quadrcr87
Well-known member
Nice work on the garage! I like the simple color scheme.
Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT My simple two car garage
- Thread starter dislexiclawyer
- Start date
Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
I made this post from my iPad in a hotel room so bear with me. I may need to re-host some photos. The ones uploaded with the imgur app look like trash, and something is jacked up with the sizing.
I made the decision to rearrange the workbenches and cabinets. I was initially looking at the Craftsman wall cabinets, but I couldn’t find them in the gray and black color scheme anymore. I looked at the Masterforce brand from Menards and they seemed like decent quality, especially for the price. I also liked the single door design, so I ordered 3 of them with matching door pulls. The green color accents these come with stock is not my favorite. I also got a few more panels of the Wall Control pegboard in the horizontal configuration.
Here is the space with the benches and cabinets moved, with the original pegboard still hung.
New cabinet after assembly. These actually go together pretty neat. The side walls fold out to form the box. The only pieces that need to be attached are the top, bottom, and shelf. As you can see, the logos didn’t stay on for long.
A wall full of pegboard.
Cabinets up.
Starting to organize everything.
I found some nice slim led lights on amazon that worked out well. They are linkable and are activated by a motion sensor.
And I did some wire management. It was nice having the old Craftsman pegboard back wall to hide wires behind, but this will be much more functional. Easier to get to the wires and such too. I have a new USB adapter for the Bluetooth speaker that will clean it up some more.
All done. I think this looks a lot more cohesive than before. While I would prefer everything to the the same design and manufacturer, I am very pleased with the change. Now I have all of my detailing supplies in one place, and a bunch of room to expand storage in the full size cabinets.
I made the decision to rearrange the workbenches and cabinets. I was initially looking at the Craftsman wall cabinets, but I couldn’t find them in the gray and black color scheme anymore. I looked at the Masterforce brand from Menards and they seemed like decent quality, especially for the price. I also liked the single door design, so I ordered 3 of them with matching door pulls. The green color accents these come with stock is not my favorite. I also got a few more panels of the Wall Control pegboard in the horizontal configuration.
Here is the space with the benches and cabinets moved, with the original pegboard still hung.
New cabinet after assembly. These actually go together pretty neat. The side walls fold out to form the box. The only pieces that need to be attached are the top, bottom, and shelf. As you can see, the logos didn’t stay on for long.
A wall full of pegboard.
Cabinets up.
Starting to organize everything.
I found some nice slim led lights on amazon that worked out well. They are linkable and are activated by a motion sensor.
And I did some wire management. It was nice having the old Craftsman pegboard back wall to hide wires behind, but this will be much more functional. Easier to get to the wires and such too. I have a new USB adapter for the Bluetooth speaker that will clean it up some more.
All done. I think this looks a lot more cohesive than before. While I would prefer everything to the the same design and manufacturer, I am very pleased with the change. Now I have all of my detailing supplies in one place, and a bunch of room to expand storage in the full size cabinets.
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
I had posted about this a while back and didn't seem to get much interest, but a post I made on the Obsessed Garage Facebook page got quite a few replies so I thought I would cross-post here too.
I have recently been getting more interested and serious about detailing. However, my water quality here in central Missouri is very hard. The house is on a water softener, but we only have 1 hydrant/spigot, which is between the water meter and the entry to the house. So no soft water for car washes. I was getting tired of needing to wash our dark colored cars near either sunset or sunrise to avoid calcium spots from water drying in the sun. Having to drag out a gas pressure washer from the shed out back was always a motivation killer too.
I found some reviews on the CR Spotless system (Trevor from Motion Auto TV talked about the pressure washer solution OG put together for him), and it seemed to be exactly what I needed to combat water spots. The DI-120 system caught my eye. Both because of its lower price, and thin form factor compared to the other dual canister units.
Then I found the Karcher 1700 pressure washer, which seemed to check most of the boxes for what I needed in a pressure washer. My gas pressure washer pushes too many GPM, where the CR Spotless system can apparently only handle 2 GPM. I also wanted one single mobile car washing solution to pull out of the garage and plug a hose into. I didn't want to have to drag out and connect a bunch of different components, then find somewhere in the garage to store them.
All of this was done before I found Matt's many videos on pressure washer testing. My research would have been cut way down if I had seen them beforehand. I had alway been a casual viewer of the channel, but now I wish I had gone down the rabbit hole sooner. I ended up mounting the CR Spotless system inside the Karcher unit. I made some extensions out of kydex (often used for making holsters), for the rear/bottom cross brace and riveted it back on to make room for the CR canister. I used 2 of the 4 mounting points on the top of the CR system to mount to the handle of the pressure washer. I made a makeshift washer out of some more kydex for some added durability at the screw holes. I made a spacer to fill in the gap at the bottom, and it is a stout setup. It doesn't move at all. The pressure washer handle has quick release tabs for shipping/ portability, so for servicing all I need to do is pop off the handle and I can change out the resin in the CR system. I trimmed the storage bin to fit back in, and I cut off the top of the soap container for more storage since I never add soap directly to a pressure washer.
I added a bunch of M22 quick release fittings for the pressure washer, and over time have added quick release fittings for my garden hose, sprinkler, and my other hose accessories. I was wanting a shorter hose to connect the CR system and the Karcher, but 3 feet or 1 foot were all I could really find in short lengths, so I used a 3 foot hose. I only put quick disconnects on the inlet side to the pressure washer. I did this to fill wash buckets from the CR system, and if for some reason I had a small washing project where I didn't need filtered water, I can bypass the system.
Over time, as I get more involved with washing and detailing, I will see how my Amazon sourced pressure washer gun, foam cannon, and accessories do. We will see if they warrant an upgrade to an MTM system and new hoses, or if they will meet my needs. It would be nice to upgrade, but that money can be better spent on other projects.
I have been doing more updating to the garage here lately too. I added 1 more light fixture in the center of the garage for more even light distribution. I also changed over from florescent to LED bulbs. I think my lighting situation is finally done.
I have been rearranging my fast-track hangers on the walls too to optimize space. I will do a round of touchup painting this spring from the walls being beat up, and to prevent it from happening anymore I just cut up some hollow pool noodles as a bumper for the wall. Maybe this summer I will find some in a different color scheme, but it works well.
I have also decided to bite the bullet and get some nice cabinets. Not that my pieced together Craftsman and Menards stuff is bad, but a nice array of New Age cabinets would be nicer. This will be either late spring or summer depending on timing of some more house projects.
And finally, what I am most excited about. I did a thing....
I have recently been getting more interested and serious about detailing. However, my water quality here in central Missouri is very hard. The house is on a water softener, but we only have 1 hydrant/spigot, which is between the water meter and the entry to the house. So no soft water for car washes. I was getting tired of needing to wash our dark colored cars near either sunset or sunrise to avoid calcium spots from water drying in the sun. Having to drag out a gas pressure washer from the shed out back was always a motivation killer too.
I found some reviews on the CR Spotless system (Trevor from Motion Auto TV talked about the pressure washer solution OG put together for him), and it seemed to be exactly what I needed to combat water spots. The DI-120 system caught my eye. Both because of its lower price, and thin form factor compared to the other dual canister units.
Then I found the Karcher 1700 pressure washer, which seemed to check most of the boxes for what I needed in a pressure washer. My gas pressure washer pushes too many GPM, where the CR Spotless system can apparently only handle 2 GPM. I also wanted one single mobile car washing solution to pull out of the garage and plug a hose into. I didn't want to have to drag out and connect a bunch of different components, then find somewhere in the garage to store them.
All of this was done before I found Matt's many videos on pressure washer testing. My research would have been cut way down if I had seen them beforehand. I had alway been a casual viewer of the channel, but now I wish I had gone down the rabbit hole sooner. I ended up mounting the CR Spotless system inside the Karcher unit. I made some extensions out of kydex (often used for making holsters), for the rear/bottom cross brace and riveted it back on to make room for the CR canister. I used 2 of the 4 mounting points on the top of the CR system to mount to the handle of the pressure washer. I made a makeshift washer out of some more kydex for some added durability at the screw holes. I made a spacer to fill in the gap at the bottom, and it is a stout setup. It doesn't move at all. The pressure washer handle has quick release tabs for shipping/ portability, so for servicing all I need to do is pop off the handle and I can change out the resin in the CR system. I trimmed the storage bin to fit back in, and I cut off the top of the soap container for more storage since I never add soap directly to a pressure washer.
I added a bunch of M22 quick release fittings for the pressure washer, and over time have added quick release fittings for my garden hose, sprinkler, and my other hose accessories. I was wanting a shorter hose to connect the CR system and the Karcher, but 3 feet or 1 foot were all I could really find in short lengths, so I used a 3 foot hose. I only put quick disconnects on the inlet side to the pressure washer. I did this to fill wash buckets from the CR system, and if for some reason I had a small washing project where I didn't need filtered water, I can bypass the system.
Over time, as I get more involved with washing and detailing, I will see how my Amazon sourced pressure washer gun, foam cannon, and accessories do. We will see if they warrant an upgrade to an MTM system and new hoses, or if they will meet my needs. It would be nice to upgrade, but that money can be better spent on other projects.
I have been doing more updating to the garage here lately too. I added 1 more light fixture in the center of the garage for more even light distribution. I also changed over from florescent to LED bulbs. I think my lighting situation is finally done.
I have been rearranging my fast-track hangers on the walls too to optimize space. I will do a round of touchup painting this spring from the walls being beat up, and to prevent it from happening anymore I just cut up some hollow pool noodles as a bumper for the wall. Maybe this summer I will find some in a different color scheme, but it works well.
I have also decided to bite the bullet and get some nice cabinets. Not that my pieced together Craftsman and Menards stuff is bad, but a nice array of New Age cabinets would be nicer. This will be either late spring or summer depending on timing of some more house projects.
And finally, what I am most excited about. I did a thing....
QUIKSVT
Well-known member
Nice Lightning! I have a couple myself.
amkluttz
Well-known member
I use an older 1500 PSI Karcher and have had very good luck with it. I don't have hard water and don't use a filtration system but the low PSI Karcher seems to fit the bill nicely.
I've tried watching his video's but end up falling asleep every time. The video's seem a bit monotone and I just can't get through them. I end up watching Apex Detail and Dallas Paint Correction. Scott from DPC has a lot of good videos about trying different products that won't break the bank but he can be long-winded and repeats himself. He also started a product line and I fear we won't be getting many more videos on low cost products anymore. Once one of these guys starts a product line that's all they seem to push, which is a shame.
That's a very nice setup! I wouldn't throw money at upgrading a foam cannon. I've had mine for roughly 3 years and paid $20 for it on Amazon. I've had no issues out of it. My friend decided to drive 30 minutes to a local (to me) Detail Garage to spend $$$ on one of their foam cannons.
I went with this pressure washer gun and have had no issues out of it either. It's cheap, does the job and I like the slightly longer wand length with the attached spray nozzles. I also purchased a 50' hose from Amazon and have been happy with it.
Nice Lightning! Did it replace the Tacoma?
dubber
Well-known member
Garage looks great. And i've always loved those f150 lighting editions. 
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
Very nice.
I won't be taking mine to the strip, but I do have some fun plans for it.I have a gas pressure washer for heavy duty stuff. The Karcher seems to be perfect for washing cars. I was the same way with the OG channel at first. I watch more of the project videos nowadays rather than the wash and talks. My wife made fun of me for sitting through his series on the Tool Grid products he has started to carry. So far all of my Amazon washing components have worked fine. I have a bunch of stuff from that Chinese Twinklestar company too.
I actually sold the Tacoma a year or so ago and replaced it with an older GMC Sierra since I hardly drove it. The Lightning replaced the GMC.
Garage looks great. And i've always loved those f150 lighting editions.
Thanks! I have always loved these trucks too. I have always said if I ever got a "sports car" it would be a Lightning.
QUIKSVT
Well-known member
What’s your plans for the Lightning?
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
I don't plan on going too crazy. It will mainly be a weekend cruiser since my daily is paid for by the state. I am mostly looking at restoration to make it super clean. It only has 76,000 miles, so it's in great shape for a 1999. I have already added a double DIN stereo from Kenwood with their add-on dash cam. I need to fine tune the sound still, and want to eventually add some sound deadening.
It is straight piped currently, so I plan on changing the exhaust to a Bassani catted mid-pipe and cat-back exhaust. It will help with drone and look much nicer. Then I need a good exterior and interior detail. Most everything else is cosmetic. Re-paint the billet grilles, restore the plastic trim, restore/replace the faded headlights. I will do a low profile tonneau cover, and will either do some Raptor Liner or a Bedrug if I can find one.
QUIKSVT
Well-known member
Sounds good. The Bedrugs are awesome, I’ve had them in both my 99 & 01. Don’t know if they make them anymore for them. I know they don’t for my 94. If you want to wake it up, 4-6 lb pulley, Dyno tune & upgrade the maf and cooler plugs. Also a valvebody rebuild or you can buy them to swap. Back in the day with these little mods was the funnest the trucks were. They were reliable since not on the raging edge of eating plugs or popping a head gasket. Have fun with it and don’t cheap out on crappy fuel. Btw change your fuel filter at least once a year.
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
They don't make the Bedrug anymore, I have already checked. I'll have to wait for one to pop up online that isn't a million dollars. I don't know how much engine work I will do, but a dyno tune is definitely in the cards. I only run 93 in the truck. Interesting you mention the fuel filter though. That was actually on my list of maintenance items today, but the last one installed had too short of barbs for the fuel lines, and it won't come off. Fun times.
QUIKSVT
Well-known member
Best place to check for the bedrug would be on Lightningrodder.com
OP
dislexiclawyer
Well-known member
I am slowly making a dent in my list of projects on the Lighting with all of this social distancing going on. I am only working 3 12 hour shifts a week, so I have a ton of time at home. Today I decided to detail the interior. I gave it a good vacuum after I bought it, but there were some minor stains, and the seats were getting pills in the high wear areas.
I "shaved" the pills, and used some all purpose cleaner and a boars hair brush to clean the area. I was still left with some minor staining on the seats because I didn't want to get too aggressive cleaning them. I might research some Alcantara cleaner to try. I cleaned the plastics and dash, and coated in 303's Aerospace protectant. I used some APC on the carpets and floor mats, ran over them with a drill brush, and vacuumed them dry. I also did the exterior plastic trim with 303 in preparation for polishing later this week.
Before and after of the driver seat. I probably could have done some light sanding, but it is much better.
Before and after of the passenger seat. It is a bad before picture, but this one came out better than the driver side.
All done!
Before and after 303:
I "shaved" the pills, and used some all purpose cleaner and a boars hair brush to clean the area. I was still left with some minor staining on the seats because I didn't want to get too aggressive cleaning them. I might research some Alcantara cleaner to try. I cleaned the plastics and dash, and coated in 303's Aerospace protectant. I used some APC on the carpets and floor mats, ran over them with a drill brush, and vacuumed them dry. I also did the exterior plastic trim with 303 in preparation for polishing later this week.
Before and after of the driver seat. I probably could have done some light sanding, but it is much better.
Before and after of the passenger seat. It is a bad before picture, but this one came out better than the driver side.
All done!
Before and after 303: