Mark's Monster Garage....3800 sq ft

[Bob Heine]

This build was for a customer. Unfortunately he passed just before completion of the build. His son had it and I saw it recently on ebay for sale.

Mark, I did a quick Google image search and the car turned up here:

https://classiccars.com/listings/vi...te-for-sale-in-charlotte-north-carolina-28269

Not sure $219,000 covers the cost of building the car but maybe the car is just money to the son.

 

[bmw57isetta]

Thanks for the chair info. I could outfit an entire house with the Aviator collection. Very sharp!

 

[IGO2XS]

I just got caught up on things, so to speak. Glad you made good recovery and everything that has followed just about takes my breath away. Enjoy the continued good times! Dennis

Thanks Dennis!!

Wow, how sad he did not get to enjoy his custom creation. I bet he had fun with you and your team designing it. It is really, ridiculously nice. Red is not my favorite vette color, (I know, all Corvettes are red), but it really works here. How awesome was it when you were test driving it?

I know there are quite a few red and black Covettes out there but this car was drop dead gorgeous. We did have a lot of fun putting this car together. The exhaust and license plate design came from the rear of a C7. It was really fun to drive!! I am seriously considering putting a 6L90e with paddle shift in my 63 Corvette built.

Mark, Not sure $219,000 covers the cost of building the car but maybe the car is just money to the son.

You are correct Bob as if I remember right there was a little more then $219,000 in the build alone not counting the value of the car. I know this car has been for sale for a few months and I am really surprised someone hasnt purchased it yet.

Thanks for the chair info. I could outfit an entire house with the Aviator collection. Very sharp!

I think my wife purchased most of the collection. We have one of each of the desks, a coffee table, and a tall cabinet I use for my album covers. My brother built a counter top for me. I think he did one heck of a job re-creating the theme of the aviator line. He used 1000 #6 x 1/2" screws to put it together.





A crew came in a literally incased the consturction area by building temporary walls and wrapping it with either plywood or plastic. Therefore they can do the rest of the demo without filling the house with dust. What you are looking at here is some of the framing from the old pantry. There are some serious support posts in the two walls that are left. They will be bringing in steel beams to provide support to the areas of the wall we can safely remove.

 

[jbmatth]

That Vette was a stunner, well done there sir.

JB

 

[Homebody]

Vette is just stunning as is the Aviator series of furniture!
Can't wait to see those pipes on the Van either!

Good luck on the construction. Always stressful but worth it.

 

[IGO2XS]

Vette is just stunning as is the Aviator series of furniture!
Can't wait to see those pipes on the Van either!

Good luck on the construction. Always stressful but worth it.

Yes I am pretty excited to get the pipes on the van too. Progress is a little slow but we have completed most of the rear suspension. I have a guy who used to work for me at the hotrod shop helping me out on the van. He is a real computer guy so he gives me a 3D picture of some of the parts before he builds them. The C notch is finished and we have welded a mini tub in the floor so the driveshaft has room



Yesterday was a really exciting day as the wheels I had built for the van arrived. All I could say was wow. The rear wheels are 20 x 14 and have some serious "dish". We have completed a mini tub in the back wheel opening to accommodate the massive wheels. We will have to narrow the rear differential so these wheels will fit in the tubs.




I have had this little workbench project going on at the back of my garage. I am considering doing concrete countertops in my wife's new pantry I am building her but I have never done one before. I decided I could use a concrete countertop for a workbench in the back so we built a block wall for support. Today I finished installing the concrete board, plastic edge forms, and steel. Tomorrow I will pour the countertop material using my new cement mixer. Man this Rigid dual paddle mixer is awesome. I will use any excuse to go out and buy a new tool.

 

[Huxley]

Is that all the “rebar” needed for a countertop? I have seen some nuke sites that had so much rebar that you couldn’t see through the wall BEFORE the concrete was poured.

 

[IGO2XS]

Is that all the “rebar” needed for a countertop? I have seen some nuke sites that had so much rebar that you couldn’t see through the wall BEFORE the concrete was poured.

I used the wire for my steel. I originally purchased all of my supplies from counter top solutions and they sent me some fiberglass mesh. I just could get myself to trust it so I picked up the screen wire from Lowes as they sell it in 3' x 8' pieces. Here is my brother and I mixing and pouring the concrete countertop mix.

 

[IGO2XS]

I have this old 30 inch concert drum in my garage as an ornament and my brother took it home and covered it with copper. He has a special process he goes through to make it look like this. I am considering ordering some bare drum shells and build a new drum set.. He has also done a few guitars.

 

[Toolfool]

Wow, very cool effect. Should do the dash in your van.

 

[Bighead38]

How did the counter come out?

 

[IGO2XS]

Wow, very cool effect. Should do the dash in your van.

It would clash with the orange and black leopard print carpet I am putting in there

How did the counter come out?

Funny you ask I am getting ready to finish polishing it today. I have been so sidetracked with other projects I havnt worked on the counter top in almost a week. By the way do not put plastic over the top of your concrete to slow the drying process. I did and come to find out in leaves streaks in the concrete. Luckily I am staining the top so these marks may add some character to the patter. I am building some of the drawers for my wife's new pantry. Dovetail drawers are alot of work and I wish I had kept track of how much time I have in the 12 drawers. It has been a new experience for me and very rewarding. I have the maple drawers ready for the final clear finish today. I will get better pictures of them so you can see the final product.

 

[IGO2XS]

Finally got started on teh 63 Corvette project. we knew someone had tried to put a new front end on this one 20 years ago but they had no idea what they were doing. At the end of the day it was decided we would order a new front end. There were just too many issues to try to correct. We will continue working on the rear end as we are looking at 3 to 4 weeks to get the new front clip.

 

[IGO2XS]

I finally took some time to stain the concrete counter top. I have been focusing on finishing the 12 dovetail drawers I made for the new pantry. Wow those dovetail joints take a long time but it is very rewarding once completed.

The stains I have are water based acrylic stain. I am working with olive, hazelnut which is a medium brown, and Espresso a dark brown. The techniques to apply this are endless.....sponge, rag, etc. I chose a 4" foam roller pad, a small brush, and a spray bottle. I applied he green areas first, then added the brown and over lapped the colors along the edges where they meet. I used the spray bottle to squirt the dark brown color. I just played around with the colors giving 2 or 3 coats to darken, mixed and matched until I came up with this. I will be applying 2 coats of a water based sealer to finish it up. The sealer will bring more of the color out and the over all design will mesh together.

If it gets approved by the wife I will have about 20 foot of counter top to do in her new pantry. We'll see if i pass the test.

 

[casmurbax]

counter top looks nice, look forward to seeing cleared.
corvette project looks like quite the project.

I like the drawers, maybe I missed it, what jig did you use to make the dovetails?

 

[Toolfool]

I think the plastic cover lines added a little art-deco effect to your top. Looks good.

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice job on the 'crete counter top. On my todo list with an outdoor sink...

All your finishing touches to the place are very well done. As if the place wasn't already bad ***....

 

[IGO2XS]

counter top looks nice, look forward to seeing cleared.
corvette project looks like quite the project.

I like the drawers, maybe I missed it, what jig did you use to make the dovetails?

The corvette is a tremendous project but thats OK. Luckily I have the best guy in this part of the country doing the glass work and fitting all the new panels. There is only a small portion of the car we are using.The outer body shell from firewall back. Most of the floor will be cut out, wheel tubs removed, rear deck floor and rear quarter panels. Including the firewall forward is all new.

I got the 12" Porter Cable 4216. This one comes with all the jigs but you could get the 4212. I have only used the halfblind jig and havnt used any of the others. You use the same router bit and it sets up real easy. If you have any questions please let me know.

I think the plastic cover lines added a little art-deco effect to your top. Looks good.

I agree with you 100 percent. The small flaws definitely gives it more character.
I was so worried when i got started but it really was quite easy.

Nice job on the 'crete counter top. On my todo list with an outdoor sink...

All your finishing touches to the place are very well done. As if the place wasn't already bad ***....

thank you on the complement. My only recommendation is to hire a good finisher if you want a perfect top. We did a pretty good job of my top but when I do the 24 lineal feet inside the house I am going to hire a professional finisher.

 

[Bob Heine]

I got the 12" Porter Cable 4216. This one comes with all the jigs but you could get the 4212. I have only used the halfblind jig and havnt used any of the others. You use the same router bit and it sets up real easy. If you have any questions please let me know.

Mark, that's the model I bought and I completely agree that the half-blind sets up real easy and I have successfully built several drawers with the full-size jig and I'm in the middle of making my first drawer with the mini-half-blind jig. I just have to get my mind to see the finished joint when setting it up (blind side on front or side?).

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark, that's the model I bought and I completely agree that the half-blind sets up real easy and I have successfully built several drawers with the full-size jig and I'm in the middle of making my first drawer with the mini-half-blind jig. I just have to get my mind to see the finished joint when setting it up (blind side on front or side?).

Bob, I guess we both have the same problem with tools. My philosophy on tools is bigger is better and get all the options. However, in this case it was not the right choice. The half blind joints are far superior in terms of the labor involved and the finished product to other more time consuming joints. I dont see a need for any of the other jigs for me now or in the future. I have lots of woodworking experience but I have never done dovetail until now. I put the drawer sides in the jig first as it goes in the vertical spot on the jig. The front and rear of the drawers lays flat on top in the horizontal position. I number all the corners so when I assemble the drawer the two pieced that were cut as the same time are joined together. Do you clamp your sides? I do because I know damn well by the time the glue dries I have one solid drawer. To back up I purchased pre-fininshed solid maple drawer sides for my first attempt at making the drawers. However, I used 1/2 maple plywood for the bottoms on the 10" tall drawers do I had to increase the grooves from 1/4 to 1/2. Also because I filed some of the voids with wood putty and sanded the sides I did have to re-clear the sides. Hope all my comments make sense. I had eye surgery this morning so I cant be held accountable to grammatical errors or omissions.

 

[IGO2XS]

Well fellas I got another horse in the stable I have a guy who used to work at my hot rod shop doing some work on my 63 split window. He saw a post on Facebook offering a 1963 Corvette Split window for sale about an hour from us. When he told me about it I said I wanted it. He hooked up his trailer and left immediately to check out the car. He called me and said it was a beauty. He waited at the owners house while i wire transferred the money. A few hours later the money appeared in the sellers account and we were able to bring the car home. When I saw the car for the first time I feel in love with it. We had a buyer ready to buy the car from me but I said no way. Its a classic. I will take some better pictures in he next few days.

 

[Boosted1]

very nice '63

 

[Homebody]

Good God that's gorgeous! Congrats!

 

[casmurbax]

Thanks for the answer in regards to the dovetail jig. If Bob uses it, I know I can use it as well.

That corvette looks real nice....

What happened to your friends front bumper? What did he do while the previous owner was waiting for the transfer?

AND what kind of surgery did you have? You going to be ok?

 

[1949 caddyman]

Will this remain stock?

 

[bugnut]

Sweet Corvette

 

[Toolfool]

Beautiful 'vette .

 

[hpw]

Will this remain stock?

hope not

 

[nyy845]

hope not

x2. Love watching him do his thing to vehicles.

 

[IGO2XS]

Thanks for the answer in regards to the dovetail jig. If Bob uses it, I know I can use it as well.

That corvette looks real nice....

What happened to your friends front bumper? What did he do while the previous owner was waiting for the transfer?

AND what kind of surgery did you have? You going to be ok?

The dually is mine. I have the bumpers off because I am having them re-powdercoated. They starting getting a little dull from the first time so I dropped them off to be done over. Funny thing every time I think about getting a new truck I make an improvement on my truck and forget all about getting a new one. While my buddy was waiting for the transfer he just sat around with the owner of the Corvette to make sure he didnt sell it to anyone else. I had surgery on my leg as I had a compound fracture of both bones. I am doing great, considering they thought they might have to remove the lower part of my leg I am really blessed.

Good God that's gorgeous! Congrats!

Thanks. Seeing this car up close is even better. The bumpers and stainless trim shin like they did the day the car was sold new. It really is incredible.

very nice '63

Thanks!!!

Will this remain stock?

Well, I would not do anything to this car that would permanently alter it. The first modification I am going to do is to add Vintage Air. The car does not have A/C and considering I live in Florida its necessary. Today I finally took my wife on our first ride and it was hot. Otherwise, I thought about installing a Van Steel coilover suspension for the ride and to get a better stance. I am going to give Evod Wheels a call as they make some custom billet turbine wheels. They look like the factory knock offs but I could do 18's and 20's. My silliest idea was to put an LS3 in it with a fuel injected carburetor and make it look like to stock motor............please dont get me started because it might never end!!!! I would not touch the body, interior, or frame. I keep saying it is such a nice car I would only make reversible changes.

Sweet Corvette

Thank you!!!

Beautiful 'vette .

I appreciate it.

x2. Love watching him do his thing to vehicles.

hope not

Both you guys stop tempting me please!!

 

[casmurbax]

Dam that ***** about the your leg. Hope all is ok with it.

vette looks very nice.

What year is that truck it looks to be in great shape.

Oh and thanks to you and Bob, it looks like I am going to start to learn how to dovetails. Thank you.

 

[Renchi]

That is a beautiful Corvette!

 

[383]

Some guy's get all the chicks...I mean Vette's...lol. Congrats on an awesome Corvette, quite the difference from your other '63. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[Toolfool]

Both you guys stop tempting me please!!

Where's ODIS when we need him ? He'll talk you down.

 

[ODIS]

Both you guys stop tempting me please!!

Where's ODIS when we need him ? He'll talk you down.

If the '63 was not my only car (and if it was NOM) or if there were a couple of cars to choose from that were completely correct, pretty sure there would be reversible modifications made. No harm here and after all, it is Owner Preference on what is done to the car.

If the '63 has good suspension components and everything is in quality shape, this car drives, handles, and goes plenty fast (mine is a warmed up 340hp) and for '63 technology, it is a wonderful car.

All of the "old" cars we have pale in comparison to the newer cars which are simply awe inspiring for performance and their handling characteristics, which for me, negates the need to make changes to the "old" ones.

We all know Mark has excellent skills and whatever he want's to do, it would be done with great taste and wonderful craftsmanship.

 

[IGO2XS]

Dam that ***** about the your leg. Hope all is ok with it.

vette looks very nice.

What year is that truck it looks to be in great shape.

Oh and thanks to you and Bob, it looks like I am going to start to learn how to dovetails. Thank you.

I can tell you how to properly do dovetails with two words........."YOU" "TUBE" I recommend you do a search on dovetails on there. I must be honest I am the normal guy and I am not going to read the damn directions provided with the tool. However, I will go to YouTube and watch a movie on it. I learn by watching anyway. If I can make dovetails you can do it. Just remember to focus on the half blind ones. Most of the videos show this type of dovetail anyway.

Some guy's get all the chicks...I mean Vette's...lol. Congrats on an awesome Corvette, quite the difference from your other '63. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

Your funny. I got a line on another 63 split window project that I am trying to buy. I was laughing with the guy who is working with me on my current project. I said if I get this third one I am going to line them all up and take a picture of them and see how much hate mail I get from Corvette guys. I have been a Corvette guy for 45 years.

That is a beautiful Corvette!

Thank you.

If the '63 was not my only car (and if it was NOM) or if there were a couple of cars to choose from that were completely correct, pretty sure there would be reversible modifications made. No harm here and after all, it is Owner Preference on what is done to the car.

If the '63 has good suspension components and everything is in quality shape, this car drives, handles, and goes plenty fast (mine is a warmed up 340hp) and for '63 technology, it is a wonderful car.

All of the "old" cars we have pale in comparison to the newer cars which are simply awe inspiring for performance and their handling characteristics, which for me, negates the need to make changes to the "old" ones.

We all know Mark has excellent skills and whatever he want's to do, it would be done with great taste and wonderful craftsmanship.

Great photo Odis! I love your line up of cars. My red 1963 was restored in 1995. For some reason they put a new speedometer in it so it shows 1050 miles since the restoration. It definitely shows some tender loving care. Last night was my first time driving the red 63. I got my wife and we did a cruise out to Siesta Key Beach. Man o man was it hot in that car. Right now it doesnt have A/C and I felt like I was in an oven. It was 92 degrees outside and it felt like the heater was on in the car. Tomorrow I am ordering a Vintage Air system for it and I will pull the carpet out while I am doing this and insulate the floor. I can relate to your comment about new technology. A new Kia rides and handles better than the Corvette. Funny though back in the day I had a 1966, 1975, 1978, and I 1980 Corvette. I wasnt afraid to drive 90 mile an hour because back then we thought they handled awesome.

 

[IGO2XS]

What year is that truck it looks to be in great shape.

I bought it new in 2011. I have always taken good care of it. I have continued to make improvments like the lift, tires and wheels, custom interior, and other stuff. I have thought many times about trading it but I always talk myself out of it because I put so much money in improvements.

 

[Bighead38]

Thanks for the counter update. I really like how it turned out.

I’m going to go against the other guys with the 63. I vote to leave it alone. You e done vettes before so you have been there and done that. Keep this one simple imo. Just add the vintage air and enjoy the car.

 

[Horror Business]

^^^
this

 

[BassProCamaro97]

I've been watching this thread for along time. Awesome grab on the 63. I'm super jealous.

Keep up the awesome posts!

~Jim~