2 Wheels Garage / Workshop in Suburbia

[chrisBTSC]

Awhile back I had picked up some LED lights from Costco. I had temporarily hung them and used extension cords to hook them up. IT was functional, but looked like ****.

The next step in finishing the 3rd car side of my garage was to install dedicated outlets and shorten the cords on the lights. I decided to open up the lights and see what I was working with.

Looks pretty simple. Just need to cut the cable and unsolder the ends.

I cut the cable to length and then soldered it back onto the board. Works perfect.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jcn7uwH6Qva_Azk8gpB-xEY0YeOA5IhZM4hps_vB_XB8EtmMhhT-OnPDN28o1ib9TLTrw4JeSifN3E3zJ0PHIOmEEls-r3pTUIIIKDH8ez5f3bODPMiLk_jiwQHGDi8HAeiYU1AcLLdoFoYIq-Jva_fojgz2h16Cy4zUX8cHwGWunsZDFIP_Yy483Nae3UMD8tREviRQ-2wHK3HQEGNqkXGYA-733NiUPpUWE0R3xSvqAjg3lips8fSpoBIwjB4KIjPo3qOQO_bER_PNk-UGfGWdYPCZA0-McyC0UdYbuS4rDl9rbPa4FomC2m5p8UGacteXHHC33JTiPSjAIOjhQM-x7TSHNsUYBbQ7J-1Sbb-yMbPRNGEID2QYQRurXH7qyTHtkkgR6NMKzqPXBwAY2elYIuKrgS6hTvwTcNLNwLcVqXRZzeiit1siRQNtJHhmASwti-BBPi9pzVJXeu0loGJW3AjCcEuYeAgrowDJkP6VKZCv5WABK6xVOoaW0FqfGvlLih5w6AiVrj77PMKGQNlahsHRkfnbKyDYYsPP7S4CwbtSj_mS2Xm5K2SackGCnEF2W3jmUFkCcW7wGI1nYzClfowMU_6zV8LAq3We2g=w1264-h948-no[/IMG]

[URL=http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/chrisvanderpol/media/Garage[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Cfab0tIbVHBLk3D2OatoPyvxQ-m-bw55YuGUG1zBGzbhJiMgfXF2sTl_h5sxhAJOHa1GWDnwWt_itMpaTacyGe-fPVDgy066c8dBFDpLH4SApI21fvRPBbluwRzOIYxVwac-OcLlJx171bFxymsfv_Xin94GvU-W37KU2JfOsPzy6P0ED1JZjCF6Ktm1kbnLo1HPS_i20BAxVnFhmwvzeWVTlcJtC9qPJYbGSibCcOS4Fc2_nhjzZX1YXHREKqvtFLoSy5xXIkMoBUE1AeQ395fpdIBBDtsYX69ayCWDyxaJ6s_INAMGH5sEszFOSzag7xGlhxCmQsjz52OOV6BBa8EXG2i2a3XpKTTACK3z_ckE9vGV8ceZ4G_ecZvvkRYmoK2zVeXTnQ0rz0pJcwIk5aw195RHw0uhLBSZx3NpZKdsEdfMLsVhA2ZfVwMjyxr8pCzCsjyGjSz9PrGZNhUGGGX5yepSTvCkmebNbm9lkoilUIb6_cS5lyngrzRiKQS00TT5Lp7ACCV4MvPe1ASPYSdBXhHBuUNvlE3dXyziJTQl5XtwB8rEbENOgHuPllfMXhFREMmdh5Q3h6vAtagqQ5ZXrNXuYwFb6Xs3MWVZ7g=w1264-h948-no[/IMG]

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice projects, looking good!

 

[k-os]

And here's the finished product. Again, this is more of an overview.

The super strong, LED taillight/turn signal rear end that I pieced together

I really like the rear fender and tail light? Do you happen to have the part number/links for the pieces you used?

 

[chrisBTSC]

I really like the rear fender and tail light? Do you happen to have the part number/links for the pieces you used?

The black fender support piece is a stock KTM part. My bike is an 05 and the part number from Rocky Mountain ATV is # 54808015000. Different year bikes will have a similar part but may be a different part number.

The LED light is from a guy on ebay. His username is pw_garfield. He only lists a limited amount of items on ebay but if you contact him he can make something for your bike.

Turn signals are flush mount LED turn signals from Sicass Racing.

 

[Fast914]

Great looking 450 and from one OCD Clean person to another....good on ya. Everytime I show up for a trail ride or a HareScramble....I get no end of torture but my bike generally works every ride! Grant

 

[chrisBTSC]

Took a break from actually working on the garage last weekend to do a project with the kids. It's been raining a lot lately so indoor activities have been occurring more often. More often then I would like. We decided to build a retro gaming system that could be plugged into the tv via HDMI out of a Raspberry Pi and old NES cartridge.

It all worked great.

 

[Sticks McGee]

I dropped the welded frame off at the powder coaters and had a few weeks to get my benchtop in order. I decided to use butcher block but wanted it to be cheap enough so that if it got destroyed it would be easily replaceable. Ikea actually had just what I needed. I had to buy two, trim the length a little and then join them together with biscuits and drawbolts.





Once I had the two pieces trimmed up I decided to apply a few coats of Tung oil to the butcher blocks.

What is the size of your bench top?

 

[chrisBTSC]

What is the size of your bench top?

My bench top is 110" x 30"

 

[Weekend_warrior]

Awesome garage and nice bench build! I had a 06 450exc. You missing a piece for the damper. Unless you have it by now. You have to remove the top clamp and clamp the post on where it goes and there is a new dust seal that GPR provides. I had an orange one. I kinda miss the bike. I plated it with a bunch of Sicass racing stuff. I see a few spots close our house now that we be perfect for a boot leg ride like that. I used it primary in the mountains though.

Thinking of plating my 300xc! Unless of course I could swing a 690 or 990.

 

[chrisBTSC]

Awesome garage and nice bench build! I had a 06 450exc. You missing a piece for the damper. Unless you have it by now. You have to remove the top clamp and clamp the post on where it goes and there is a new dust seal that GPR provides. I had an orange one. I kinda miss the bike. I plated it with a bunch of Sicass racing stuff. I see a few spots close our house now that we be perfect for a boot leg ride like that. I used it primary in the mountains though.

Thinking of plating my 300xc! Unless of course I could swing a 690 or 990.

When I bought the Damper it was missing the piece with the pin on it that goes under the top clamp, that's why it isn't shown in the pictures. I'm pretty happy at this point with my stable. I really enjoy the 450 and the 990.

 

[crab]

nice avatar.

 

[chrisBTSC]

I started on another project that I have been putting off for awhile last night. It involves the JBL front speakers in my Toyota Tundra. With age, the foam surround on these speakers degrade and end up tearing from normal use. This makes a horrific rattling noise and really ruins the whole listening experience. Instead of replacing the speakers there is a kit you can get that allows you to replace the foam. So I pulled the speakers out of the truck and got to work. Here's the issue at hand. As you can see the foam is torn. In the case of this speaker it was mostly torn all the way around.

The process involves cutting out all the old foam off and then trimming the old glue off the cone. You have to scrape all the old foam and glue off the speaker frame as well. This was as far as I got last night. Today I'll glue the new foam on.

 

[chrisBTSC]

I was able to finish up the speaker project yesterday after work. Got the new foam glued to the cone. Let it sit for an hour and then glued the foam to the speaker frame. Put them back in the truck and they sound like new again.

 

[wasfast]

Where did you purchase the new foam surrounds and what adhesives are necessary?

 

[chrisBTSC]

Where did you purchase the new foam surrounds and what adhesives are necessary?

I bought the foam from a place online called Simply Speakers. It came as a kit with the adhesive in it. Really good deal.

 

[wingnutthehutt]

What's a new pair of speakers cost? I know you like doing little projects like that, so it doesn't surprise me. Just wondering how many hamburgers you saved...oh wait...

 

[chrisBTSC]

What's a new pair of speakers cost? I know you like doing little projects like that, so it doesn't surprise me. Just wondering how many hamburgers you saved...oh wait...

Hey Carl! This was more of a quick fix than anything. I have a pair of component speakers that will eventually be installed. Maybe... one day. The main problem with the stock speakers is they are a very odd size and there are no drop in replacements available. So you have to make an adapter and then I would also have to buy an amplifier and then hook it all up. I don't really have the time to jump into all that right now.

 

[Scout3918]

Very nice setup. Really like the workbench you made.

 

[stonesg]

When's the motorcycle lift showing up?

TG

 

[rzims]

garage is looking good - love the SS. I've been riding SS almost exclusively for several years. It's a whole new type of workout...

 

[chrisBTSC]

Very nice setup. Really like the workbench you made.

Thank you!

When's the motorcycle lift showing up?

TG

That is a hot topic of conversation in my house lately. Unfortunately it's going to have to wait for a little while, but I do have a good plan in place for when the time comes.

garage is looking good - love the SS. I've been riding SS almost exclusively for several years. It's a whole new type of workout...

It's a completely different ride and different way of thinking about how to approach different obstacles/terrain. I love it. I still like my geared bikes though. Some of the places I ride have very steep terrain that would not be doable on a single speed.

 

[maddog1949]

Like the workbench good work.

 

[chrisBTSC]

It's been pretty miserable weather wise in California for the last few months. I had been going stir crazy and really starting to annoy everyone, so myself and a few friends planned a nice weekend ride to get out to the desert for a little while. I was prepping the bike last night. Got everything set up and all the maintenance done even mounted some new tires.

Ready to roll!!! Or so I thought. Went to go ride the bike around the neighborhood and all of a sudden my headlight isn't working. WTF. I park the bike and start tearing into the electrical. As I'm messing around with the wiring I move the handlebars and the starter starts cranking, and I'm not pushing the button. ****. 2 days before I leave and now this. I get out the mulitmeter and start looking at everything. I quickly find this.

I get that fixed and the starter issue is now good, but still no headlight. Then I find this.

Ok, get that fixed and still no light. Soooo, fuses? Yep, that was it.

So, now the bike is good to go (knock on wood) I really need to address the previous owners wiring after this trip.

Makes me wonder if any of this also has to do with the accident I had on this bike last May when I hit a deer.

 

[chrisBTSC]

Have not been doing much in my garage lately as we actually have been having some amazing weather so I've been out enjoying it. I did however, have time to install some female threaded anchors in my garage floor for my motorcycle tire changer.

First I made a template of the base and hole locations.

Then I put the template on the floor and center punched the holes.

Then I went to town and started drilling.
(I didn't notice it at first but this picture actually has some blood in it from when my son cut his arm while working on his car. He ended up with 14 stitches.)

I installed a screw and washer in the threaded insert as a depth stop and a place to hammer against. I filled the drilled holes about half way with epoxy and then pounded them in.

 

[sporty_drew]

Your garage looks like a fun place to work with many different projects. What have you been up to the last few months?

 

[chrisBTSC]

Your garage looks like a fun place to work with many different projects. What have you been up to the last few months?

Thanks. Boy, I sure have been slacking on updating lately. What have I been up to? The perfect answer is the snow is finally starting to melt and the high country has become more available. So that means I've been out riding as much as I can before we start seeing triple digit heat.

 

[chrisBTSC]

I guess a little update is in order. Ever since I bought my KTM 990 Adventure a couple years ago I have always wanted to do a high fender conversion for it. There are kits out there where you can spend a bunch of money and buy what everyone else has. To be honest the kits end up not looking very good and you have to modify stuff anyway. Plus that's not how I do things. So I bought the fender I wanted to use and the fork guards that most people end up using are from a KTM dirtbike and the hole patterns do not line up. So I made an adapter bracket that would make everything look clean and fairly stock.

First step was taking some measurements on my fork legs and then the new fork guards. Then I drew up this bracket. I was able to find some pre-bent brackets from home depot which was a good place to start for this part.

I scribed the rough outline of the part on the bracket.

Then cut it out with my cutoff wheel. Easy enough.

Then did the other one.

I used a large disc sander and carefully squared everything up and then center punched and drilled my holes. Everything went together perfectly first try. Test fitting.

Secondary test fit with fork guard installed. Everything is perfect.

And finally the finished product, painted and ready for install.

And an overall shot of the bike with the new high fender and fork guards.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Nice work!

What year and model is the pop-up camper?

I converted my 2000 GF Tassajara to a rigid SS years ago. I live in the flat Midwest and pretty much just ride with the family on city streets so I've geared it up a lot. My bike mechanic was worried it was too tall. I actually made it taller after a year because it was too slow at 32/16. I think I'm running 35/15 now IIRC. Love it! I'll never go back to a geared city bike unless I buy/build a utility hauler bike.

 

[chrisBTSC]

Nice work!

What year and model is the pop-up camper?

I converted my 2000 GF Tassajara to a rigid SS years ago. I live in the flat Midwest and pretty much just ride with the family on city streets so I've geared it up a lot. My bike mechanic was worried it was too tall. I actually made it taller after a year because it was too slow at 32/16. I think I'm running 35/15 now IIRC. Love it! I'll never go back to a geared city bike unless I buy/build a utility hauler bike.

It's a 1998 Coleman Westlake. It was a really great deal I found a few years ago. I bought it from the original owners who used it less than 5 times total. It was always stored indoors. It's virtually brand new.

 

[wingnutthehutt]

So are your fancy new brackets just clamping down on the plastic since the guard has been hogged out?

 

[chrisBTSC]

So are your fancy new brackets just clamping down on the plastic since the guard has been hogged out?

The brackets more or less serve the purpose of being a large washer. Since the fork guards have only one hole that actually lines up with the ones in the forks it also serves the purpose of hiding the unused holes.

 

[wingnutthehutt]

Trying really hard to not comment on you covering up your "unused holes".

 

[chrisBTSC]

Trying really hard to not comment on you covering up your "unused holes".

Carl, you have to hide the unused holes so they don't get used.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

It's a 1998 Coleman Westlake. It was a really great deal I found a few years ago. I bought it from the original owners who used it less than 5 times total. It was always stored indoors. It's virtually brand new.

Nice! Ours is a little small and a little older, a '92 Coleman Pioneer Newport. Ours had some screen damage and one section of screen is missing, but for $350 I didn't complain!

 

[wingnutthehutt]

Carl, you have to hide the unused holes so they don't get used.

There are holes there for a reason, Christopher!

 

[chrisBTSC]

I guess a long overdue update is in order. I honestly lost interest and got kind of frustrated when photobucket stopped allowing remote linking. I finally decided to re-link everything and update all my posts on this thread so the photos will show up. So, now everything here is functioning as it should. So I promise from here on out more frequent updates. Some good stuff coming.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Glad you're back.

 

[wingnutthehutt]

It's been so long since I've ridden with you that I forgot you went high fender. Sad.

 

[chrisBTSC]

It's been so long since I've ridden with you that I forgot you went high fender. Sad.

I don't think we've ridden together in over a year.

 

[Thirdyfivepickup]

My avatar always gets lots of comments It is actually my wife. I'm sure she'll show up in this thread sometime.

Its been months and 4 pages....




Seriously though... love where you're going with this. I'm gonna try and steal the shortening of the light cord trick for my lights. Great job so far!

I've been throwing around the idea of a TV and/or surround for my garage... kinda wanting to keep the garage for working though.