Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

...... The raised marks may mean they are magnesium instead of aluminum.
Here is a set of MiniLite street wheels I have:
(The pressure plate and knock off are not original to the wheel, they are something we fabricated to be different)

Jim they are magnesium and Cary's confirmed they really aren't safe to drive on any more due to their age. Thanks for posting your MiniLites wheels, very cool.

Thomas

Thomas and Chris,
After re-reading this whole thread a second time...I must say I'm glad I did as I had missed some things in my original read. I'll officially join all the others and say job well done. I think the proper word may be STUPENDOUS, but I digress. As a GM car lover I am in awe of 2 '66 Corvettes' and the Nova and the Impala's. My dad has a '67 Impala with a 275 hp 327 I'm not sure if it's the same engine as the one's you own or not. Anyway he ordered it new it has been sitting since '78 with 33,*** miles awaiting the day when I take over as care taker. I don't have any Chevy's, but I do have a '69 Cutlass. See the picture, that was a feature in a All Oldsmobile Calendar for October '13. The one with stripes is my best friends car.

Thanks for keeping me centered.
Jon

Jon, to read this all a second time means you're either a glutton for punishment or else you want to do really. really well on the test. Chris will like that. It is interesting what you can pick up reading it a second time through, isn't it?

I think in the 1960's GM was manufacturing and styling some of the greatest cars in the world, especially for the money. I've always had a soft spot for Corvettes though.





Timeless......

Your dad's Impala sounds like a keeper. If it's a 2 door, I think those might have had the longest quarter panels ever, they were huge! The 327 engine was arguably one of the finest Chevrolet engines ever built. Good performance and extremely rugged.

I've alway thought the Olds Cutlass from the late 60's were very handsome cars, really beautiful lines on them. Congratulations on the calendar spot with your super clean Cutlass and thanks for your generous words of encouragement. They are appreciated. Good luck with "the test". Chris and I expect a great score from you.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Beltsville Shell Sold Out!

Here's the latest from Cary regarding Beltsville Shell,

"Hi Thomas and Chris,

On Friday night we received the another batch of checks from your fans and I need to report to you that the first printing of Beltsville Shell: You Are What You Drive is SOLD OUT!

Please thank your readers for their many orders and for their affection for the book! And we will send personal notes to each of the people whose order cannot be filled.

I would be grateful if you would post this message on the blog; let everyone know that a SECOND PRINTING will be coming this summer (once I have time to get to it). I will have a similar notice placed on the website:

www.beltsvilleshell.com

Sincerely, and Fondly,

Cary and Nancy"


Meanwhile BS 1.0 continues on its merry way and is available to any and all who wish to read it. It might take some time to get you but it'll be worth the wait.

Thomas

 

[jbailly]

Your dad's Impala sounds like a keeper. If it's a 2 door, I think those might have had the longest quarter panels ever, they were huge! The 327 engine was arguably one of the finest Chevrolet engines ever built. Good performance and extremely rugged.

I've alway thought the Olds Cutlass from the late 60's were very handsome cars, really beautiful lines on them. Congratulations on the calendar spot with your super clean Cutlass and thanks for your generous words of encouragement. They are appreciated. Good luck with "the test". Chris and I expect a great score from you.

Thomas[/QUOTE]

I wish Dad's was a 2 door, but it isn't it is however a 4 door hardtop. Royal Plum Metallic which was a one year color, black vinyl interior. Just the way he ordered it all those years ago. He still has the hand written order form from the salesman. Thanks for the compliments on my car and my friends car. It was a pretty special moment for us both. These cars are how we met and became friends, but now we have unofficially adopted each other as family. As far as the test...God I hope I'm ready.
Jon

 

[MisteR Tee]

Imagine my surprise & delight when I received a parcel this morning, wondering what it was I'd ordered & then to open it up & hey presto!

Thanks Vaughan, now I have some light reading to do!!

 

[BB767]

Imagine my surprise & delight when I received a parcel this morning, wondering what it was I'd ordered & then to open it up & hey presto!
......

Thanks Vaughan, now I have some light reading to do!!

Thanks for helping us all keep track of where it is presently. Good to see that the book is staying in excellent condition despite all of its travels. I appreciate everyone taking good care of it. Nicely composed picture BTW.

Enjoy!

Thomas

 

[Laro13]

Imagine my surprise & delight when I received a parcel this morning, wondering what it was I'd ordered & then to open it up & hey presto!

Thanks Vaughan, now I have some light reading to do!!

My "bookmarker" is still present.

Enjoy the Book!

 

[Gingger22pm]

Yes, I sent on the "bookmark" as I thought it should end up with Thomas, but not many metric nuts and bolts on his stable of cars!

 

[BB767]

Yes, I sent on the "bookmark" as I thought it should end up with Thomas, but not many metric nuts and bolts on his stable of cars!

Wellllll, here are two that come to mind right away...



...the '99 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. 6 speed, V6, twin turbo, all wheel drive, 4 wheel steer.



It contains metrics...



...for as far as the eye can see.

And then there's my daily driver...



...a '99 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. 5 speed, turbo, all wheel drive.



Shown here with over 210,000 (337,962 km) miles and still all original. It has a few metrics as well. While it is a Mitsubishi, unlike the VR-4 which was built in Nagoya, Japan the Eclipse was built right here in Normal, Illinois, just 60 miles from the shop. Our local car club is going to tour the plant this coming September.

I'd be interested if that book mark makes it back here. Now you have me curious.

Thomas

 

[Laro13]

Yes, I sent on the "bookmark" as I thought it should end up with Thomas, but not many metric nuts and bolts on his stable of cars!

Thanks, that is even better.
I hope that it will end up with Thomas.

Cheers, Jasper

 

[Gingger22pm]

Oh dear, (extremely nice) Japanese cars. They'll be full of 12 and 14mm then, the new "bookmark" falls right in the middle!
Great idea by Laro13, well done. And that VR-4 has me drooling.....

 

[71 MKIV]

I notice that the Mitsu's feet don't touch the floor, while the Chevy is allowed to tread on the "hallowed ground" without protection. .

 

[MG David]

Thomas, it always looks very light in your workshop. Not many windows so its down to the white surfaces and the tube lights. In my garage I have white walls but a grey floor and and undecorated roof. However, I think the relatively clear walls make a big contribution to the reflected light. My white walls have things hanging on them effectively reducing the white area.

I think its time for me to buy some more lights and get rid of some clutter.

Do you know what your fluorescent tube watts per square foot ratio is?

 

[Boosted1]

Thomas,
That eclipse looks awful clean to be a daily driver. Especially considering the winters for your area.
That 3000 is so clean too. Very nice.
I've been in the Illinois plant you mention. Interesting place.

 

[MisteR Tee]

Thanks, that is even better.
I hope that it will end up with Thomas.

Cheers, Jasper

I will certainly forward the MB (Metric Bookmark!) when I've finished reading the book. I'm also tempted to include a Whitworth one as well, although that would increase the shipping weight & I would bet that Thomas doesn't have any of that type in any of his fleet!!!

 

[oberst]

I will certainly forward the MB (Metric Bookmark!) when I've finished reading the book. I'm also tempted to include a Whitworth one as well, although that would increase the shipping weight & I would bet that Thomas doesn't have any of that type in any of his fleet!!!

He's got a TR4 and I'll bet a shilling that there is something bolted onto something using Whitworth.....

(When I had to work on mine (pretty much constantly) there were definitely fasteners that fit neither metric or sae)

 

[DynoDave]

Re: Beltsville Shell Pricing Update

OK everyone, here's Cary's reply to my inquiry...

We are down to NINE copies! $14.95 plus shipping.

When I read this a couple of weeks back, I just had to sit down and write out a check, and take a chance at getting one of the remaining copies. I enjoyed this book so much, and want my brothers and son to read it too.

The good news...my check was cashed, so I think I should be seeing a book in the mail soon!

Thank you, Thomas, for the heads-up that time was running out.

 

[9C1]

That 13mm MB (metric bookmark) will work on an SAE 1/2-inch hex just fine. It will prove to be very versitile for Thomas.

BTW: I returned from an out-of-town trip to find a wonderful surprise from Cary & Nancy. Work will keep me from my own copy of BS for a while, but I can't wait to get to it.
Terry

 

[jbmatth]

I was also one of the last lucky few to get a copy of BS from Cary and Nancy, and can't wait to read it. It looks like most of the last 10 or so copies went to the ones who read this thread, awesome!

 

[busted knuckle]

Some of us didn't make it, so we will be waiting for the second edition sometime mid year. Enjoy the read!

 

[rmalkow2]

Look what came in the mail today! I was so excited I sat right down to start into the first chapter. It's gonna be a fun read.

Happy to get one of the last of the First Editions.

 

[eokie1]

OK, I had *never* heard of "Whitworth" before...... now I know....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Standard_Whitworth

Very interesting !!
James Jensen
currently residing- St Augustine, FL
formerly of Dayton, OH

 

[markviii]

We're all learning a lot on this thread! A consequence of all this information is an improvement of your "brain health" by promoting reading through our world-wide reading group (and improving reading comprehension and retention by presenting interesting and engaging topics -- it's just the teacher in me, I guess!).

Chris

 

[56vette461]

Just received my copy of the BS1. I also succeeded in mail in rush. What a great read.

 

[charlief1]

OK, I had *never* heard of "Whitworth" before...... now I know....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Standard_Whitworth

Very interesting !!
James Jensen
currently residing- St Augustine, FL
formerly of Dayton, OH

Whitworth standard was also the thread designation for German battle rifle threads where the barrel screwed into the receiver from 1870 until after WWII. Mauser was the one manufacturing them at the time, or they were under contract to other countries through Mauser. While the threads were a standard design the diameter wasn't, but they did use a 12 TPI designation with the 55 degree whitworth thread design.

 

[Gingger22pm]

I missed my chance to add to Thomas' book marks it seems. I think I would have gone BA, a TR is bound to have 2BA nuts and screws scattered around the interior!

 

[jbmatth]

OK, I had *never* heard of "Whitworth" before...... now I know....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Standard_Whitworth

Very interesting !!
James Jensen
currently residing- St Augustine, FL
formerly of Dayton, OH

I'd never heard of Whitworth before either until I was watching Cars 2 with my kids a few years ago. (Ok I didn't have kids when I watched it, I just like any movie with cars in the main plot.) Mator was talking about Whitworth bolts/nuts during part of it and I had to look it up to find out what he was talking about. Neat stuff.

 

[StingRayCaretaker]

Great transformation. Lots of hours but sure looks wonderful.
I see your a GM man. Corvettes & GTOs in my shop also. Classic rides.

 

[whizzer182]

430 pages and I'm finally up to date. What an amazing journey.

Thank you Thomas and Chris, reading this thread from the beginning has been like reading a good novel. It has been said before, but what you've done to your property is nothing short of amazing.

 

[DynoDave]

Look what came in the mail today! I was so excited I sat right down to start into the first chapter. It's gonna be a fun read.

Happy to get one of the last of the First Editions.

Mine arrived this week. Can't wait to read it again!

 

[BB767]

Where's Thomas???

Just a note of explanation. I outgrew my old Mac computer and I'm just struggling valiantly with the new Mac. Everything seems different, awkward with all the different programs. Photoshop, Preview etc have changed and I just can't get the photos edited to my satisfaction.

I'm frustrated beyond belief, pulling out what little hair I have left! Why do they have to "improve" stuff and change it?! It was working just fine before. It's not even remotely intuitive to this retired airline pilot!!!!! Did I ever mention here how I don't like change?!

I'm on this thread daily so don't think I'm ignoring you, I'm not. I've been trying to get some projects posted on here and it hasn't happen yet.....but it will 'cause I'm a pretty stubborn cuss. Just ask Chris. I'll defeat those clever software engineers yet. You know who you are, the ones who are trying so hard to confuse me. They've succeeded thus far but I'll prevail eventually. Just remember that stupid crooked switch plate.........oh wait.......never mind.

Balding Thomas

 

[Craptain]

Love you Thomas. Just know you will prevail.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[charlief1]

Do a search for Gimp2 Thomas. It's a photo editing program that's free and it does a whole lot more, including animation. It's much simpler than the other programs so it should be easy for you to use.

 

[C_F]

YES! I finally knocked off the last two pages today, and made it to the ATP!
Thomas & Chris, I hope you and your family (along with everyone else here) had a wonderful Easter. I am sure looking forward to the goings-on in TCOTU for 2015, with two of the busiest people I have ever "met".

 

[Bigbandguy]

Hi Thomas

I am relatively new to the board and mostly lurk for tricks and techniques from those far more skilled than me. My "shop" is of the quart jar variety and I'm not even started with garage renovation yet. We did get a shed built for the overflow and wood shop tools this past year so improvements are coming.
I just finished wending my way through the thread and the only word that comes to mind is Brobdingnagian , which Webster defines as "marked by large size" . Your shop is not only large but the incredible attention to detail is just downright amazing. I really like your tool restorations and repurposing of various fixtures and benches etc.
I think Chris should qualify for sainthood and you are very lucky to have such a fine woman by your side as an active participant in the project. I was pleased to read of your retirement and subsequent conquest of the tool shed although I am not sure that Joe will ever recover from that segment of the project being finished.

Thanks again for some of the most fascinating reading that I have come across in quite a while.

Henry

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

I will readily second Mr. BigBandGuy's declaration of sainthood for Miss Chris!

Thomas, you are, indeed, a fortunate man to have such a special lady by your side. Like the rest of your readers, I wish you the best in getting your new Mac up and running.

 

[Spareparts]

From the center of the universe "Saint Chris" does have a ring to it.

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Sabato Sunto Miss Chris!

With apologies to the late Pope John Paul II

 

[BBChevro]

Very nice rebuild.

I've just started reading this thread and like what I see - I've only read the 1st page so far, so I'd better stop talking and get to reading.

1 page down, 429 to go...

 

[BB767]

Hi Thomas


I think Chris should qualify for sainthood and you are very lucky to have such a fine woman by your side as an active participant in the project.

Thanks again for some of the most fascinating reading that I have come across in quite a while.

Henry

I will readily second Mr. BigBandGuy's declaration of sainthood for Miss Chris!

Thomas, you are, indeed, a fortunate man to have such a special lady by your side. Like the rest of your readers, I wish you the best in getting your new Mac up and running.

From the center of the universe "Saint Chris" does have a ring to it.

Sabato Sunto Miss Chris!

With apologies to the late Pope John Paul II

You guys have nooooooo idea what you'er starting with those kind of comments, no idea. I can only hope Chris will just gloss over those posts and not realize you're actually talking about her!

All kidding aside I do consider myself the luckiest guy I know. Chris has put up with all my strange and weird ideas for close to 40 years now and she still has a bright smile for me each day. How can you beat that?

Sweet Old Bill you've actually met her when you visited the shop a couple of years ago.....at around midnight as I recall and she didn't complain one bit about the late hour. She's sweetheart of the first rank and I truly could not have done half of what I've accomplished without her steadfast support.
Thanks guys for pointing out what everyone should know after reading this thread. It also helps to remind me to not take her for granted.... which I do not! TLC

Love Struck Thomas

 

[MisteR Tee]

I've finally finished reading the "Beltsville Shell", what a fascinating insight into the era. Definitely born in the wrong place (but not the wrong time!). I grew up reading Hot Rod magazine & dreamed of owning & driving all those gorgeous muscle cars & hot rods. I now own a gorgeous hot rod & also a slingshot dragster, so finally "living the dream!", just need the right weather for it! I've PM'd MG David & should be posting the book to him today, many thanks for the opportunity to re-live those dreams.