MrScott99
Well-known member
45 years! Happy Anniversary, and congratulations on reaching that milestone. You are both a true inspiration. Here's to many more happy year together.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
rlwhitetr3b
Well-known member
Yes and Yes!
rjcsandiego
Member
How did I miss this? I am going to have to speak to Yolie about the proper notification. We miss you and hope to see you two sometime this year. Congrats!
markviii
Well-known member
Wow! Thanks for all the good wishes (and condolences) for our milestone (or millstone some would say - but not me!). It's been an interesting ride, all the way from the start of 9th grade 52-1/2 years ago. And things will continue to move along. We've both stayed busy with our separate and common projects/interests. Somehow we've made it work and I can't imagine life would have been as interesting with anyone else. Most people think we're crazy with having so much to do. We've had our hands in so many different types of businesses and projects, it's difficult to remember how we fit it all in with full-time jobs, going to graduate school (me), sitting on two library boards (me) and owning several separate businesses while raising two wonderful children.
Our daughter and son-in-law came over to celebrate the day, take our picture, and share our anniversary cake (with proper social distancing out on the deck). It was good seeing them because we've been separated since Shelter-in-Place the beginning of February. Not seeing family was the biggest change; the rest of our activities stayed about the same other than my in-person meetings going on with ZOOM or Skype. There's plenty to do in TCOTU, so we were never at a loss for activity.
Thanks again for the greetings.
Chris
P.S.
ZRX61 -- rlwhitetr3b is correct about HotSlots. One of the owners passed away. The remaining brother and another partner tried to keep it open, even changing locations, but it wasn't possible to stay open. It was a wonderful business while it lasted.
Congrats to you and your wife on 31 years, zmotorsports! It takes work, doesn't it?
50 years is quite the milestone, TR6SR650!!! We should make ours in 5 years. Every day's a blessing.
Thanks, rjcsandiego! No worries. Yoli probably didn't remember or maybe doesn't know. Did she see the anniversary pictures? We miss you, Yoli and everyone sooo much. Lou arrives next Friday for the summer. I'm very excited about that. Custard Cup misses Lou, too. The Philo Tavern is open by reservation for sit-down dinner to help with social distancing. Take out has been good, but not quite the same. Wish there could be the salad bar, but I think those are gone for the future.
Things will get back to normal fairly soon around here. I'm taking my Mark VIII on a cruise tomorrow to celebrate my birthday while tom finishes installing a vent fan in the garage attic. I haven't had my car out for over a year. It needs a good run. The cruise is 140 miles. It'll be fun seeing some cars and car people again with all the shows being canceled. The towns along the way have been alerted, so there will probably be people along the route waving. Should be fun.
Our daughter and son-in-law came over to celebrate the day, take our picture, and share our anniversary cake (with proper social distancing out on the deck). It was good seeing them because we've been separated since Shelter-in-Place the beginning of February. Not seeing family was the biggest change; the rest of our activities stayed about the same other than my in-person meetings going on with ZOOM or Skype. There's plenty to do in TCOTU, so we were never at a loss for activity.
Thanks again for the greetings.
Chris
P.S.
ZRX61 -- rlwhitetr3b is correct about HotSlots. One of the owners passed away. The remaining brother and another partner tried to keep it open, even changing locations, but it wasn't possible to stay open. It was a wonderful business while it lasted.
Congrats to you and your wife on 31 years, zmotorsports! It takes work, doesn't it?
50 years is quite the milestone, TR6SR650!!! We should make ours in 5 years. Every day's a blessing.
Thanks, rjcsandiego! No worries. Yoli probably didn't remember or maybe doesn't know. Did she see the anniversary pictures? We miss you, Yoli and everyone sooo much. Lou arrives next Friday for the summer. I'm very excited about that. Custard Cup misses Lou, too. The Philo Tavern is open by reservation for sit-down dinner to help with social distancing. Take out has been good, but not quite the same. Wish there could be the salad bar, but I think those are gone for the future.
Things will get back to normal fairly soon around here. I'm taking my Mark VIII on a cruise tomorrow to celebrate my birthday while tom finishes installing a vent fan in the garage attic. I haven't had my car out for over a year. It needs a good run. The cruise is 140 miles. It'll be fun seeing some cars and car people again with all the shows being canceled. The towns along the way have been alerted, so there will probably be people along the route waving. Should be fun.
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Exactly correct Brian.
GUS was asked to be a display at Hot Slots, in nearby Urbana during Christmas, 2012 and spread a little Christmas cheer.
He helped 'ol Saint Nick deliver goodies to all the good little girls and boys. Not sure if there was any coal mixed in there or not!
You are going to do well on the test my friend!
Ho Ho Ho Thomas
Here's the deck in use...
It will be an anniversary to remember for sure. I'm in shorts, Chris is in bare feet and we're both masked up to protect our daughter and son-in-law.
That's right Chris, you'll have to take the mask off to eat the cake.
Looking forward to the next 45 years Thomas
56vette461
Well-known member
Hi Thomas and Chris and happy belated anniversary. My bride and I just celebrated our 50th in February. Your so right about it's the two together that makes it work. Congratulations.
9C1
Well-known member
Congratulations Chris & Thomas. I am sorry I missed the exact day of your anniversary. You both look wonderful in those pictures.
Only 47 years here, but neither of us could fit in our wedding garments.
Only 47 years here, but neither of us could fit in our wedding garments.
Thirdyfivepickup
Well-known member
Congrats on "putting up with each other" for so long! Gotta admire people who know what they want at an early age and commit to it.
You guys are awesome!
You guys are awesome!
Grizz1963
Well-known member
Wow, thanks for noticing guys! What a nice way for you to acknowledge a bit of a milestone for us. Yes, we did celebrate quietly at home last Sunday. It's true...
...for 45 years that little girl has put a twinkle in my eye! If you think the way I'm dressed with the shirt un-tucked is a little goofy, here's the rest of the story...
It was a very hot day but Chris suggested we get a picture with us in somewhat formal attire. I was wearing shorts and thought with a good crop of the picture nobody would be the wiser. Shows what I know! Chris just happens to be wearing her wedding dress from 45 years ago which coincidentally, she also made it herself. Even back then I knew I had chosen wisely.
Here we are as juniors in high school and then later...
I hit the jackpot when she said yes, she would marry me! A faithful, loving companion for 45 years, who could ask for more.
What has this got to do a Restored 1930's Auto Shop? Absolutely nothing........except without her unwavering support, none of this would have happened. She is still the object of my affection!!!
Hopelessly in Love Thomas
These photos are too good, and valuable not to pull them onto the next page.
You certainly chose well, or was it Chris who chose well Thomas.
Congratulations
I love love love that dress.
realvc
Well-known member
Congrats. to you both. 50 years in today's world is really an accomplishment.
Can't believe Gus was on display in 2012. It does not seem that long ago that you were bringing him home.
Vince
Can't believe Gus was on display in 2012. It does not seem that long ago that you were bringing him home.
Vince
stillp
Well-known member
markviii
Well-known member
Thanks, Grizz1963. Isn't peach silk overlayed with ivory-colored lace everyone's color, stillp? Peach, or some shade of orange, is my go-to color. Some of my older relatives (and my mom, I'm sure) didn't approve of my selection since white is the official "first marriage" color, I think. But, I paid for the entire wedding, so it was my call. I wear my dress to most weddings I'm invited to. It originally had a train, but I cut it off and made a cape to wear with the dress. I'm very frugal.
Chris
(I had shorts on under the dress for this anniversary picture.)
Chris
(I had shorts on under the dress for this anniversary picture.)
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Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
Chris,
Us guys might not remember the dress; but I am certain that Thomas still remembers your smile!
Congratulations to both of you for finding one another. Here is to your future together!
Us guys might not remember the dress; but I am certain that Thomas still remembers your smile!
Congratulations to both of you for finding one another. Here is to your future together!
Do I remember her smile?
Oh boy do I ever Bill! It's a wonderful love story, plain and simple. At a young age, boy meets girl and secretly falls head over heels, helplessly in love with her. Girl resists the young man's advances for years and finally realizes, resistance is futile and goes all in and loves him back and they live happily ever after....... while also doing a bunch of car stuff.
While much of this thread is about what I've done out here, as I keep repeating...
...Chris has been totally supportive behind the scene since day 1!
It's important to me that everyone knows that.
Never a complaint that I can remember, she's been my number #1 fan going on 45 years now.
OK, I'll stop now.
Smiling and very content Thomas
mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
How come she is still adorable, and you... well... you aren't.
Post Of The Year??!!
That may very well win you post of the year! Well done!!!!!!!
Thomas
PS, But I still got the girl!
That may very well win you post of the year! Well done!!!!!!!
Thomas
PS, But I still got the girl!
MG David
Well-known member
Very clever with the dress Chris. If it had been a traditional one you would have never used worn it again.
markviii
Well-known member
Re: Post Of The Year??!!
Yes you did! Now into our 46th year of marriage and still going strong... I think I'll keep you.
Chris
P.S.
Some have suggested that I was the reason for Tom going gray and balding. His family all went gray/white early on, even the women. Men on his side also start balding, while not so much on my side. Genes determine all..... My family doesn't start going gray until into our 50s and 60s. We don't have too much stress in our lives, so it can't be from that.
PS, But I still got the girl!
Yes you did! Now into our 46th year of marriage and still going strong... I think I'll keep you.
Chris
P.S.
Some have suggested that I was the reason for Tom going gray and balding. His family all went gray/white early on, even the women. Men on his side also start balding, while not so much on my side. Genes determine all..... My family doesn't start going gray until into our 50s and 60s. We don't have too much stress in our lives, so it can't be from that.
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Rag Roc
ALLIANCE MEMBER
This entire post is just filled with awesome; especially this past week. Congratulations you two, and many more!
APEowner
Well-known member
Miss Chris, you probably already know this but Thomas speaks as highly of you when you're not around as when you are. At Indy last year, He, Lou and I had a conversation about how well we married . Of course with no one around to contradict us we took some credit for that but we all knew that it's mostly dumb luck that we found such wonderful women to put up with us. Happy 45th anniversary to the both of you.
Steve
Steve
dpljmurphy
Well-known member
Congratulations and cheers to you both! David (& Lisa), 25 years married happily
mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
Re: Post Of The Year??!!
I figured his hair loss was from sticking his head out plane windows at high speeds.
I figured his hair loss was from sticking his head out plane windows at high speeds.
High Speed Flying
High speed...
...that thing cruises at only 90 mph!!
But it sure is fun to fly!!
Thomas
High speed...
...that thing cruises at only 90 mph!!
But it sure is fun to fly!!
Thomas
mrob12
Member
Corrugated skin, no cowls on engine, fixed gear.
mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
Re: High Speed Flying
I could really care less about most jet aircraft, but when you fire up a big old radial my pulse increases.
High speed...
...that thing cruises at only 90 mph!!
But it sure is fun to fly!!
Thomas
I could really care less about most jet aircraft, but when you fire up a big old radial my pulse increases.
DoorBreaker
Active member
Finally all caught back up. Great to see most of the folks are still around.
Love the easy maintenance on that Tri-Motor. Controls have an issue, just reach out the window to adjust them! House is really looking great.
Love the easy maintenance on that Tri-Motor. Controls have an issue, just reach out the window to adjust them! House is really looking great.
mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
I reckon that explains the hairless. He was adjusting the controls and got his hair caught in the spinny bit.
rjcsandiego
Member
I notice now that Lou is in town Thomas does not have time to post anything. Something about spending all their spare time at the Custard Cup!
I'm quite sure I have no idea what you are talking about Roland!!!!!!!!
Mmmmmmmmm Good Thomas
markviii
Well-known member
My dinner schedule and menu must always be tweaked for the summer when Lou's with us. Everything is built around Custard Cup visits.
When Lou arrived in town on June 5, the first stop was, of course, Custard Cup as soon as it opened at Noon. With masks on, Tom and Lou entered CC to be greeted by name by the staff! Yes, he's well-known and loved at Custard Cup.
Chris
P.S. Custard Cup is always Before dinner after cleaning up from a long day of work either outside on the property or inside the barn or old shop. LOTS of work going on daily around Timber Haven.
When Lou arrived in town on June 5, the first stop was, of course, Custard Cup as soon as it opened at Noon. With masks on, Tom and Lou entered CC to be greeted by name by the staff! Yes, he's well-known and loved at Custard Cup.
Chris
P.S. Custard Cup is always Before dinner after cleaning up from a long day of work either outside on the property or inside the barn or old shop. LOTS of work going on daily around Timber Haven.
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Homebody
Well-known member
Love the Tri Motor pics. My son had right seat time in one of those - at the age of 17, not long after he got his Private. He was thrilled it counted in his log book!
Speaking of Terraplanes, BaT has this little creampuff listed this morning! (June 22)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1937-hudson-terraplane/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1937-hudson-terraplane/
1937 Terraplane For Sale On BaT
Thanks Mike, that's the same year as mine, 1937. Hummmm, engine doesn't look the same though.
For all you Bonneville Speed Week fans here's a bit of good news:
The Southern California Timing Association has received & collected all necessary approvals and permits from local health and government associations to greenlight the 2020 Bonneville Speed Week as planned, according to a statement on the group’s website.
However, The Utah office of the Bureau of Land Management will require a number of alterations to standard procedures in order to hold the event.
The required protocols are listed below:
1. Install Sneeze Guards on the Registration Trailer, Sales Trailer, BNI Trailer, Motorcycle Trailer & Impound Trailer
2. Gloves & Mask/Bandana for workers in the trailers mentioned above
3. Mask/Bandana for workers near people
4. Porta-Potties will have hand sanitizer in each unit
5. Hand Sanitizer Stations by each trailer mentioned above and the Start Line
6. Blue Tape for Social Distancing by each trailer mentioned above
7. Increase Pit Spaces to increase the distance between race trailers
8. Have designated workers reminding people to social distance
9. Place Social Distancing Signs in areas below a) Areas where lines tend to form b) Areas where people tend to congregate c) Starting Line
10. Distribute Flyers at Entrance to every vehicle with these stipulations
11. Recommend people bring their own masks/bandanas & hand sanitizer
12. Recommend if you are sick, to please not attend this event
Lou and I will be there, hope to see others from here out there as well. Send me a PM if you're going and we'll try to meet up, social distancing of course!
Custard Cup flavor of the week: Cherries Jubilee. I'll have mine with caramel apple please!
Thomas
Thanks Mike, that's the same year as mine, 1937. Hummmm, engine doesn't look the same though.
For all you Bonneville Speed Week fans here's a bit of good news:
The Southern California Timing Association has received & collected all necessary approvals and permits from local health and government associations to greenlight the 2020 Bonneville Speed Week as planned, according to a statement on the group’s website.
However, The Utah office of the Bureau of Land Management will require a number of alterations to standard procedures in order to hold the event.
The required protocols are listed below:
1. Install Sneeze Guards on the Registration Trailer, Sales Trailer, BNI Trailer, Motorcycle Trailer & Impound Trailer
2. Gloves & Mask/Bandana for workers in the trailers mentioned above
3. Mask/Bandana for workers near people
4. Porta-Potties will have hand sanitizer in each unit
5. Hand Sanitizer Stations by each trailer mentioned above and the Start Line
6. Blue Tape for Social Distancing by each trailer mentioned above
7. Increase Pit Spaces to increase the distance between race trailers
8. Have designated workers reminding people to social distance
9. Place Social Distancing Signs in areas below a) Areas where lines tend to form b) Areas where people tend to congregate c) Starting Line
10. Distribute Flyers at Entrance to every vehicle with these stipulations
11. Recommend people bring their own masks/bandanas & hand sanitizer
12. Recommend if you are sick, to please not attend this event
Lou and I will be there, hope to see others from here out there as well. Send me a PM if you're going and we'll try to meet up, social distancing of course!
Custard Cup flavor of the week: Cherries Jubilee. I'll have mine with caramel apple please!
Thomas
Wood Shop Ceiling Almost Finished- Part 1!!
Since today is the 4th of July, I'd like to start off by thanking all of our members who have in the past or are presently serving in the military for their service to our country. We owe all of you an immense debt of gratitude. Thank you!!
So here's how the basement wood shop ceiling was finished. Finally, I'm able to show how that was done and later, how it turned out. Here's some background information.
I had always planned on doing a dropped, suspended ceiling to finish off the basement ceiling. The basement was considered work space and not a highly finished living space. As such, when installing plumbing or HVAC equipment and material, priority was given to what was best for the plumbing, HVAC and not necessarily how it would later impact a ceiling installation. I knew I'd figure out a way later to make a finished ceiling look half-way decent.
Areas like the above and...
...the material lift shaft, seen here from below with the lift in the up position...
...plumbing...
...or the the dust collection equipment all would have their challenges.
First I had to determine what the ceiling height would be. I couldn't cover up all the exposed pipes or ducts so using a laser level bolted to the wall, it projected a laser line all around the room. By adjusting it up or down I could see what height would cover the majority of objects hanging from the ceiling.
Look closely and you can see the projected laser line.
Once that measurement was determined, a chalk line was snapped all around the basement perimeter walls. This is the reference line the the tile grid support was installed to.
Next I had to construct soffits to terminate the grid in areas that would hang below the finished tile.
In this picture you can also see where the outer grid support has been installed.
With the soffits done...
...the grid was installed. I used 2' X 2' (61cm) tiles.
The laser level was also used to project a line along the grid supports to insure they were straight. Here you can see this grid member needed to be straighten.
As you might recall, there's a 15º bend in the south part of the house. That resulted in...
... special floor trusses to be used.
The same issue had to be resolved when doing the basement ceiling. Here are some of the irregularly shaped sections in the ceiling grid structure.
Next up...
...the LED light panels were put into place.
By using longer than necessary electrical whips (see page 609, post #12,179) for the panels, they could be moved around within a few feet from grid square to grid square to, achieve the best lighting for the work area below. The panel literally could be just picked up and moved over as necessary. That made for a lot of flexibility.
With the the grid work done, next came the tile installation. Not as easy as it would seem. There was quite a bit of trim work involved. Check back for the exciting conclusion!! Thanks everyone and happy 4th!
Thomas
Since today is the 4th of July, I'd like to start off by thanking all of our members who have in the past or are presently serving in the military for their service to our country. We owe all of you an immense debt of gratitude. Thank you!!
So here's how the basement wood shop ceiling was finished. Finally, I'm able to show how that was done and later, how it turned out. Here's some background information.
I had always planned on doing a dropped, suspended ceiling to finish off the basement ceiling. The basement was considered work space and not a highly finished living space. As such, when installing plumbing or HVAC equipment and material, priority was given to what was best for the plumbing, HVAC and not necessarily how it would later impact a ceiling installation. I knew I'd figure out a way later to make a finished ceiling look half-way decent.
Areas like the above and...
...the material lift shaft, seen here from below with the lift in the up position...
...plumbing...
...or the the dust collection equipment all would have their challenges.
First I had to determine what the ceiling height would be. I couldn't cover up all the exposed pipes or ducts so using a laser level bolted to the wall, it projected a laser line all around the room. By adjusting it up or down I could see what height would cover the majority of objects hanging from the ceiling.
Look closely and you can see the projected laser line.
Once that measurement was determined, a chalk line was snapped all around the basement perimeter walls. This is the reference line the the tile grid support was installed to.
Next I had to construct soffits to terminate the grid in areas that would hang below the finished tile.
In this picture you can also see where the outer grid support has been installed.
With the soffits done...
...the grid was installed. I used 2' X 2' (61cm) tiles.
The laser level was also used to project a line along the grid supports to insure they were straight. Here you can see this grid member needed to be straighten.
As you might recall, there's a 15º bend in the south part of the house. That resulted in...
... special floor trusses to be used.
The same issue had to be resolved when doing the basement ceiling. Here are some of the irregularly shaped sections in the ceiling grid structure.
Next up...
...the LED light panels were put into place.
By using longer than necessary electrical whips (see page 609, post #12,179) for the panels, they could be moved around within a few feet from grid square to grid square to, achieve the best lighting for the work area below. The panel literally could be just picked up and moved over as necessary. That made for a lot of flexibility.
With the the grid work done, next came the tile installation. Not as easy as it would seem. There was quite a bit of trim work involved. Check back for the exciting conclusion!! Thanks everyone and happy 4th!
Thomas
rmalkow2
Well-known member
The ceiling project in your basement is looking good so far Thomas. And thanks for the update on Speed Week. I will again be there and for the whole week this time. Hoping to see you guys again and to see Lou drive his car. I’ll send you a PM with details.
Bob
Bob
stillp
Well-known member
Looking great Thomas!
Pete
Pete
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bluestripe67
Well-known member
Thomas, I'm late to the party as usual, because all efforts are dedicated to staying well, and I hope you and Chris are doing the same. Congratulations on 45 yrs of marriage. Having said that, it's apparent you are. The workshop is turning out nice per your high standards. Are the wheeled toys getting some road time? Mine has been limited due to the virus impact on participation, but I take private road trips keeping all systems running smooth. Stay well!
MG David
Well-known member
The other day the 18 year old boy who lives next door to me was showing off one of the bird boxes he had made in the lockdown. The standard of workmanship was very high. It reminded me of your work, Thomas.
Having praised his work, I pointed out to him that he hadn't clocked the screws. He didn't know what that was so I explained. To my surprise he went away and did it!
Your standards are spreading.
Having praised his work, I pointed out to him that he hadn't clocked the screws. He didn't know what that was so I explained. To my surprise he went away and did it!
Your standards are spreading.
July was a packed month with numerous projects going on. Long days so I choose to rest up and didn't post here but I knew everyone would understand.
Gus, our beloved 1948 Willys shop truck received some loving attention during that time.
A correct, new fuel tank, filler spout and sending unit has been installed...
...a carburetor flooding issue was resolved, the fuel pressure checked and re-calibrated.
Oil leaks from the engine pan were corrected with a new gasket. Fortunately that could be done with the engine in place, still installed. Additionally...
... some transfer case oil leaks were repaired as well. I didn't get any pictures, but the rear output shaft seal was replaced too.
All the dash instruments were checked and found to be in good working order...
... so they were sent off...
... to be professionally re-calibrated and modified to accept 12volts (Gus was an original 6 volt system) and the speedometer is being rebuilt. A new dash wiring harness will be installed once the instruments return late next month. The factory locks on the under seat storage compartments and glove box were disassembled, cleaned and repaired as necessary. Gus is looking and running better than ever. Stand by for more on him.
BTW, if scramboleer from the Old Willys Forum is reading this, Dan would you please email me. I'm having an issue using that forum so please contact me other than that forum. Thanks.
Another project that was completed was refurbishing Mr Johnson's old, Lincoln arc welder. That's the machine my first go kart was made with back in the mid- 1960's.
It's an extremely heavy machine so I took advantage of the lifting ring on top. It was moved from the old shop to the barn where I had more working room.
Once there, the case was removed.
A surprise was that the steel wheels on the case bottom had roller bearings in them. What wasn't a surprise is that they were dry as a bone!
For those who like numbers for the Dreaded Thread Test, (DTT) there were 17 rollers per wheel, none were missing.
The machine was thoroughly cleaned...
...paint was custom mixed to match the original factory color and applied where necessary.
A new plug was installed and the steel wheels sent out to be powder coated.
The refurbished welder was then returned to the old shop...
... where Mr Johnson's welding gauntlets and the old welding cables were cleaned ...
... and new ends were crimped on and then attached to the welder and tested. That old radiator hose that Mr Johnson placed on the handle was used as insulation on the case. It is the same hose seen on the welder in the picture below.
The above picture was taken in the late 1960's with the welder clearly visible on the right. It's still sitting in that very same spot today.
A period carbon tetrachloride fire extinguisher I removed from the basement of the old family house was been installed in the welding corner.
Now that corner of the shop has been brighten up a bit and Mr Johnson would instantly recognize it.
These projects are just a tiny few of whats been going on here lately plus Bonneville is coming up so don't go away. Many thanks once more for all the good wishes and interest in this corner of the world.
Thomas
Gus, our beloved 1948 Willys shop truck received some loving attention during that time.
A correct, new fuel tank, filler spout and sending unit has been installed...
...a carburetor flooding issue was resolved, the fuel pressure checked and re-calibrated.
Oil leaks from the engine pan were corrected with a new gasket. Fortunately that could be done with the engine in place, still installed. Additionally...
... some transfer case oil leaks were repaired as well. I didn't get any pictures, but the rear output shaft seal was replaced too.
All the dash instruments were checked and found to be in good working order...
... so they were sent off...
... to be professionally re-calibrated and modified to accept 12volts (Gus was an original 6 volt system) and the speedometer is being rebuilt. A new dash wiring harness will be installed once the instruments return late next month. The factory locks on the under seat storage compartments and glove box were disassembled, cleaned and repaired as necessary. Gus is looking and running better than ever. Stand by for more on him.
BTW, if scramboleer from the Old Willys Forum is reading this, Dan would you please email me. I'm having an issue using that forum so please contact me other than that forum. Thanks.
Another project that was completed was refurbishing Mr Johnson's old, Lincoln arc welder. That's the machine my first go kart was made with back in the mid- 1960's.
It's an extremely heavy machine so I took advantage of the lifting ring on top. It was moved from the old shop to the barn where I had more working room.
Once there, the case was removed.
A surprise was that the steel wheels on the case bottom had roller bearings in them. What wasn't a surprise is that they were dry as a bone!
For those who like numbers for the Dreaded Thread Test, (DTT) there were 17 rollers per wheel, none were missing.
The machine was thoroughly cleaned...
...paint was custom mixed to match the original factory color and applied where necessary.
A new plug was installed and the steel wheels sent out to be powder coated.
The refurbished welder was then returned to the old shop...
... where Mr Johnson's welding gauntlets and the old welding cables were cleaned ...
... and new ends were crimped on and then attached to the welder and tested. That old radiator hose that Mr Johnson placed on the handle was used as insulation on the case. It is the same hose seen on the welder in the picture below.
The above picture was taken in the late 1960's with the welder clearly visible on the right. It's still sitting in that very same spot today.
A period carbon tetrachloride fire extinguisher I removed from the basement of the old family house was been installed in the welding corner.
Now that corner of the shop has been brighten up a bit and Mr Johnson would instantly recognize it.
These projects are just a tiny few of whats been going on here lately plus Bonneville is coming up so don't go away. Many thanks once more for all the good wishes and interest in this corner of the world.
Thomas