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Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Mixed Grill - From London , England - GRIZZMAKES world

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Grizz1963

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Well guys.

Life moves on.

Quickest Real Time update.

Dennis and Adam offered us literally anyting to drive on part two of this trip.

From a very large 5th wheel Chevy Dually to GMC Cabalero, 80’s Chevy truck, Hellcat or Challenger.

We selected in stead the short Chevy Silverado.

After all, its a road trip.

So headed out in 10 minutes in this truck, headed to www.kelderman.com in Oskaloosa for a factory tour and also to pick up some stuff for Dennis’ Shell gas station before heading up to Ray in Monroe Iowa.





Later guys.

Will try post more tonight.
 

CraigRK

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Nice meeting you guys today.

Hi Yates. Equally great from this side. Thanks for taking time out of your day to show us around. I imagine we only scratched the surface, but there's some real good stuff going on there and some nice toys to boot...

As for the rest of you, thanks for following and stay tuned and we'll look to get the full updates through to you guys as soon as time allows...
 

yates

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Hi Yates. Equally great from this side. Thanks for taking time out of your day to show us around. I imagine we only scratched the surface, but there's some real good stuff going on there and some nice toys to boot...

As for the rest of you, thanks for following and stay tuned and we'll look to get the full updates through to you guys as soon as time allows...

Hi Craig,

I can send you links and such that will show you more on what we looked at. I don't want to bore you with it but if there is anything you want to know more about let me know. For now enjoy the rest of your trip as you guys seem to be having a blast.
 
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Grizz1963

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Hi Craig,

I can send you links and such that will show you more on what we looked at. I don't want to bore you with it but if there is anything you want to know more about let me know. For now enjoy the rest of your trip as you guys seem to be having a blast.

Hi Derek

As mentioned, thank you for putting time aside for us.


Please do post in all your links and photos on this thread as many readers are interested in a variety of subjects.

Include your video links please.





[quote author="@smokeem" source="/post/2446102/thread" timestamp="1536674647"]Is it time yet......[/quote]

Really sorry guys (girls)

We have been running non stop the whole time.

Sleep, Wake up, shower, brekkie and activities and then repeat

I hate being behind as it takes a lot of time upload all of thos stuff on the run.


Slept over in Monroe, Iowa last night after a grand BBQ dinner with Ray and Eve.

This morning Eve made us Cinnamon cake and a pot of coffee for breakfast as we declined a full cooked breakfast. The girl knows how to treat a man or tourist.

Today we were off early to Des Moines, Iowa 30 miles away for some random shopping.

Ray volunteered his 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville for the trip. 429 ci and around 350 eager horses.

He had insisted on both of taking it for a decent drive around town yesterday.

On the way home we stopped for a quick coffee at a service station.



Coffee time with Ray and Eve.

Thank you.



Headed down to Le Claire, Iowa on the Mississippi river later to get to the American Pickers’Antique Archeology store.

Later guys.
 
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Grizz1963

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Real time update.

10.30pm and we are in McComb, Illinois having beers, wings to be followed by ice cream and coffees.




Made it to Le Claire, Iowa at 17.30 before the American Pickers shop shut at 18.00





After this we mixed with the local Police department

Officer Tony Thomas assured me I would not be tazzered, despite Craig offering my substantial chest as a target.

So I tried to provoke him.

The guy outcooled Chuck Norris.

Trust me.




Headed back to our last hotel for the road trip later.


Off to Hannibal tomorrow via a few other stops then back to Wentzville and O’Fallon near Dennis’ place
 
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Grizz1963

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Back to the actual photodump and minimal reportage.......


After breakfast, the four of us bundled into the rental car V6 Impala which over the more than two thousand miles in our hands, had done exceptionally well.

We headed out to the town of Pairie Grove to hunting for various items in their antiques shops.

Sheriffs in town...



Like many places, the economy died years ago, and a few businesses have kept them afloat.

Looking for Zombies.



Found me some protection.



And bought it.



We all had a great time.

Multiple shops, many items.







Then out into the streets again and further down, Pawn shops.

Love them.



Guns.




Many.



Not keen on wearing it, but great to wind his wife and son up with.





Loads of these Antique stores have classics, and retro cars parked outside.



Found this fully functional, running C60 Recovery truck, with clean title for $2300.00

Absolutely worth it.

Craig was tempted.



Lovely plasma cut Shovel.



Semi Steampunk inspired, repurposed lamps.

Not cheap at all.



This was really cheap, but too bulky for the car.

So we eventually decided to call it a day and go find a Mexican Cantina as it was Taco Tuesday throughout Arkansas and Clem needed a Margarita

Two Tacos each and a large Margarita........


Pics to follow
 

Coolabah

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Rian, I have been watching American pickers out here, I am not sure what season it is but I luv the show.:thumbup:

Me too ! Thats the problem with having a TV in the shed I guess.... just love the way Danielle doesn't take any **** from Mike & Frank when they have a bad day, and comes up with a lot of good input into the business.

@Rian - guessing she wasn't at the store when you visited else you would have charmed her into a photo ?? What was the store like inside ???
 

CraigRK

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I will post the links in conjunction with your pics, Rian.

Great, thanks Yates. Remember, this thread is about the trip and everyone we meet, so you are as welcome to contribute as anyone else we meet!!
 

yates

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Ray's 66 looks nice. I looked for a 66 but ended up finding my 67.

My 67.
https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/36002886_10159331530057355_4131729427463667712_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=27c6ad88f20005b996b04a0f5ff543fb&oe=5BA76A65
 

AndrewHR

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Key for a good trip - plenty of fun check, plenty of down time erm... You should enjoy yourselves which you clearly are doing but you can overdo the rest so for my part I say relax a little and you have plenty of time to catch up on posts later

Sent from my SM-T719 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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Grizz1963

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Rian, I have been watching American pickers out here, I am not sure what season it is but I luv the show.:thumbup:

* See comment below.

Me too ! Thats the problem with having a TV in the shed I guess.... just love the way Danielle doesn't take any **** from Mike & Frank when they have a bad day, and comes up with a lot of good input into the business.

@Rian - guessing she wasn't at the store when you visited else you would have charmed her into a photo ?? What was the store like inside ???

* Sorry guys but it was a total disappointment.

I will report fully later on.

Ray's 66 looks nice. I looked for a 66 but ended up finding my 67.

My 67.
https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/36002886_10159331530057355_4131729427463667712_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=27c6ad88f20005b996b04a0f5ff543fb&oe=5BA76A65

Absolutely awesome

I really like that.

Key for a good trip - plenty of fun check, plenty of down time erm... You should enjoy yourselves which you clearly are doing but you can overdo the rest so for my part I say relax a little and you have plenty of time to catch up on posts later

Sent from my SM-T719 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Hi Andrew.

Thank you.

Will get to it eventually
 
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Grizz1963

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So to carry on with Tuesday

We went to Gabriellas for TacoTuesday. My first.






Clem getting on with it.





Tried this stuff.....

Phewww.



Some of the art in the place.









After a great break, we dragged ourselves away, and headed back to Fayetteville to Kim and Clems place.

I had been volunteered to cook dinner on the BBQ.
 
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Grizz1963

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After Taco Tuesday we headed back to the shop at wwww.tubatrucks.com for Clem to deliver some beers and he and Dennis to thresh out the details of the garage forecourt lamp shades they were dealing on for Dennis’ Shell gas station
As well as for him and Craig to do a deal on some very rare to us, parts for Craig’s fleet of Chevys and for Craig to find them in Clems stock inventory.
Because Craig is going original paint and patina with his cars, it’s not as easy as buying a bunch of reproduction parts as they are just too shiny.



While Craig was looking through his search inventory, I saw a random, unusual set of side trim that I personally have never seen before, I asked Clem about them, what they were from, and he had no idea.
The next day, before we left, he told me back at the shop, to go find them again in the store and take them, I tried to decline and also offer payment, both of which he declined.
So I now have a set of side badges that I have never seen before (clearly someone will know what it is from) that will be fitted to my fenders as I like stuff just a bit different.
Thank you Clem !!



After this we left the shop and headed home to do laundry, get dinner sorted.

Remember that Clem and Kim are on Airbnb with the shop and a large self contained unit at the house all being available for short of longer lease in Fayetteville, Arkansas

I was volunteered to do the steaks that Kim had been marinading for 24hours in good Texan/Cajun style.


Our BBQ area.





Dinner was absolutely perfect and as it done in the Johnson home, after dinner we sat at the kitchen table, talking, drinking and feeling good.

Especially when the Reverend joined the table.




Our Bounty from the day out......


Craig:





Grizz:




Next morning we were up early, said our goodbyes to Kim and all the cats at the house, then headed down to the shop to sort out Gus and Hugo and for Clem to set the guys up for their day tasks.

After which we headed to the Rolling Pin for a last breakfast before heading for Oklahoma



Selection was easy.






And then we were off.

It’s always bitter sweet leaving Clem and Kim as they are the most incredible hosts, as are everyone we meet on our travels, but I do feel a special kinship or brotherhood with Clem, he is a quiet soul who is always good for my head when I am back in England at my day job.

Next stop at Mike Losh for a quick drink and catch up.
 
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Grizz1963

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That green habanero hot sauce is legitimately dangerous. I'm sure there is hotter, but if you aren't prepared for it, you'll surely suffer. Thanks for helping us tag along for the ride!

Sent from my LG-H918 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Pleasure to have you along....

That sauce is HOT !!

I like Nando’s Hot, but this was blowing my head off.

The emblems...Chevy C 10 truck?


Correct.

It seems to be a one year only and possibly hood emblem for a 63.
 
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Grizz1963

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Headed toward Oklahoma via Siloam Springs where we briefly stopped in to see Mike Losh of Slosh Tubz fame, having touched and cleaned under his last SEMA build truck “Boosted Bertha” we needed to at least go mess with him.





His front reception area has mellons growing and some of these too.



While we were there we forced Dennis to sit in a Right hand drive car.......

All part of the road trip experience.

It may have made him feel a bit seasick.





Back in the shop with Mike.



Drinks for the road.



Then we were all out and the post man took a photo for us.

Thanks for the license plates Mike, good to see you again.

Back on the road we looked out for junk or antique stores as we all had agendas for stuff to find.

So we stopped at a few shops, including this one.



I have been looking for a pair or a single genuine, not reproduction horse riding spur for years to hang on my mantle piece above my fire place.

In this shop there was a lovely looking pair...... there was no price, so the lady managing the shop called the seller and got a price of $50.00 and I overheard her saying to the shopkeeper that her friend had told her they were worth $500.00

This pi$$ed me off instantly as I had taken a close look and realised the leather had never worked, and they were pretty certainly lovely reproduction items.

So I walked out, still no spur(s) to hang on my wall.



Detail.




PS.

Clems garage cat.

From feral to best buddy.

 
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Grizz1963

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Through Tulsa we went in afternoon rush hour to Andy “Oldironfarmer” https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334140 on his farm.

Part of the attraction was melting metal with Andy and casting hammers and trivets or other items.

We had taken some copper cable, crushed beer cans and smashed aluminium wheels for Andy to add to his stockpile of raw materials for casting.



When we got there, we were greeted by Andy, Sharon his bride and Hershey, Cali his dogs and the neighbors dog.

Then a grand tour of the treasure site.

How many people have a Caboose in their back yard.





Chevy Suburban had Craig all excited, who needs one when you can have two.





Late 1930’s Ford truck.





So many good running, original paint tractors and then some restored examples.



Then around to the forge and following that the furnace area where the melting metal and castin happens.

These two 1954 Chevys got my attention pronto.

I would be happy to have one of these in England too.




We will do a full separate, technical thread on some of Andy’s metal work as it is loaded with photos and technical data that Craig can describe more accurately


After an afternoon of Andy teaching us some of the alchemy of Sand casting and Lost Foam casting we melted loads of aluminium as well as making Alu-Bronze castings. More about this next report.

I was again volunteered to convert some of Andy’s herd of cows into 100% pure handmade beef burgers.

You really can taste the difference.






More in a while.
 
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Grizz1963

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So before we got to Andy, he had made up a Lost foam casting blank.

Cut out Joy’s name and added a funnel ( I am certain there is a more correct description for that)

It also gets covered in order to protect the sandy sides of the casting.



Out to the casting area.



Then into the dry sand casting bucket, covered in sand which is compacted with a pneumatic ********.



After preparing the foam mound, we filled the crucible with beer cans and aluminium window frame extrusions.



Using old engine oil and a leaf Blower to generate most of the heat, followed by a short blast of pure Propane gas before removing the slag and casting.





Eventually the casting is made by pouring the 1000’C red hot molten aluminium into the cast, burning away the foam, leaving only the casting.



The. Spraying it clean.



Along with some hammer heads Andy cast at the same tim.

All of these still needed trimming and cleaning up.

So all the excess material is cut off on the band daw and then hand worked and machine polished.








If you look closely, you will see the smaller indents with Joy’s name on the front face.



And another Andy Martin piece ready to be shipped out

Thank you Andy



So with the sand casting, to be discussed next, you can copy badges like these extremely closely.



Bedtime now.

Flying out of St Louis tomorrow to Philadelphia and then London.
 
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Grizz1963

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WOW! You make that look like a cool place.:lol_hitti

I like seeing it through your eyes.:)

Thank you.

And thanks for taking the time to stop by.:thumbup:

Certainly is a cool place.

And I would recommend for anyone to make the effort to stop by, even if it is just to grab a drink from your dispenser.

Once I have completed the posts on this thread, I will try copy and paste the whole visit as one entry into your thread as well.

Andy yours is cool place and you have been hiding stuff from us.:thumbup:
Rian it looks like you have had a top day.:thumbup:

We had two top days.

And certainly too much to do and see and learn there for a day or even a week.

We never made brooms, or socks which Andy offered for us to do as well.

fantastic stuff, well done boys.

and good work rian for not dropping slag on your foot

GB

Ahh yes, our open feet.

Andy keeps a sensible, intelligent eye on the whole operation too, so we were safe.
 
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Grizz1963

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Before we went to bed Andy and Sharon’s daughter came around with a freshly baked, still warm tray of cinnamon rolls as he expected a few more guests for the next day to cast and drool over all of his cars, tractors and trucks.
I missed out on photographing many of his various toys, both vintage and Hotrod as we were so busy in the casting and melting Department which is hugely interesting.
If you want to see more about Andy’s various toys and projects, including the cattle, animals and his Auction wins go to his thread here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334140

Unfortunately most of the guys did not make it, due to jobs, pet injuries etc.

These were exceptional



Back to casting metals.

Preparing your mould is the most important part of the job.

You build a negative of what you want, in two halves, create channels for the molten metal to run in and fill the cavity, hopefully leaving you with a final product without flaws.
Metals respond very differently to contaminants, temperature and preparation. Some take a lot more heat to get to working temperature etc.

Dennis chose to make an Alu-Bronze trivet for Deb (Debbie)

Once the negative it prepared, it goes into a half mould, gets talcum powder as releasing agent, but you have to brush the excess off to prevent dulling of the casting. It really becomes an art of preparation.
In the mean time the furnace gets fed with metal, to create the pour.

Dennis sifting the green sand over the pattern before compacting it in a three step process, followed by scrapping flat, turning over and removing the negative pattern carefully.
In this process grains of sand can make a difference in outcome.



Every letter gets removed next.

Followed by making the pouring side in a separate box with a pouring channel from the outside and spruces leading in to get an even distribution of metal.



In the mean time, Craig was working in the woodworking and foam area to create some gifts for his family (details later as his is a surprise and his family may be following the thread)

Cutting foam on a hot wire for casting.



Once fully prepped they would be put in the bucket and processed like JOY was done.



While various things happen there are more jobs to do, in order to keep enjoying the hobby.

Here we are using a pneumatic trammel to separate dirt from the casting sand so it can be used again.

Another clever Andy innovation.



The rain continued, as it had all week, but we were semi indoors, so the mosquitos and rain was less of a problem.

Some more of Andys future projects.

Interestingly, rust is not much of a problem on these older vehicles.

Having been in the oil industry, many of Andy’s vehicles came from there too.









More in a while.
 
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CraigRK

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Ray's 66 looks nice. I looked for a 66 but ended up finding my 67.

My 67.
https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/36002886_10159331530057355_4131729427463667712_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=27c6ad88f20005b996b04a0f5ff543fb&oe=5BA76A65

Yates, that's a lovely machine, pity we didn't see it in person.

Key for a good trip - plenty of fun check, plenty of down time erm... You should enjoy yourselves which you clearly are doing but you can overdo the rest so for my part I say relax a little and you have plenty of time to catch up on posts later

Sent from my SM-T719 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Thanks for the feedback. We've been heeding some of that advice and getting rest rather than bleary eyed updates. But there is a still a whole lot to squeeze into everyday.

I thought Craig looked right in place with the cowboy hat. We should have had some manure on his boots.

I actually quite liked it, but I doubt I'd really have much use for it back in England, so passed.

That green habanero hot sauce is legitimately dangerous. I'm sure there is hotter, but if you aren't prepared for it, you'll surely suffer. Thanks for helping us tag along for the ride!

Sent from my LG-H918 using The Garage Journal mobile app

I'm glad I steered clear then, as I find pepper to be spicy enough. As being along for the ride, glad to have you...

While we were there we forced Dennis to sit in a Right hand drive car.......

All part of the road trip experience.

It may have made him feel a bit seasick.




WOW! You make that look like a cool place.:lol_hitti

I like seeing it through your eyes.:)

Thank you.

And thanks for taking the time to stop by.:thumbup:

Andy, it is SUPER COOL. We've commented on numerous occasions that if we'd had the time we could have spent a week with you and still barely scratched the surface. Thanks for everything. We'll stay in touch.
 

CraigRK

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Hi again,

Quick update from the road. We’re heading from St Louis to London via Philadelphia, so currently enjoying the delights that the Philly International Airport has the offer.

All was going well on the flight from St. Louis with us sharing 3 seats between the two of us, except as usual, Grizz just wouldn’t stop talking.




 

jagwinn

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Location
Virden, Illinois
Hi again,
Quick update from the road. We’re heading from St Louis to London via Philadelphia, so currently enjoying the delights that the Philly International Airport has the offer.


I find your posting most enjoyable. I like reading when the writer takes time to compose his post.
I for one am glad that Grizz introduced you to Garage Journal and will start following your posts as well.
John:thumbup:
 

CraigRK

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Messages
27
Hi again,
Quick update from the road. We’re heading from St Louis to London via Philadelphia, so currently enjoying the delights that the Philly International Airport has the offer.

I find your posting most enjoyable. I like reading when the writer takes time to compose his post.
I for one am glad that Grizz introduced you to Garage Journal and will start following your posts as well.
John:thumbup:

Thanks John. I'm afraid I'm a bit OCD about some things (as Grizz will attest having spent two weeks on the road with me) and I guess this sometimes shows through.

I don't tend to post too much as I tend to disappear into work or family life for months on end, and then you get a spurt of verbage (or garbage) again.

Glad you're enjoying being along for the ride!!!
 

djones1a

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Wright city Mo.
WOW! You make that look like a cool place.:lol_hitti

I like seeing it through your eyes.:)

Thank you.

And thanks for taking the time to stop by.:thumbup:

You have a very cool place there Andy.Was glad to be able to tag along with Grizz and Craig. One thing i noticed is you not only figured out how to do casting, but you made all the tools to do it with. Really enjoyed the time we got to spend you. I might have even learned a thing or two. Thanks again!
 
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