miss having a basement here is FL. It would make a nice cool retreat in the summertime. Unfortunately, basements can unexpectedly turn into indoor pools with our high water table e-tek - Thanks! I think I have a bad case of that OSOD - currently I'm organizing all my little electrical components. It never ends!
I'm getting closer to working on my car projects so I'll be reading over your resto threads veeeeeeery carefully. Make sure you include all the gory details.
Ted Brown
MEMBER EMERITUS
VERY NEAT! I only wish I could be that neat for more than a week or so I will use some of your ideas for storage... Many Thanks from a retired Hot Rod car builder... Ted Brown Chassis
I will use some of your ideas for storage... Many Thanks from a retired Hot Rod car builder... Ted Brown ChassisSTARTING ON ANOTHER PROJECT BIKE - MY RZ500...
Since this thread has resurfaced, I thought I should give a quick update on the little project I have going on inside this garage right now. Back in November 2012, I bought this 1985 Yamaha RZ500 (aka the RD500LC in other parts of the world). They are not real plentiful here in the States seeing as how they were never originally sold in the US due to EPA emissions.
The first thing to happen was all the tupperware (bodywork) was removed and stored safely away, hanging on the ceiling.
And here are a couple of shots as I start to dig into it. This won’t be a full blown restoration, but I will just be taking care of the mechanical bits that need some attention. I have bigger fish to fry over at the Asylum and this is just a little side-line project to keep me out of trouble when they let me out.
I have a thread going on the RZ500 website with all the details of the adventure so I won't bore you with them here. I may post a couple of highlights from time to time here since all the work is being done in this garage.
Since this thread has resurfaced, I thought I should give a quick update on the little project I have going on inside this garage right now. Back in November 2012, I bought this 1985 Yamaha RZ500 (aka the RD500LC in other parts of the world). They are not real plentiful here in the States seeing as how they were never originally sold in the US due to EPA emissions.
The first thing to happen was all the tupperware (bodywork) was removed and stored safely away, hanging on the ceiling.
And here are a couple of shots as I start to dig into it. This won’t be a full blown restoration, but I will just be taking care of the mechanical bits that need some attention. I have bigger fish to fry over at the Asylum and this is just a little side-line project to keep me out of trouble when they let me out
. I have a thread going on the RZ500 website with all the details of the adventure so I won't bore you with them here. I may post a couple of highlights from time to time here since all the work is being done in this garage.
Mike14k
Well-known member
Very well done... I like the use of unique spaces for storage.
Thanks. I need to capitalize on every square inch I have! Or maybe I should say every cubic inch
Ted Brown
MEMBER EMERITUS
You think you are a packrat, I am the very worst!!! If I see something that I think I can use in any type of build, be it wood or metal, wire, body parts, etc. etc. just lying around, I take it home... One Mans junk is another mans building material... I have made a lot of money using free material, some is left overs from a paid job, I hardly ever throw away scraps, they make very good brackets and such!
Yes, I really love your shop/living space...
JCQuick
Well-known member
shopnut you sir are killing me ... I need to get to work
OH my its the holy grailSTARTING ON ANOTHER PROJECT BIKE - MY RZ500...
Since this thread has resurfaced, I thought I should give a quick update on the little project I have going on inside this garage right now. Back in November 2012, I bought this 1985 Yamaha RZ500 (aka the RD500LC in other parts of the world). They are not real plentiful here in the States seeing as how they were never originally sold in the US due to EPA emissions.
The first thing to happen was all the tupperware (bodywork) was removed and stored safely away, hanging on the ceiling.
And here are a couple of shots as I start to dig into it. This won’t be a full blown restoration, but I will just be taking care of the mechanical bits that need some attention. I have bigger fish to fry over at the Asylum and this is just a little side-line project to keep me out of trouble when they let me out
I have a thread going on the RZ500 website with all the details of the adventure so I won't bore you with them here. I may post a couple of highlights from time to time here since all the work is being done in this garage.
oh the garage is great but that rz
Ted Brown - Unfortunately, I don't ever seem to make any money on the stuff I keep 
. But occasionally it does save me quite a bit since I don't always have to go out and buy new stuff for a project . And sometimes if I'm really lucky, it turns into some unique creation.
JCQuick - I hope I'm providing you with a little incentive to get off your lazy ****! (just kidding, of course). I simply love to build/rebuild stuff and it occupies nearly every free minute I have (and probably a few I don't ).
cobraace - Thanks. Back in 1984 when the RZ350 was introduced to the USA, I lusted after that bike. Of course being a poor college kid, there was no way to afford it. I final found a 350 about 10 years ago and was happy as a clam... at least, until I discovered Yamaha produced the big brother 500. I've casually searchied about 8 years for an affordable one nearby and finally found it. Mine just a runner and all I have to do is keep from blowing up the engine and it will always be worth what I have stuck into it. But the decent stock examples are going for about 8-10K these days and prices are climbing steadly.
Don't tell my RZ buddies, but rumor has it the Gamma was a better bike overall. But I've always seemed to gravitate towards Yamaha rather than Suzuki when it comes to these 2-strokers.
. But occasionally it does save me quite a bit since I don't always have to go out and buy new stuff for a project . And sometimes if I'm really lucky, it turns into some unique creation.JCQuick - I hope I'm providing you with a little incentive to get off your lazy ****! (just kidding, of course
). I simply love to build/rebuild stuff and it occupies nearly every free minute I have (and probably a few I don't ).cobraace - Thanks. Back in 1984 when the RZ350 was introduced to the USA, I lusted after that bike. Of course being a poor college kid, there was no way to afford it. I final found a 350 about 10 years ago and was happy as a clam... at least, until I discovered Yamaha produced the big brother 500. I've casually searchied about 8 years for an affordable one nearby and finally found it. Mine just a runner and all I have to do is keep from blowing up the engine and it will always be worth what I have stuck into it. But the decent stock examples are going for about 8-10K these days and prices are climbing steadly.
Don't tell my RZ buddies, but rumor has it the Gamma was a better bike overall. But I've always seemed to gravitate towards Yamaha rather than Suzuki when it comes to these 2-strokers.
bdkw1
Well-known member
The baloney slicer Gamma made carb jetting a pain. The 90* air inlet boots did awful things to the main jetting.
"Baloney slicer" - I'm guessing that's referring to the rotary valves in there
I think they are both plagued by the 90* inlets, but it least the carbs are right out where you can get to them.
Here's a particularly interesting photo of the RZ engine including cooling and exhaust systems...
Attachments
bdkw1
Well-known member
"Baloney slicer" - I'm guessing that's referring to the rotary valves in there
Yup, put the carbs farther out than the RZ's. It was ver tight between the fairing and the carbs. I saw more than one guy holesaw the fairing and run pod filters..........
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Don't tell my RZ buddies, but rumor has it the Gamma was a better bike overall. But I've always seemed to gravitate towards Yamaha rather than Suzuki when it comes to these 2-strokers.
__________________
No need to pick one brand do what i do try and get them ALL
__________________
No need to pick one brand do what i do try and get them ALL
bdkw1 - Thanks for the cool RG cutaway image. I've already snagged a copy!
Omphaloskeptic - Yeah, the expansion chamber exhaust can get pretty complicated. The RZs made respectable power back in their day - you have to keep them spinning over about 6K to have fun though, but boy do they sound good up there.
cobraace - I suspect I will own one of those Gammas sooner or later. But I really don't need another project right now. I think the RZ is pushing me close to the edge already!
Omphaloskeptic - Yeah, the expansion chamber exhaust can get pretty complicated. The RZs made respectable power back in their day - you have to keep them spinning over about 6K to have fun though, but boy do they sound good up there.
cobraace - I suspect I will own one of those Gammas sooner or later. But I really don't need another project right now. I think the RZ is pushing me close to the edge already!
bdkw1
Well-known member
That's some mighty strange looking plumbing on the RZ; apparently it works!
That was in mild tune. Pipes and jetting would put it close to 90HP. Add porting and compression and it would be up around 120HP. The factory race bike were over 160HP.
160HP from 500cc (30.5 cubic inches) isn't too shabby.
Now let's see (as I whip out my calculator) - if I got the same hp/cc out of the 454cu-in engine getting rebuilt for the Chevelle, that would be around 2,380 HP!
Yep, that should be just enough.
Now let's see (as I whip out my calculator) - if I got the same hp/cc out of the 454cu-in engine getting rebuilt for the Chevelle, that would be around 2,380 HP!
Yep, that should be just enough.
bdkw1
Well-known member
My last RS250 put out 92HP........... The powerband made it somewhat interesting to ride.
(sounds fun though Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
**** roe - Welcome to the forum. Be sure to post in the "Introduce yourself here" forum to say hi to everyone and tell us a little bit about yourself and what you have going on in or on the shop.
Omphaloskeptic - Sweet R5! Looks to be in great shape. Reminds me a lot of my first Yammie twin (actually my first true street-only bike), a 1974 RD350 that had this color scheme:
(just an example picture since I didn't have any prior to adding custom bodywork and painting mine competition yellow)
Take good care of your old girl! She's a beaut
Omphaloskeptic - Sweet R5! Looks to be in great shape. Reminds me a lot of my first Yammie twin (actually my first true street-only bike), a 1974 RD350 that had this color scheme:
(just an example picture since I didn't have any prior to adding custom bodywork and painting mine competition yellow)
Take good care of your old girl! She's a beaut
Terracar
Well-known member
I don't know where to start... so I guess first off, WOW. Amazing organization and excellent tips.
I am in dire need of reorganizing my garage and this was the first that really focused on a 2 car garage like mine.
By nature, I am very unorganized (though I know where everything is), I find that when things get organized, it tends to evolve into something different and much more user friendly and personalized to my needs.
Thank you for all the inspiration and great ideas. As it has been said, you must be a genius, that or have a very firm grasp on common sense.
Thank you for 4 pages of enjoyment.
-Terracar / Joe
I am in dire need of reorganizing my garage and this was the first that really focused on a 2 car garage like mine.
By nature, I am very unorganized (though I know where everything is), I find that when things get organized, it tends to evolve into something different and much more user friendly and personalized to my needs.
Thank you for all the inspiration and great ideas. As it has been said, you must be a genius, that or have a very firm grasp on common sense.
Thank you for 4 pages of enjoyment.
-Terracar / Joe
Terracar - Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I'm glad to hear you may possibly benefit from the stuff I show here. It has really helped me pack it in. My big problem is letting stuff go by tossing it out. I look at so many things and think they have to be useful for something. Often times, however, it's years (maybe decades) before I figure out that "something"
If you take the plunge (and I'm sure the GJ will help with that first step), I'm sure you will find life in the garage will be more enjoyable if you are not tripping over things. There are plenty of 2-cars on here to give you ideas. I wouldn't limit yourself to just those however, ideas will come from every thread on here if you keep your eyes open.
If you take the plunge (and I'm sure the GJ will help with that first step), I'm sure you will find life in the garage will be more enjoyable if you are not tripping over things. There are plenty of 2-cars on here to give you ideas. I wouldn't limit yourself to just those however, ideas will come from every thread on here if you keep your eyes open.
IT WAS TIME FOR ANOTHER CHARGER EXTENSION REEL...
I keep 5 bikes and my truck charged at the city house so the Battery Tender cord reel gets quite a bit of use. My original $10 Craftsman reel was starting to lose its spring tension, so I decided to use one of my Appleton reels to make another.
Here is the reel purchased from ebay (for $20, used) and the short SAE 2-pin extension that matches what is on the Tender. You just splice one connector half on each end (paying attention to polarity, of course).
This is the SAE cord that I purchased at the local surplus store. Radio Shack sells a similar item.
Here is the connector after soldering it onto the end of the cord. Heat shrink goes on each individual wire (red and black) and the other two pieces were stacked up over the joint to give a lasting cord connection.
Here’s the finished end that will go to the vehicle.
For the supply cord, I just slipped some black hose over the red and black wires and used another piece of heat shrink to hold it in place.
Here’s the finished reel ready to be installed. I used wire nuts inside the junction box to connect to the original black and white wires of the reel. This connection actually is made when you are mounting the reel to the J-box up by the ceiling, but I have them shown together here.
And lastly, the reel is mounted. What I really like about these small Appleton reels is their ability to pivot on the base plate. There is a second set of slip rings in there to allow full 360 degrees of continuous rotation, and that works nicely when the reel is mounted in the middle of the garage and the cord gets pulled out to various vehicles in all directions.
I keep 5 bikes and my truck charged at the city house so the Battery Tender cord reel gets quite a bit of use. My original $10 Craftsman reel was starting to lose its spring tension, so I decided to use one of my Appleton reels to make another.
Here is the reel purchased from ebay (for $20, used) and the short SAE 2-pin extension that matches what is on the Tender. You just splice one connector half on each end (paying attention to polarity, of course).
This is the SAE cord that I purchased at the local surplus store. Radio Shack sells a similar item.
Here is the connector after soldering it onto the end of the cord. Heat shrink goes on each individual wire (red and black) and the other two pieces were stacked up over the joint to give a lasting cord connection.
Here’s the finished end that will go to the vehicle.
For the supply cord, I just slipped some black hose over the red and black wires and used another piece of heat shrink to hold it in place.
Here’s the finished reel ready to be installed. I used wire nuts inside the junction box to connect to the original black and white wires of the reel. This connection actually is made when you are mounting the reel to the J-box up by the ceiling, but I have them shown together here.
And lastly, the reel is mounted. What I really like about these small Appleton reels is their ability to pivot on the base plate. There is a second set of slip rings in there to allow full 360 degrees of continuous rotation, and that works nicely when the reel is mounted in the middle of the garage and the cord gets pulled out to various vehicles in all directions.