Above 1200 Sq/FT building my BIG PARTY garage

[impala4speed]

Don,
Thank you so much for posting all the pics of your fantastic place. What you've accomplished is just amazing. Even though I've followed your thread from the beginning I, as many others have said, love to continue seeing more of what you've done. Hopefully one of these days I'll get out your way; I'd be honored to be able to take a tour of your masterpiece.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Hi Jarhead

The old toyota pick up was a project that I brought home for my son to work with me on when he was 14 (1982) It was a 1981 p/u that was rolled over and determined a total loss by the insurance . We rebuilt the truck at home even though I owned a body shop I wanted him to be motivated to work on the truck. WE finished it early and I parked it waiting for him to turn 16.I took the truck back from my son when he was 18 and wanted a hot rod
I kept the truck for my grandson (my sons boy) but he didn't want it so it went away with the other cars the discovery chanel took when they rebuilt the 37 Zephyr for me.

Thanks for the backstory Don. I figured it had a family connection in there somewhere.

So the Discovery Channel has it then? That's pretty neat. Do you know what their plans were with it?

Also, that engine hoist is pretty neat. I've seen a few of them before, but they're pretty rare now.

 

[BUGTHUG]

I have a little story to tell
I love the GJ for way to many reasons
Back in may of 2014 Ryan started a thread called Hill Acme Tool Engine hoist and posted this picture.

I start reading the comments in late December 2014 and comment #6 states
Anyone in the southwest Arkansas area need one of these hoist? I know of one that has been offered for sale--cheap. It is in the way on property my son leased; owner has tried locally to sell it, but no luck

So I send out a PM Get back a phone number, call and buy this hoist and arrange to pick it up in the spring.

Well its still spring and I just got home from Arkansas with this monster in the back of my truck

OH, I love that thing!
It looks like something from WWII. Like something to move bombs with.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Does look like a bomb hoist, but older. Bomb hoists I've seen use a curved beam.

Southern California is calling me back. I may just have to sit out in the street and take pictures every time Don opens a door

 

[don long]

I'm just another member thoroughly enjoying the journey you've taken us all on. Thank you, and we hope to visit when we're in the neighborhood. I don't recall seeing it, but do you open the place up on a regular basis and let folks in on an admission charge?

No shelteredV

It only takes a PM and a phone call to gain admission
I'm happy to hear you like what you see

Don,
Thank you so much for posting all the pics of your fantastic place. What you've accomplished is just amazing. Even though I've followed your thread from the beginning I, as many others have said, love to continue seeing more of what you've done. Hopefully one of these days I'll get out your way; I'd be honored to be able to take a tour of your masterpiece.

Thanks impala4speed

It's nice knowing that you are there and enjoying the adventure

Thanks for the backstory Don. I figured it had a family connection in there somewhere.
So the Discovery Channel has it then? That's pretty neat. Do you know what their plans were with it?
Also, that engine hoist is pretty neat. I've seen a few of them before, but they're pretty rare now.

Jarhead
The truck was sold to a buyer from Mexico.
I love that old engine hoist and plan to get it powder coated soon

OH, I love that thing!
It looks like something from WWII. Like something to move bombs with.

Thanks Herb

I see that you went back to the original post on the thing. Can you believe that the wheel turns freely and raises and lowers the cable with or without the engine hanging on it and it rolls freely too.

Does look like a bomb hoist, but older. Bomb hoists I've seen use a curved beam.

Southern California is calling me back. I may just have to sit out in the street and take pictures every time Don opens a door

Ironfarmer
If you get that close you had better come a knocking.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. It is most appreciated

Don

 

[don long]

Todays project was to get my Birthday present hung.
The 4' neon United Motors sign hung.
I had to build a bracket for it to sit on

Sure is handy owning a forklift and a man lift. Makes life around the party garage much easier. lol Tomorrow I hope to get the sign wired and the neon back on the sign
Wish me luck

Don

 

[dlcwent]

Stopping by here is always a jaw dropping experience. You just keep making it more incredible. Thanks for sharing and keep it coming.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Nice job on the sign support. Why two 45's? Just to make wire pulling easier?

And, no, you don't want me in your garage. I'm like Pigpen. Everywhere I go there is a trail of dirt and hand tools left lying. (they try to tell you I did a good job)

Maybe I can bring a fun car you've never seen to visit, that way I'll be in-car-neato.

 

[don long]

Stopping by here is always a jaw dropping experience. You just keep making it more incredible. Thanks for sharing and keep it coming.

dlcwent;

Thank you, I'm happy you stop in and are enjoying my adventures and projects.

Nice job on the sign support. Why two 45's? Just to make wire pulling easier?
And, no, you don't want me in your garage. I'm like Pigpen. Everywhere I go there is a trail of dirt and hand tools left lying. (they try to tell you I did a good job)
Maybe I can bring a fun car you've never seen to visit, that way I'll be in-car-neato.

oldironfarmer
in-car-neato. Thats a good one lol
Yes the 2 45's were for the wire pull but after putting them up I like the look better than a 90.
I'm very used to seeing a tool trail in my garage. That's the reason I have 3 sets of tools in the garage. It's easier to go get another pair of pliers than look for the one I just used a few minutes ago and don't remember where I put it down. So you are still welcome to come and visit

 

[Bears Fan]

Wow! Once again thank you for taking the time to give us the online tour of "The Big Party Garage"...Simply amazing! I now have drool all over my laptop The United Motors sign looks great and the gas caddie is beautiful, I think the yellow on the wheels was a great choice. The Big Party Garage is my favorite museum here on The Garage Journal

 

[don long]

Wow Thanks Bears Fan
That's a very nice complement
Tomorrow I will have the gas cart pinstriped and lettered with the
signal oil logo. I have found a wheel for the front and the white gas hose is here so that project will be finished and added to the done project list for the year.

The United motor sign is another story. I started putting the glass on the sign. The tubes had 40 years of dust on them so I thought I could wipe them down with a damp cloth before I hung them. So I wiped each tube down, dried it of and hung each one on the sign. I got to the very last piece before I snapped one in half. (made me sick) I went ahead and ran the wiring to the sign and lit it up while I'm waiting for the neon shop to fix the broken piece. Only 2 pieces lit up

 

[don long]

I also worked on the new wall yesterday.
got the mirrors up for the 3 display cases. Now I must get shelves for them

Before

after

 

[shortykorte]

Looking good Don.

With the mirrors, I wonder how many people will think it's a window, walk around to the garage and scratch their head. Maybe a faux window inside opposite of the shadow boxes so you can really mess with them.

 

[don long]

Thanks Shorty
My wife said the same thing when I showed her the mirrors.
With shelves in and stuff on the shelves it may change that look a bit

 

[drivesitfar]

Don: when i saw you post how you remove the neon a month or two ago i really didn't have a clue that it plugged in. thanks for sharing not only your great finds and pictures of your cool shop/museum, but also for sharing your knowledge about how some of these old vintage things work. sorry to hear you had an accident with the neon and hopefully your glass/neon guys will make it right again for you.

i like the mirrors too!!

good to know your bride got to put her section in your museum with her Barbie collection and sounds like she might like going to the auctions more than you do.

cheers and hope you are having a great weekend.

 

[Bears Fan]

I was wondering when you added the shadow boxes to the new garage wall just how you planned on covering up the OSB? And once again you pulled it off! The mirrors are just another awesome looking detail added to The Big Party Garage, once you get the new shelves in look out because you get to go find some new treasures to fill them up

 

[Kevin54]

Don...I had to stop in and check on my phone booth, then get caught up on everything else. In just a couple of pages, it filled my brain up. I like the 5 year before and after shots. I di d notice one thing though....where you park your cars in front of the stores on "Main Street" it looks like you are missing parking meters. On another website that I used to be a moderator on, One person on there had a shitload of parking meters for sale. If you would like, I can see if he still has them or if he has gotten rid of them. At the time, he was asking $35 each for them. That has been a year or so ago. He sold a few, but people didn't seem interested in them. He also had a bunch of pay phones. I got one off of him, and I think it was $50. But like I said, that was a year or so back.

Aside from that....As always, I am just blown away with all that you do. I just wish I had half your energy. Do you ever find time to go into the house at all, or do you just spend the nights out in the Party Garage strolling from store to store?

And that engine hoist is super cool. I don't believe that I have ever saw one like that before. I'll have to keep an eye out around here to see if I ever run across one. I have noticed that in the last week, I have seen two different people with the large rolling fire extinguishers on wheels. I don't have a clue where they got them, but I'll have to ask. Never know, wherever they came from, there may be more cool items.

And thanks again for sharing everything that goes on in the Party Garage with us. It takes us to a place that we may never see in person!!!

 

[don long]

Don: when i saw you post how you remove the neon a month or two ago i really didn't have a clue that it plugged in. thanks for sharing not only your great finds and pictures of your cool shop/museum, but also for sharing your knowledge about how some of these old vintage things work. sorry to hear you had an accident with the neon and hopefully your glass/neon guys will make it right again for you.
i like the mirrors too!!
good to know your bride got to put her section in your museum with her Barbie collection and sounds like she might like going to the auctions more than you do.
cheers and hope you are having a great weekend.

Welcome back Drivesitfar

The Neon is back and the sign lights up again. it makes a good addition to the garage.
Yes you are correct. the wife loves the hunt for stuff too.

I was wondering when you added the shadow boxes to the new garage wall just how you planned on covering up the OSB? And once again you pulled it off! The mirrors are just another awesome looking detail added to The Big Party Garage, once you get the new shelves in look out because you get to go find some new treasures to fill them up

Thanks Bears fan

I started putting up the shelves yesterday. I think that I can spread out some of my stuff into those shadow boxes and it will look fine. However if something stumbles into my door I will have a spot for it for sure.

Don...I had to stop in and check on my phone booth, then get caught up on everything else. In just a couple of pages, it filled my brain up. I like the 5 year before and after shots. I di d notice one thing though....where you park your cars in front of the stores on "Main Street" it looks like you are missing parking meters. On another website that I used to be a moderator on, One person on there had a shitload of parking meters for sale. If you would like, I can see if he still has them or if he has gotten rid of them. At the time, he was asking $35 each for them. That has been a year or so ago. He sold a few, but people didn't seem interested in them. He also had a bunch of pay phones. I got one off of him, and I think it was $50. But like I said, that was a year or so back.

Aside from that....As always, I am just blown away with all that you do. I just wish I had half your energy. Do you ever find time to go into the house at all, or do you just spend the nights out in the Party Garage strolling from store to store?

And that engine hoist is super cool. I don't believe that I have ever saw one like that before. I'll have to keep an eye out around here to see if I ever run across one. I have noticed that in the last week, I have seen two different people with the large rolling fire extinguishers on wheels. I don't have a clue where they got them, but I'll have to ask. Never know, wherever they came from, there may be more cool items.

And thanks again for sharing everything that goes on in the Party Garage with us. It takes us to a place that we may never see in person!!!

Kevin
It's always nice to have you drop by.
The phone booth is climbing higher on my to do list in fact every time I go into my blasting box I hit a piece of the phone booth so you might say it's under way. I have 2 parking meters in front of the stores they just get lost in all the other stuff.
And you can add one more guy that you know who has a rolling fire extinguisher. I just found one the other day and you are right where there is one treasure there is bound to be another.

It is quite interesting to me as well looking at the 5 year transformation pictures. Being here every day, one doesn't realize how much things change


I want to thank you all for stopping by and sharing your thoughts It means a lot to me

Don

 

[don long]

Just got off the phone with a guy that wants to bring his group through my garage this Saturday. After a short pause I gave in and agreed to his visit.

Before his group gets here I will polish everything in sight along with finishing up a couple of loose ends on previous projects.

Oh I failed to mention that the group is the advisory board for the Petersen museum in down town L.A.

Man am I honored (nervous)

 

[1/2 Cup]

Just got off the phone with a guy that wants to bring his group through my garage this Saturday. After a short pause I gave in and agreed to his visit.

Before his group gets here I will polish everything in sight along with finishing up a couple of loose ends on previous projects.

Oh I failed to mention that the group is the advisory board for the Petersen museum in down town L.A.

Man am I honored (nervous)

Don, that is one outstanding feather in your cap.

Just between you and me I believe they should be suitably impressed..

Regards

 

[GGB]

A well deserved honor, Don-congratulations!

GGB

 

[56vette461]

Hi Don,

I have been to the Peterson many times as well as our visits to the "Big Party Garage"

IMHO, the folks from the Peterson may have some fancy cars with historical value, but what they do not have is the depth of collections that honor the history of cars and all things related that you have collected, displayed and shared with all of us.

I would love to be the fly on the wall during this visit. Have fun. Oh, and Ruth says to tell Ann hello.

 

[shortykorte]

Wow Petersen advisory board. That's fantastic. Maybe they can learn a thing or two on how to represent cars, hot rods and such, because I'm not a big fan of their exterior remodel.

Well deserved

 

[Davenr]

Gday Don,

What a tour group to welcome to your facility! Well done. I met with John McCoy-Lancaster and Chris today to discuss SEMA and the rest of our trip and I can tell you that the guys plus Mark are getting excited as the visit to your home looms ever closer! Of course so are Vanley and I. By the way did you get the USB I sent to you with the photos from the CIC visit?
Cheers david

 

[dpljmurphy]

Congratulations Don, I'm sure they'll be suitably impressed. Looking forward to seeing the finished gas cart, and your future projects. Thank you for the 5 year photos and taking the time to share with us. David

 

[BUGTHUG]

I think they (Peterson's) are just checking out the closest competition.
I would watch them, they might have sticky fingers
It would be a great honor to have them stopping by
I'm sure its a pinnacle to have auto royalty paying a visit, I think I would be nervous too. But I don't think I will ever have to worry. I would be honored and privileged to have Don stop by on one of his road trips thru the Midwest.

 

[Homebody]

That's awesome! Don't be nervous, obviously they've heard about a nice place and want to get some ideas on capturing yesteryear.
Hell, I bet they even ask you to join their board after seeing your place!

 

[Bob Heine]

Don, congratulations and thank you. I'm so grateful to you for sharing your garage and hobbies. You have created something unique and beautiful and by sharing it with all of us in the Garage Journal you've made all of us proud to know you. The folks coming to visit will be bowled over! Now go put on your "no big deal" outfit and roll out the welcome mat!

 

[WarrenJ]

A great compliment to you, by asking to visit.

 

[Kevin54]

Hey Don......I just ran across this if you are interested. I know that it would probably be a road trip for you, unless they ship. I haven't read through the complete post yet. But I wanted to post it to you before I forgot. http://grafeauction.com/auction_det...medium=ad&utm_campaign=160928+Little+Dearborn

 

[Kevin54]

Just got off the phone with a guy that wants to bring his group through my garage this Saturday. After a short pause I gave in and agreed to his visit.

Before his group gets here I will polish everything in sight along with finishing up a couple of loose ends on previous projects.

Oh I failed to mention that the group is the advisory board for the Petersen museum in down town L.A.

Man am I honored (nervous)

Congratulations Don!!!! I know that they will have nothing but positive comments about your place

 

[don long]

Don, that is one outstanding feather in your cap.
Just between you and me I believe they should be suitably impressed..

Regards

Thanks 1/2 Cup
It's a good reason to take a second look at everything in the garage

A well deserved honor, Don-congratulations!

GGB

Thanks GGB
And welcome to the party garage

Hi Don,
I have been to the Peterson many times as well as our visits to the "Big Party Garage"
IMHO, the folks from the Peterson may have some fancy cars with historical value, but what they do not have is the depth of collections that honor the history of cars and all things related that you have collected, displayed and shared with all of us.
I would love to be the fly on the wall during this visit. Have fun. Oh, and Ruth says to tell Ann hello.

Thanks buddy
Ann said Hi Ruth.
Jump in your hot rod and join us. I have invited about 20 guys to come and display their hotrods in the yard on Saturday

Wow Petersen advisory board. That's fantastic. Maybe they can learn a thing or two on how to represent cars, hot rods and such, because I'm not a big fan of their exterior remodel.
Well deserved

Shorty
I'm not interested in getting involved with any more organizations. And I liked the old displays much better than their new ones.

Gday Don,
What a tour group to welcome to your facility! Well done. I met with John McCoy-Lancaster and Chris today to discuss SEMA and the rest of our trip and I can tell you that the guys plus Mark are getting excited as the visit to your home looms ever closer! Of course so are Vanley and I. By the way did you get the USB I sent to you with the photos from the CIC visit?
Cheers david

Hi David

Yes I have it in the computer still tonight.
Yes the clock is ticking away and November will be here soon. We'll be ready for your tour.

 

[don long]

Congratulations Don, I'm sure they'll be suitably impressed. Looking forward to seeing the finished gas cart, and your future projects. Thank you for the 5 year photos and taking the time to share with us. David

Hi David
I'm happy you enjoyed the 5 year flash back. The gas cart got pinstriped and logoed today and it looks fantastic (if I do say so myself.) Next is to get the front wheel on and the cart is finished

I think they (Peterson's) are just checking out the closest competition.
I would watch them, they might have sticky fingers
It would be a great honor to have them stopping by
I'm sure its a pinnacle to have auto royalty paying a visit, I think I would be nervous too. But I don't think I will ever have to worry. I would be honored and privileged to have Don stop by on one of his road trips thru the Midwest.

Thanks Herb
I will make it out your way some day for sure.
I don't think that a competitor is what's on their minds lol
Trust me I am way honored

That's awesome! Don't be nervous, obviously they've heard about a nice place and want to get some ideas on capturing yesteryear.
Hell, I bet they even ask you to join their board after seeing your place!

Thanks Homebody

One of their guys have been here with another group and he went back and reported (they don't believe him so he set up this tour lol

Don, congratulations and thank you. I'm so grateful to you for sharing your garage and hobbies. You have created something unique and beautiful and by sharing it with all of us in the Garage Journal you've made all of us proud to know you. The folks coming to visit will be bowled over! Now go put on your "no big deal" outfit and roll out the welcome mat!

Wow Bob
I had no Idea. Sharing is very rewarding for me and no one is prouder than me for making you proud.
I just got back from the salvation army store for my NO BIG DEAL suite and I'm working on the welcome mat.

A great compliment to you, by asking to visit.

That's a very nice compliment Warren, Thank you

Hey Don......I just ran across this if you are interested. I know that it would probably be a road trip for you, unless they ship. I haven't read through the complete post yet. But I wanted to post it to you before I forgot. http://grafeauction.com/auction_det...medium=ad&utm_campaign=160928+Little+Dearborn

Congratulations Don!!!! I know that they will have nothing but positive comments about your place [/QUOTE]

Thanks Kevin
I tried to look at the auction items but couldn't get pic.s up other than the 6 cars for sale.
I'm very excited to host the Petersen group and am greatful for the oppertunity to meet these guys and gals. It gives me a good reason to revisit everything in the garage to be sure everything is in order.

 

[don long]

I spent the day watching a very talented guy reproduce Signal gas logos and draw straight lines on my fancy wheels.
I also have been reconditioning 3 old rusty display cases that I rescued from a 10 year home out in a field.
They have 1/2" safety glass top, Bottom and sides plus each shelf is the same.
I completely dismantled each case and sent them out to be sandblasted and powder coated. I got the call that they were ready to pick up so off I went.
I spent the afternoon retaping holes and cleaning glass. I managed to get the small one put back together and ready to go back into the garage to be loaded with stuff

before

Today

 

[BUGTHUG]

I'd put rattlesnakes in that!

 

[don long]

I'd put rattlesnakes in that!

Come on Buddy
You got to think things like brass, old tools, model cars, or maybe candy scales

How about old spark plugs and related items. Just a start but no pets!!

 

[markviii]

It's amazing what you've accomplished with your shop/museum! Enjoy the tour group this weekend. You've earned the attention.

Chris

 

[oldironfarmer]

I second that, enjoy the tour! There is no downside

And, I'm needing storage, don't guess you've got any extra?

 

[don long]

It's amazing what you've accomplished with your shop/museum! Enjoy the tour group this weekend. You've earned the attention.

Chris

Thanks Chris
for that vote of confidence. I'm busy touching up the place to make sure I'm ready to put my best foot forward

I second that, enjoy the tour! There is no downside
And, I'm needing storage, don't guess you've got any extra?

Plenty of outside storage. You get it here and I'll take care of it.

 

[don long]

The Gas cart is finished. I was waiting on the small wheel as the last piece to the cart and this is what I started with

And today I finished it and put it on the cart

The pinstriping and lettering really sets the cartoff
Also we put the Signal Gas logo on the back panel

Thjis project is officially done and in its place in front of the country store.
The reason It's not with a gas station is because these carts predate gas pumps. They were used by the country stores to sell gas on the sidewalk during the day and they were pulled back inside the store at night.
Another interesting point about these carts, They sold the fuel by either Quarts or pints

Times have sure changed!!