What did you do "IN" your garage today?

[Scooter Scott]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Went out to the garage...followed my path from one end to the other...did my usual 360 degrees...laughed to myself and wondered how in the world did I get my garage in this shape and when will I stop laughing and do something about it! Well, I laughed and came back into the house...looked back out to the garage and laughed again. I say that these are "laughs" but they are something more serious than just laughter.
I envy you guys that have the "get her done" attitude. Suggestions?

I invite friends over, don't want them to see my fugly garage, and do a power clean. Last time I had it all put away in under 30 minutes

 

[Scooter Scott]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Made a mount for the Fahrenheat FUH724 from some scrape metal I had. This mount allows me to turn the heater towards either end of the garage.

Still need to clean up the mount and paint it.

Jay

I'm curious how expensive it is to run that thing

 

[zmotorsports]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Last night I removed the side extensions from both of my lifts and had to make room for them in the shop. Ended up cleaning out my little compressor room and storing them in there.

I also had a neighbor bring by some small pieces that needed machining and welding last night. He build acoustic guitars and uses these to add tension into them. At least that is how he explained it, I don't know how to build guitars.

He had the aluminum pieces with the threaded rods already. He needed a way of adjusting them so I machined down some shoulder bolts so that he had the socket head and then drilled/tapped the inside and threaded them onto the threaded rod. I then welded the machined shoulder bolt to the threaded rod to keep them attached when adjusting.

Here is the parts ready for welding. There were fourteen of them in all.

Completed.

I also threw together another mechanics finger and added some silicone bronze to the ends for better conductivity. This will work great for creating a proper ground on aluminum parts without leaving any arc marks. Lately I have been just using a piece of large copper wire wrapped around the part but this should work great.

All in all I was able to get a lot done last night despite the teen and single digit temperatures outside. Just getting the side extension plates off of the bike lifts gave me quite a bit more room to walk and work around.

Mike.

 

[rshadd]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I prepped the snow thrower for duty. Put in fresh gas, greased and changed the oil, checked the air pressure in the tires and put in a fresh spark plug. Started right up.

Looks like It'll be getting some use this afternoon.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

This is the last set of big block Mopar Performance valve covers in line (at the moment anyway) customized for a new FB customer from Illinois. The ribs/logos, Psycho Yellow over China Mint, match his Duster's custom paint job ...

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Here's a nice closeup with what's left of his paint chip ...

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I heard from the guy with the Hilborn fuel injection setup too; he's got it assembled and promised to share a couple pics. I'll do the same when I get 'em. Happy Tuesday ya'll -- stay warm out there!!!! (There's plenty of room by the 7-foot oven and I'm happy to share lol)

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Walked up to the new shop that replaced the one that burned down and looked at the empty hole inside.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Walked up to the new shop that replaced the one that burned down and looked at the empty hole inside.

Awwwww, I can kinda relate to that after a tornado took quite a bit of mine in April 2011. But just think Fencer: NOW you can incorporate all the cool ideas you've seen here into the new one. Best of luck filling it up again.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Awwwww, I can kinda relate to that after a tornado took quite a bit of mine in April 2011. But just think Fencer: NOW you can incorporate all the cool ideas you've seen here into the new one. Best of luck filling it up again.

April 2011 it was hit with a tornado too, then this summer it burned down. This is the THIRD time it's been built. I told Linda if anything happens to it again, I'm leaving, she can stay. I'd always wanted to see a tornado, but I didn't want to have a door knob in my hand when the roof took off! I thought a tornado was bad, at least it left something to work with.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Holy cow ... and here I thought I was the only one with Mother Nature's bull's eye on my back. I live in Tennessee now only thanks to Hurricane Katrina; though we weren't the people you saw on television up on their roofs pleading for help, we were 25 miles west of New Orleans and got wiped out by two tornadoes in ten minutes. The first knocked the house off its foundation and the second took the roof. 96 days later when the adjuster finally showed up, it was more science experiment than house.

Let's go get a beer and celebrate being alive. I'll buy the first round.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I usually don't drink beer. I have a drinking problem, it fills me up too fast. I usually do shots with a chaser on the side. It took the roof off the shop, moved the front wall to the back wall, with both 14 x 14 doors still attached and the shop packed ful of stuff. The only reason it stayed up was when I put the 14-1/2 ft tall overhead hoist in, I tied the 14 x 7 beam to the 6 x 6 side wall post. That was in addition to the two 14 x 7 uprights that were anchored into the concrete on 3 x 3ft slugs with a 2ft x 2ft x 1/2in plate welded to the ends of the uprights. The shop and horse barn got hit pretty good. The house we lost some trim, the front door to the attached garage sucked in, the soffit under the carport came out and went through the roof of my Geo convertable. The sunroom roof took off as I was tring to open some windows to let more air out of the house. That's when I decided it was time to retreat to the closet. We lost one horse to injuries after 9 days and $4500 at the vet school.

 

[erty67]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

With my garage being so far form home, it was time to make some upgrades to the shed. Here's my $20 and $40 cabinets with my $10 bench grinder and a vise I traded for a HF 110v welder. Still gotta bolt things down, but becoming more useful from home.

 

[HellaFab]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I finished blowing in my insulation in the ceiling... Next up is insulating the walls. Its getting mighty cold out and metal working in freezing temperatures isn't enjoyable to do for a hobby.

 

[firecracker]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Picked up a Snap-on roll chest today, it must be late 70s or early 80s lots of rust but im about to refurbish it. So I wheeled it through from front door and through the back door and across the yard into my MAN CAVE ready for the attack.
Hope to get pics for you guys.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I built a super duty axle for my CDN M101 trailer. It still needs sandblasting and painting.

 

[bazzateer]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Swept the floor
Leaf blowered the floor.
Leaf blowered again.
And again.
Jetwashed the floor.
Jetwashed the floor again.
And again.
And again.
Leaf blowered it dry-ish.
Left rest to air dry.

 

[slik560]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Started prepping the 560SL for some winter down-time. Battery charger, plug intake & exhaust. [Had already topped off fuel and added stabilizer]. A quick clean up and car cover is next.

 

[firecracker]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Bazzateer, I forgot to say I Dysoned the floor, but have you tried a steam cleaner on your floor? They are brill, getting all the grime out of the cracks.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

... Its getting mighty cold out and metal working in freezing temperatures isn't enjoyable to do for a hobby.

Amen to that! I had to come in for a hot chocolate break. Hella, if it's any consolation at all, getting paid to do it this time of year doesn't really lessen the pain much ... or warm my fingers up any faster after washing parts.

 

[Jagmandave]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Started prepping the 560SL for some winter down-time. Battery charger, plug intake & exhaust. [Had already topped off fuel and added stabilizer]. A quick clean up and car cover is next.

Hey Slik, I'm in OP too.....

 

[caper150]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I was doing some airbrushing


It's what's on the other side that counts though

 

[housedad]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Today I'm waiting around with the air compressor ready.

My new hypertherm 45 plasma is coming UPS today and I'm going to play even if it is going to be a high of 32° F. in the garage.

After that comes in, I'm going to HF to get a new 44" tool cabinet set and a shop cart.

Oh,, yeah, the man in brown pants is supposed to bring a set of 3 craftsman premium ratchets tot he door too.

I think I'll go count sockets now.....

 

[Hencini]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Replaced the tailgate on the CJ. Luckily I was able to find one nearby in the exact color I needed and already coated in bedliner. Like winning a very small lottery.

It was the first time I did a project since I "remodeled" and a good test of how I have the place set up as I needed a work surface, access to the vehicle, many hand tools and several electric tools.

 

[xtremek]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Only had 1hr. in the barn. Put up the last strap and 2x3 to hold up the furnace in the rafters. Put the last of the lumber into the rafters and then moved the robot, motorcycle, cherry picker and engine stand back where they belong. Probably won't get to get in the barn tomorrow night, my son(Notarubicon) will probably be in town for just the night. Got my fingers crossed on that one.

 

[zmotorsports]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Last night tore into a customers 95 Nissan Maxima for what their family mechanic told them was a water pump failing. I thought it was due to leaking when they called me. Upon them bringing the car I learned that it was not due to leaking but due to a knocking sound and their mechanic swore it was a bad bearing in the water pump. I explained that although it could be the water pump it sounded more like the timing chain bouncing around in the front cover of the engine.

They insisted that I change the water pump because they trust this mechanic. I was getting frustrated at this point and just about told them to bring it to him to fix then but stupid me just agreed to replace the water pump. I got into it and after moving the timing chain out of the way I found the water pump to be fine, it turned smoothly and there were no catches from a bearing.

I called the owner to inform them that I think it is still something with the timing chain, whether it be the chain itself or guides that are worn/broken. Either way it is going to be expensive to fix due to the time to remove the front cover of the engine just to examine and didn't want to insult them but I didn't think that a 1995 Nissan Maxima with 195k on the odometer was worth putting $1500.00 into for the time and possible parts if it turns out to be chain, guides and tensioner.

Waiting on an answer of how they would like me to proceed. They asked me if I replaced the water pump and I said no because that is not the problem. They again said their mechanic said it was the problem, I am telling you it isn't, I have opened up the inspection/access covers and there is nothing wrong with the water pump. I told them I would replace the water pump if they want me to but it is a waste of money and it will not fix the noise. I explained that I am not going to simply throw parts at it based on someone I don't know's diagnosis. It is my reputation, not theirs.

Don't you just love people who will stand there and argue with you even though you are telling them EXACTLY what you found or didn't find. It is jobs like this where I would simply like to tell people to piss up a rope and merely work on my own stuff.

Mike.

 

[BRIANBB]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

mixed a little quickcrete to fill in the big hole in the garage floor that I put there last weekend. lift and tiles in the next couple of weeks.

 

[GCncsuHD]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

^Mmmm Shiner Bock


Did a little cleaning, finally set my 10ft countertop on my new workbench/cabinet setup with the help of the wife. Loving the new huge workspace.

 

[Scooter Scott]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Last night tore into a customers 95 Nissan Maxima for what their family mechanic told them was a water pump failing. I thought it was due to leaking when they called me. Upon them bringing the car I learned that it was not due to leaking but due to a knocking sound and their mechanic swore it was a bad bearing in the water pump. I explained that although it could be the water pump it sounded more like the timing chain bouncing around in the front cover of the engine.

They insisted that I change the water pump because they trust this mechanic. I was getting frustrated at this point and just about told them to bring it to him to fix then but stupid me just agreed to replace the water pump. I got into it and after moving the timing chain out of the way I found the water pump to be fine, it turned smoothly and there were no catches from a bearing.

I called the owner to inform them that I think it is still something with the timing chain, whether it be the chain itself or guides that are worn/broken. Either way it is going to be expensive to fix due to the time to remove the front cover of the engine just to examine and didn't want to insult them but I didn't think that a 1995 Nissan Maxima with 195k on the odometer was worth putting $1500.00 into for the time and possible parts if it turns out to be chain, guides and tensioner.

Waiting on an answer of how they would like me to proceed. They asked me if I replaced the water pump and I said no because that is not the problem. They again said their mechanic said it was the problem, I am telling you it isn't, I have opened up the inspection/access covers and there is nothing wrong with the water pump. I told them I would replace the water pump if they want me to but it is a waste of money and it will not fix the noise. I explained that I am not going to simply throw parts at it based on someone I don't know's diagnosis. It is my reputation, not theirs.

Don't you just love people who will stand there and argue with you even though you are telling them EXACTLY what you found or didn't find. It is jobs like this where I would simply like to tell people to piss up a rope and merely work on my own stuff.

Mike.

I hate stupid people...

 

[In My Garage]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

I hate stupid people...

Unfortunately, they are allowed to breed.

 

[zmotorsports]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Unfortunately, they are allowed to breed.

Yes, that is even scarier. We joke around at work that we are constantly having to idiot proof the entire warehouse, unfortunately there are more and more idiots finding ways of either getting hurt or causing damage.

Mike.

 

[Hencini]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Yes, that is even scarier. We joke around at work that we are constantly having to idiot proof the entire warehouse, unfortunately there are more and more idiots finding ways of either getting hurt or causing damage.

Mike.

Seems like every time you come up with an idiot proof design they just go and build a better idiot.

 

[67carl]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Seems like every time you come up with an idiot proof design they just go and build a better idiot.

1/2 the people in the world are below average...

That's a lot of people.

 

[Ragtop13]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Just remember...God loves stupid people..... because he made so many of them......

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Changed the oil in my truck earlier. Now, after lunch, I'm trying to get some progress done on my grand daughter's toy box.

 

[transplant_wi]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Squeegeed the melted snirt out the garage door. It likes to pool in the corners - the floor is not sloped quite right...grrr.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Squeegeed the melted snirt out the garage door. It likes to pool in the corners - the floor is not sloped quite right...grrr.

I am constantly using the wet vac from the same problem. I hate it.




I decided to clean up my garage walls after collecting banners, photos, decals and a lot of other **** over 15 years. I kept anything that meant something to me and put it on a couple of cardboardish panels that came with my Crapsman box a couple of years ago. Then I covered it with lexan. Now I still have the few things I wanted to keep and it should be much easier to clean the walls periodically. I did this all last week before my wife had her back surgery this week.









I am going to move these other few things over by the new panels and give it a fresh coat of paint. That won't happen for a while though. I haven't seen this much empty wall in years.



The wife came home from the hospital last night. I'm pretty busy taking care of the household and her right now, but I did manage to sneak in polishing up the headlights of her old Crown Victoria this morning.

 

[Dan_inthewind]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Last night tore into a customers 95 Nissan Maxima for what their family mechanic told them was a water pump failing. I thought it was due to leaking when they called me. Upon them bringing the car I learned that it was not due to leaking but due to a knocking sound and their mechanic swore it was a bad bearing in the water pump. I explained that although it could be the water pump it sounded more like the timing chain bouncing around in the front cover of the engine.

They insisted that I change the water pump because they trust this mechanic. I was getting frustrated at this point and just about told them to bring it to him to fix then but stupid me just agreed to replace the water pump. I got into it and after moving the timing chain out of the way I found the water pump to be fine, it turned smoothly and there were no catches from a bearing.

I called the owner to inform them that I think it is still something with the timing chain, whether it be the chain itself or guides that are worn/broken. Either way it is going to be expensive to fix due to the time to remove the front cover of the engine just to examine and didn't want to insult them but I didn't think that a 1995 Nissan Maxima with 195k on the odometer was worth putting $1500.00 into for the time and possible parts if it turns out to be chain, guides and tensioner.

Waiting on an answer of how they would like me to proceed. They asked me if I replaced the water pump and I said no because that is not the problem. They again said their mechanic said it was the problem, I am telling you it isn't, I have opened up the inspection/access covers and there is nothing wrong with the water pump. I told them I would replace the water pump if they want me to but it is a waste of money and it will not fix the noise. I explained that I am not going to simply throw parts at it based on someone I don't know's diagnosis. It is my reputation, not theirs.

Don't you just love people who will stand there and argue with you even though you are telling them EXACTLY what you found or didn't find. It is jobs like this where I would simply like to tell people to piss up a rope and merely work on my own stuff.

Mike.

Mike, this is why I would never and will never book a job based on someone else's diagnosis.

If they want my guys to fix it then my guys will determine what the problem is.

This is a good reason to fire the customer!

Dan

 

[housedad]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Sorting sockets and other stuff today.
I have a whole bunch of craftsman stuff from all the way back to 1950. A few small pieces are left of that set. Getting ready to add the new tool chest.

 

[Bricen18]

What did you do in your garage today?

Making a toy box also got some cheap cabinets. I plan to paint them remove the castors and mount on the wall. I will probably put my detailing stuff in these.

 

[rharman]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Seems like every time you come up with an idiot proof design they just go and build a better idiot.

I've used that line for years.....

 

[rohartman]

Re: What did you do in your garage today?

Started installing an AIM data logger system in a Lola 598 today. You would think for $5300 they would send you all the parts for it but no I wasted an hour on the phone today chasing an oil pressure sensor and 10 adapter cables that I was shorted. What happened to quality control? rant over