Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[DonF]

I have not read all 300 and some pages. I have read enough see you have done
a great job with the garage and property. I not as neat, I'm some where between you and Mr. Johnson, maybe a little closer to you. The Diamalloy adjustable wrench. I bought mine from Western Auto in 1962 when I was working for Eddleman Cycle and Machine Shop. I assembled lawn mower that they manufactured. The 6" Wizard bought at the same time and I looks to be built by Diamond Tool. I'll throw in a Picture of the Eddleman Mower. I still use my dads it was built in 1958.

I would like to know more about that 61 Chevy positive traction rear end that looks like an 8" Ford from the rear. Ring gear size and no. of axle splines.

 

[gordyy]

Its a different world out here today!
I remember hanging out at a blacksmith shop when in the single didgets like 8 or 9 they used to laugh if I was hanging out I should be working, they taught me how to chisel rivets off sickle sections rivet new heads on even weld by the time I was 10.
I have 2 neighbors with kids in the 9-12 yr old age. They like hanging around helping and I let them do some things, and of course being boys they like noise sparks and fire!
I have let them weld on scrap pieces out of the scrap trailer as long as they have old dirty clothes on have talked to their dad's about it got an ok. One of the boys broke a rule didn't put his gloves on when working around hot metal so I made him take a break he couldn't do anymore that day. His mom came over yelled at me for picking on him I tried to explain they have to have concequences if they don't follow the safety rules (all you have to do is watch me hobble around a bit they are there for a reason) so yes he could not work that day. Now she got the other mom on the phone, told her I was cruel to her son alas I now have no helpers anymore they are forbidden to come over they now sit across the street and look sheapishly at me because they want back in the shop but moms say no.

 

[skyfright]

Gordyy, I'll kind of **** in here and say "that is part of the trouble with today's society". Those moms want everything to be clean and safe and perfect. It deprives those boys of a different sort of education that is, to me, very important. Without, all you raise is generations of wusses. You have done your part, though. They have seen. When they get the chance, they will have a shop of their own someday. Betcha!

I don't get any youngsters coming around my place either. They don't know I have an airplane in the back of the machine shed.
Ron

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Its a different world out here today!
I remember hanging out at a blacksmith shop when in the single didgets like 8 or 9 they used to laugh if I was hanging out I should be working, they taught me how to chisel rivets off sickle sections rivet new heads on even weld by the time I was 10.
I have 2 neighbors with kids in the 9-12 yr old age. They like hanging around helping and I let them do some things, and of course being boys they like noise sparks and fire!
I have let them weld on scrap pieces out of the scrap trailer as long as they have old dirty clothes on have talked to their dad's about it got an ok. One of the boys broke a rule didn't put his gloves on when working around hot metal so I made him take a break he couldn't do anymore that day. His mom came over yelled at me for picking on him I tried to explain they have to have concequences if they don't follow the safety rules (all you have to do is watch me hobble around a bit they are there for a reason) so yes he could not work that day. Now she got the other mom on the phone, told her I was cruel to her son alas I now have no helpers anymore they are forbidden to come over they now sit across the street and look sheapishly at me because they want back in the shop but moms say no.

Sorry Tom for this intrusion into your thread, but the post above just floors me! Growing up without a father, I would have stood on my head and spit wooden nickels to have the opportunity these two kids were gifted, and then, to have the boy's mother berate gordyy for trying to teach him to work safely.....SHEESH!

 

[HOTFR8]

Its a different world out here today!
I remember hanging out at a blacksmith shop when in the single didgets like 8 or 9 they used to laugh if I was hanging out I should be working, they taught me how to chisel rivets off sickle sections rivet new heads on even weld by the time I was 10.
I have 2 neighbors with kids in the 9-12 yr old age. They like hanging around helping and I let them do some things, and of course being boys they like noise sparks and fire!
I have let them weld on scrap pieces out of the scrap trailer as long as they have old dirty clothes on have talked to their dad's about it got an ok. One of the boys broke a rule didn't put his gloves on when working around hot metal so I made him take a break he couldn't do anymore that day. His mom came over yelled at me for picking on him I tried to explain they have to have concequences if they don't follow the safety rules (all you have to do is watch me hobble around a bit they are there for a reason) so yes he could not work that day. Now she got the other mom on the phone, told her I was cruel to her son alas I now have no helpers anymore they are forbidden to come over they now sit across the street and look sheapishly at me because they want back in the shop but moms say no.

I have to hijack the topic as well. My comment here would be what would have happened if the young fellows got injured in some way ?
My hat is off to you Sir for (trying) to teach these boys the safe way to work.
If only these two Mothers could see what was really going on and how you gave these two boys some encouragement to do it right and safely the first time.

 

[markviii]

No intrusion, Omphaloskeptic. I miss having young ones around showing interest in things. Parents don't seem to encourage hobbies (which, IMO, develop skills), but get their children involved in "activities" to keep them busy, mostly during after-school programs which allow the parents to work longer or get their own things done. Scouting is a good activity, but parents are encouraged and (with some troops) required to participate, so some parents these days are reluctant to sign their kids up. Schools don't offer as many electives as we had in the past for students to explore interest areas (shop/industrial arts, home ec, art). Everything seems to have to be related to some sort of "academic standard" to be tested for proficiency in the spring.

Tom and I have always had hobbies. I got a lot of criticism from my teaching colleagues because I chose to spend my "free time" on a variety of interests not directly related to teaching (I enjoy creating crewel work and crochet items, library board activities, sewing, car club activities, volunteer opportunities with our high school alma mater, church activities, helping home school several students, etc.). Makes life lots more interesting - I don't ever get bored.

Chris

 

[charlief1]

No intrusion, Omphaloskeptic. I miss having young ones around showing interest in things. Parents don't seem to encourage hobbies (which, IMO, develop skills), but get their children involved in "activities" to keep them busy, mostly during after-school programs which allow the parents to work longer or get their own things done. Scouting is a good activity, but parents are encouraged and (with some troops) required to participate, so some parents these days are reluctant to sign their kids up. Schools don't offer as many electives as we had in the past for students to explore interest areas (shop/industrial arts, home ec, art). Everything seems to have to be related to some sort of "academic standard" to be tested for proficiency in the spring.

Tom and I have always had hobbies. I got a lot of criticism from my teaching colleagues because I chose to spend my "free time" on a variety of interests not directly related to teaching (I enjoy creating crewel work and crochet items, library board activities, sewing, car club activities, volunteer opportunities with our high school alma mater, church activities, helping home school several students, etc.). Makes life lots more interesting - I don't ever get bored.

Chris

My hat's off to you Chris. I was one of those kids that had to have "activities" thrust on him by his parents. Mostly my mother. Baseball, football, band, choir, and anything with some sort of social (yea right) redeeming value. When I didn't have all that **** going on I was usually in the woods learning how to hunt and fish. When we went to my uncles farm I was in heaven and my mother was horrified. I learned how to plow fields, work on tractors and other equipment, and deal with some really stubborn farm animals. The 2 things my uncle did for me was give me a passion for hunting squirrels and ground hogs. I didn't turn out like mom wanted but I learned how to be a better person as wll as how to use tools and my ability to fabricate many different things.

 

[markviii]

A pet peeve of mine is people are not taught how to make something from a plan. CAD/CAM has taken over for actual hands-on industrial arts (wood shop, small engines, welding) in public schools. It's a real shame and something I fought to keep in my high school since the decline started in 1983. At that time, for 1200 students, we had 6 FTE shop teachers (welding, electricity, woodworking,small engines), 3 FTE Home Ec teachers for child development and foods classes, 3 FTE art teachers with many students entering the Scholastic Art competition. Now there is 1 FTE industrial arts (called technology), 1 FTE child dev/foods/financial management, 1 FTE art (4 years ago this was .5 FTE for art). Very sad. Without kids getting experience with using actual hand tools and fabrication equipment, these things are becoming lost arts. And we end up paying more for services such as car mechanics, electricians and plumbers to do elementary repairs around our homes and cars. Many new homeowners don't know how to do these things (and have no curiosity to learn), so homes are in poor repair. Appliances are traded in after 5-7 years - I think they're now built as "consumables". Very sad, indeed.

Chris

 

[Kevin54]

Sorry Tom for this intrusion into your thread, but the post above just floors me! Growing up without a father, I would have stood on my head and spit wooden nickels to have the opportunity these two kids were gifted, and then, to have the boy's mother berate gordyy for trying to teach him to work safely.....SHEESH!

I have to hijack the topic as well. My comment here would be what would have happened if the young fellows got injured in some way ?
My hat is off to you Sir for (trying) to teach these boys the safe way to work.
If only these two Mothers could see what was really going on and how you gave these two boys some encouragement to do it right and safely the first time.

That was my thought also. Kids today need a mentor of some sort. You would think the moms would be thankful that the boys had a place to go and learn something instead of just running the street.

But on the other hand, with the mindset of some people, it may be just as well that the boys aren't going over there anymore. All it takes is some person, boy, or one of the moms being pissed and saying that gordyy touched one of the boys, and his life will be wrecked forever. It's a shame the United States has come to that.

 

[HOTFR8]

It's a shame the United States has come to that.

Sadly it is not just the US that has come to that. We have similar issues here.

 

[DynoDave]

A pet peeve of mine is people are not taught how to make something from a plan. CAD/CAM has taken over for actual hands-on industrial arts (wood shop, small engines, welding) in public schools. It's a real shame and something I fought to keep in my high school since the decline started in 1983.

I'm happy to say that my local school has a great automotive program....something you might not have suspected given the area.

http://www.wcax.com/story/22066651/oxford-high-school-students-are-michigans-top-young-auto-techs-in-fordaaa-student-auto-skills-competition

 

[Sunbimmer]

Bump, Restored 1930's Auto Shop on page 4....NOT possible

 

[markviii]

Thanks, Sunbimmer. Sorry, we've been very busy here - even with some garage-related stuff! I'm sure Tom will post in soon with some progress.

Chris

 

[BB767]

Bump, Restored 1930's Auto Shop on page 4....NOT possible

Sad but true Sunbimmer! All week I've had every intention to get an update on here but I'm just beat at the end of the day. Lonnnng days going on here. Among other things, Corvette new front calipers and brake lines plus the horns are being rebuilt, visiting with the architect planing the new house, getting the Chevy II into shape for the coming racing season, mowing all the new grass at the farm...



Here's the view next to the shop less than a year after we bought the new property. The Alfalfa is really starting to stand tall, and for those patiently waiting here's...




...a quick look at how the loader turned out. I've got many more pictures to update here and I'll try to get them on here tomorrow, I know you've all been so very patient, thanks for understanding.

Thomas

 

[Sunbimmer]

Oh man I don't know where you find the time Thomas.
A day in the center of the universe must have 48 hours

 

[markviii]

We wish; though we do tend to fill the given 24 just fine! Time to sit down for dinner (as soon as I heat up the leftovers).

Chris

 

[BB767]

PART V - Big Green Loading Machine - BGLM - Final Chapter



With everything re-assembled and no parts left over (always a good sign ), here then is the BGLM in all its powder coated glory!



John Deere has all the decals necessary...











...to bring it back to a very nice, complete state.



Here's a look at how the welding repair turned out.

As for all the various cranky and pesky hard lines...

















...they appear to be quite functional.

When I bought the loader it didn't have...



...this bracket, circled in yellow. It's function on an 855 tractor with the low exhaust...



...is to hold the tractor hydraulic lines, bundled in the fabric harness (circled blue) above the exhaust pipe (circled yellow). That bracket seen here from the side is circled red.

Overall when everything is all said and done...





...from a sad state before to...



...a much better present, I think this will work just fine for me.

For my next Ag project, waiting is the...



...sadly neglected grade box. I suspect I can make some worthwhile improvements on it. But that will have to wait until this fall or winter. I've got some other projects in the works. So thanks again everyone for your interest and support. I do have more on they way if you haven't had enough yet. Stay tuned.

Thomas

 

[gordyy]

Your ambition and attention to detail are outstanding
( severe thunderstorms rolling thru our area tonight bad knee not liking the weather massive amoutns of pain killers in my system so not typing or spelling test tonight)
had a busy day today it rained so I got off the yanmar and spent the day servicing the kUbota adn getting it ready for summers work have about 30 acres of grass to mow monday and teusday but the weeather man is making it look like tuesday and wednesday we got 1 1/2" of much needed moisture her today the hail and wind were not a welcome sight but at least the crops are not really even out of the ground yet

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thomas, stating the obvious, the JD is better than showroom new!
If I had to now get it dirty by actually using it, I'd be down on my hands and knees trying to attach some sort of sacrificial 'skin' onto it so the powder-coat wouldn't get scratched!

Looking at the picture of your new 'field of dreams' next to the shop has me wondering if you are going to need a bush plane (in JD green, of course) outfitted with Tundra tires to land on it? That is your grass airstrip, isn't it?

 

[markviii]

Nope, Omphaloskeptic. I think the type of work the JD will be doing will weather the stray rocks and other stuff kicked up in the process much better than the original paint. (But he'll probably have some touch-up paint handy anyway.) (I know you won't be surprised, but he washes his equipment down after every use, so he keeps up with the "dings".)

That proposed airstrip would be better across the road in someone else's field (and owned by someone else also)! I don't think Tom wants anyone messing up his alfalfa crop - it's doing very nicely the way it is - and messing up our future SW view. Anyway, we're just 5 miles from the airport with a nice drive through the country to the Center of the Universe. (We won't have to worry about the neighbors complaining about airstrip noise and requesting special landing arrangements for noise abatement. LOL)

Chris

 

[tkbowman]

Thomas,

Your attention to detail on the tractor is simply marvelous. I really appreciate the care you put into your projects.

I certainly need to do a ride to the Center of the Universe!

Tim
Burien, WA

 

[markviii]

Long ride, but well worth the trip!

Chris

 

[BB767]

Dear Thomas,

One thing that I find missing is the 'little boy'.....what struck me is the post that asked why all your visitors are old people..

All of us have memories from when we were young and the people we hung around with and effectively made us what we are....

Is there a kid who hangs out in your shop and who will, in about 30 years time, probably be looking out for a shop of his own and modelling it after 'old Tom's shop' and doing it with the same appreciation for the past owners that you have shown?

I known your son is actively helping you but currently...? neighbours?

Anil

Its a different world out here today!
I remember hanging out at a blacksmith shop when in the single didgets like 8 or 9 they used to laugh if I was hanging out I should be working, they taught me how to chisel rivets off sickle sections rivet new heads on even weld by the time I was 10.
I have 2 neighbors with kids in the 9-12 yr old age. They like hanging around helping and I let them do some things, and of course being boys they like noise sparks and fire!
I have let them weld on scrap pieces out of the scrap trailer as long as they have old dirty clothes on have talked to their dad's about it got an ok. One of the boys broke a rule didn't put his gloves on when working around hot metal so I made him take a break he couldn't do anymore that day. His mom came over yelled at me for picking on him I tried to explain they have to have concequences if they don't follow the safety rules (all you have to do is watch me hobble around a bit they are there for a reason) so yes he could not work that day. Now she got the other mom on the phone, told her I was cruel to her son alas I now have no helpers anymore they are forbidden to come over they now sit across the street and look sheapishly at me because they want back in the shop but moms say no.

That was my thought also. Kids today need a mentor of some sort. You would think the moms would be thankful that the boys had a place to go and learn something instead of just running the street.

But on the other hand, with the mindset of some people, it may be just as well that the boys aren't going over there anymore. All it takes is some person, boy, or one of the moms being pissed and saying that gordyy touched one of the boys, and his life will be wrecked forever. It's a shame the United States has come to that.

Well as is the norm these days I'm way behind in keeping up with this thread. I do follow along almost everyday, but I'm a little slow lately getting posts done. Yesterday I had two "guests" from Michigan drive down to visit the shop. We spent the latter part of the afternoon, part of the evening and part of this morning going all through the shop, the barn, the tool shed etc. and in general just having a swell time together. It kept me from some projects but fellowship with a couple of enthusiasts who came that distance is by far more important. Just ask Sweet Old Bill who stopped by for a visit last year all the way from California. It's not the destination, it's the journey that matters. Anyway I'm a little behind but I always get there.

Anil you raise a great question. Our society has changed quite a bit (and not necessarily in a good way) from when I was growing up. gordyy, myself and perhaps Kevin54 grew up in a time of mentors. By just hanging around at a young age it's amazing what you absorb and how it might affect your life later. I don't see that done much these days. I suspect when I retire and especially when I live out by the shop, I'll be around there much more. When there's more activity out there maybe some young fellows will start to show up for a free, cold pop out of the Pepsi machine and begin to take an interest in what I'm doing. I always make a point of smiling, waving and saying hi to kids as they walk or ride their bikes by. I want them to feel it's a friendly, fun place to be just as it was for me growing up. In a way Mr Johnson was one of my mentors even though I'm sure he didn't know it at the time.

Thanks for you taking the time to post that question and observation. I'll see what happens this summer.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I have not read all 300 and some pages. I have read enough see you have done
a great job with the garage and property. I not as neat, I'm some where between you and Mr. Johnson, maybe a little closer to you. The Diamalloy adjustable wrench. I bought mine from Western Auto in 1962 when I was working for Eddleman Cycle and Machine Shop. I assembled lawn mower that they manufactured. The 6" Wizard bought at the same time and I looks to be built by Diamond Tool. I'll throw in a Picture of the Eddleman Mower. I still use my dads it was built in 1958.

I would like to know more about that 61 Chevy positive traction rear end that looks like an 8" Ford from the rear. Ring gear size and no. of axle splines.

Don, thanks for the pictures and comments. The nice condition of those wrenches shows you know how to take good care of your tools. That's essential don't you think? That mower of your is intriguing! I've never heard of it or seen anything like it. If it's been in use for over 50 years that says a lot about it's ruggedness!



If memory serves me correctly (not always a given these days ) those are 17 spline Moser axles and...



... the ring gear in the posi is a 4.10 rear end. Thanks for following my exploits!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas....

I certainly need to do a ride to the Center of the Universe!

Tim
Burien, WA

Tim, you most surly do! Come see us.

Thomas

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Tim,

Rumor has it that Miss Chris appreciates milk chocolate. A second rumor has it that for every box that she receives, the Dreaded Test will be delayed for an additional day!

P.S., Thomas let me know if Miss Chris is close to running out of chocolate!

 

[markviii]

Well, hello Sweet Old Bill. Is that a hint to get the test out there soon (??) because I know you don't want to see me gaining any weight! (a box a day seems pretty excessive, although it probably wouldn't hurt for me to carry some sort of weight to hold down my 100lbs - maybe a small anvil - with all the high winds we've been having around here that tend to push me around!) Thanks for the thought, though!

Things are very busy around the homestead, clearing out 50 years of stuff from the current home, some to storage, LOTS to the trash and a bunch to resale shops and donation places. Did the garage-sale thing last summer - too much work and most ended up being donated anyway because I wasn't bringing it back in the house! Of course, all this clearing out is taking place at the same time as current projects for both of us. We just keep on keepin' on. It'll get done. Be assured, the test is in the future (didn't I say something two years ago about pop quizzes? Keeps you on your toes!).

Our traveling reading club book was returned to us from the last reader. Send a PM to either me or Tom (BB767) if you want to be the next lucky reader and we'll send the book on its way.

Chris

 

[markviii]

Ding-Ding-Ding!!! MetalMangler is IT! He gets to read Beltsville Shell next. He thinks it's a good procrastination technique to join our little club, maybe picking up some hints for the eventual test along the way. Okay by me!

It'll be in the mail to him as soon as I get a good mailing address. When he's done with it, he'll post in to this thread to solicit the next reader, so stay tuned.

I will include a set of instructions on how to continue this "chain read" and what to do if you don't know who to send it on to. Just don't forget to sign and date inside the front cover before sending the book to its next reader.

So far, the Beltsville Shell reading "club" started on 10/2012 in OR, came to us in IL, then on to MI, CA, AZ, back to MI, and now on to upstate NY. I estimate it should spend about 2-3 weeks with each reader. We'll have to wait to see how far (and how many readers) it goes by Oct/2013. What fun!

Chris

 

[SBogaCH]

Dear Thomas,your garage and its decorations are great and I'd like to ask you to help me with ideas.
I heed to restore my cabinet, but inside it has some letterings. How can I keep them save?

other photos in my theme (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198488&page=2)

 

[fxr rider]

Excellent read and I must say very detailed story.This restoration project was forwarded to me 2 years ago I read part of it then forgot about it picked it up again a few months back.When the first pictures of the old over grown workshop where shown who would of thought it was going to end up showing pictures of a powder coated John Deere project?
but that is Ok any details are great it was nice to see the progression from start to now(as we know it is never finished)You both seem very down to earth people and it would be a pleasure to meet you both I am sure.
Ed

 

[charlief1]

If memory serves me correctly (not always a given these days ) those are 17 spline Moser axles and...

Thomas

It is in fact a 17 spline axle early 8.2" early GM axle. Up until the mid 60's most axles were built the same way. They're really heavy and by going with a cast iron center with pressed in tubes GM saved money, weight, and production costs on the cars so better gas mileage as well as lower labor costs were the results. GM switched to the 8.5" 10 bolt in the late 60's early 70's and the cars or heavy duty got the 12 bolt. It was much cheaper to have a center that was cast and machined the same and all they'd need to then is to have the right length tubes pressed in for each vehicle.

 

[BB767]

Dear Thomas,your garage and its decorations are great and I'd like to ask you to help me with ideas.
I heed to restore my cabinet, but inside it has some letterings. How can I keep them save?

other photos in my theme (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198488&page=2)

Hello there SBogaCH and a hearty welcome to you sir. Looking at the map, Orenburg seems to be right in the heart of Russia with what appears to be a very nice airport. I looked at your shop and I think you are very lucky to have such a nice space for your work. I think it has many possibilities.

Now looking at the blue cabinet you want to restore. I don't think it's possible to save the actual sign with lettering. You'll have to reproduce it instead. I would guess a high quality digital photograph of it. Then using a computer program you can fill in the missing letters and words with the same type and color font. Once that's done, that file can be taken to a print shop where a new sign can be printed out on heavy paper or a decal made and that would be used on your restored cabinet.

The original lettering look too fragile to remove and to repaint the cabinet you need to remove it so reproducing it seems your only alternative. Do any of our Journal members reading this have any thoughts on his problem? I'll think about it some more but that's what I think you'll need to do right now. Good luck and let me know what you finally do OK? I'd like to know. Thanks for introducing me to Orenburg. It looks like a nice city.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

It is in fact a 17 spline axle early 8.2" early GM axle. Up until the mid 60's most axles were built the same way. They're really heavy and by going with a cast iron center with pressed in tubes GM saved money, weight, and production costs on the cars so better gas mileage as well as lower labor costs were the results. GM switched to the 8.5" 10 bolt in the late 60's early 70's and the cars or heavy duty got the 12 bolt. It was much cheaper to have a center that was cast and machined the same and all they'd need to then is to have the right length tubes pressed in for each vehicle.

Thanks charlief1. As always, you are a wealth of information and are willing to share it here for us all.

Thomas

 

[juergen]

@thomas, in addition to the cool 327 pics:
did you know the chevy 327 was also used on this side of the ocean?

opel diplomat 5.4 (I just love those cars)

sorry for off Topic but this pic looks like a car meeting called Fladungen Classics in Germany. I was there with my ´69 Dart

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

I skip getting on here for a few days and you guys let this thread slip to page 4!

 

[markviii]

Hi, rlwhitetr3b. Lots of activity on GJ on the weekends.I think there were about 30K views on our thread.

Just busy here. I had a picture framing job due Thursday and some apartment work to attend to. Then we were preparing for hosting our car club's annual garage tour/potluck which happened yesterday. We took a full day off today (after I went into town to feed our grand-cats while our daughter/son-in-law are out of town) to watch the Indy 500 and then the Nascar Coca-Cola 600. The Chicago Trib headline is kind of humorous: "Harvick wins NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 after TV cable snaps".

We had approximately 50 people on our car club tour of 3 garages and at our potluck (last stop of the tour), with 14 cars that were at least 25 years old. The rain was coming, otherwise we would have had more than 20 "old" cars. The youngest "old" car was a '67 butternut yellow Camaro owned by our club Pres, Christine. The oldest "old" car was a Model A (not sure what year) owned by our past president and current historian. We had 5 kids attend, so they were pressed into service as "junior judges" - same kids as last year, so they took t heir duties very seriously, and it kept them occupied. The categories to be decided were: Oldest car, Most Bugs on Windshield, Dirtiest Undercarriage (this was the most hotly contested category), Least Restored (most original) Exterior, Most Original Interior, Most Miles On Odometer. It started drizzling, but the kids stuck with it until they had made their decisions. No prizes other than the distinction of winning an award that signified the car was used for its intended purpose: Driving. Everyone had enough food and had a good time. The local MG club brought 3 cars - one of their member's garages was on our tour of 3 garages. I think Tom was able to get some pictures between taking everyone through the buildings and answering questions. I didn't have time to do anything but visit with everyone(I must confess I didn't get to talk to everyone), supervise the food and clean-up.

A fun time was had by all (including me and Tom).

Chris

 

[BB767]

Here's a little peak at what was going on Saturday out at the shop...








I wanted to make sure club members who hadn't been out there before knew that they had found the right place.

Once inside we had moved all the cars out...



...and cleaned all the benches so we had room for food!!!!!





Even with the threat of rain we had about 50 members and guests.



The local MG club parked these 3 MGs by the barn and all of them had Ford 302 V8 engines installed. They produced 400+ horse power in a car weighing about 2,200 Lbs. (1,000 kg) and they really scoot right on down the road. The fellow with the white MG is Pete Mantell of Mantell Motorsport

http://mantellmotorsport.com/

He makes the conversion kits to do the engine swaps. I was suitable impressed. His shop is less than 7 miles away so I expect you'll see a bit more about him. He's close to the Center Of The Universe but not quite there. Better luck next time Pete!

I'll get pictures of more cars out there in another post.



What would Mr Johnson think of it all.......

Thomas

 

[Vernmotor]

Looks like a great time

 

[Flatland Dave]

Thomas and all, I have been following This thread more like rope, for a few years and just wanted to say I am in awe of it all, and the documentation of the journey. Your attention to detail is unbelievable. I hope some day to be able to swing by the COTU and take it in.

Thanks for the hours of inspiration and education.

 

[markviii]

I hope that rope is more like a string leading you to the happy ending (though we're not sure if there is an end to this story...) rather than a rope to end it all because you're afraid of the "test" that will eventually be presented. As I said earlier in the thread, never fear. Just keep up with the reading and you'll be up to speed no matter what. Everyone who is a true follower will do fine. Promise!

Chris