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

[IGO2XS]

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

I cant wait to do the counter in my wife's pantry with the chiseled edge. I dont know if I said this before or not but I will be hiring a good concrete finisher. I can do all the form and concrete mixing but I want a top that is nice and flat. We did OK with the first one but not good enough for me inside the house.

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.

I know eactly what you are saying about keeping it simple. I really appreciate your opinion.

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

Keep up the awesome posts!

~Jim~

^^^
this

Thank you so much. I was lax for a while but now I have the wheels turning on projects so I hope to keep this thread worth while to follow.


I really appreciate the comments on the red 63. I have to come clean and tell you guys I called Evod wheels as they make a billet aluminum knock off wheel........they bolt on with a lug cover and spinner. They get $10K to $12K for a set of one off wheels. Wow that was sticker shock. I had my lead fabricator/ mechanic from my days at GodSpeed over today to work on my van. He is a real wiz on the computer so he went home and started designing a wheel on his computer. He has two 40" curved computer screens so it is a real wide angle. Here is a screen shot of what he has come up with so far. I am not making any promises but they would be 18's in the front and 20's in the rear. Does anyone else here on the forum do this kind of designing?

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Hey Mark, your basically talking about 3D modeling, I would bet the 3D printer thread would have people that can do that level of modeling.



https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384990

 

[IGO2XS]

Hey Mark, your basically talking about 3D modeling, I would bet the 3D printer thread would have people that can do that level of modeling.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384990

Thanks for the info. Here is a little more work done on the wheel rendering.

 

[Bighead38]

Wouldn’t be my personal choice but I still think it has a chance to look good.

 

[Huxley]

I think it is against the rules to throw out “compound fracture” without an explanation. Sorry if I missed it, don’t spend as much time browsing as I used to.

I am guessing crocodile. Definitely crocodile related broken bones.

 

[IGO2XS]

Wouldn’t be my personal choice but I still think it has a chance to look good.

Nothing is for sure at this time. Lots of ideas bouncing around in this head. I am really leaning toward doing for modern european styling so for this reason this wheel isnt a good choice. I think it was more a matter of technology has advanced enough we can literally build our own parts. Its fun!

I think it is against the rules to throw out “compound fracture” without an explanation. Sorry if I missed it, don’t spend as much time browsing as I used to.

I am guessing crocodile. Definitely crocodile related broken bones.

I wish it was more exciting like what you are describing but unfortunately it was a clear case of me getting run over by a trailer at an event I was promoting. I had my back to the road and someone ran over my leg.

We are finally getting a little progress on the corvette restomod but it is still more of a backwards motion. I sandblasted the "bird cage" which is the metal framing around the windshield/ cockpit. I will have a new Shimmershine front end this coming week. Looking forward to bonding the new panels on the body.

 

[IGO2XS]

I almost forgot my big score this week. My brother was moving out of a big warehouse and they said if I came I got the air compressor I could have it. I wasnt sure what to expect Its a good thing I took my Bobcat because it was a serious piece. It has an 80 gallon tank and a twin pump 10HP 3 phase motor. Unfortunately I dont have 3 phase power so I would need to purchase an phase converter or purchase a 220v motor to replace it. The motors are around $1000 but probably cheaper than the converter. Any thoughts on this

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

You could run it with a VFD.
https://www.wolfautomation.com/products/ac-drives/10_hp/

 

[casmurbax]

That compressor is junk, if I was closer I would take it off your hands. How do you almost forget a score like that? You needed a trailer and a Bobcat to get it?

nice score, you **** 3 phase or not

 

[IGO2XS]

You could run it with a VFD.
https://www.wolfautomation.com/products/ac-drives/10_hp/

thanks for this link I will check it out!

That compressor is junk, if I was closer I would take it off your hands. How do you almost forget a score like that? You needed a trailer and a Bobcat to get it?

nice score, you **** 3 phase or not

The compressor was located behind the building. I dont think 4 good guys could pick it up. I drove the bobcat around to the compressor, put a ******** it and backed it on the trailer. When I got home I just pulled the bobcat off the trailer. The only work was getting the anchors unbolted so we could lift it. I always say work smarter not harder. When you have the right equipment it makes work so easy...........and all this with the comfort of an air conditioned cab!!

 

[casmurbax]

I meant You needed a trailer and a Bobcat to get it!

How do you almost forget telling us that, that would be hard to forget if it was me...

I can see from the pics why you needed that equipment.

Of course you have quite a few other projects going on not on your priority list.

 

[IGO2XS]

Oh sorry about that. I cant tell you how many times I have appreciated having the Bobcat. I bought it when we were building the houses here and also used it at our business. I probably use it once a week for something. I keep it in the garage now and when I get a chance I am going to repaint it.

I meant You needed a trailer and a Bobcat to get it!

How do you almost forget telling us that, that would be hard to forget if it was me...

I can see from the pics why you needed that equipment.

Of course you have quite a few other projects going on not on your priority list.

 

[plain2car]

Nice score Mark!! I imagine that you will be able to put the compressor to good use!
now! for the really important question... what is happening on the van!! and when are you going to post it on the "other forum" 67-72chevytrucks... LOL!!!

 

[IGO2XS]

Nice score Mark!! I imagine that you will be able to put the compressor to good use!
now! for the really important question... what is happening on the van!! and when are you going to post it on the "other forum" 67-72chevytrucks... LOL!!!

I will get some pictures posted up on the van. We are getting close on putting the house back together. Temporary walls were constructed to contain the dust in the construction area. Used 2 x 4's and plastic to seal it off. It feels like it has been up 5 weeks and I am ready for it to come down. I did sub out the drywall work and they should be finished in the next few days. Here are some pictures showing what we demoed.

 

[aventino68]

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.

What tyres are you running, I have similar Schotts for a pickup project but the Mickey Thompson tyres that fit aren't really suited to the speeds I want to run.

 

[IGO2XS]

What tyres are you running, I have similar Schotts for a pickup project but the Mickey Thompson tyres that fit aren't really suited to the speeds I want to run.

I used Pirelli P-Zero Corsa for my tires. They have a wide range of sizes in this tire and had the ones I needed. Check tirerack.com. Even if you dont buy from they they list all of the tire sizes and the specifications so you can find the right size for your vehicle. They have a large selection of tires and its easy to do your research on their site.

 

[Andylismore]

That is awsome

 

[IGO2XS]

A little update first on the house project. I am pretty happy with the progress so far. Although we are not through yet here is a picture I took tonight so you guys could see the progress. The drywall has been painted and right now we are working on the stone columns. If you look at some of the prior pictures I have posted of the kitchen you can see how much this project has opened up the house. I dont know if I mentioned this before but luckily I had 200 sq ft of tile left so we were able to lay the floor tile where needed so it all match's. I really like the industrial look of some of the furnishings and I came up with an idea..........luckily an idea my wife approved. When I first realized we would be using steel beams I wanted them exposed. Unfortunately they had 2 x 12's bolted to them for strapping the ceiling joists. You can see those two headers in the picture and they have been drywalled. I am taking 1/2" mdf and mocking up some faux beams to wrap those headers with. I have our buddy who does the faux painting and he will be able to make them look like real steel beams. I am having some bolt heads machined out of acrylic I will use to make them look real. I know it sounds crazy but please bear with me and we'll see how it turns out.

 

[IGO2XS]

Here is a few pictures of the wood and a prototype I made to show the wife. I used the mdf because it is smooth and once painted looks great.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Wow what an improvement, open floor plan and being able to stand at the island and see your guest. Nice work Mark.

 

[IGO2XS]

Wow what an improvement, open floor plan and being able to stand at the island and see your guest. Nice work Mark.

Thanks for the compliment. I have to be honest and say this was my wife's idea. She didnt know how to do it she just knew she wanted it all opened up. I must admit I am really enjoying the space now. I will be installing the faux iron beams tomorrow aka melamine particle board! I painted all the pieces in the garage today so I was not doing it all on the ladder. I painted it a low luster black as the base coat. Our painter will be going over all of the black making it look old and rustic. I am excited to see what he comes up with.

 

[IGO2XS]

There has been a lot of grinding and prep work on the 63 Corvette split window. The new panels to install are a new nose and lower front fenders, smoothed firewall, rear quarters, and rear inside deck and inner fenders........quite a bit. Basically the only original glass is the the doors, roof, rear deck and taillight panel. Mike has been grinding lots ot glass to get to the bonding strips......some bonding strips we will add. Mike has been doing these cars all of his life and there is a progression of measuring and installing the fiberglass panels in the right succession. He gets the corvette out in the sun and clamps panels on it and allow them to conform to the existing body. Its crazy how much these panels move when they get heated up.Trying to get the body together as I will be taking it to Vermont to get the body mocked uup on the frame. P.S. Mike doesnt keep his shop as clean as mine.

 

[Caparris]

The kitchen looks awesome!

 

[IGO2XS]

The kitchen looks awesome!

Thank you! I have attached a picture of the concept I am trying to achieve with the beams. I am going to have simulated bolts on mine unlike the one in the first picture which is smooth. (found this picture of the internet) I made up a mock up "beam" so my wife could see what it was going to look like. I managed to get the bottom plate on today. I painted all the boards a satin black as this is the first layer of color. I got a late start and spent a few hours attaching it. I probably could have got more done but I wanted to spend time in the garage organizing. I got an early shower about 4:30 as I wanted to get a few hours in the drum room banging on the drums. I have been really focused and have only missed a few days out of the last 6 weeks playing. It takes a lot of dedication to play a musical instrument. I have made up my mind I am going to work real hard to get back as much of my talent as I can. Tomorrow I will finish up installing the beam.

 

[Bob Heine]

Mark your artist always does and amazing job using paint and other techniques to bring your visions to life. I know this is going to be another winner.

 

[casmurbax]

Kitchen is looking great. Quite the difference. Great idea with the faux I beam.

I have a silly question, you stated that you want to bring the car up to Vermont to mock the body up on the frame. Why not mount the body to that frame instead of doing all the work beforehand? I take it you are having a frame built in Vermont?

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark your artist always does and amazing job using paint and other techniques to bring your visions to life. I know this is going to be another winner.

Thanks Bob! I think I am good at making lucky guesses. LOL Your very kind!

Kitchen is looking great. Quite the difference. Great idea with the faux I beam.

I have a silly question, you stated that you want to bring the car up to Vermont to mock the body up on the frame. Why not mount the body to that frame instead of doing all the work beforehand? I take it you are having a frame built in Vermont?

I would be glad to answer that question. It kind of like what comes first.........the chicken or the egg. We decided we would get the cars body panels to fit right on the factory frame first and then removed the body and take it to RothSpeed chassis in Vermont. RothSpeed will be able to adjust their body mounts and make the car fit to the frame. RothSpeed is going to scan the car after its on the frame and I will have a 3d rendering. If I want to build any custom parts we will be able to do so off of the scan. I couid get the body on the frame but I am looking forward to the adventure of taking the car to them and let them mount the body. I have a particular ride height in mind and these is going to result in the body mounts being lowered.

I spent this weekend cutting all the pieces of MDF, painting them, and then installing the beam. I used a 6" foam roller and black paint and it really gave the wood a nice texture. The texture is light but it really looks awesome close up and gives it a great look. I found it hard to take a picture showing the detail of the beam. You can easily see the vertical pieces I added. Once we have the faux painting done I am going to install the bolt heads at each end of the beams and between the pairs of vertical trim.

 

[casmurbax]

Mike,

thank you for answering, I have heard of those guys before when I went to the last Burlington Car show.

That 66 corvette they did looks amazing. Are you thinking of going similar route?

Great job on the beams.

 

[IGO2XS]

Mike,

thank you for answering, I have heard of those guys before when I went to the last Burlington Car show.

That 66 corvette they did looks amazing. Are you thinking of going similar route?

Great job on the beams.

They widened that car so they could put a C7 Corvette interior in it. That had to be a $500,000 build. Its a high end shop and I love networking with people on builds. I have a vision for my build but I love working with other people to turn out the best product I can. Its kind of like the beams I built. I was really proud of what I built but I needed our faux painter to rub a little color on them to make them authentic.

It is hard to capture the color but here are some photos of our progress today. He gave me 8 variations of the concept and I picked the one with the lightest color in it. The colors even look better up close. I attached all of the bolt heads today as well.

 

[smsteve]

Mark, the bolt heads absolutely make the beam. Nicely done!

 

[Bob Heine]

Mark, I and many others on this site appreciate you clocking all those bolt heads.

 

[casmurbax]

Yea that car they built was pretty dam impressive, as are yours.

As Bob pointed out, thank you for aligning the bolt heads. Having some color added to the beams makes them stand out much better.

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark, the bolt heads absolutely make the beam. Nicely done!

I had these left over from my media room build and they were the perfect size.

Mark, I and many others on this site appreciate you clocking all those bolt heads.

I made a few stops for the installation. I didnt want to pull out the tape measure for every bolt head. I try to work in assembly line production mode.

Yea that car they built was pretty dam impressive, as are yours.

As Bob pointed out, thank you for aligning the bolt heads. Having some color added to the beams makes them stand out much better.

I eat 3 meals a day in that kitchen facing the beams. The last thing I wanted was crooked bolt heads.

I am looking forward to the current corvette build. I hope its the best one yet.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Mark, I admire the level of quality in your work, both in the design and execution.
Been tagging along for a few years now and your level of quality has always been the same. Great work!

 

[Toolfool]

The faux beam is a cool idea.

 

[bugnut]

Mark, I too appreciate the clocked bolts and really like the attention to detail.

 

[Homebody]

Awesome! Keep up the good work!!

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark, I admire the level of quality in your work, both in the design and execution.
Been tagging along for a few years now and your level of quality has always been the same. Great work!

Thanks so much for the compliment. I am my own worse critic so it keeps me in line. I guess I over think projects and try to do the best job i can.

The faux beam is a cool idea.

Thank you. If it had not been for the fact I-beams were used in the support of the removed headers I probably would not of thought of it. The best part is my wife loved it along with my interior decorator niece. To get the approval of two woman was a great succes!

Mark, I too appreciate the clocked bolts and really like the attention to detail.

I wouldnt know any other way. I am really not truly OCD but I do appreciate organization and consistency.

Awesome! Keep up the good work!!

Thanks so much!!!

Speaking of over thinking I managed to take the van to another level as of today. The van has been a slow project as I have been relying on a guy who used to work for me on the fabrication. We only get together once a week. The problem is when a project sits around I get other ideas. I did get the narrowed rear end installed and have been admiring the big 20x 14 rear wheel tucked under the van. I took on the project of cleaning the motor and went through a case of brake clean to get it all as close to new as possible. I think I must have smelled to much of the brake cleaner and decided I was going to pull the motor this weekend. LOL. I decided if the van is going to be as nice as its turning out I needed to upgrade the power plant. I went down to my local Chevrolet dealership and ordered a new LS3 HOT CAM motor from the parts department. This bad boy has 495 HP which should be enough to propel the shaggin wagon down the road. I pick up the motor tomorrow.

 

[casmurbax]

Wheels look great on the shaggin wagon.

Nice motor, what trans will you be using?

 

[jbmatth]

Good call, that would be a good fit for the van, what trans are you going to be running with it? *EDIT*-casmurbax beat me to the trans question.

JB