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

[Omphaloskeptic]

"caught this funny picture of the guys taking down low pictures of the car."

They were just prostrating themselves before the Willys' AWESOMENESS! LOL


Hey, here's a J.A.W.I.F.O. (Just Another Wacky Idea From Omphaloskeptic) ---

If you have a tall wall with enough clear space in the garage, locate some interesting old car hood in the junkyard, clean it up, prep it, and let Jason do his airbrush magic on it. Hang it high on the tall wall for all to see and admire; maybe even point some track light spots at it. What should Jason's subject be, you ask? Why it just HAS TO BE your 'Monster Garage' logo complete with a 'true fire' flame job, of course!

 

[IGO2XS]

Hey, here's a J.A.W.I.F.O. (Just Another Wacky Idea From Omphaloskeptic) ---

If you have a tall wall with enough clear space in the garage, locate some interesting old car hood in the junkyard, clean it up, prep it, and let Jason do his airbrush magic on it. Hang it high on the tall wall for all to see and admire; maybe even point some track light spots at it. What should Jason's subject be, you ask? Why it just HAS TO BE your 'Monster Garage' logo complete with a 'true fire' flame job, of course!

The last idea you had was the hot rod garage sign on the wall and it cost me $800 to have it made. Your ideas are starting to get really expensive around here!!!

 

[shopnut]

Your ideas are starting to get really expensive around here!!!

He has that affect on people - WATCH OUT!

BTW, the cars are looking great Mark

 

[Leyenda30]

Mark you must be a master of organization. With six cars in various stages of assembly and all those parts to keep up with has to be a major headache. If it were me doing it it would come out like a Johnny Cash Cadillac. And you and they guys do it quickly and to high standards. You are da man! JP

 

[IGO2XS]

He has that affect on people - WATCH OUT!

BTW, the cars are looking great Mark

No kidding thanks for the warning!!

Mark you must be a master of organization. With six cars in various stages of assembly and all those parts to keep up with has to be a major headache. If it were me doing it it would come out like a Johnny Cash Cadillac. And you and they guys do it quickly and to high standards. You are da man! JP

Thanks JP. It does take alot of thought to keep this show on the road. Right now while Dwayne has the Chevelle over at the paint shop, we are working on the 66 vette frame and installing a Vintage Air system in the 69 Chevelle at the shop. Dwayne will have the Chevelle done and back at the shop Friday. When we get the Chevelle back we are going try to finish it up.


The frame for the Corvette is starting to take a little shape. Motor and transmission in today. Brought out the old gas tank and decided to order a new one. It just isn't worth the time to clean this one up. I have all new stainless steel brake lines and a new aluminum fuel line to install.......there is just to much black on this frame right now and we need some other colors!! I am hoping the 1/2" carbide drill bit shows up tomorrow so we can get the front caliper brackets mounted so we can mount those big 6 piston Wilwood calipers bolted on.








Wow it is beautiful!! Today the doors, deck lid, and hood gotten squirted, striped, and clear coated on the 70 Chevelle. For you paint guys we are using the best Standox has to offer. Tomorrow the hood and deck lid get installed so the stripes can get laid out and then the body gets painted. I have the convertible top scheduled to be installed next Tuesday so we have to keep this party going!

 

[el Pedro]

Paint looks amazing for the Chevelle. Can't wait to see it put together. Such a beautiful colour!!!
I'm in awe of the work you and your crew do there!!!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

" The last idea you had was the hot rod garage sign on the wall and it cost me $800 to have it made. Your ideas are starting to get really expensive around here!!!"

LOL! Well hey, since I don't have money of my own to put towards my shop (hence, no thread of my own), I've become very good at spending other people's money!

I went looking for that $800.00 'suggestion' and couldn't locate it in the thread; how about a repost?

Jason's art on a hood wouldn't cost you too much at all, especially when you consider the immense satisfaction and artistic enjoyment it would give you everytime you walked by it! Besides, your tax accountant should be able to find some 'creative' way to write off all the signage and decorative art costs as 'advertising expenditures'...

 

[don long]

Hey Mark
Just wanted you to know that I am still here and the drool keeps commin
your project are encouraging
Thanks for taking the time to share
Don

 

[40p]

Paint looks phenomenal on the Chevelle panels, is that straight from the gun or after colour sanding?

 

[IGO2XS]

Paint looks amazing for the Chevelle. Can't wait to see it put together. Such a beautiful colour!!!
I'm in awe of the work you and your crew do there!!!

thank you friend!

" The last idea you had was the hot rod garage sign on the wall and it cost me $800 to have it made. Your ideas are starting to get really expensive around here!!!"

LOL! Well hey, since I don't have money of my own to put towards my shop (hence, no thread of my own), I've become very good at spending other people's money!

You came up with my avitar which lead to coming up with a theme for the garage which lead to the sign in the garage. So, you were indirectly directly for the expense and I am holding you responsible!! Don't try to wiggle out of it either.

Hey Mark
Just wanted you to know that I am still here and the drool keeps commin
your project are encouraging
Thanks for taking the time to share
Don

Thank you Don. It seems like we were talking about this project only yesterday and you were talking about your elcamino project.

Paint looks phenomenal on the Chevelle panels, is that straight from the gun or after colour sanding?

Straight from the Gun........wait until a day or so of color sanding and buffing. This baby is going to shine!! Here are a few pictures from today. The paint was still wet. We bring it home tomorrow. Dwayne did an awesome job of painting this car.

 

[tskills10]

Just incredible!!! Every time I open your thread I'm blown away by the work. I keep tellin my buddy that lives by you to stop by. But I I guess he has been too busy, or something. DAmn, is he missing out. If I was that close I'd be over every chance I had. Keep the updates coming.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

LOL Guilty as charged!

 

[Toolfool]

Love that color on the Chevelle. Maybe some old school hand painted pinstriping ??

 

[OldH1]

AMAZING WORK! Can't wait for the trip to FL so I can peek through the gate! Keep the pic's coming...this goes with my morning coffee!

 

[IGO2XS]

thanks for the comments. We brought the Chevelle back today and tucked it back in the garage. I will get some pics next week. I hope to have it completed in a few weeks.

I dont know if you guys remember my 69 c10 pickup. I showed some pictures of it a while back. I ended up having a motor built for it last month. I have been pretty excited to bolt on the 2 inch cog pulley system. There are alot of cars this would not fit into but there is plenty of room under the hood of the pickup. For now I guess this motor is going to be garage eye candy because we dont have time to work on my stuff.

 

[porschedude996TT]

I see that you are going to make some big horsepower, have you seen the iron mid-plates for the Muncie transmissions? www.5speeds.com has some great transmission parts and brand new Muncie transmissions. I'm going to purchase one soon.

 

[OldH1]

Garage Eye Candy...are you kidding!! That is any entire Halloween sitting there...Sweet and Scary!! Beautiful! can't wait to see it in the truck!

 

[IGO2XS]

I see that you are going to make some big horsepower, have you seen the iron mid-plates for the Muncie transmissions? www.5speeds.com has some great transmission parts and brand new Muncie transmissions. I'm going to purchase one soon.

hey thanks dude! I ordered some seals and parts for our Muncie transmission from these guys on eBay. I will check them out again.

Garage Eye Candy...are you kidding!! That is any entire Halloween sitting there...Sweet and Scary!! Beautiful! can't wait to see it in the truck!

I cant wait to see it either!!

Off to the top shop today with the car. I cant drive it under its own power yet. The problem is we have Corvette C5 calipers for the car and until we get the custom Billet Specialties wheels......18's and 20's. The calipers wont fit inside the factory wheels so we have no brakes.

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

Lookin' good Houston

That is going to look very special when it's finished.

There's something strange about this photo though and I can't quite put my finger on it..................Oh yes that's it. Sunshine!! We've had even less of that so far this "summer" than we usually get.

 

[IGO2XS]

Just want to let you Corvette guys know on July 28th at 10am the Skyway Corvette Club is going to be meeting here at the Monster Garage. If you would like to bring your Corvette by to join us please do.

 

[Wingnut65]

Garage Eye Candy...are you kidding!! That is any entire Halloween sitting there...Sweet and Scary!! Beautiful! can't wait to see it in the truck!

I agree with OldH1, that is Gorgeous. That might be just the motivation to put the C10 back on the workload schedule, at least a couple hours a week...

The Chevelle looks great. Paint is flawless! Awesome work, as usual!

 

[IGO2XS]

I agree with OldH1, that is Gorgeous. That might be just the motivation to put the C10 back on the workload schedule, at least a couple hours a week...

The Chevelle looks great. Paint is flawless! Awesome work, as usual!

thanks Wingnut!!!!


I will bring you guys up to speed on the happenings here at the Monster Garage.

The C2 Corvette is coming along. Dwayne has the body in great shape and ready for the last step.......mounting on the body on the frame to get it to the final resting place. This will put the body in the last stages of sanding and priming and ready for paint. Forgot to mention on July 4th we stripped the whole underbody of the vette of all undercoating and grime......what a job this was!

underbody is clean!!!!!!!





We have got 90 percent of the frame prepped. The big Wilwood brakes, tubular upper and lower control arms, and the coilover suspension looks awesome.




Tomorrow the body will go on the frame


The 70 Chevelle did get started a few days ago for the first time. It would be easier to tell you what didnt leak than what did leak..........oil, gas, and coolant That is one of the problems of building something from scratch. We wet sanded most of today and will finish it tomorrow (Sunday). Need to get the car buffed on Monday so we can get to final assembly. My friend who owns this car is very excited.





I must say the Monster Garage credit card is going to be a little maxed out this month! I got a little crazy buying some tools

Here is a picture of the Big Red transmission jack. It is a 1000lb 2 stage lift and it is heavy duty. I bought it from Auto Zone and it cost around $375. I thought it was a very good value. In the back is a 4' x 2' stainless top work table I got from Sams. The top isn't real thick......your not going to do any hammering on this table.......but for a roll around table with a shelf its a nice project table. Right now we are using it to organize parts for the Chevelle. It was around $140



In this next picture it gets a little more serious. I dont know about you guys but I **** at double flairing brake lines. On the bottom left is the double flair kit from KTool. It is vise mounted and after a couple of motions you have a factory looking flair on the end of your brake line. It is nice. On the bottom right is a Master Cool temperature sensor. For exhaust or coolant temperatures this tool was a must. It just came in today so I havent had time to use it. We will have 4 complete Vintage Air installs under our belt in the next few months so I invested in some nice Master Cool guages and the Master Cool hydraulic hose crimper. This was one expensive little tool but it is so nice to custom make your own A/C lines right in the shop.

So, it was fun while it lasted but I am on tool probation.

 

[IGO2XS]

It was quite a job but the wet sanding and buffing is complete. This isnt a great picture of the convertable top but it looks great on the car. We have been installing emblems, wheel moldings, lights, getting ready to hang bumpers and the like. Its like we are so close but yet so far away. I am really chomping at the bit to get the wheels in from Billet Specialties......they should be here anytime. I am itching to get the wheels so we can install the Corvette C5 brakes. After the glitch with the radiator I ordered an aluminum radiator from Griffin Radiator. We are really close to putting this car on the road.





Here is a big box of stuff.......better known as the parts to make the cowl induction hood work. Not real familiar with the installation but I guess we will figure it out.




We splatter painted the trunk and it looks pretty good. I have the liner to install and I have a spare tire cover. We will probably use one of the original wheels and install a bias tire on it just for the look.




Although we sprayed the floorboard with a bed liner for insulation we also have an insulation kit to install under the carpet. Its just thrown in there for now but hoping tomorrow to get the carpet installed so we can start putting in the interior.

 

[Bpettet]

I just finished reading 68 pages of posts and photos, which only took a week! My first post here and I joined so I could comment. Wow...I'm amazed at the attention to detail whether its faux brick, garage bathrooms that are nicer than my house or hundreds of car details too numerous to mention. Above and beyond all of that, it's obvious that you are very generous with your time and resources. I know what it takes to build a forum thread like this and it's serious work! You are clearly generous with your property as well.

There are two basic kinds of people that have money and you are not the first kind.

I can tell that you play well with others and like to share your toys. A big thumbs up to you sir for being real, fair and kind. I hope we can meet someday.

 

[IGO2XS]

I just finished reading 68 pages of posts and photos, which only took a week! My first post here and I joined so I could comment. I hope we can meet someday.

What a very generous post you made..thank you. I just read this to my wife.....we both appreciate your taking the time to read the entire thread. Yes, it does take alot of time to manage this but the friends I make on here are well worth the time and effort spent taking pictures and posting. We laugh, get ideas from each other, and sometimes get some pretty good direction on how to do something. I hope you stick around and I hope we do meet someday. Living in Sarasota, Fl I find alot of people like to visit our area and my door is always open to my friend here on GJ.



We got alot done today. Carpet installed, center console, window seals, and finished interior wiring. I purchased a Delta halogen light kit for the Chevelle. They are nice looking lights but unfortunately they don't tell you in advance you must trim the core support so these larger based bulbs will fit it. Out came the grinder and some touch up paint. I had to take a picture of the one side after completion. The 70 Chevelle is the most popular of all and this headlight shot is the reason why. After the big problem with the first radiator the new Griffin Radiator showed up today from Summit. Nice looking and it fit just like a glove. The guys gave me a little grief because I told them it was $360 and they thought it was too much. Yes I could have purchased a cheaper radiator but I feel you get what you pay for and you cant put a price on quality.

More tomorrow!!

 

[calfj60]

Just finished reading all 68 pages... Awesome just awesome! I really appreciate all the pics and detailed narratives you provide with each project! Please continue to share.. Looking forward to seeing and reading more.

 

[IGO2XS]

We finally are in a position to install the Corvette brakes tomorrow on the Chevelle. I put the car up on jack stands to make it a little easier to work on but also to see how the rubber fit on the car. Wow is all I can say after sliding the tires under the car. It looks like a totally different car with those wheel well's filled up. The rears are 275/ 35-20's and the fronts are 245/45-18's. I got a call from Fed Ex and the wheels will be delivered tomorrow. Still lots to do on this car but it is nice to see it take shape.

 

[ffshu]

Mark, I've gotta say ditto to the words of Bpettet. Your shop that you have created and the work that you are putting out of it is just "awsome"!! I joined GJ a while ago just looking around and I remember looking at your thread when you was building your shop. I looked the other night and for the past 2 nights, I have been reading just about every post on your thread. At first I thought you was just doing your own projects, but it looks like you are going full force resto shop. You and your staff there do very thorough work and an excellant eye for detail, whether it's your shop or a car/truck. My parents have a place in Bradenton so you are not far from them, so I hope that one day when I come down for a little vacation, I can come and meet you and see your palace of work in person. My 30x36 shop is not as fancy as yours, but if you enjoy spending time in yours as much as I do mine working on my '71 Camaro, then you are having a blast!

Somebody was asking about a plasma cutter. I bought one from Eastwood and it is awesome! When I asked who makes their plasma cutters, they said that they were under contract not to reveal, but it is one of the top makers thats why they can offer a 3 year warranty. For no more than I use it, the price is perfect. And it's 110/220v, so it will work in anybody's garage.

Keep up the great work and all the eye candy pics. I will be following your post from now on.

Todd
Quinton, VA

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark, I've gotta say ditto to the words of Bpettet. Your shop that you have created and the work that you are putting out of it is just "awsome"!! I joined GJ a while ago just looking around and I remember looking at your thread when you was building your shop. My 30x36 shop is not as fancy as yours, but if you enjoy spending time in yours as much as I do mine working on my '71 Camaro, then you are having a blast!

Keep up the great work and all the eye candy pics. I will be following your post from now on.

Todd
Quinton, VA

Thank you Todd. Sounds like you have a really nice garage and I love 71 Camaro's too. I am glad you are going to hang around with us for a while. We are lucky to have some really cool projects coming up.


The wheels arrived today and I couldnt wait to get them out of the box. 20 x 10 in the rear and 18 x 8.5 in the front. Looks like we are going to have to lower the car to make it sit right.




It has been a while since I spoke of the 69 Chevelle we have in the shop but I will bring it up to date. We have the A/C installed. I picked up a low mount A/C compressor bracket and tucked the compressor down low. I ended up modifying the bracket to move it forward 3/4" to allow it to clear the steering arm. I used a 3 pulley aluminum crank pulley from Billet Specialties so I could double belt the A/C compressor. This is a super hp big block and I hope the compressor can hang on





I wished I had taken come before pictures of the inside of the 69. The factory dash was pretty cut up and it had a bunch of Autometer Gauges. This were are in the central area of the dash and we needed the space for some additional A/C vents, radio, and the A/C controls. I decided to build a console to house the gauges so here is the progress on it.

The plywood sides will be covered in leather and the top will be painted satin black.

 

[IGO2XS]

Today we rolled her out for the first time. Now, before we go any further I want you guys to know I am going to lower the car so please........no jokes about how high it is sitting I ordered some 3 inch lowering springs from CPP (Classic Performance) for the rear and a pair of CPP 2" drop modular spindles for the front. We will adjust the front coil springs after we get all of this installed.



We have been hitting the car pretty hard for the last week and we really need a break. About every other day we come up with yet another list of parts we need. At is point the projects almost seem never ending because there are so many details. Sometimes I forget we have assembled this car one piece at a time.

 

[Fastphil]

Today we rolled her out for the first time. Now, before we go any further I want you guys to know I am going to lower the car so please........no jokes about how high it is sitting

.

Hmm, are you sure you weren't supposed to order 24" wheels?

I gotta say, I'm not too hot on the center console idea, but I have faith in you guys. To me, those fabricated center consoles scream 1980s.

 

[IGO2XS]

Hmm, are you sure you weren't supposed to order 24" wheels?

I gotta say, I'm not too hot on the center console idea, but I have faith in you guys. To me, those fabricated center consoles scream 1980s.

Ha ha Donk!! I this look is definitely your 70's look with the hiked up rear end.

I am a little nervous about the console too but I am hoping it works. The owner did not want any of the gauges to be in the dash so it was the only place. I know it will be nice looking but I hope it fits the car. I will have it done by the end of the week so wish me luck!!!

 

[hpw]

The owner did not want any of the gauges to be in the dash so it was the only place.

Just a thought, regardless the car looks phenomenal

 

[IGO2XS]

Just a thought, regardless the car looks phenomenal

Where were you when I needed another idea like this From now on I am not doing anything until I run it past you guys!!!

 

[lolife99]

Are you sure those wheels on the chevelle are going to tuck?
Plus the front wheels have to tuck more than normal to be able to turn.

I know you know all of this, by looking at your red chevelle,... but those pics don't look too promising,....

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

I actually LOL'd when I saw this. It looks like it's standing on it's tiptoes!!

Looking good though.

 

[lolife99]

I see this "stance" in your future,...

 

[IGO2XS]

I actually LOL'd when I saw this. It looks like it's standing on it's tiptoes!!

Looking good though.

yes or someone just poked his finger in its behind!!

I see this "stance" in your future,...

Oh now that red Chevelle is a beautiful example of stance!!!! Now that rear is narrowed by the look of all that beautiful dish on the outside of the wheels. I know you asked the question earlier but the front end is tucked in pretty good right now. The car does need a serious alignment because the top of the tires are sticking out so we will have plenty of room in the front. I just love when the front tires are tucked in like a funny car!!!

 

[nmcqueen469]

This thread has left me speechless Mark! The garage, the house, the property, ALL of the going projects! Absolutely stunning.

Kudos to you!

 

[ugly kustom]

Mark you need to work on the truck...
shes like a hot girl,if you don't spend time with her
she'll find someone who will.. lol