skyking
Well-known member
I was thinking , man I sure would have loved to help go through all that stuff. Would have been nice to build a new shop and keep the old one as is.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
I was thinking , man I sure would have loved to help go through all that stuff. Would have been nice to build a new shop and keep the old one as is.
markviii
Well-known member
Hey, skyking. Where were you in 2005 when Tom could have used help? Just kidding. It seems that people don't want things until they're gone! (Oh, we did build a new "shop" we call "the barn".)
Also, keeping the old shop the way it was would not have worked. The insurance company actually would not insure it no matter what Tom's "vision" was of what it could be. They wanted it to be razed! Tom did significant work over the winter before calling back the agent. It ended up being insured as "new construction" after the new block was installed and a new roof put on. Our roofer wasn't too keen on putting on that roof over the winter, but it had to be done.
Lots of "sweat equity" and cold outdoor work in the Restored 1930s Auto Shop and on the property. Tom's enjoying the improved work space. Next project is the retirement home. Never a dull moment around here!
Chris
Also, keeping the old shop the way it was would not have worked. The insurance company actually would not insure it no matter what Tom's "vision" was of what it could be. They wanted it to be razed! Tom did significant work over the winter before calling back the agent. It ended up being insured as "new construction" after the new block was installed and a new roof put on. Our roofer wasn't too keen on putting on that roof over the winter, but it had to be done.
Lots of "sweat equity" and cold outdoor work in the Restored 1930s Auto Shop and on the property. Tom's enjoying the improved work space. Next project is the retirement home. Never a dull moment around here!
Chris
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Interesting stuff Thomas. I love belt driven devices.
However, when I Googled "rawhide thongs", I found some very different information.
And Dave, just where are the pictures, hum?? Remember it's polite to share.
I can't quite say why....... but there's just something about the phrase "belt driven devises or rawhide thongs" etc. that, well...........................
With eyes twinkling Thomas
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Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
Thomas,
Do you recall the old line: "You are cruising for a bruising!". Hopefully, Miss Chris will not read either the foregoing post, or this one. j/k
Do you recall the old line: "You are cruising for a bruising!". Hopefully, Miss Chris will not read either the foregoing post, or this one. j/k
markviii
Well-known member
Hi Sweet Old Bill! Never fear. I read every post...
Hope you had a Merry Christmas with family yesterday.
Chris
Hope you had a Merry Christmas with family yesterday.
Chris
You WHAT!!!!!!!!!
Look, it's not what is seems Chris, honest. I can explain everything. It was taken completely out of context. Why in another few years we'll both look back this little incident and have a good laugh about it.......won't we............Chris.............Sweetheart........
Guys a little help here.......
Dog house bound Thomas
HOTFR8
Banned
You WHAT!!!!!!!!!
Look, it's not what is seems Chris, honest. I can explain everything. It was taken completely out of context. Why in another few years we'll both look back this little incident and have a good laugh about it.......won't we............Chris.............Sweetheart........
Guys a little help here.......
Dog house bound Thomas
Lost me Tom, Sorry.You WHAT!!!!!!!!!
Look, it's not what is seems Chris, honest. I can explain everything. It was taken completely out of context. Why in another few years we'll both look back this little incident and have a good laugh about it.......won't we............Chris.............Sweetheart........
Guys a little help here.......
Dog house bound Thomas
Sorry Thomas, but you're on your own here. I can give a little help though.
Here's the list.Attachments
Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
Thomas,
A very nice dinner out; very good chocolate; flowers; & blame it all on me! Given that Miss Chris knows me, she will understand my Beautiful Bride's line: "Hang around with him long enough and you will end up in serious trouble!"
A very nice dinner out; very good chocolate; flowers; & blame it all on me! Given that Miss Chris knows me, she will understand my Beautiful Bride's line: "Hang around with him long enough and you will end up in serious trouble!"
markviii
Well-known member
I'm with HOTFR8. I don't get it either. No harm, no foul?
I'm too busy with things around here, so whatever it was that Tom has to make up for, I totally missed it.
Chris
I'm too busy with things around here, so whatever it was that Tom has to make up for, I totally missed it.
Chris
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Boy he dodge one on that ! LOL
And I thank God every day that I've never been institutionalized.Marriage is a great institution!
jaso
Member
Thomas congrats on your retirement
the house plans look great cant wait to follow the build on here
love the old tools as well keep up the great work/posts
have a great new yrs and may 2014 be a bigger and better year for you both
the house plans look great cant wait to follow the build on here
love the old tools as well keep up the great work/posts
have a great new yrs and may 2014 be a bigger and better year for you both
YEAR 4 - PART I
A couple of days ago we passed the 4th anniversary of the start of this thread. I kept telling Chris I think it's only been 3 years but sure enough, I first posted here in December 28th, 2009. Wow, I was a lot younger way back then! Hard to believe you guys still are checking the thread from time to time to keep me on my toes.
With that said, I usually try to recap the year in review about some of the more significant or notable projects or events that happened in the preceding year. So starting in the old shop..........
...lets begin with Mr Johnson's old hydraulic floor press.
A new base with casters was installed, along with a very functional drip pan and did I ever mention that it was also powder coated, 'cause I really, really like powder coating! That visually cleaned it up and the new base and portability made it much more versatile and user friendly. Even Chris likes the way it looks now.
A couple of new (old) signs were added inside, the most useful being this vintage, porcelain Rest Rooms sign so my friends need never ask "which way is the......well, you know".
Good friend Lou Bingham provided this...
...swell hat holder so now I can hang my hats in an organized way. "A place for everything and everything in its place"....so to speak.
Some more metal working tools were added to the Portable Dirty Room roll around which was convenient.
The Corvette fabric top was finally successfully installed after several "are you kidding me.....really, geez - not again!!!!!!!" incidents that I found rather trying to put it politely. I still need to relate that whole saga and I will, promise.
So Chris said to me "it looks nice, but how does it work?" Well young lady watch this...
Just release a couple of latch thingies...
...then that back part lifts up to clear...
... the rear hatch cover as it opens up like this...
..then the whole thing folds...
...into the top storage area behind the seats.
Next fold the hatch cover back down...
...a little light push here to re-latch the cover and...
...VOILÁ! So simple even a retired B767 Pilot could do it, honest!
This year we got a nice vintage office desk to replace Mr Johnson's. I see Chris using that desk all the time so yesterday, I snuck behind her to see what she's been working on.
She's using the desk to compiling material for THE Dreaded Thread Test!!!!!!!
To be continued. Thanks everyone.
Thomas
A couple of days ago we passed the 4th anniversary of the start of this thread. I kept telling Chris I think it's only been 3 years but sure enough, I first posted here in December 28th, 2009. Wow, I was a lot younger way back then! Hard to believe you guys still are checking the thread from time to time to keep me on my toes.
With that said, I usually try to recap the year in review about some of the more significant or notable projects or events that happened in the preceding year. So starting in the old shop..........
...lets begin with Mr Johnson's old hydraulic floor press.
A new base with casters was installed, along with a very functional drip pan and did I ever mention that it was also powder coated, 'cause I really, really like powder coating! That visually cleaned it up and the new base and portability made it much more versatile and user friendly. Even Chris likes the way it looks now.
A couple of new (old) signs were added inside, the most useful being this vintage, porcelain Rest Rooms sign so my friends need never ask "which way is the......well, you know".
Good friend Lou Bingham provided this...
...swell hat holder so now I can hang my hats in an organized way. "A place for everything and everything in its place"....so to speak.
Some more metal working tools were added to the Portable Dirty Room roll around which was convenient.
The Corvette fabric top was finally successfully installed after several "are you kidding me.....really, geez - not again!!!!!!!" incidents that I found rather trying to put it politely. I still need to relate that whole saga and I will, promise.
So Chris said to me "it looks nice, but how does it work?" Well young lady watch this...
Just release a couple of latch thingies...
...then that back part lifts up to clear...
... the rear hatch cover as it opens up like this...
..then the whole thing folds...
...into the top storage area behind the seats.
Next fold the hatch cover back down...
...a little light push here to re-latch the cover and...
...VOILÁ! So simple even a retired B767 Pilot could do it, honest!
This year we got a nice vintage office desk to replace Mr Johnson's. I see Chris using that desk all the time so yesterday, I snuck behind her to see what she's been working on.
She's using the desk to compiling material for THE Dreaded Thread Test!!!!!!!To be continued. Thanks everyone.
Thomas
Vernmotor
Well-known member
I think this test will take a month to do...
Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
I fear that
the Dreaded Test may take
a month of Sundays!
the Dreaded Test may take
a month of Sundays!
markviii
Well-known member
Vernmotor, Sweet Old Bill and everyone - I've been working on it since, well, year one, when I jokingly "threatened" to give a thread test. But then it got serious, everyone stuck with us and we added many new friends along the way. And Ryan has been so gracious allowing us to continue our story, making a monstrously long thread with loads of pictures.
Between all my busy-ness, I've continued to work on 'the test" - setting deadlines for myself which just kept passing by. It's taking longer for me to write than it will be for you to take! Promise! I think the Study Guide will be very useful all by itself.
Chris
Between all my busy-ness, I've continued to work on 'the test" - setting deadlines for myself which just kept passing by. It's taking longer for me to write than it will be for you to take! Promise! I think the Study Guide will be very useful all by itself.
Chris
9C1
Well-known member
The Corvette fabric top was finally successfully installed after several "are you kidding me.....really, geez - not again!!!!!!!" incidents that I found rather trying to put it politely. I still need to relate that whole saga and I will, promise.
Very nice looking Thomas. And it was done just in time for the tops down weather in Central Illinois.
Terry
Very nice looking Thomas. And it was done just in time for the tops down weather in Central Illinois.
Terry
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thomas,The Corvette fabric top was finally successfully installed after several "are you kidding me.....really, geez - not again!!!!!!!" incidents that I found rather trying to put it politely. I still need to relate that whole saga and I will, promise.
Thomas
Nice job on the convertible top. To save money I replaced the convertible top on one of my Corvettes about 18 years ago and I still remember the agony. I'll probably do it again when full blown dementia tricks me into a repeat performance.
In the above picture I don't see a terrycloth towel rolled up on the clear vinyl backlite. I've been doing that for 18 years and the vinyl is as clear and scratch-free as the day I put it in. I just leave it rolled up in the storage area when the top is up.
You can take it a step further and buy a convertible window pillow specifically made for the purpose through the usual Corvette parts suppliers, Amazon and eBay (photo is courtesy of Eckler's - $13.99).
I chose the towel because it serves as a drop-cloth in the event of a breakdown or as a towel in the event of a downpour.
markviii
Well-known member
Bob,
There is a special roll that he keeps in a plastic bag just so that the top doesn't get a hard crease. I'm sure it serves the same purpose as your rolled towel. You can see it in one of the pictures where he is putting the top down.
Chris
There is a special roll that he keeps in a plastic bag just so that the top doesn't get a hard crease. I'm sure it serves the same purpose as your rolled towel. You can see it in one of the pictures where he is putting the top down.
Chris
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Chris,
Thanks for the reply. I should have known Thomas would use one of those. Had I looked closer at the very next picture from the one I quoted I would have seen it. It's time I clean the nose-prints off my monitor (hmmm, maybe those spots aren't on the screen...).
Best wishes to you and Thomas for a very happy new year.
I will celebrate 20 years in my new career in 2014. I consider retirement simply a career change. Very short commute, very flexible hours, adequate salary and I love my boss. My boss lets me work as much or as little as I want and pretty much anywhere I want (garage, shop, yard or kitchen). She also lets me nap whenever I feel the need.
markviii
Well-known member
Oh, don't make the mistake of who is Tom's "boss" in his "retirement". He makes his own schedule, now more than ever since he doesn't have to work around his long commute.
We're not your typical retired couple, if there is such a thing. We had lots of interests/activities already keeping us busy "on the side". I left my 34.5 year teaching career in June, 2009, and promptly continued doing all those other things that I can't believe I ever had time for while teaching. Then, on top of that, I started a new picture framing business/gift shop... because I could.
Now the challenge will be balancing our many activities without a set schedule to work around.
Stay tuned.
Happy New Year.
Chris
We're not your typical retired couple, if there is such a thing. We had lots of interests/activities already keeping us busy "on the side". I left my 34.5 year teaching career in June, 2009, and promptly continued doing all those other things that I can't believe I ever had time for while teaching. Then, on top of that, I started a new picture framing business/gift shop... because I could.
Now the challenge will be balancing our many activities without a set schedule to work around.
Stay tuned.
Happy New Year.
Chris
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71 MKIV
Active member
Holy cow! I've hit the end of the internet!
I do have one question for you of a rather mundane nature. Did you have any trouble convincing you electric utility to put in a three phase service? Around here you gotta have a pretty accomplished soft shoe cane and top hat act to get anything more than a standard single phase.
Thanks for sharing.
If you ever come east stop in.
Steve. aka 71 MKIV
I do have one question for you of a rather mundane nature. Did you have any trouble convincing you electric utility to put in a three phase service? Around here you gotta have a pretty accomplished soft shoe cane and top hat act to get anything more than a standard single phase.
Thanks for sharing.
If you ever come east stop in.
Steve. aka 71 MKIV
Hi there Bob, if I had posted this picture...
...which was taken in sequence between the two pictures I did post, the "pillow" I put in place to protect the back window would have been more apparent. Since the post wasn't really intended to be a detailed tutorial on how to fold a Corvette top I didn't bother to mention using something to protect that back window which, as you correctly pointed out, is important.
Because you took the time to post the tip, others now will know what, why and how to protect the back window of their convertibles. So thanks Bob for bringing it up and your continued support.
Thomas
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Sorry I wasn't around to help bail you out, Thomas. We lost power in the ice storm last week, then was away for Christmas.
Congratulation on the 4 year anniversary of this thread. Its been quite a ride. As we were driving the mile or so on 57 going from 72 to 74 heading home, I was thinking about Philo, not too far away.
Congratulation on the 4 year anniversary of this thread. Its been quite a ride. As we were driving the mile or so on 57 going from 72 to 74 heading home, I was thinking about Philo, not too far away.
markviii
Well-known member
Woulda,coulda,shoulda... lost opportunity! If you were south of Champaign on I57, the Monticello exit is only 6 miles from us. Next time...
Happy New Year.
Chris
Happy New Year.
Chris
I know...I never remember until it's too late. I'll try to be more diligent in the future.
Speedfreak5150
Active member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2011
- Messages
- 37
Just wondering when do you break ground on your house build?
In an ideal world we'll break ground in May. Right now it's all dependent on the sale of our existing home.
Can I interest you in well cared for and loved 103 year old home, hum? It's wired for 3 phase electrical power.
Thomas
markviii
Well-known member
And lots of garage space!
Chris
Chris
Holy cow! I've hit the end of the internet!
I do have one question for you of a rather mundane nature. Did you have any trouble convincing you electric utility to put in a three phase service? Around here you gotta have a pretty accomplished soft shoe cane and top hat act to get anything more than a standard single phase.
Thanks for sharing.
If you ever come east stop in.
Steve. aka 71 MKIV
Steve, relax and don't panic! Take deep breaths and calm down. You're not at the end of the internet, you just finally arrived at the ATP, A Temporary Pause. There's more on the way, honest.
To answer your question, the 3 phase was installed in the early 1970's. Back then all you needed to do was demonstrate a need for 3 phase and the power company would install it. My brother had purchased a Bridgeport mill and 3 phase was brought to the house to power it. I'm going to at least ask the power company what it would cost to bring 3 phase to the new house. I'm guessing it will be prohibitive. I'll likely use a phase converter for all the 3 phase wood shop equipment. That includes the Yates American 16" jointer and 18" planer, Delta 10" table saw, Delta 20" band saw, Rockwell/Delta heavy duty shaper and Oliver 20" disc sander. I haven't done any research on the subject pending what the power company tells me.
Hang in there Steve, it'll be alright.
Thomas
YEAR 4 - PART II
In the barn last year I managed to clean up the SPOUSE bench and put it into service.
It's still not quite a silk purse or the most attractive bench ever made...
...but it's highly serviceable. I use it in the "Ag" corner of the barn when doing service work on mowers, chain saws, weed trimmers etc. With the lighted magnifying glass Chris finds it a perfect place to do her nails.
I also got the protective polycarbonate cover...
...installed on the Barn Bench top.
Under one of the corners I have a large aerial poster of Philo.
This was taken in the 1990's. The shop property is circled yellow, right in the center at the bottom with all the trees. Note above the shop is a field, no homes have been built there at that time. My field of dreams, the alfalfa field is to the left, circled in red.
The Big Green Loading Machine performed flawlessly this last year after being restored. No leaks, it not only looked handsome, it operated better than it ever has.
It got its first scratch in the powder coating on the bucket.......it won't be the last. It'll get used heavily during the house construction as will the forks.
Friend Lou Bingham is not only a legendary Bonneville land speed record holder and big fan of the shop, but also a skilled leather crafter. He took a bottle cap from a bottle of root beer that just happened to called Virgil's...
...and crafted a beautiful leather key fob for Gus, the present shop truck.
A similar Jeep Truck was Virgil Johnson's shop truck so Gus wears his new key fob with great pride.
There were other events, projects, club cookouts, items recovered from the lean-to and tool shed, Lincoln cars shows, wood shop projects but by far the biggest event to happen at The Restored 1930's Auto Shop...
...was by far...
... being able to...
...drive off...
...into the sunset with...
..the girl of my dreams at my side. Retired indeed!!
So we now look to the new year and all that it will bring. There are already new shop projects underway, a lean-to and tool shed to finish (this is the year Joe, win lose or draw they will be done!) and a home to build with landscaping to craft around it.
Changes are coming to the old shop at the top of the hill. Hope you aren't burned out yet and will come along with us as we create our little slice of heaven right in The Center Of The Universe. Thanks everyone.
Thomas and Chris
In the barn last year I managed to clean up the SPOUSE bench and put it into service.
It's still not quite a silk purse or the most attractive bench ever made...
...but it's highly serviceable. I use it in the "Ag" corner of the barn when doing service work on mowers, chain saws, weed trimmers etc. With the lighted magnifying glass Chris finds it a perfect place to do her nails.
I also got the protective polycarbonate cover...
...installed on the Barn Bench top.
Under one of the corners I have a large aerial poster of Philo.
This was taken in the 1990's. The shop property is circled yellow, right in the center at the bottom with all the trees. Note above the shop is a field, no homes have been built there at that time. My field of dreams, the alfalfa field is to the left, circled in red.
The Big Green Loading Machine performed flawlessly this last year after being restored. No leaks, it not only looked handsome, it operated better than it ever has.
It got its first scratch in the powder coating on the bucket.......it won't be the last. It'll get used heavily during the house construction as will the forks.
Friend Lou Bingham is not only a legendary Bonneville land speed record holder and big fan of the shop, but also a skilled leather crafter. He took a bottle cap from a bottle of root beer that just happened to called Virgil's...
...and crafted a beautiful leather key fob for Gus, the present shop truck.
A similar Jeep Truck was Virgil Johnson's shop truck so Gus wears his new key fob with great pride.
There were other events, projects, club cookouts, items recovered from the lean-to and tool shed, Lincoln cars shows, wood shop projects but by far the biggest event to happen at The Restored 1930's Auto Shop...
...was by far...
... being able to...
...drive off...
...into the sunset with...
..the girl of my dreams at my side. Retired indeed!!
So we now look to the new year and all that it will bring. There are already new shop projects underway, a lean-to and tool shed to finish (this is the year Joe, win lose or draw they will be done!) and a home to build with landscaping to craft around it.
Changes are coming to the old shop at the top of the hill. Hope you aren't burned out yet and will come along with us as we create our little slice of heaven right in The Center Of The Universe. Thanks everyone.
Thomas and Chris
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Been a Great ride so far !
Great job, Thomas and Chris, I with many others, look forward to the new house and any other further adventures !!! I am inspired by your attention to detail, and your determination to do all jobs as good as they can be done, the way folks used to do things.....
James Jensen
St. Augustine, FL
James Jensen
St. Augustine, FL
50fordbob
Member
This post is the first thing I look at every day and often more than one time per day. I thank you for providing us with so much pleasure. I look forward to many more years of your fine work. Bob
hobbitss
Well-known member
Wo Ho.... He said Tool Shed again!! Twice even!!
Where is my giant popcorn bowl and soda supply??
Gonna hook this computer up to the wide screen TV
I'll be all set soon...
Where is my giant popcorn bowl and soda supply??
Gonna hook this computer up to the wide screen TV
I'll be all set soon...
Rag Roc
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thomas regarding three phase power for the new house: If bringing that in is impossible suggest you look into Variable Frequency Drives for the required machines rather than a phase converter. The VFD's have really come down in price over the years, and are much safer and trouble free than other devices.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me over the past four years, and I look forward to future projects.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me over the past four years, and I look forward to future projects.
realvc
Well-known member
The Virgil's bottle cap key fob for Gus is one of coolest things ever.
Thanks one more time Thomas and Chris for so much enjoyment with you through this ongoing adventure.
Vince
Thanks one more time Thomas and Chris for so much enjoyment with you through this ongoing adventure.
Vince