Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
I finally got ahold of my buddy, he is on his way here to get the cars, I told him I would help him move them. We also have arranged for the ambulance to leave sometime in the next week. He agreed that our friendship is not worth a few cars and apologized that he had not gotten back to me. As long as he follows through, I will be more than satisfied with the outcome.
I got the wire pile all sorted, there is a lot of totally junk wire, so the dumpster is half full, but at least it is done. I have the ability to charge the customer for the disposal fee as well, so no skin off my back.
I got the wire pile all sorted, there is a lot of totally junk wire, so the dumpster is half full, but at least it is done. I have the ability to charge the customer for the disposal fee as well, so no skin off my back.
Spent the afternoon moving cars with him. He has one more to move, but the darkness crept in and we decided to leave it on the car dolly, he will pick it up in the morning. The ambulance will go away in the next week or so. I feel much better.
Did not get much done other than the wire pile, but that and the cars was more than enough. I should be able to get the remaining scrap steel dealt with tomorrow, it is going to go in my dump truck for now, until I can borrow my Brother's truck, then I can haul it to the scrap yard. It ***** to have to move it twice, but I would rather have it consolidated and up off the ground than have a pile with snow on it.
Did not get much done other than the wire pile, but that and the cars was more than enough. I should be able to get the remaining scrap steel dealt with tomorrow, it is going to go in my dump truck for now, until I can borrow my Brother's truck, then I can haul it to the scrap yard. It ***** to have to move it twice, but I would rather have it consolidated and up off the ground than have a pile with snow on it.
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My buddy now asked me if I want the ambulance. I told him I would make up my mind today. He just wants the light bars and that is it. I am half tempted, the back body is insulated and all aluminum. It would make a great something, someday. For right now it would be storage, I wanted to see how tall it is inside, I can’t remember if I can stand up or not, if I can, it would be more appealing, if not it may be scrap. He did say I can’t have it to scrap it, because he will do that, but I know for a fact that there are some good pieces and parts that could be sold. Right now it is easy to move around with the excavator, so that isn’t an issue. I am trying to justify this, why do I do that?
86turbodsl
Well-known member
Do you need an ambulance? Would that not dilute your efforts at the shop? Do you need the storage that bad?
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Squashfest81
Well-known member
You can not stand up in the ambulance. There are better boxes for storage, sheds, campers, cabins...
I am thinking you are correct on the fact that there will be no standing up in the ambulance.
I definitely don't need it, but the storage for the winter would be very nice, timing is right. It does have a few things that would be nice to at least harvest from it before getting scrapped. There is a webasto heater setup, as well as some really nice lights. I will look at it, but before I was concerned about damage during moving it, if I don't have to worry about it, then I can shove it out back after loading it, then pull it out through mud or snow if need be.
As I said, this is all justification, I know that I really don't "need" it.
I definitely don't need it, but the storage for the winter would be very nice, timing is right. It does have a few things that would be nice to at least harvest from it before getting scrapped. There is a webasto heater setup, as well as some really nice lights. I will look at it, but before I was concerned about damage during moving it, if I don't have to worry about it, then I can shove it out back after loading it, then pull it out through mud or snow if need be.
As I said, this is all justification, I know that I really don't "need" it.
I can stand up in the ambulance, barely, but I can. If I straighten myself out completely, I can make my head touch, but it is not bad at all. I think it stays for storage this year and maybe something else next year. Definitely has some interesting potential, could be an oversized job box or some sort of camper/sleeper for a truck.
jakemac
Well-known member
If you can get it back on the road, it might make a good mobile workshop out at the tower sites.
Maybe add an awning and folding workbench on one side.
Maybe add an awning and folding workbench on one side.
No go on the road thing. I was thinking of adding lifting locations on the top, then fork pockets under it. If I do a job, I am usually there for weeks, but I don't really do jobs anymore. The best this could be was a storage unit. I can see using it for at least the winter, worst case it goes out in the spring. I can move it around easy enough and it seems to be not only water tight, but no signs of mice. That is a really good thing. In the spring I plan on clearing more trees and moving all the boxes back further, when I do this it will be nice to have something easy to move. The plan is to get another 40' long high cube conex, so I have two. Then the moving van trailer will get sold. I have lots of moving pieces to the shop project, the first hurdle is getting the yard ready for winter, then I can start figuring out what to do in the spring.
Shuffling things once again, today seems like more of a sideways movement than anything. I have a ton of stuff to move by Monday afternoon, the rain is on the way and looks like it will be raining the rest of the week.
I spent a few minutes doing some research on parts from the ambulance, looks like the seats may be worth a chunk of change. Will have to get them listed on eBay before too long. I found one Knaack box is full of job materials, so they can get put away and the box will essentially be empty. I think I may use it for foundation supplies and concrete tools. Trying to decide if I should put all my 1" drive tools in with the 3/4" drive stuff, probably makes sense to keep it all together, then when I need a big socket, it is all in the one box.
I spent a few minutes doing some research on parts from the ambulance, looks like the seats may be worth a chunk of change. Will have to get them listed on eBay before too long. I found one Knaack box is full of job materials, so they can get put away and the box will essentially be empty. I think I may use it for foundation supplies and concrete tools. Trying to decide if I should put all my 1" drive tools in with the 3/4" drive stuff, probably makes sense to keep it all together, then when I need a big socket, it is all in the one box.
BoilermakerFan
Well-known member
Is the ambulance a diesel?
There are outfits like U-Joint Offroad that convert them to 4x4 and they make great adventure vehicles if they are diesel. I plan to get a Ford diesel ambulance one day to convert myself to haul my bikes to shows and use as a general purpose adventure RV.
There are outfits like U-Joint Offroad that convert them to 4x4 and they make great adventure vehicles if they are diesel. I plan to get a Ford diesel ambulance one day to convert myself to haul my bikes to shows and use as a general purpose adventure RV.
It is a V-10 and the trans was removed, then they gutted everything they thought was worth something. It is a shell. Real shame, very clean overall, but I am not a FORD guy. If I was, I would probably consider trying to salvage more of it. I think at this point, I can sell the ambulance seats from the rear, the doors, and the rear end. That should bring some money, if not, I will scrap whatever is left.
I know, I know, for a guy that doesn’t like FORDs, he has a lot of them.
I know, I know, for a guy that doesn’t like FORDs, he has a lot of them.
Attachments
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ever since I read you could stand up in that... I can't get a song outa my head...
Short People...
Short People...
jakemac
Well-known member
And 3" is how long ?? 
BoilermakerFan
Well-known member
Reach out to U-Joint Offroad. There may be guys that would love to have the rear body to put on a diesel chassis. And that body is really clean and a nice size. The engine has to be worth a couple hundred complete. There are guys who love the V10s. I've gone back and forth about one. I'd love an Expedition tow vehicle, but the old diesels trigger my wife's migraines so I would have to either get a clean diesel or a gas engine. In reality, for as little as I would actually drive one, the difference in the fuel economy probably would not justify the extra cost to buy even a used diesel Expedition over a V10 version.
I'm planning to get the new Ford Ranger in the diesel for my next company vehicle. I drive 25K-30K miles a year and plan to keep the truck after my five years of using it as my work vehicle, so the extra cost up front more than pays for itself in the long run there.
I'm planning to get the new Ford Ranger in the diesel for my next company vehicle. I drive 25K-30K miles a year and plan to keep the truck after my five years of using it as my work vehicle, so the extra cost up front more than pays for itself in the long run there.
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My shop is slowly killing me.
Frustration is at an eleven and motivation is a negative four.
Self created hardships are the worst, especially when you are surrounded by them, trying to dig myself out of them. Sold a couple more things on craigslist, trying to decide if I should register a truck I hate or if I should just get the title and sell it as is. Thought I had a swap deal for something I could use, but no go on that. Oh well, life is full of twists and turns, seems like every project I have is a speed bump or worse.
Wondering if deciding to keep the ambulance is the reason I am so down? Probably, but I have so many other things to worry about, not even thinking about that right now.
The air compressor repair guy is coming over on Wednesday afternoon, so I have to get the place cleaned up and ready to use for that purpose.
I need to take an hour or more and step back to see what is going on, I am losing focus and it is creating issues in every part of my life.
Frustration is at an eleven and motivation is a negative four.
Self created hardships are the worst, especially when you are surrounded by them, trying to dig myself out of them. Sold a couple more things on craigslist, trying to decide if I should register a truck I hate or if I should just get the title and sell it as is. Thought I had a swap deal for something I could use, but no go on that. Oh well, life is full of twists and turns, seems like every project I have is a speed bump or worse.
Wondering if deciding to keep the ambulance is the reason I am so down? Probably, but I have so many other things to worry about, not even thinking about that right now.
The air compressor repair guy is coming over on Wednesday afternoon, so I have to get the place cleaned up and ready to use for that purpose.
I need to take an hour or more and step back to see what is going on, I am losing focus and it is creating issues in every part of my life.
jb3
Well-known member
you seem to me like you are doing a great job getting things organized! The shop is looking great.
perhaps call your friend and tell him you taking the ambulance was a mistake, and if he doesn't want it, you will scrap it as is. It seems like one of those things thats sparked 100 other things you need to do, on top of the thousands of things you are doing.
perhaps call your friend and tell him you taking the ambulance was a mistake, and if he doesn't want it, you will scrap it as is. It seems like one of those things thats sparked 100 other things you need to do, on top of the thousands of things you are doing.
It may have been the spark, but definitely is not the fire I need to worry about putting out. I think cleaning all this stuff up, trashing all of the supplies, sending things to the scrap yard, it is all making me realize that I am really no longer capable of doing tower work. I am physically not capable anymore and all of this is weighing very heavy on me. I have always identified myself as a tower guy, but last year really was my last year for it. I climbed back in April and it about killed me, my arms just can't take it anymore. I know getting back in shape will take me a while, but I need to accept the fact that I am not ever going to be a tower guy anymore. It is a huge realization, one that is probably obvious from an outsider's perspective, but in my mind it has been invisible or at least blocked. Now that I am getting the physical house in order, the mental house is freaking out.
jb3
Well-known member
when one door closes another opens is the way I see it. You may not be physically capable of that specific job, but that doesn't mean you are now useless.
Ive been part of a couple failed businesses and it was sort of the same feeling, all the time, energy, sweat blood and tears, and in the end its all for naught. But then you realize that the sun comes up just the same, and that may have ended or did not work out, but there are other things that can be done
Ive been part of a couple failed businesses and it was sort of the same feeling, all the time, energy, sweat blood and tears, and in the end its all for naught. But then you realize that the sun comes up just the same, and that may have ended or did not work out, but there are other things that can be done
jakemac
Well-known member
You may not be able to do the climbing work anymore, but that doesn't mean that you're done being a tower guy. What it does mean is that you now have the experience to plan, dispatch, supervise, and generally harass a crew of climbers of your own. Instead of a company of one, think about the possibility of growing the company with you doing the administrating and supervising.
Thanks guys, but I think leasing and tower management will be the direction I go.
I really want to rebuild medium duty trucks more than anything and all this tower stuff is just getting in my way. I am not afraid of hard work, I think I am just afraid to admit something I devoted so much of my life to is coming to an end. I know it is not an end, but a new chapter, it does still feel like part of me is dying with it. It has hit me really hard today, not sure why exactly, but I think I need a bit of closure anyways.
I really want to rebuild medium duty trucks more than anything and all this tower stuff is just getting in my way. I am not afraid of hard work, I think I am just afraid to admit something I devoted so much of my life to is coming to an end. I know it is not an end, but a new chapter, it does still feel like part of me is dying with it. It has hit me really hard today, not sure why exactly, but I think I need a bit of closure anyways.
Strouty - I think you should try taking a break from the shop when things have gone good for a few days. It seems like you're productive in spurts and then you keep pushing hoping to make it stay that way.
I think if you get a few days of productivity in and then take a day off you'll want to come back and get even more done instead of feeling like a burden that you have to take care of.
I think if you get a few days of productivity in and then take a day off you'll want to come back and get even more done instead of feeling like a burden that you have to take care of.
This weekend was not the greatest, I had the stress of my buddy and his cars, then when he did show up, I helped him, so Saturday was essentially just moving the cars. Sunday I got a late start and now today I just don't feel motivated. I have to get a few things done as it is going to rain tomorrow. Wednesday is compressor day, seems like I will be able to take Thursday off, then Friday is supposed to be nice so hopefully motivation will be back.
I definitely do things in spurts, I start out with a great attitude, but the shear amount of stuff I feel obligated to move, store, or do is what wears me out.
I definitely do things in spurts, I start out with a great attitude, but the shear amount of stuff I feel obligated to move, store, or do is what wears me out.
What you are going through is EXACTLY why it's so liberating to get rid stuff. Like 60-75% (or most) of the stuff. Honestly, you'd probably be a happier person with 10% of the stuff you have. But, it's really hard to see that when you're surrounded by so much. It all looks like work and it keeps you from doing what you want to do.
I've had this conversation with an acquaintance of mine whom is so stuck on getting what each item is worth, and when there's a potential buyer, he gives them unreasonable prices. He's told me several times that he wants a "clean slate" but he's not willing to go after it the simple way.
I was that way, too, I thought I'd lose $ by purging. The more I purged (and sold) the more I really understood that the money doesn't matter in comparison to the freedom. And also, more money came in than I assumed. But, I had to open the floodgates and let stuff fly.
If things didn't sell or a deal didn't work out, that's life. Lower the price and someone will come. You'll be surprised that the person that flakes, contacts you and ******* that they missed out. It's happened to me a few times since summer. It's further proof that those people most likely do that stuff elsewhere in life and it doesn't effect my life, whatsoever.
Real talk... it's just stuff. The value or control you put on it is your own. If you're frustrated because you'd like to be further along, maybe it's time you take more drastic measures?
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jack stand
Well-known member
It's called getting old(er) brother
I think I read that you were 40 and you are probably like a lot of us - balls to the wall, "dark to dark" for a lot of years both at work and home/shop work. Climbing IS a young man's sport and don't for a minute feel bad about the other side of the business (sales & management. It's a natural progression and any self employed contractor has gone through it. Do you have "boys" that climb for you? Chin up my friend.PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Getting old... Is not for the weak.
power wagon
Well-known member
thought about just selling
I think getting old is only part of it. Having the old me surrounding the new me is what I think is causing most of my anxiety. If that even makes sense, ???
Just typing/saying that I am no longer a "tower guy" has helped, I don't know if I didn't have the courage to admit it before or if I just couldn't see it. I guess seeing it is the best thing for me, dealing with it will be the next step. I essentially need to make a decision, a decision to disengage from my former career. As said before, a new door will open, I hope so.
Just typing/saying that I am no longer a "tower guy" has helped, I don't know if I didn't have the courage to admit it before or if I just couldn't see it. I guess seeing it is the best thing for me, dealing with it will be the next step. I essentially need to make a decision, a decision to disengage from my former career. As said before, a new door will open, I hope so.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I can relate.. A year ago was my cardiac bypass.. Holy **** has things changed... I feel better but can do less... Can't lift ****... Had do do all kinds of extra steps because I simply can't lift anything or hold things straight out in front of me... Adding the p!ow to my tractor, adding the cast iron table extension to my table saw... I got them done but dang...
Recently my niece, a cardiac RN... Sat with me and pretty much convinced me... This is who I am now... Deal with it... She used a lot more words... But that was the theme.
Recently my niece, a cardiac RN... Sat with me and pretty much convinced me... This is who I am now... Deal with it... She used a lot more words... But that was the theme.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
PP, definitely words to live by.
The two of you are making me feel like a whiner.
When I herniated L4 and L5 in my mid twenties, I started doing things differently. Then my arms/hands started taking a beating. All this time I have been acquiring things to make my life easier, I just need to start setting them up. I still do stupid things physically, but right now the mental aspects are showing physical symptoms.
When I herniated L4 and L5 in my mid twenties, I started doing things differently. Then my arms/hands started taking a beating. All this time I have been acquiring things to make my life easier, I just need to start setting them up. I still do stupid things physically, but right now the mental aspects are showing physical symptoms.
Orionrising
Well-known member
on the mechanicing side of things, did you say you were looking for a bigger bridge crane for the shop?
https://maine.craigslist.org/hvo/d/2-5ton-25-trolleys-rode-on-2/6337682443.html
https://maine.craigslist.org/hvo/d/2-5ton-25-trolleys-rode-on-2/6337682443.html
I think the one I have will probably be fine, my biggest hurdle is the central king height, if I remark the building, this problem will go away. That is a decent price for the size of it. I paid $1000 for mine, but it is an undermount style, so you lose some headroom.
Last night I got everything that needed to be put away, our away. I even filled in the hole from my loading attempt with the 5 Ton. I have to deal with the suburban body and chassis out front, not sure what I am going to do with those yet.
Last night I got everything that needed to be put away, our away. I even filled in the hole from my loading attempt with the 5 Ton. I have to deal with the suburban body and chassis out front, not sure what I am going to do with those yet.