stillp
Well-known member
Glad you liked it Thomas!Pete, you made my day, my week, my month and maybe even my year with that one!
Now, remember you were going to tell us about your TR4?
Pete
Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Now, remember you were going to tell us about your TR4?
Pete
C_F
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I agree! Wish I had a tag collection like that myself.
.....
Now, remember you were going to tell us about your TR4?
Pete
I have been battling computer issues the last 2 days after trying to post here. It seems to be OK now but it's been far too long a day for me to write anything intelligent right now. I'll give it a go tomorrow. Very sorry everyone and yes Pete you're right, I owe you the story of how the TR4 came to be here. It is truly odd. Thanks for the understanding.
Thomas
stillp
Well-known member
Wonderful things computers. They can go wrong in ways far too complex for mere humans to understand.
No problem Thomas, I know you've had a few other little jobs to do, like building a house...
Pete
No problem Thomas, I know you've had a few other little jobs to do, like building a house...
Pete
71 MKIV
Active member
I think you need to hit it with a metric wrench.
Driveway Final
No I really haven't been lollygagging here...
... this is what I've been up to, finishing the last part of the driveway.
With good weather and the old family house gone, the driveway is being completed out to...
...the street.
On the left is the loop to the barn. This is one of the last major outdoor projects to be completed.
We poured 31 yards today. Tomorrow we'll pour up to the traffic cones leaving just 16 feet to finish out to the street. With the old house gone, I'm dropping the grade somewhat so the new driveway will be a little lower than the old rock driveway. That's where all that dirt came from. I predict it's gonna look nice!
Tired Thomas
No I really haven't been lollygagging here...
... this is what I've been up to, finishing the last part of the driveway.
With good weather and the old family house gone, the driveway is being completed out to...
...the street.
On the left is the loop to the barn. This is one of the last major outdoor projects to be completed.
We poured 31 yards today. Tomorrow we'll pour up to the traffic cones leaving just 16 feet to finish out to the street. With the old house gone, I'm dropping the grade somewhat so the new driveway will be a little lower than the old rock driveway. That's where all that dirt came from. I predict it's gonna look nice!
Tired Thomas
gordyy
Well-known member
you have been busy looking good on the grade
Grizz1963
Well-known member
Not so tired Rian, laying in bed still as I am working local today (30 miles from home) usually the days I work in London sees me pull up in the station carpark by now. Then take the 07.24 to Waterloo East station and walking into St Thomas Hospital across the river from Houses of Parliament and Big Ben by 08.50 to work. Laying in, though awake is a luxury.
You seem to be on the home stretch with this monumental task now Thomas.
However, I am sure we all know that you will always have something else to see to.
It has been such an amazing trip to date.
Hope you do get some good rest too.
You seem to be on the home stretch with this monumental task now Thomas.
However, I am sure we all know that you will always have something else to see to.
It has been such an amazing trip to date.
Hope you do get some good rest too.
stillp
Well-known member
Looking good Thomas. I need to get some mesh and concrete down, since my builder seems to have thought that about an inch of concrete straight onto the soil was good enough...
Pete
Pete
C_F
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's going to be a great looking driveway, when you're finished! I predict the grand kids will be using it as a go-kart track.
Details
In contrast to that Pete, just as last fall, on the other part of the driveway...
...we laid down a 2" thick base of compacted rock and then poured 6" of 6000 psi concrete with heavy duty hi-way mat wire mesh. That mat was pulled up 1"-2" from the bottom. Where needed we also used 1/2" re-bar.
We were able to pour directly from the trucks which was much easier and faster.
A power screed was used to help level out the new poured concrete. This is the east drive which is 14' (4.20 m) wide.
The west drive is 12' (3.6 m) wide. On the left and right sides of the screed they're pushing it along. The red machine in the foreground is a power mag used for final finishing. It was being used in the first photo of this post.
In the background you can see a bull float being used to further flatted the concrete.
That's the west drive...
...and this is headed toward the street. At it's widest seen here where the two lanes merge together, the drive is over 40' (12.1 m) wide.
Here's a look from the opposite view.
The main drive off the street is 16' (4.8 m) wide. Here a board is being used as a screed, very old school. That's the old shop and sign in the background.
This is a curb being formed on the end near the street to keep dirt from eroding onto the concrete.
Sealer was sprayed to seal the concrete once the finish work was done. Notice all the dirt piles in the background. That was from lowering the grade on the driveway. Once it dries enough, I'll use a bulldozer to lower the grade in that whole area. That will be my next big outdoor project.
Standby once again. The end of construction is near and landscaping is approaching.
Thomas
In contrast to that Pete, just as last fall, on the other part of the driveway...
...we laid down a 2" thick base of compacted rock and then poured 6" of 6000 psi concrete with heavy duty hi-way mat wire mesh. That mat was pulled up 1"-2" from the bottom. Where needed we also used 1/2" re-bar.
We were able to pour directly from the trucks which was much easier and faster.
A power screed was used to help level out the new poured concrete. This is the east drive which is 14' (4.20 m) wide.
The west drive is 12' (3.6 m) wide. On the left and right sides of the screed they're pushing it along. The red machine in the foreground is a power mag used for final finishing. It was being used in the first photo of this post.
In the background you can see a bull float being used to further flatted the concrete.
That's the west drive...
...and this is headed toward the street. At it's widest seen here where the two lanes merge together, the drive is over 40' (12.1 m) wide.
Here's a look from the opposite view.
The main drive off the street is 16' (4.8 m) wide. Here a board is being used as a screed, very old school. That's the old shop and sign in the background.
This is a curb being formed on the end near the street to keep dirt from eroding onto the concrete.
Sealer was sprayed to seal the concrete once the finish work was done. Notice all the dirt piles in the background. That was from lowering the grade on the driveway. Once it dries enough, I'll use a bulldozer to lower the grade in that whole area. That will be my next big outdoor project.
Standby once again. The end of construction is near and landscaping is approaching.
Thomas
Last edited:
Boosted1
Well-known member
Looking good!
ajohno
Well-known member
That's a huge amount of concrete Thomas. It will look great once finished.
bryceaugustine
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2013
- Messages
- 56
Thomas, Will the ground next to your drive be level with the drive? or will you keep that ledge?
MG David
Well-known member
Seeing all that work and cost reminds me why I have a gravel drive. Do you have to add a drain of some form where the drive meets the road to intercept the runoff?
gasgas17
Well-known member
Same here. But I did pour a 27' x 45' concrete pad in front of my garage last year. It's almost like have a second garage space in the summer. So much nicer than laying in gravel and or puddles.
Thomas' drive way is over the top awesome. I wish I could do the rest of mine so I could stop snow blowing gravel all winter.
Homebody
Well-known member
Holy **** that's a lot o concrete! 
Looks awesome! 
Looks awesome! stillp
Well-known member
Team of at least seven guys, a power screed, bull float and power mag! I think mine was done by one guy with a shovel and a wheelbarrow.
Pete
Pete
red
Well-known member
Wow, a driveway build to airport specs.
"Where's the PLANE boss?"
Just amazing the quality and engineering involved.
Thanks for showing us how it's suppose to be done.
"Where's the PLANE boss?"
Just amazing the quality and engineering involved.
Thanks for showing us how it's suppose to be done.
rlwhitetr3b
Well-known member
I think a few years ago we, as a group, decided that the landing strip was to be across the road. So I assume the hanger will be there also.
bryceaugustine I'll level the grade to edge of the concrete where I can.
A rounded finished edge was used everywhere...
...to give it a more finished look.
In the lower foreground you can see where I've back-filled it level to the concrete. Closer to trees I won't be able to do that so the concrete will sit proud to the ground. With no lip it will be easier to mow and not have to trim.
No I didn't have to add a drain at the end where it meets the road. We don't have storm sewers for water runoff, it's all done on the surface. Much simpler this way.
I do feel your Payne gasgas17. Our first residence had a gravel drive and I was laying on gravel doing oil changes on our 1964 Rambler American 220 and.....well.....basically it was just unpleasant. We've come a long way since then.
The new concrete will put a stop to me slinging rocks and gravel onto the lawn with my snow blower once and for all!
A powered sheepsfoot compactor was also used to compact the surface. There were 9 of us plus the concrete truck driver working the pour in one way or another. We poured 41 yards on this second pour (72 yards total for the last 2 days) and it all went pretty quick with all that manpower.
Wow, a driveway build to airport specs.
"Where's the PLANE boss?"
Just amazing the quality and engineering involved.
Thanks for showing us how it's suppose to be done.
You're right there really was a lot of engineering involved, especially to get the right fall to avoid low spots, puddling and get proper drainage. This was J. B. Esker & Sons: http://www.jbesker.com/
doing the work again. They did all the concrete work on the house, the basement, garage and new house driveways. No substitute for decades of experience and a company run to very high standards. The finished work is in a word, exquisite.
I think a few years ago we, as a group, decided that the landing strip was to be across the road. So I assume the hanger will be there also.
That's how I remember it too Robert.
I'll have to build a taxiway across the road out front though so I can taxi the aircraft from the hanger up to the house. Not sure if Chris was in complete agreement with all that would be involved to do this but I'm confident she'll come around eventually. After all, she's a real team player............ right Chris?
Thomas
dcm5652
Active member
Careful Thomas... you will find out that TNT comes in small packages and you will be fixing your own meals....LOL...Great build and I am glad you shared it with us. Thank You...
stillp
Well-known member
You mean there's no heating in the slab?[/URL]
The new concrete will put a stop to me slinging rocks and gravel onto the lawn with my snow blower once and for all!
Pete
72 yards! You do know how to think big, Thomas, but most importantly you Just. Get. Things. Done!!! Hats off to you and Chris for pushing this whole happy thing through to completion. Beautiful! And you brought a lot of fans along for the ride.
(Of course, that driveway isn't going to clean itself. May I suggest )
(Of course, that driveway isn't going to clean itself. May I suggest
)Attachments
Do those two trees being so close to the drive worry you at all? Any concern of the root system lifting or cracking the drive?
bluestripe67
Well-known member
72 yds! WOW! It all looks great, I like the edge. Dennis
Dennismarkviii
Well-known member
Wow! I've been away from posting for so long, I almost forgot my password! Otherwise, no comment to add to the runway non-discussion.
Chris
Chris
red
Well-known member
I think a few years ago we, as a group, decided that the landing strip was to be across the road. So I assume the hanger will be there also.
Oh, I'm already forgetting . . . please don't tell the teacher.
Figuring only way to improve the view is to have the plane parked out front?
Of course there will have to be a section on it's rebuilding . . . and restoration.
Thirdyfivepickup
Well-known member
with all of this work with fresh materials and new construction...
have you received any calls from your powdercoater saying he misses you?
have you received any calls from your powdercoater saying he misses you?
Jeff Ivers
Well-known member
Thomas,
The place looks great! However, if you had rounded the corner of the drive at the intersection near the road a little more, it would have made a better skid pad for the Lotus.
The place looks great! However, if you had rounded the corner of the drive at the intersection near the road a little more, it would have made a better skid pad for the Lotus.
GoodJobTim
Member
I had no idea white guys could pour concrete!
Last Leg Of Driveway
Here are the last bits of the driveway pour.
The last 16' out to the street took 9 additional yards of concrete. That added to the previous 72 yards from earlier in the week plus the 131 yards from last fall made for a driveway comprised of 212 yards total.
I knew going in it was going to be a lot...
...and it was, but I'm exceptionally happy with the results.
Some additional details...
...anywhere a new pour met existing, it was pinned with...
...1/2" stainless steel rods and expansion board.
We also used 1/2" dia, 20' long re-bar across the front and diagonally in the corners to strengthen that area up.
This is the curb out by the street being formed up.
The ends were tapered.
Once the concrete was firm enough, the inside curb form was removed...
...and this is how the curb turned out. The grade behind will be lowered some, but it will still be higher than the curb. Landscaping and large rocks will be used to control erosion. Stick around to see how this corner is developed. I've got some ideas but I'll have to play with it a while to see what looks right.
This is the only section of the driveway that was hand finished. Too small an area and the concrete was drying too slow to use a power mag.
When looking at the area where the old house stood you can see how the grade tapered up from left to right.
I'll need to lower that grade by about 1 foot. I'll use a bulldozer to move that much dirt. That's the next big outdoor project but it has to dry out first. I already have a vision of what this area will look like when finished and I can't wait to begin it.
This is an important area that needs to be developed carefully. It's what lays beyond the great room windows. Check back to see what happens here. Thanks again everyone for all the interest and positive support. There is still more to come.
Thomas
Here are the last bits of the driveway pour.
The last 16' out to the street took 9 additional yards of concrete. That added to the previous 72 yards from earlier in the week plus the 131 yards from last fall made for a driveway comprised of 212 yards total.
I knew going in it was going to be a lot...
...and it was, but I'm exceptionally happy with the results.
Some additional details...
...anywhere a new pour met existing, it was pinned with...
...1/2" stainless steel rods and expansion board.
We also used 1/2" dia, 20' long re-bar across the front and diagonally in the corners to strengthen that area up.
This is the curb out by the street being formed up.
The ends were tapered.
Once the concrete was firm enough, the inside curb form was removed...
...and this is how the curb turned out. The grade behind will be lowered some, but it will still be higher than the curb. Landscaping and large rocks will be used to control erosion. Stick around to see how this corner is developed. I've got some ideas but I'll have to play with it a while to see what looks right.
This is the only section of the driveway that was hand finished. Too small an area and the concrete was drying too slow to use a power mag.
When looking at the area where the old house stood you can see how the grade tapered up from left to right.
I'll need to lower that grade by about 1 foot. I'll use a bulldozer to move that much dirt. That's the next big outdoor project but it has to dry out first. I already have a vision of what this area will look like when finished and I can't wait to begin it.
This is an important area that needs to be developed carefully. It's what lays beyond the great room windows. Check back to see what happens here. Thanks again everyone for all the interest and positive support. There is still more to come.
Thomas
Grizz1963
Well-known member
Another great entry.
I cannot imagine how good it feels to get to this point, as it is a big job in itself, the driveways, all wrapped up.
Looking forward to the landscaping too.
Your teams have done well, and you and Chris really have managed an astounding feat of project management and incessant activity.
I cannot imagine how good it feels to get to this point, as it is a big job in itself, the driveways, all wrapped up.
Looking forward to the landscaping too.
Your teams have done well, and you and Chris really have managed an astounding feat of project management and incessant activity.
You mean there's no heating in the slab?
Pete
Pete I actually looked into heating the first 20'-30' of the slab outside the garage with the Geo-thermo but it was going to be a very expensive and complicated proposition so I didn't do it. Last 2 years we've had very little snow anyway, global warming and all that.
.........
(Of course, that driveway isn't going to clean itself. May I suggest
That's an interesting idea Mike. You suppose Indy would mind if I borrowed that blower during the winter months. They don't need it at that time of the year after all.
Bob, those tress were discussed at length during the driveway work. The tree on the right is a Catalpa speciosa or Catalpa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa
It's a taproot tree so there shouldn't be too much further surface root expansion.
On the left is a Celtis occidentalis or a Hackberry : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtis_occidentalis
As old and large as it is, it shouldn't be expanding the surface roots much more either. In any case, re-bar was used in the concrete in that area to help control any potential cracking from future root expansion. I'm confident it'll be OK but you're right about taking it into consideration.
Come visit the shop next January or February and I'll personally show you what the "fuss" is all about.
Interesting you bring that up. I'm going there tomorrow morning in fact. Don't forget there were several items in the house that were powder coated; the window and garage door lintels, the fireplace lintel, damper and ash clean-out door. I'm also going to powder coat the material lift in due time. Don't want him to feel forgotten after all!
That's a good point Jeff.
We'll just refer to that area as "the kink". Pretty sure the Lotus is up to the challenge...
...but I'll bet Chris will need some practice mastering it.
I had no idea white guys could pour concrete!
They may not be able to jump but this group can surly pour some concrete.
Thomas
BBChevro
Well-known member
Wow Thomas, I just caught up on the last few pages of the thread - the driveway looks great.
It's a relief and rewarding all at the same time. The overall total scale of the project was immense. All the landscaping necessary will be more of the same but I'm up for it. Still putting in 10-12 hour days (nights). Note the time of this post.
It's amazing how much has changed here Rian...
...since your visit last fall.
That's the approximate location of the 2 car garage you found some treasures in. Looking forward to future visits.
BTW, I still need to post a picture of interest to you, stand by. Cheers.
Thomas
Boosted1
Well-known member
Wow! Impressive as usual. Congrats on finishing the drive.
gordyy
Well-known member
congrats on the drive looks great, you will have to get some video of Chris laying down some drift rubber on the kink once she gets a couple of runs under her belt!
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
Super impressive, Thomas & Chris! What a milestone!