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Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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BB767

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frikkie said:
Those wagons were called Chev Constantia's in South Africa - sold with either a 4.1 litre straight-6, or a 5.7 V8. Lovely cars in their day, and you still see a few around.
Click to expand...

HOTFR8 said:
They would have been built here for export to South Africa.
Click to expand...

Thanks frikkie and HOTFR8. Isn't it interesting how they give them different names in different countries? A friend of mine in Brazil has what looks like is the Brazilian version of the same wagon called a Caravan. His has a 6 cylinder engine, super clean and is a '79. When they were made in Australia? In the 1970's?

Thomas
 
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DynoDave

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Nice work again, Thomas. :beer:

oberst said:
Hah! Those punch cards bring back memories. Dad worked at the power company for years in data processing, and he would bring those babies home by the boxful. Loved going to work on Saturdays with him and watching the cards move through the machine...

(Oh, yeah, the SPOUSE looks fantastic, too!)
Click to expand...

Same here. Mom worked with punch cards for years at the hospital. She always had some old ones around the house for us kids to play with, draw on, etc.

You mentioned the U of I Thomas. My Dad worked his whole life at Franklin Life in Springfield. They too were an early adopter of computer technology. A picture of their Sperry UNIVAC is a part of this Wikipedia posting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNIVAC_I
 
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magnusk750

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A quite nice way to remove paint from hardware is to boil them in water and a few spoonfuls of washing powder. Gentle to the surface and labour saving if there are lots of stuff.
 
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hobbitss

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mdbeck1 said:
Hey Joe,

This are from my DAD's garage...
View media item 27384Does that help???
Click to expand...

TREASURES!!! :willy_nil

Quite a mix in there.. Hand chisels and air chisels.. Tubing bender, spark plug gap gauge, razer knife for glass, awl, nut driver and all sorts of Allen Wrenches... Also see big pry bars as well as possibly a couple small ones..
Stapler, Automotive amp meter, air gauge and possibly a pipe cutter...

That looks like a nice place to play... :beer:

Looks like someone was doing a little roofing work....
 
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Omphaloskeptic

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Ultima Ratio, Wa.
Thomas, as we have come to expect, your work on the SPOUSE is yet another great restoration!

- Original auction cost - $25.00
- Labor man hours, paint, consumables - $MEH!
- Sentimental value - PRICELE$$


P.S. - That pic of the workbench with your 'backyard' in the background made me nostalgic. I grew up in W.Pa. where the winter snows made the deciduous trees stand out in stark relief; something right out of a Currier & Ives image. Thanks!
 
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mdbeck1

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hobbitss said:
TREASURES!!! :willy_nil

Quite a mix in there.. Hand chisels and air chisels.. Tubing bender, spark plug gap gauge, razer knife for glass, awl, nut driver and all sorts of Allen Wrenches... Also see big pry bars as well as possibly a couple small ones..
Stapler, Automotive amp meter, air gauge and possibly a pipe cutter...

That looks like a nice place to play... :beer:

Looks like someone was doing a little roofing work....
Click to expand...

One of the real jewels was the clutch alignment tool to the 45-46 Buick. At least that's what I think Dad told me it was. I'll find it next time I go out and post a picture.
 
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markviii

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Hope you enjoyed reading about Beltsville Shell. I believe MetalMangler and oberst are correct about the path the book should follow. Kind of like an inward spiral that eventually comes back to home to The Center of the Universe. (It'll save on postage for us, too!)

Definitely, each reader should sign his/her name - that's what will make the book valuable in the future (we're all celebrities, aren't we?)

Also remember to post on here when you've finished the book so a flurry of PMs (to you) can help you select where it goes next on its journey.

Three readers down and counting.

Chris

P.S. to Kingswood - Hopefully someone can PM you about a procedure for
posting pictures. I don't know how to doi t either -
Tom knows how to do this with his set-up.
 
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stidham

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When I started in IT back in 86. You could get those cards by the box full. I haven't seen a box in 10 years. They were great for notes and such. This one old timer when I was just a 22 year old newb, would sew bigger pockets on his shirts to hold his pile of note cards.
 
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mrob12

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stidham said:
When I started in IT back in 86. You could get those cards by the box full. I haven't seen a box in 10 years. They were great for notes and such. This one old timer when I was just a 22 year old newb, would sew bigger pockets on his shirts to hold his pile of note cards.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember that somewhere on the each card was written:

"Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate"
 
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BB767

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markviii said:
Hope you enjoyed reading about Beltsville Shell. I believe MetalMangler and oberst are correct about the path the book should follow. Kind of like an inward spiral that eventually comes back to home to The Center of the Universe. (It'll save on postage for us, too!)

Definitely, each reader should sign his/her name - that's what will make the book valuable in the future (we're all celebrities, aren't we?)

Also remember to post on here when you've finished the book so a flurry of PMs (to you) can help you select where it goes next on its journey.

Three readers down and counting.

Chris
Click to expand...

Here's a bit more additional information about my future plans for our copy of Beltsville Shell. At some point Chris and I will be going to southern California and plan on getting together with Garage Journal board member Wayne who in turn is friends with the author, Cary Thomas. I'll plan this visit out far enough ahead of time so that I can arrange to have the book sent to me wherever it is at that time. Then I'll be bringing that very copy of the book that we're all reading and signing and have Cary sign and personalize it. If ever a time comes when there are no more requests for the book from our group here, I'll request that it be sent to me and it'll reside in the old shop as another cherished memento of all our time together here on the Restored 1930's Auto Shop thread. Of course it will always be available for future friends if they request it from me. How does that sound to everyone?

Also, Joe I haven't forgotten your request for tool shed pictures, just doing my day job at present! :)

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Kingswood said:
Dear Thomas I cant work out how to get pictures on this If you want to post your email address then I will send you some if not thats fine I will work out another way

Kind Regards Terry
Click to expand...

Terry, I've sent you a Private Message (PM) with contact information. Let me know it that's workable for you.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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magnusk750 said:
A quite nice way to remove paint from hardware is to boil them in water and a few spoonfuls of washing powder. Gentle to the surface and labour saving if there are lots of stuff.
Click to expand...

Magnusk, I forgot to ask you how long you recommend boiling the hardware? It's sounds like a great way to remove old paint, thanks.

Thomas
 
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Bob Heine

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BB767 said:
Then I'll be bringing that very copy of the book that we're all reading and signing and have Cary sign and personalize it. If ever a time comes when there are no more requests for the book from our group here, I'll request that it be sent to me and it'll reside in the old shop as another cherished memento of all our time together here on the Restored 1930's Auto Shop thread.
Click to expand...
Thomas,
Your first Beltsville Shell post awoke memories of a summer at my grandparents place in Rutland, Vermont. I was 13 and in love with cars so I spent most of my time at the local Shell station. The owner let me hang out and work on his custom '57 Belair hardtop (it was a one-year old car). My garage is home to two Corvettes and my career was in computers, starting in 1964. My post-retirement contract job with America Online just outside Washington DC added a third connection to Cary's story.

I immediately wrote to Cary and enclosed a check for $16.95. The book arrived, signed with a nice personal note from the author inside. I couldn't wait to read it because, as you noted: "This car thing can really get a grip on you."
 
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markviii

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magnusk750 - I used your suggestion about removing paint yesterday! It worked perfectly. You just have to watch that the soapy water doesn't boil over. I removed about 6 layers of old paint from some shelf supports. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to slow boil for about 5 minutes while stirring. I let it sit for another 5 before peeling off the paint. Two more layers and some in the crevices needed more boiling time, but this did the trick. I wouldn't want to use this method for large parts and it may depend on the type of paint (latex, oil-based). And you may not want to use the pan again for cooking.
Thanks for the hint.

Bob - having a personal connection with stories like Beltsville make it fun to read, kind of like it's our own story.

Chris
 
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BB767

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Here are a few manuals good friend Lou donated that he thought would be at home out in the old shop.

IMG_5691_zpscf84bdd4.jpg


Note the caption on the center picture "a modern racing car frame constructed of welded steel tubing". I'll try to get some interesting pictures from the articles inside. This dates as I recall from the 1950's and is a companion to...

IMG_5692_zpsecc73f5a.jpg


...this valve timing guide, authored by Ed Iskenderian, Mr Camshaft himself. Pictured is one of Don Garlits early dragsters, at the time it was "World's Fastest Dragster, 176.40 mph @ 8.79 Seconds" That would be 1957, in the very early days of drag racing and was cutting edge technology at the time.



" The Swamp Rat was originally built in 1957 by Don Garlits and competed for the first two years unblown, with 6, then 8 carburetors modified for running nitromethane and benzene. At first, the car had a two-speed transmission and a full width rear end, and ran a best of 10.5 seconds and 145 mph.

At the ATAA World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova, IL., in August 1957 Don met Emory Cook and Cliff Bedwell and Emory gave Don some ideas on how to improve performance and assisted him in getting his tune-up closer to what he needed to run competitively on Nitro.

Don ran a career best of 155 mph at 9.60 seconds, beating Cook and Bedwell, going to the finals where he lost to Serop "Setto" Postoian. Returning home Don revamped the car, lowered the front end and the engine location, took the transmission out and installed a narrowed Oldsmobile rear end. Don then built a pair of wire spoke front wheels and a new nosepiece. Then on November 10th, 1957 he sat the drag racing world on it's ear when he ran 176.40 mph in 8.79 Both marks were a world record."

IMG_5693_zps0e0a0801.jpg


Above is pictured a Auto Repair Manual from Motor's which Lou tells me he used all the time he was in the service station business and this...

IMG_5696_zpse1871cb8.jpg


...is the index of service operations for each make of car it covered. Of the 29 listed, only 7 remain today, the rest have long gone to that great recycling bin in the sky ....even my beloved Terraplane. :sad:

Thomas
 
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wrigh003

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BB767 said:
IMG_1697.jpg


A local slot car store and race track had requested his presence in the store for the month of December. We had to have the local police department send a special detail to hold off the swarm of screaming fans once word leaked out about his visit. Several young girls feinted at just a glimpse of him. :eek:
Click to expand...

Haven't been in this thread in a while - doing my occasional skim/ catchup. Laughed at several young girls farting at the sight of ol' Gus, then thought "nah - Tom wouldn't have said that..." :D

Need to slow down and actually READ instead of just glossing over...
:lol_hitti
 
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BB767

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wrigh003 said:
Haven't been in this thread in a while - doing my occasional skim/ catchup. Laughed at several young girls farting at the sight of ol' Gus, then thought "nah - Tom wouldn't have said that..." :D

Need to slow down and actually READ instead of just glossing over...
:lol_hitti
Click to expand...

I would then have commented with something like, "Yeah wrigh003, you need to slow your life down and smell the roses"...............but then I thought, nah, considering how your mind works you might think I was being rude! :eek:

Welcome back! :D

Thomas
 
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type47fan

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Carlsbad, CA
BB767 said:
Here's a bit more additional information about my future plans for our copy of Beltsville Shell. At some point Chris and I will be going to southern California and plan on getting together with Garage Journal board member Wayne who in turn is friends with the author, Cary Thomas. I'll plan this visit out far enough ahead of time so that I can arrange to have the book sent to me wherever it is at that time. Then I'll be bringing that very copy of the book that we're all reading and signing and have Cary sign and personalize it.

Thomas
Click to expand...

Hi Thomas,

As always, some really good stuff here. Entertaining and informative, with the human touch that you and Chris add. It just keeps us coming back for more.

Linda just got back last night from working the retirement flight for Don Topliff to Frankfurt this week. Your name obviously came up and I mentioned we'd probably be getting a visit from you sometime this year. We are looking forward to seeing you and Chris in southern California. Cary is primed for the visit, too. Maybe we can get others from the area together for a grand gathering of Garage and Hangar Flying. Just keep us posted, so to speak.

Thanks,
 
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markviii

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We've been trying to figure out a time to get to SoCal - it will definitely have to be after April 15. We know quite a few people out there now, so arranging the time needed is tricky. Maybe hire a banquet hall (LOL)? Once we get our act together, we'll arrange a trip.

Chris
 
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magnusk750

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Estonia
Well, the obvious answer 'til the paint is loose' but mostly it takes half an hour to an hour, depends on the paint.

BB767 said:
Magnusk, I forgot to ask you how long you recommend boiling the hardware? It's sounds like a great way to remove old paint, thanks.

Thomas
Click to expand...
 
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Statesman

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Sydney
IMG_5693_zps0e0a0801.jpg


Above is pictured a Auto Repair Manual from Motor's which Lou tells me he used all the time he was in the service station business and this...

IMG_5696_zpse1871cb8.jpg


...is the index of service operations for each make of car it covered. Of the 29 listed, only 7 remain today, the rest have long gone to that great recycling bin in the sky ....even my beloved Terraplane. :sad:

Thomas[/QUOTE]
Amazing,they must have been popular!!

This was in a box of old manuals i received from my cousin who's father in law was a mechanic after the war.He obviously used it a LOT!!
as it is well worn.
 
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Jim C.

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Hey! Where did everyone go? I had to go all the way back to page six to find this thread! I hope all is good with everyone.

Well instead of just being a greedy reader, I guess I'll post some content. It's not auto related, but a couple months back, Thomas was kind enough to post a some pictures of his woodworking machinery, and we've also admired his woodworking projects. So, in honor of his affinity for old original Delta machinery, I figured I'd post a couple pictures my favorite Delta.

This is a 1952 Delta Heavy Duty Shaper. I found it a few years ago and knew as soon as I saw it, I was going to buy it. All the finishes are factory original Delta. I totally disassembled the shaper down to the last nuts and bolts, cleaned everything, mechanically overhauled it, and put it back together. I'm currently using it on a window sash project at my house.

Again, I hope all is well in the Center of the Universe!

Jim C.
 

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markviii

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wrigh003 -- don't read so fast when you're trying to catch up! Besides inventing material for us, you might miss something for the future test...

Statesman - great find of some very nice, old manuals!

Jim C. -- very nice equipment.

Yep, we've been busy, but that kind of goes with the territory in the Center of the Universe. Tom's catching up with projects after being gone doing his day job. Luckily I haven't had to be out campaigning for the April 9 election for the library board - I'm in my 35th year on the board and unopposed for one of 4 seats up for election, so no campaigning is really necessary (all of us are running unopposed - we're always happy to get a full slate!). I'm also co-chair of our high school alma mater's fundraising gala this year, so I'm busy helping to get silent auction donations and sponsors, as well as organizing the program for the event. Nothing much garage related, although we did donate up to 4 tours of the Restored 1930s Auto Shop along with a meal with us at our local restaurant.
And my car needs the rear brakes repaired, so I guess that's a bit garage related --- I guess that's a stretch, though....

Being moved back to page 6 is a bit far! Gotta be more vigilant!

Chris
 
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