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Above 1200 Sq/FT Zeph's Quasi WWII Era Shop

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zepher11

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LOL, nice reference. Great movie. I had forgotten that line.

I'm going to have to add that one to my repertoire.

I loved that movie when it came out...the year I graduated high school actually.

During the construction of my garage I often thought about how Navin built his parents a new house. It was the same exact shack, but five time bigger! :lol: That has always stuck in my mind. I really wanted something much more different from the garage I was moving from. I think I did it.

The big different is the heat. I went in there last Thursday after work. It was 113 outside and 84 in the garage. What a variance! It was really pleasant in there. Those ridge vents on the main peak and on each of the dormers are really working I think. Plus all that insulation. Sadly, it was cooler in there than our house which had the swamp cooler going all day! Of course, I didn't let my wife know. Might cost me less garage time and more work time on the house. ;)

OK, Now I'm rambling...
 
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zepher11

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Well, I finally bit the bullet today and picked up a TV for the garage. No, it isn't WWII vintage. :eek: Typically, I only watch college football and Formula One racing...with the occasional vintage WWII movie thrown in here and there. This year I have been stuck having to catch F1 in the house here and there. However, college football is coming so I figured I need to get prepared. After all, it has been six months since I received my final inspection.

I will eventually mount it on the wall just above where it is sitting in the photo. Low and behold, the NASCAR race at Sonoma was on as I was setting it up. We would race there often. When this NASCAR guys came we would pit in the middle areas of the track and race in between events during the weekend. This was one of my favorite road course race tracks. The NASCAR guys cut the track short and skip the carousel portion which I always thought was one of the best part of the track. Of course, it was fun to race the chute (turn 4).

However, seeing the race and track today made me a little sad as I would race with my best friend who passed away earlier this year. He really loved that track.

Garage_023.JPG
 

Jeremy77

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Coastal Alabama
So Jeremy, does the grand father still have all the old flags and stuff? you have any pictures of him and his memorabilia?

I don't have any pics of his shop but I'll see if I can get a few pics the next time that I'm over. He has a really neat aerial photo of a landing strip and Quonset huts somewhere in the Aleutians that's in the living room. Unfortunately, due to health (he's 93), he doesn't get to do a lot of "tinkering" anymore but I do enjoy just sitting and talking with him about all types of things.
 

givemethewillys

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New Kent, VA
Yuba City, Yuba City!!!

Spent 5 years at Beale. Great area.

Small World!!! I was also stationed at Beale, 9th SFS:beer:


My dog is officially afraid of water after her dunking in Lake Shasta as a tiny pup. I guess she didn't know what to expect when I called her to me knee deep in water!
 

smschriefer

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Yorktown, VA
I'd have to mount that TV in a box frame with a "window sash" that hinged upward. When watching TV you'd raise the sash and when the game was off you'd lower the sash and create a repeating video of a WWII airfield operating in the background. Maybe just a scene from Memphis Belle when they took off on their 25th mission.

 
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Sweet Old Bill

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As every one has said, first rate job!

I used to live in Marysville, south of you. When the heat finally breaks in the Valley, head down to Beale AFB. The Museum of the Forgotten Warriors, is by the Beale AFB Main Gate. The Curator is Dann Spears. He has assembled a very good collection that covers the US military experience from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf Wars.

He received a large donation about five years ago from the son of one of General MacArthur's staff. You will almost always find vets from the Korean War to the Gulf Wars working on exhibits & displays or just hanging around.

Dann would be a great resource for you. He is probably just a few years younger than you, but definitely a kindred spirit that you should meet.

Take Care & thanks for sharing.
 
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zepher11

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Small World!!! I was also stationed at Beale, 9th SFS:beer:


My dog is officially afraid of water after her dunking in Lake Shasta as a tiny pup. I guess she didn't know what to expect when I called her to me knee deep in water!

That's too bad she is afraid of the water after that. We take the dogs up to Lake Shasta once in a while. The Sacramento River is close to our house, so we take the dogs there when it is warm. Like today it was 113 degrees. Suppose to be 116 tomorrow.

If I wasn't at work during the day, I'd take 'em. Still hard for me to just get in the river and get my legs wet for more then a minute as they go numb from the cold...even in this heat. I don't know how the dogs can take it. They stay in for a while, but have uncontrollable shakes when the get out. :thumbup:
 
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zepher11

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I'd have to mount that TV in a box frame with a "window sash" that hinged upward. When watching TV you'd raise the sash and when the game was off you'd lower the sash and create a repeating video of a WWII airfield operating in the background. Maybe just a scene from Memphis Belle when they took off on their 25th mission.


Now you're talking. I love that idea. Hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the movie Memphis Belle! I am taking Kelley 93, who was a B-17 pilot to a Forth of July parade this weekend. Two years ago it was 106 and he insisted on wearing his leather jacket! Tough as nail that generation. At least it is supposed to cool off to 100 degrees by Saturday. Believe me, it will actually feel like a cooling trend.

Thank you for the idea on the TV/window idea. I really like it!

Regards,
 
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zepher11

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As every one has said, first rate job!

I used to live in Marysville, south of you. When the heat finally breaks in the Valley, head down to Beale AFB. The Museum of the Forgotten Warriors, is by the Beale AFB Main Gate. The Curator is Dann Spears. He has assembled a very good collection that covers the US military experience from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf Wars.

He received a large donation about five years ago from the son of one of General MacArthur's staff. You will almost always find vets from the Korean War to the Gulf Wars working on exhibits & displays or just hanging around.

Dann would be a great resource for you. He is probably just a few years younger than you, but definitely a kindred spirit that you should meet.

Take Care & thanks for sharing.

Thank you Bill. I didn't realize they had a museum down at Beale AFB. I will have to put it on my list. Thanks for letting me know.

Regards,
 

Sweet Old Bill

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The museum is a private museum, just off base, before you go through the main gate. Dann started out, about 40 years ago, as a collector. Through sheer force of will, he has assembled a very impressive collection.

On a side note, are you up for a 40's concert in Redding in October? A great Sacramento group, Sister Swing, covers tunes from the 1930's, 40's, & a few from the 50's. Check them out on You Tube. They will be at the Redding Elks Club on October 18.
 
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zepher11

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The museum is a private museum, just off base, before you go through the main gate. Dann started out, about 40 years ago, as a collector. Through sheer force of will, he has assembled a very impressive collection.

On a side note, are you up for a 40's concert in Redding in October? A great Sacramento group, Sister Swing, covers tunes from the 1930's, 40's, & a few from the 50's. Check them out on You Tube. They will be at the Redding Elks Club on October 18.

I certainly may be up for Sister Swing in October. My wife used to do barbershop and participated in a quartet. They sang a lot of the 30/40's era music. I checked out Sister Swings website. They look right up my alley.

You may have seen "In the Mood" before. I have seen then quite a few times now. I wouldn't miss them now. It is just outstanding to hear the real sound of a big band. It is impressive. Here is their website: http://inthemoodlive.com/
 
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zepher11

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Hi Zeph. Here's a good poster to blow up, print, and hang up in your garage above that nifty bench...

Very nice. I printed a legal size copy for the garage. Thanks!

I also found a GMTK tool box recently. Went from no WWII tool boxes to three different styles now...almost one for every vehicle now. Always appreciate your expertise on the other forum.

Regards,
 

lowpro64

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I think what you've done with your garage is outstanding, and your efforts to preserve a important era of our country's history is to be commended. I thought you might like this small part of history from my father's squad journal. I think it speaks for itself.
Thank you for all you do.
Zim

dday_zps4ai51x4d.jpg
 
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zepher11

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Hi Zim,

That is a great excerpt from your father's Squad Journal on D-Day. I read a lot of WWII Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR's). A MACR was created for every plane that was shot down, went missing or had an crash/accident. They are hair raising in some instances and provide a perspective of what went on. They have first hand accounts of surviving crew as well as other crew from other planes that may have observed what happened to the plane in question. Often times I can spend hours reading MACR's. They are fascinating reading.

Thank you for sharing your father's SJ as well as the kind compliments.

Take care,
 

BUGTHUG

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Nov 12, 2010
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Location
Kansas
I think what you've done with your garage is outstanding, and your efforts to preserve a important era of our country's history is to be commended. I thought you might like this small part of history from my father's squad journal. I think it speaks for itself.
Thank you for all you do.
Zim

dday_zps4ai51x4d.jpg

I can't imagine how scary it would be sitting there while big shells are hitting all around you.
I remember the first time my ship fired a couple of rounds from the 5" 54, they told us when it would happen, and the noise and felling in your body was like they sucked the air out of you the same time you got hit with a 100mph baseball. That was my Navy days in the 70's
The brave men and women from the 40's, defiantly had some big nads, and is why they are called the GREATEST GENERATION. God bless all that's left of them!:thumbup:
 

bottom feeder

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Utah
Zephyr,

Just got done reading all 19 pages of your thread. Very impressed with your garage and collection!

Regarding the lousy masking tape - I feel your pain, and have yet to find a brand that doesn't let the paint bleed underneath. However, there is a technique that has been mentioned numerous times on this forum. Basically:

Paint the area to be masked first. Then apply the masking tape to "protect" the painted area as well as to define the edges. THEN paint along the edges of the masking tape with the same color that is under it. This will seal the edges of the masking tape, and if any color bleeds under you won't notice since it's the same color as under the tape. Let it dry and then paint the contrasting color on the rest of the sign, then carefully peel away the masking tape. Not foolproof, but works most of the time.
 
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Private Lugnutz

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The Authentic Jersey Shore
Always appreciate your expertise on the other forum.
Haha. You sniffed me out. Thanks for the kind words. All the research comes off a little obsessive for some, but it's an honor. My dad and four uncles were all WWII veterans. Anyway, I just got my jeep back on the road (T-84 issues) in time for some 4th of July weekend jaunts, so I'm excited. I hadn't realized you were doing a garage thread here until Ryan graciously featured it on the home page. I usually just hang out on the tools board. It was a nice surprise. Looks terrific, and now I remember you chiming in on the thread where someone else was thinking of doing a 'WWII Motor Pool' style garage, looking for period photos.
 
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zepher11

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Great thread!

One way to slow down the drill press is to add a jackshaft and another pulley and belt.

That is awesome! I hadn't thought of that, nor would I ever. :lol: However, that is an outstanding suggestion. Thank you. I will stick it on my list of projects. That one should move up to the top fast.

Appreciate it!
 
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zepher11

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Zephyr,

Just got done reading all 19 pages of your thread. Very impressed with your garage and collection!

Regarding the lousy masking tape - I feel your pain, and have yet to find a brand that doesn't let the paint bleed underneath. However, there is a technique that has been mentioned numerous times on this forum. Basically:

Paint the area to be masked first. Then apply the masking tape to "protect" the painted area as well as to define the edges. THEN paint along the edges of the masking tape with the same color that is under it. This will seal the edges of the masking tape, and if any color bleeds under you won't notice since it's the same color as under the tape. Let it dry and then paint the contrasting color on the rest of the sign, then carefully peel away the masking tape. Not foolproof, but works most of the time.

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't seen that one before. I was thinking I was the only one that had that problem, but I guess it is just how it is nowadays.

Kind regards,
 
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zepher11

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Haha. You sniffed me out. Thanks for the kind words. All the research comes off a little obsessive for some, but it's an honor. My dad and four uncles were all WWII veterans. Anyway, I just got my jeep back on the road (T-84 issues) in time for some 4th of July weekend jaunts, so I'm excited. I hadn't realized you were doing a garage thread here until Ryan graciously featured it on the home page. I usually just hang out on the tools board. It was a nice surprise. Looks terrific, and now I remember you chiming in on the thread where someone else was thinking of doing a 'WWII Motor Pool' style garage, looking for period photos.

Yes, I'm a regular Sherlock Holmes...:lol: Well, I'm probably a little obsessive for some as well, but hey if one enjoys it and it doesn't bother others...what's the harm? Kinda like when I tell my wife her snoring wakes me. She says: "Well, you snore too." I say: "Yes, but my snoring doesn't wake me." ;)

That's great that you have your Jeep good to go for the 4th. I am taking Kelley to a parade and bringing my Dodge WC52. Since today was a day off for me, I took the time to lube everything and check all the other fluids. All good to go.

Thank you for the nice comments on the garage. I'm still pinching myself every time I'm out there.

Take care and have a great July 4th weekend!
 

rmckee

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Jan 2, 2012
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457
Location
Wake Forest, NC
What a great build! Your planning and attention to detail are phenomenal. As a Jeep guy, I'm jealous of the Willys. They're hard to find in good condition up in the Northeast, and seeing the frame-off on the radio truck made me hate the salt-heavy winters we get up here... no way a70 year old vehicle would come apart that easily up here.

Look forward to seeing more vehicular progress once you're fully set up in there!
 
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zepher11

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What a great build! Your planning and attention to detail are phenomenal. As a Jeep guy, I'm jealous of the Willys. They're hard to find in good condition up in the Northeast, and seeing the frame-off on the radio truck made me hate the salt-heavy winters we get up here... no way a70 year old vehicle would come apart that easily up here.

Look forward to seeing more vehicular progress once you're fully set up in there!

Thank you so very much for the kind words. Geez...I hate to tell you this, but my Jeep is a "Ford" not a Willys. :( :lol: It happens a lot. Most people don't realize that Ford made about half of the WWII Jeeps and Willys made half. The Ford is called a GPW and the Willys is called an MB. Basically, all of the parts are interchangeable. That's why one will see an MB engine in a WWII Ford Jeep. The motorpools didn't worry about making sure everything matched...hell, there was a war on! :)

Thanks again!
 
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zepher11

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Have you ever considered putting "Marston Mats" on the garage floor?

I hadn't thought about that, but I have kept my eye out to find some to use outside the garage. That would actually look pretty cool inside. Oil spill clean up may be a bit of a drag, but it would look good.

Every time I have see some of the mats for sale, someone beats me to it! Need to be on one's A game to get those around here. :)
 
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zepher11

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Made it down to a 4th of July parade today. A bit warm, but overall very enjoyable. I had 93 year old Lt. Kelley with me. He insists on wearing his flight jacket even though it is close to 100 degrees. Here are a couple of photos.

Kelley_03.jpg

Kelley_01.jpg

Had to "Keep 'em Rolling" by giving the little Jeep a Jump from my Beep:

Kelley_02.jpg

Kelley likes to imitate Patton by standing along the parade route:

Kelley_04.jpg

On the way home from the parade Kelley and I stopped by and I met Bert Shope. Bert was in the 91st Bomb Group, 322nd Bomb Squadron...the same as Kelley. Bert is 93 years old and was a Radio Operator. Unlike Kelley, he completed his combat tour with 32 combat missions. He actually left the 91st on the same day Kelley's crew arrived as a replacement crew for Bert's crew. They live in the same small cow town...go figure.

I brought down my BC-348 radio receiver which would have been what was used in the bombers that Bert would have used. He enjoyed checking it out:

Kelley-Shope_02.jpg

Kelley-Shope_03.jpg

Bert had some photos of some of the planes he flew on at the 91st BG. I used my trusty phone camera and took photos of everything he had. Here is Bert ready to go in the early days of training:

Bert_Shope_Flight_Gear_01.jpg

Man-O-War II with Bert poking his head up:

Bert_Shope_Man-O-War_II_01.jpg

Sleepytime Gal. Bert is standing third from the left:

Bert_Shope_Sleepytime_Gal_02.jpg

Bert is kneeling all the way to the right. The plane's name is Fifinella. Most of these planes were shot down after Bert left the 91st:

Bert_Shope_Unknown_Plane_02.jpg

Wabash Cannonball...can't quite make out the rest. This is an early B-17F model. The ones with the twin 50 Cal chin turrets are the B-17G's. Devastating frontal attacks by the Germans necessitated the chin turret upgrade:

Bert_Shope_Wabash_Cannonball_01.jpg

Wee Willie. Bert is second from the left standing in the lower photo:

Bert_Shope_Wee_Willy_01.jpg

Bert_Shope_Wee_Willy_02.jpg

Sorry to be a bit long winded, but I can go through these types of photos for days. Especially, if I have met the individual in some of the photos. I thought maybe everyone would be interested in seeing them as well.

Happy 4th everyone!
 
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SuburbanRuss

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Redmond, WA
I have been reading your thread for a few months now. I am constanty reminded of the great times I have hanging out with a group of WWII Vets. Once a week I have the honor of playing golf woth a group of WWII vets (The youngest being 89 yo) My father met this group of guys through some friends and they graciously allow us to join in a game each week. I just turned 30 in May, and have learned more about being a man from these men than any of my friends. These guys are a constant reminder for me to be thankful for what I have. It is because of them.

I appreciate the respect you have for that time period. I appreciate your attention to detail. I appreciate that you respect those who have fought for our country during that time.

Thanks again for the great Journal
 
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zepher11

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I have been reading your thread for a few months now. I am constanty reminded of the great times I have hanging out with a group of WWII Vets. Once a week I have the honor of playing golf woth a group of WWII vets (The youngest being 89 yo) My father met this group of guys through some friends and they graciously allow us to join in a game each week. I just turned 30 in May, and have learned more about being a man from these men than any of my friends. These guys are a constant reminder for me to be thankful for what I have. It is because of them.

I appreciate the respect you have for that time period. I appreciate your attention to detail. I appreciate that you respect those who have fought for our country during that time.

Thanks again for the great Journal

Thank you. That's a great anecdote. I have always respected the older generation(s) as well. I have always figured that there is a lot to learn in life, and that experience is often the best teacher.

I have lunch once each month with the three remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors in our area. I have learned a lot from them as well. Not just about the events of that day and beyond during the war, but about life in general.

Thanks for sharing your story. I really appreciate it!

Kind regards,
 
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zepher11

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Worked on the Command Car a little today. Cleaned, sanded...shot some primer, and then some OD on the rear axle housing, leaf springs and assorted attachment hardware.

Overall, the axle housings for the CC aren't in too bad of shape. I pulled the covers, inspected and then resealed everything before painting. Everything looked good. Man it was hot, but I powered through. Man handling these axle housings are a chore. I don't know what these axle housings weigh, but it is a lot!:

Command_Car_021.JPG


I replaced all of the bronze bushings in the leafs. Had to ream a few of them to get a good fit for the pins. The leaf packs themselves weigh quite a bit on their own. One has to man handle these when using the shop press to remove the old bushings and insert the new ones. It is actually pretty fun work. Just keep one's mouth closed to save the teeth and have safety goggles on to save the eyes. I have had things shoot out of there under pressure before, so I really try to be as safe as possible when using the shop press:

Command_Car_03.JPG


All purdy now. I was thinking about getting this installed on the frame today, but I forgot that I need to replace that one spring mount on the frame that was worn out. I still need to sandblast the mount, so I may be able do that after work tomorrow. We'll see how I feel about that tomorrow evening :headscrat:

Command_Car_04.JPG
 

Gear Wolf

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Feb 25, 2015
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567
Awesome thread! Great work with the garage. I'll have to show this to my wife who doesn't understand that you NEED a garage like this for storage and work! Especially for big vehicles like yours!
 
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