Mark's Monster Garage....3800 sq ft

[IGO2XS]

Old Chevelle is looking beautiful, the new one thats come in is just bad ***!

You should hear it. It has a 3500 or 4000 high stall converter in it. Just moving it around is sick!

Wow, talk about Multi-Tasking!!! You're making a habit of not saying 'No' into a business!

That Vette body looks new. Can't wait to see it painted.

That new Chevelle looks fast. What is the red button for?

I like to make sure we have plenty to do Wingnut!! That is not necessarily being the sharpest tack in the box but it sure creates alot of fun. There are a few hundred hours in the Corvette and it is getting close. I have a feeling in my gut this Corvette is going to be awesome..........the coolest car we have done so far.

The red button in the new Chevelle is for the brake line lock. This car was really set up for race. We found today after we removed the carpet it had a roll cage in it someone had cut out. We are as much as possible making the car look more stock. The autometer guages and tach are being removed from the dash and mounted in the new console. We will mount the radio in the factory location and also put the air conditioning controls above the radio. Hopefully this one will be a quickie!!

 

[IGO2XS]

Hey guys, I am looking to buy a plasma cutter. I have looked at Hypertherm, Miller, and Lincoln. Anyone have any recommendations for me.

 

[M-EGT]

After looking through the first few pages of the thread, the only thing I can say is: you've won.

 

[jonnysteals]

Hey guys, I am looking to buy a plasma cutter. I have looked at Hypertherm, Miller, and Lincoln. Anyone have any recommendations for me.

http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Products/Handheld_cutting/Systems/powermax45.jsp

 

[softailgarage]

Damn dude...That Chevelle looks Farkin AWESOME!!! very nice job

 

[IGO2XS]

After looking through the first few pages of the thread, the only thing I can say is: you've won.

thank you friend but I havn't won. There is one guy out there but its not me.

http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Products/Handheld_cutting/Systems/powermax45.jsp

Ok so I hear you but.......

1. Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme
2. Lincoln Tomahawk 625
3. Hupertherm 45

I know you picked the Hyupertherm but why??

Damn dude...That Chevelle looks Farkin AWESOME!!! very nice job

Its pretty cool. I will get some more pictures when we are done with it.

As some of you guys know we have a wall around our property. We have to entrances......one off the main road and another easement through a nice subdivision next door. We thought it might be cool to have the entrance through this subdivision but it just so happens people like to cut through our property. i have been putting off installing a gate but I finally ordered some gates from a gate manufacturer. I guess I got a wild hair in my rear end this weekend and decided to install them........by myself. Each gate is made out of aluminum and they are 7' tall and each section is 10' to cover the 20' wide opening. The gates could have been installed with the tall portion on the outside or the inside. I decided to put the tall side toward the posts. Since we dont use this entry I am going to lock them. One day I will put a set of gates at our main entry when my wife lets me so I can keep the Monster Garage safe.

 

[Homebody]

Gates look great hung that way. I woulda had them up long ago if people were using my drive to cut through!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Very nice job! I was going to type 'Well hung!', but thought better of it... lol

Could you share any details of the product? Are they anodized, powder coated, or what? Were these gates custom-made or a stock item? They appear to be a quality item and are probably priced accordingly. I would love to install something like that at my place; car and truck traffic seem to need to use my wide entry all too often as a 'convenient' turn-around. I may just resort to posting signs saying 'Beware of Land Mines' and let it go at that.

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

Very nice job! I was going to type 'Well hung!', but thought better of it... lol

Could you share any details of the product? Are they anodized, powder coated, or what? Were these gates custom-made or a stock item? They appear to be a quality item and are probably priced accordingly. I would love to install something like that at my place; car and truck traffic seem to need to use my wide entry all too often as a 'convenient' turn-around. I may just resort to posting signs saying 'Beware of Land Mines' and let it go at that.

I wouldn't bother with the signs just plant the land mines.

 

[jonnysteals]

Ok so I hear you but.......

1. Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme
2. Lincoln Tomahawk 625
3. Hupertherm 45

I know you picked the Hyupertherm but why??

I suggested hyperthem because they only produce quality machines. They don't produce cheap units and expect there machines to last a long time. Their consumables seem to last a lot longer than other machines and it seems that its rated capacities are an underestimate. Plus they are made in the USA. Id you have any questions there is a employee jim colt that will anwser any of your questions. That machine i suggested is a beast in a light weight little package.

 

[Yonnee]

PHEW!!! Wow... 1290 posts is a lot to get through!! And after all that, I just had to make comment.
I am simply in awe of your piece of motoring enthusiasts heaven you have built.
Your "Garage" would have to be one of my favourites on this forum, even if you do have everyone up till all hours reading through your posts !!

Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us this journey.

I was 10 the last time I was in the US, and I'd like to come back again one day, (want to cruise Route 66 in a Corvette) and would love to see some of these GJ garages in person, and meet some of you blokes.

Thanks again Mark.

Cheers from "Down Under".
Peter.

 

[relaxednoma]

+1 for the gates!

 

[Perrorojo]

Hey guys, I am looking to buy a plasma cutter. I have looked at Hypertherm, Miller, and Lincoln. Anyone have any recommendations for me.

I bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42. It has never given me any trouble.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

Mark, I got wrapped up in your thread and went through every page of you thread looking at all of your pictures, all I can say is WOW!

I can only dream about what kind of museum I could build for my antique radio collection with that much space.

 

[Fastphil]

Nice work on the gates. I wonder, maybe people were cutting through your property because the "Pierson Ln" sign was leading them to believe it is a public road? Maybe a "Private Drive" sign would have helped quell some of the traffic, but there is no doubt that a gate is far more effective for that.

 

[aggierailroad]

I've heard great things about the Hypertherm, but will probably go with the Miller myself. The main reason is that I've always liked their products and consumables are made by everyone and available everywhere. Means a lot to a hobby guy like me that doesn't do bulk material orders from special retailers.

Plus - it would need to match my welder, right?

 

[IGO2XS]

Omphaloskeptic I have been thinking about these gates for a long time. I have a friend who built all of the railing in our house and also built these killer aluminum balconies on the front of our home. Yes, I just walked outside to take the picture just for this discussion. He hand cut all of the scroll work, bent the radius pieces, and built this all himself.....even machined the medallion's. We were going to build a gate using 3 x 3 tubing but after it was all said and done he wanted $7000 per entry. They would have been breathtaking but my wife forbid me to spend this much. I start doing some internet surfing and find www.coasttocoastgates.com. They ship throughout the U.S. but happened to be a few hours from me. I drove up there and it is one lady, a small shop, and her fabricator.............low overhead. i wanted to see the construction and I was pleasantly surprised to see a very nice product. It is 2" square tubing with 3/4 inch pickets. This is a 20 foot opening with two 10' gates and I spent $2800 which included the upgraded bronze powder coating. I will do my main entry later when the wife says I can On the main gate I will need to add automation. Gate openers and communication to cell phones to open them.






Buzz Lightyear maybe real land minds!!!!


jonnysteals......Perrorojo.....aggierailroad Thanks you guys for the advise on the plasma cutter. This is one of the those tools that is very expensive......$1600+/- for a shop tool. Its nothing we would use everyday but would be very handy to have around. One of the guys suggested Harbor Freight but I just cant buy a cheap unit that I would regret later. Hoping to make the right decision.


Homebody....Fastphil The people where driving in from the other side of my gates. I had two very tasteful "Private Drive" signs on the other side of those posts that did not seem to phase people. I just put up the "Pierson Lane" sign a month ago. In the late 1970's my brother and I were out on Siesta Key drunk and saw this sign which is our last name. We shinnied up to pole and took it down. We have had it ever since and I just decided to hang it up.


Yonnee I can only hope you make it to the US and if you do please visit. Maybe the next time we have a Monster Garage Party you can attend!!

relaxednoma I am glad you like them!


Radio Ron, w4ron I hope we kept you entertained. My wife wonders why I am on the computer all of the time. It really takes alot of work to do this but I have met so many new people and you get all kinds of great advice.


Back to reality the Chevelle had its second day of blocking today. We are hoping tomorrow will conclude the work and the final coat of primer will be sprayed.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thanks for the information on your gates; much appreciated!

The friend that created your balconies is a true metal artist. They are works of art. I can't imagine the man hours spent to create those.

Have you tried using the 'logic' of fear and loathing in regard to the front gate install? It goes something like this - 'Honey, the front gate cost is insignificant when it comes to protecting our house and home from the upcoming invasion of the raving mobs of killer vampire-zombies , and too, the relentless visitations from the armies of missionary zealots of various religious denominations looking to save our souls from the raving mobs of killer vampire-zombies'! lol

It's worth a shot; all she can do is say NO!, albeit she may be laughing hysterically at you when she says it.

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

Buzz Lightyear maybe real land minds!!!!

And this is why I'm not allowed to make any of the decisions in our house.

 

[Leyenda30]

Mark, Everlast and Longevity are Chinese made like everything now but have good reviews and affordable prices which might fit the bill for occasional use. They seem to have all the latest features as well. Hope this helps JP

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/products-category-57.html

http://www.longevity-inc.com/plasma-cutter

 

[66ProStreetFairlaneUSMC]

Mark,
I really wish i would have became a member over on GJ before this last week. I'm down in NC for the Marines and would have loved to make the trip for the cookout. If i'm still in NC next time you all do the cookout it's a road trip! My Dad and I are currently working a prostreet 66 Fairlane convertible with blown boss 521 in it. My Dad bought the car out of junkyard in 78' and in 2006 i got it. If you have some high resolution photos of any of your cars i would love to have you e-mail them to me so i can have them framed for my garage.

Thanks,
Don

e-mail: [email protected]

 

[motorscot]

I bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39 on the interweb for $700 used (retailed for $1100+). Was almost like it was out of the box.

Stick with the Big 4: TD, Hypertherm, Lincoln, or Miller

Something to consider is a variable input unit (120/240v). They switch current automatically. Nice if you ever go on the road (friends house or racetrack, and only have access to 120v or a small generator and small compressor).

On the other hand, a buddy of mine uses an Eastwood brand (probably Chinese but I can't confirm). Cool thing is you can get a TIG/Plasma combo for $1200-1300 from them.

 

[shortymgee]

Subscribed! I'm new at this and what a garage to open up to.

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark, Everlast and Longevity are Chinese made like everything now but have good reviews and affordable prices which might fit the bill for occasional use. They seem to have all the latest features as well. Hope this helps JP [/url]

thank you!

Mark,
I really wish i would have became a member over on GJ before this last week. I'm down in NC for the Marines and would have loved to make the trip for the cookout. If i'm still in NC next time you all do the cookout it's a road trip! If you have some high resolution photos of any of your cars i would love to have you e-mail them to me so i can have them framed for my garage.

Thanks,
Don

Will do Don!

I bought a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 39 on the interweb for $700 used (retailed for $1100+). Was almost like it was out of the box.

Stick with the Big 4: TD, Hypertherm, Lincoln, or Miller

I just spoke with a friend of mine who has the Thermal Dynamics and he is very happy with it. He suggested getting the Cutmaster 52. thanks for the info.

Subscribed! I'm new at this and what a garage to open up to.

Glad your here buddy!!



This week the Chevelle was blocked and primed and is ready for paint. Check out this color of the House of Kolors primer. I hope by Monday I can show you guys pictures of the car in the paint booth.




Finally I picked up the Corvette frame from the powder coaters today. I am really excited about bolting up the Van Steel coil spring suspension. It cost me $400 to have it sandblasted and painted. You just cant do the work yourself for that kind of money. Once we get the suspension on we can set the body on and get it ready for paint.





Here is a picture of a project to come. Yesterday we unloaded this 1971 Corvette off my trailer and backed it in my garage. Yes, it is 598 cu in of pure power. It will be sporting big fenders and lots of custom touches. I will in time show you guys pictures of the frame, interior, and engine compartment. I have never seen such beautiful engineering.

 

[Fastphil]

I was patiently waiting for the post about this car after seeing the pics on your Facebook page. My friend has a '72 Vette with a 454 that's completely in pieces, so this one should be more interesting than all the others so far!

 

[OldH1]

WOW! that is going to be ANOTHER fantastic build! Excellent! Love to follow them all!

 

[Homebody]

I was patiently waiting for the post about this car after seeing the pics on your Facebook page.!

What name might this FB page be found under?

 

[Fastphil]

What name might this FB page be found under?

https://www.facebook.com/MarksMonsterGarage?fref=ts

 

[motorscot]

"I just spoke with a friend of mine who has the Thermal Dynamics and he is very happy with it. He suggested getting the Cutmaster 52. thanks for the info."

The 52 is a much more powerful version that mine (which was discontinued for the 42). 1/2" capacity and 1 1/8" sever for the 52, more that you will ever need. Get it, you will wonder how you ever got along without it

 

[Bob Heine]

Yesterday we unloaded this 1971 Corvette off my trailer and backed it in my garage. Yes, it is 598 cu in of pure power. It will be sporting big fenders and lots of custom touches. I will in time show you guys pictures of the frame, interior, and engine compartment. I have never seen such beautiful engineering.

Mark,

I envy engineering works of art. I try to imitate them but fall far short (but I keep trying). Your latest project really hits home, especially the custom rear spoiler.

Years ago I customized the rear bumpers on my '72 and converted all four lights to night/brake lights and installed the backup lights under the body.

This year I decided to take it a step or two further. I'm too forgetful to run side pipes (burning blistered flesh a second or third time is no fun) but I wanted a custom exhaust. I like the look of the newer Vette's exhaust so I did some crude PhotoShoping and came up with this:

I moved the license frame up about 2.5-inches, fabbed a center bezel from the two stock bezels and glassed it all in. Replaced the two mufflers with a single small dual-in/dual out Magnaflow. Used the two stainless tips from the original pair of Magnaflow mufflers, along with some scrap stainless exhaust tubing to create the new look.

I found a license frame with built-in backup LED lights so that got added to the design. Raising the license frame changed the look of the rear more than I expected so I grafted a second-gen Camaro 3-piece spoiler onto the rear of the Corvette.

It looks a little taller than the one on your new project but I like the way it looks.

 

[Skyline]

The '71 looks like it will be an amazing project.

 

[el Pedro]

Wow, the cars just keep getting better. Always loved the look of the 70's vette's. That one is just nuts! Would look great with the current projects, especially the other Chevelle!

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark,

I envy engineering works of art. I try to imitate them but fall far short (but I keep trying). Your latest project really hits home, especially the custom rear spoiler.

Bob, I also try to chase perfection but never really satisfied.....there is always a better way. This 71 Corvette is a good example of well thought out work. You are truly a master at these Corvettes. Thanks for sharing your photos.

The '71 looks like it will be an amazing project.

Yes it will. We have quite a bit to do before jumping on this Corvette. The owner works overseas and was leaving so he wanted to get the car over here.

Wow, the cars just keep getting better. Always loved the look of the 70's vette's. That one is just nuts! Would look great with the current projects, especially the other Chevelle!

I completely agree. We have been very blessed with continued work and killer projects.

"I just spoke with a friend of mine who has the Thermal Dynamics and he is very happy with it. He suggested getting the Cutmaster 52. thanks for the info."

This model is definitely in my top 3......thanks!!

Today, Sunday, was another day in the garage. I had a chance to put together my new Eastwood 2 speed buffer. The buffer has the long arms on it for more clearance and it is nice to be able to have two 10" buffing pads to keep the work flow. I guess the secret is to keep the stand in an area so when that piece of aluminum flies out of your hand at 80 mph no one gets hit in the head.



I know you guys have seen my open trailer. Tomorrow we are moving the Chevelle to the paint booth and we cant start it as the exhaust is not finished. I decided to roll by Harbor Freight and pick up at electric winch. I went ahead and purchased the 5000 lb model because of the size of the cable. I dont think HF's unit is made for continuous duty so I thought I would oversize it a bit. We are just pulling cars up on the trailer so I figured it would work. I will be picking up a trailer box to go on the front of the trailer and make it a permanent fixture. For now I am going to use a plastic box to house the battery and controls. I guess not I have this new winch we are going to have to paint the trailer.





One of the guys who is part of the team here is Jason. You guys dont see him much but he is around. He is a metal fabricator, painter, and one awesome air brush artist. I wanted to share some pictures of his work for you guys to check out. Once I get my C10 pickup done he is going to work his magic on it.

Check this out.......

 

[gordyy]

One of the guys who is part of the team here is Jason. You guys dont see him much but he is around. He is a metal fabricator, painter, and one awesome air brush artist. I wanted to share some pictures of his work for you guys to check out. Once I get my C10 pickup done he is going to work his magic on it.

Check this out.......

Air brush ARTIST doesn't begin those look 3 d in a flat picture awesome

and that lil winch will suprise you I have one of those same winch different name in the 8000lb does some wicked pulling at times

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

"... and one awesome air brush artist."


Jeeeesssssuuuuzzzzzzz, I'd say you are a 'master of understatement'! His work is frickin' UNBELIEVABLE!

 

[wog]

WOW!!!
Jason's work is the best I've ever seen.

Mark,
The HFTool wireless remote for the winch works great. Sooo much easier than constantly rolling up the wires. Especially when you're inside the car loading it yourself.

** Edit ** You'll have to check if they work with the 5000lb units.
I know they do the the 6000+

 

[shinertx]

nice paint work.

 

[IGO2XS]

Yes Jason is a rare talent. I am hoping to figure out some really trick paintwork for the 69 Chevy C10 for Jason.

I got to use the winch today for the first time when we loaded up the Chevelle to take to the paint booth. The next few days I will be posting some pictures of the paint job in progress.....paint, stripes, and then clear coat........exciting!!!!

 

[Wingnut65]

Very talented! I'm sure you are thinking some great ideas for Jason on the C10

 

[IGO2XS]

We decided to break out some of the suspension parts today and start assembling some of the Corvette suspension. It took a few hours just to try to organize all the old parts we took off. I am pretty happy with the frame although next time I would use a grinding disc to knock down some of the rough areas. The frame was thourally blasted and cleaned of rust.......I would have just liked it smoother.......it is not going to be seen but where do you stop??:ack:

There are a few holes in the spindles that must be enlarged because of the Wilwood caliper brackets. Wow that is some hard steel!! We wore out a few 1/2 inch drill bits before I walked over to the computer and ordered some carbide bits from McMaster Carr. If anyone has any suggestions please advise.

Tomorrow we will get the motor installed and see how much farther we can get. This is the fun part!!










I pulled the Willys out of the garage. A caught this funny picture of the guys taking down low pictures of the car.