Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[Hugo L.]

With the Covid-19 hysteria, I’m not sure anything will happen anywhere this year...

 

[BB767]

With the Covid-19 hysteria, I’m not sure anything will happen anywhere this year...

The Bonneville event isn't a real spectator event per say, it takes place in a very hot environment and it's in mid-August.



There's a lot of space out there so social distancing can easily be accomplished.

Officials are for now, fairly confident it take place as scheduled, Aug. 8th-14th, 2020. Still posted on the SCTA web site: http://www.scta-bni.org/

Fingers crossed Thomas

 

[HOTFR8]

Fingers crossed Thomas

They cancelled the DLRA event this year just as all this started. The Doctors and Fire Crews pulled out so the event could not go ahead as that also meant no insurance. If some one had the virus all would be stuck at the lake for two weeks and Lake Gairdner would be real isolation. I sure hope that does not happen with Bonneville.

 

[Slotblog]

First post here but I've been following this thread with interest and admiration for a long time.

As your posts about your Route 66 trip seem popular, thought about posting a link to my trip blog about buying a stock 1930 Model A Tudor in Oregon in late 2014 and drving it home to Atlanta!

I'd say we had as nice an adventure as you did, but I will also claim to be a little braver (or more foolish?) than your older car driving companions. You see, the Model A had been restored more than 40 years earlier and had accumulated just 1,536 miles since that time. Forty-year old tires, too!

Now I see, as a newbie, I can't post a link here until I've made four more posts...

Let me know if anyone does have any interest in my crazy trip. We were on the road for three weeks and three days and visited a bunch of interesting places. Took and posted a lot of pictures, too.

 

[Slotblog]

Tom, one of the things I really regret was not meeting you at the 2015 Vintage Indy Festival at the Speedway. Didn't know you were there until after it was over.

I crewed for Scott ****'s yellow 1970 Indy Lights Dallara and tented-camped in the parking lot right behind the tower, next to the big Jaguar display.

 

[tkbowman]

I read Slotblog's account of his trip, and it's certainly worthy of a read. Lots of adventure and nice expressions of kindness from Model A devotees.

 

[MG David]

I would be interested in reading that if there was a link or address to go to.

 

[Slotblog]

I gotta make a couple of more posts before I am allowed to post a link here.

But first I wanted to make sure Tom was OK with me posting the link.

it is, after all, his long-running thread...

 

[Slotblog]

BTW, my avatar is the car I drove from Oregon to Atlanta, shown after I replaced the awful-looking sealed beam headlights it had when I purchased it.

 

[CrocBox]

I gotta make a couple of more posts before I am allowed to post a link here.

But first I wanted to make sure Tom was OK with me posting the link.

it is, after all, his long-running thread...

Perhaps a new thread is appropriate?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Slotblog]

It would be off-topic for this forum, wouldn't it?

Anyone who'd like the link is certainly free to PM me for it.

 

[BB767]

I'm a bit late posting in here and I do apologize for that Slotblog. It would have been fun to meet you at Indy, 2015. Our paddock is always near the medical center, inside of turn 1. Hopefully another time.

Absolutely feel free to post a link to your adventure when you are able. We're all auto enthusiast of all stripes here. I know I for one would really enjoy reading about it. I love road trip after all and what's not to like about Model A's?! I have several friends who own them and they stop by the shop on a semi regular basis.



I've driven them and assisted working on them in the old shop...



...on a Rotary Lift designed and manufactured just as Model A's were being born!

This is the 3rd year for establishing the lawn after the house construction...














...and it's finally filling in nicely. Every day this spring I've been working outside when the weather permits. I'm moving Mrs Johnson's flowers and plants to save them. Sometimes also thinking of Mr Johnson and wishing I could share it with him. It is glorious here!

Also I've got project creep going on right now. While servicing the headlight motors in the Corvette convertible, I've expanded the service work to include replacing all the 50+ year old original wiring harnesses in the engine compartment. To do that properly I need to remove the front bumpers. I'll going to start on project this morning. Stand by, never a dull moment!

Welcome to our gang Slotblog!

Thomas

 

[Slotblog]

Thanks, Tom.

Let's see if I've made the requesite number of posts to be able to put a link up.

The link below goes to page 2 of my daily trip blog from late 2014 (hosted at my hobby website). Start at the bottom with the thread titled "You're crazy to think about doing that!" and read backwards for best chronology.

Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Ford

On dawn patrol in Idaho...



Still have the car but don't drive it much in the insane Atlanta traffic due to the stock mechanical brakes...

 

[Slotblog]

Hmmm, hoped my pic in the post above would display larger than a thumbnail. What am I doing wrong here?

 

[TR6SR650]

From my screen, you didn't do anything wrong. I just clicked on the thumbnail and I got a larger image.

 

[Slotblog]

Yes, I know the thumbnail image will open if you click on it.

I was hoping the image attachment would display larger as do the pics Tom attached to his post immediately above, and in most of the other posts in this thread. If there's a way to do that, I haven't figured it out yet, so thought I'd ask rather than continue to try to suss it out on my own. I run a forum like this one but it's not on the same software platform.

 

[BB767]

Yes, I know the thumbnail image will open if you click on it.

I was hoping the image attachment would display larger as do the pics Tom attached to his post immediately above, and in most of the other posts in this thread. If there's a way to do that, I haven't figured it out yet, so thought I'd ask rather than continue to try to suss it out on my own. I run a forum like this one but it's not on the same software platform.

Slotblog I size my pictures 800 X 600 to get them full size on a page. I'm also using Photobucket. If I just used my computer to host them, they'd come out small like yours in a post. I've checked with Ryan who owns Garage Journal, and he is leaving his software platform as is. I went through a whole slew of different ways to host pictures within GJ and the only way I've found that works well here is using Photobucket. I'm not a big fan of Photobucket but it does work for me.

Thanks for the links, looking forward to reading about your trip. Drive a Model A in Atlanta traffic; never, never , never!!

Thomas

 

[HOTFR8]

Does that help?

 

[Slotblog]

Yes, thank you.

I prefer to upload images, rather than host them elsewhere. Is the problem that I needed to resize the image to a specific maximum (or less) size before attaching it? Inspecting the source code, it seems the image in your post is still attached and not linked from elsewhere. Educate an old guy please... LOL.

I detest Photobucket, as when they dropped their free hosting, we lost a lot of images in older posts on my forum.

 

[Bob Heine]

Yes, thank you.

I prefer to upload images, rather than host them elsewhere. Is the problem that I needed to resize the image to a specific maximum (or less) size before attaching it? Inspecting the source code, it seems the image in your post is still attached and not linked from elsewhere. Educate an old guy please... LOL.

I detest Photobucket, as when they dropped their free hosting, we lost a lot of images in older posts on my forum.

Slotblog, I am sure there are better ways but this works for me:

1. Upload the image(s) to your post on Garage Journal.
2. Preview the post.
3. Click on the thumbnail and copy (Ctrl-C) full-size image.
4. Go back to you edit window and paste (Ctrl-V) the full size image in the spot you want it. (If you put it in the middle of text the image will be offset.)

I liked Photobucket until they decided to ransom my photos. I wouldn't go back to them even if they returned to the 'free' model.

 

[Slotblog]

Thank you, Bob. I'll give that a try.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Gj is a pitb to post pics to.

 

[HOTFR8]

Yes, thank you.

I prefer to upload images, rather than host them elsewhere. Is the problem that I needed to resize the image to a specific maximum (or less) size before attaching it? Inspecting the source code, it seems the image in your post is still attached and not linked from elsewhere. Educate an old guy please... LOL.

I detest Photobucket, as when they dropped their free hosting, we lost a lot of images in older posts on my forum.

You can host images here on the GJ in your own album. All I did was click on the image to enlarge it, then copied the image address to post here.

We have taken Thomas's topic off topic by doing this here so in future try in the Test section of the forum or ask in the Questions and Suggestion section. Many here will be willing to help and glad I could help as that is a great photo you shared.

 

[MG David]

Thomas, we all suffer from project creep. Changing the trust washers in my MGB's diff recently turned into painting the inside of the boot. The link being I removed the fuel tank to make it easier to remove the diff from the back of the axle and the tank bolts through the boot floor.
Lovely garden by the way.

 

[Slotblog]

We have taken Thomas's topic off-topic by doing this here...

True and my apologies. I did quite a bit of searching at GJ and elsewhere before posting the question in this thread. I'll delete my off-topc posts.

... that is a great photo you shared.

Thanks. My 'worm' for rising early that day.

 

[HOTFR8]

True and my apologies. I did quite a bit of searching at GJ and elsewhere before posting the question in this thread. I'll delete my off-topc posts.



Thanks. My 'worm' for rising early that day.

You may have taken the topic off topic but by deleteing them we have lost much of the information you have shared to this topic and in doing so the topic continuity is lost. I have put the posts back as I know Thomas would want that.
Just keep it in mind for future reference.

 

[Slotblog]

You're the boss... and will do.

Thank you.

 

[HOTFR8]

You're the boss... and will do.

Thank you.

Not the boss and all I do is just try to keep the forum working as it should.

 

[BB767]

.........I have put the posts back as I know Thomas would want that.
.........

Not the boss and all I do is just try to keep the forum working as it should.

Quite correct Simon, I'm glad you restored those posts. I'm sure many here will find them helpful. I am grateful to you and all the moderators who work so hard, quietly behind the scenes, all for our benefit.



And I'm going to miss the opportunity to spend a little more time with you than we had at Bonneville last year. You traveled so far and I'm so sorry the rainy weather put a damper on the event. Another time my friend!

Thomas

 

[kbuhagiar]

Quite correct Simon, I'm glad you restored those posts. I'm sure many here will find them helpful. I am grateful to you and all the moderators who work so hard, quietly behind the scenes, all for our benefit.



And I'm going to miss the opportunity to spend a little more time with you than we had at Bonneville last year. You traveled so far and I'm so sorry the rainy weather put a damper on the event. Another time my friend!

Thomas

Thomas,

Thanks for posting that picture. It's always nice to put a face to the name!

 

[BB767]

Hi everyone. I just got this email from the SCTA and wanted to pass it along for those who might be going to Bonneville this year.

Thomas



SCTA Southern California Timing Association


Speed Week Update #1 – 5/7/2020:

We had one major choice in front of us this year concerning the Bonneville National’s Speed Week 2020. Should we keep our plans in motion or should we stop and cancel it due to Covid19?

After much discussion, we have decided to proceed with our plans and we hope by August we will have a better handle on safety. It is now the beginning of May and we are still uncertain, but pushing ahead. The volunteer lists are in place and entries are coming in. Safety and management is our top priority.

The SCTA & BNI remain optimistic, but we understand that this year more than any in recent history has given us many hurdles to overcome. Generally, our most pressing concern would be the salt condition, but this year our first concern is the virus and safety.

We are currently discussing and making plans on how to keep everyone protected. This includes the racers, crew, spectators and of course our long list of volunteers.

As we move forward, each and every individual will have to carefully weigh the risk factor for themselves and others in their crew. Everyone must understand what we are up against and they need to make their own personal decision on whether to attend or not. “Social Distancing” is now a part of our daily lives, that plus good old common sense will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.

We will keep everyone updated. At this point, Bonneville Speed Week is still a Go until we have a definitive No Go from the state of Utah or other sources. We cannot forecast when or if we will have to change plans.

Until then, we hope to see you on the salt.

Pat McDowell
BNI Chairman

Bill Lattin
SCTA President

 

[rmalkow2]

As good of news regarding Speed Week as we can expect right now. Thanks much Thomas for sharing this letter. We will continue to hope for the best.

Bob

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Alright - I just threw together a recap of Thomas's Route 66 adventures to post on another forum for a person who was going to plan their Route 66 trip. Here is the rundown. I think I caught all of them.

Starts on pg 588 - post 11744
pg 600 - post 11997 - Joliet IL, to Cuba, MO
pg 601 - post 12001 - Cuba, MO to Carthage, MO
Post - 12006 - Carthage, MO to Tulsa, OK
Post 12011 - Tulsa, OK to Shamrock, TX
Post 12020 - Amarillo, TX to Tucumcari, NM
Pg 602 - Post 12025 - Burma Shave signage
Post 12032 - Santa Rosa, NM to Painted Desert (Seligman), AZ
Post 12037 - Seligman, AZ
Pg 603 - post 12041 - Big Texan in Amarillo, TX review
Post 12042 - Roadkill Cafe review, Seligman AZ
Pg 604 - post 12062 - Seligman, AZ, headed west
Post 12074 - West out of Seligman, to Oatman, AZ
Pg 605 - post 12084 - Southern CA and the end of the road.

 

[BB767]

Rt.66 Index

Alright - I just threw together a recap of Thomas's Route 66 adventures to post on another forum for a person who was going to plan their Route 66 trip. Here is the rundown. I think I caught all of them.........

That look great to me Turbo1Ton. Many thanks for doing that, it should be a big help to others.

Meanwhile I've been steadily working on my project creep car, the '66 Corvette convertible. After the headlight motors were all reconditioned as I was getting ready to install them...



... I found a twisted off screw that needed to be repaired. That screw is part of the mounting bracket for the headlight motor.



Unfortunately it's located on the underside, near the nose of the car. Very inaccessible! By removing the grill I did have limited access, but the bumpers had to be removed to get the grill out of the way. See what I mean about project creep?



With everything prepped, bumpers removed and grill moved forward, I was able to center punch the old screw and drill it out and re-tap the hole. The floor jack was re-positioned as seen here, just to provide a backup to the jack stands. Also note the Masonite used to protect the tile flooring.



Since there is very little room to work in there, I used a right angle, pneumatic drill. I had an assistant help me keep the drill bit square to the hole. That was very helpful since I was working upside down at arms length. Please note; I always dress impeccably when working out in the old shop. Mr Johnson would approve!



So the screw was drilled out and threads tapped and...



...here's the new mounting screw installed. With that all done I could then install the headlight motors. Up next was removing the old wiring harnesses and installing new ones.

For those who have been following along in my shop adventures all these many years, this is the kind of work I envisioned when I first bought the shop 15 years ago. A nice, well equipped, clean, work space with good lighting. Roll a car in there and put some appropriate tunes on the sound system and go to work! In this case, the tunes for a 1966 Corvette called for Jan and Dean, The 4 Seasons, The Ventures, The Marketts, Tommy Roe, **** Dale, Ronny and the Daytonas, The Beach Boys etc. To be continued.

Thanks again Turbo1Ton for the Rt 66 index. Very much appreciated.

Thomas

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Thomas,

The "eyes" have it, in the first photo above. That was a fun shot.

 

[markviii]

And while he's addressing this latest project creep issue, he's appropriately using a floor creeper. It does come in handy!

And the 12-16 hour work days begin with more daylight to do all that outside work and indoor work. We're sort of back to eating dinner at 8pm again. But he's having fun and getting it done.

Chris

 

[C_F]

Nice work on the repair!
Now about that coat...I am totally showing that photo to my significant other, who gives me endless **** when some of my favorite car T-shirts develop holes in them & I continue wearing them.

 

[BB767]

Thomas,

The "eyes" have it, in the first photo above. That was a fun shot.

Oh, you noticed Bill?! Kind of like a Kilroy Was Here image isn't it? Here's the background of that picture and the initial repair of the headlight motors.



The headlight motors and the subject screw are located in the nose of the Corvette. Roughly in where the red towel is. You have no access to them from below the car, none, zero, zip, nadda! The only way is through the opening between the open hood and the nose. That opening is maybe 4" wide at best, my arm will barely fit in there. I guess I need to stop working out. That way my big, burly bicep might fit better! Anyway I'm stuck with muscular arms so as they say, it is what it is. OK, so I can get my hand and arm it there but no way can I see anything. Notice the mirror, that's how I had to work, looking in the mirror. So to take the picture, I just felt for the screw and then put my camera down there facing upward and snapped away, hopping one of the pictures would turn out.

Once I realized that the screw had been twisted off I knew I couldn't do a proper repair with that method. Either remove the hood which is a huge Payne to re-align, or remove the grill, which meant the bumpers had to come off as well. I decided the bumper and grill procedure would be best way to go. Then, since I would now have decent access to the wiring in the nose of the car, that's when I decided to go ahead and replace all the engine compartment wiring; project creep.

Nice work on the repair!
Now about that coat...I am totally showing that photo to my significant other, who gives me endless **** when some of my favorite car T-shirts develop holes in them & I continue wearing them.

It has to be a "guy" thing C_F, it has to be. See Chris, I'm not the only one! I bought that Carhartt coat shortly after I bought the property 15 years ago. It's seen me through the entire shop remodel, the property cleanup and the new house build. I have a couple of new Carhartts but for some reason I gravitate to that old coat. I just like it, what can I say?

More is coming this way.

Holes are Me Thomas

 

[C_F]

<snip>

Holes are Me Thomas

I love that with all your accomplishments, and realized dreams, you are "one of us", who aren't above the average guy basically. You have the means to wear a new coat every day, yet you choose to wear that 'ol tried & trued Carhart coat. Hell, I bet if you sent that photo to Carhart, you may be this month's poster child for a lifetime customer, and may even receive a NEWWW coat! Free of charge! Hehe
Dang, I bet Chris has washed that coat a zillion times. Honestly now, how many times has she said "when exactly are you gonna retire that old thing ? As she picks the fraying bits out of the dryer net.
The fact that you still wear it makes me giggle.

 

[Jeepster04]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a screw drilled so perfectly in the center.....