Above 1200 Sq/FT Aces High Speed Shop's New Home - 36x40x14

[OutlawDrifter]

Frustrating when you get it all back together and it doesn't quite work. I did similar when I replace the window I had to break out of my truck a few weeks back. All back together, window rolled up great then wouldn't roll back down. Luckily it is getting cold so no real worries for now. Good luck on the repair.

JB

Thanks JB, that's kind of par for the course for this type of product. I didn't order the one I had planned on, cause this supplier had ALL the other parts I needed...oh well

 

[OutlawDrifter]

After 3ish years, I have finally made it a priority to make the MF 8 mower 100% usable. Spent the morning tuning the carb and putting a new valve stem in the front left tire. Turns out, tires that were installed in 1975, DO NOT, like to be removed off of the bead.

Mower is starting/running/mowing great. I spent a little more time cleaning it up, and it can now be moved under its power easily. I may have to pull the gas tank and use a kit to seal it...may have more corrosion than I realized.





Yesterday would have been my dad's 76th birthday (almost 4 years since we lost him, cancer *****!). Spent the day reminiscing and going through pictures. Here are a few that I had posted to the book of faces. I miss him dearly, he was a great man

Fishing near Pinedale, WY. He spent a Summer there running a D8 and scraper.



California 1971...my dad's sister and husband. My other Uncle's 1970 Monte Carlo. For the record, neither of us EVER liked wearing shorts.



80s in Yuma, AZ...fishing in the "green belt." There were 3 connected ponds and this one had a man made waterfall. This was behind our house.



Dad's 60th Surprise Bday party...that was fun. Great party, bad hangover! Notice dad's convertible hot rod wheel chair I made for him, complete with horn and twice pipes. He's holding his old motocross helmet from the 70s.





Our 1994 KW W900L, 3406E/13 speed/3.70s/tall 24.5 rubber. After a full repaint in this picture, still lacking the door vinyls. That truck was a horse, after initial overhaul it put 630 down to the wheels, dad had it turned down to around 560...it was hard on tires. We put 1.9 million miles on that truck before we sold it, the transmission was NEVER touched.

 

[GGB]

Great story and pictures, Marc. Also lost my Dad not quite four years ago to a very bad case of shingles that he fought for ten years. Thankfully, the good memories of his life before shingles are the ones I think of most often now. Thanks for sharing!

GGB

 

[Sifan]

"1.9 million miles on that truck before we sold it, the transmission was NEVER touched."

WoW! that's a lot of grinding between gears!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Great story and pictures, Marc. Also lost my Dad not quite four years ago to a very bad case of shingles that he fought for ten years. Thankfully, the good memories of his life before shingles are the ones I think of most often now. Thanks for sharing!

GGB

My condolences for your loss, thanks for stopping in!

"1.9 million miles on that truck before we sold it, the transmission was NEVER touched."

WoW! that's a lot of grinding between gears!

When it came to shifting gears, running hydraulics, etc...he was a master, softest touch I've ever seen. The finish work he could do with dozers/scrapers/road graders/(name that equipment) was mind boggling!

 

[Sifan]

I run a Western Star during fall harvest, up shift is a piece of cake. Down shift is another story, by the time I get a feel for it, next day, harvest is over LOL

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I run a Western Star during fall harvest, up shift is a piece of cake. Down shift is another story, by the time I get a feel for it, next day, harvest is over LOL

It's definitely a learn by doing it kind of thing. All about keeping an eye/ear on the RPM when you're (re)learning. Generally approx 400rpm with a full gear and 200rpm with split. When dad taught me around 12y/o or so, the hardest part for me to grasp was its not a drag race, slow and steady! Definitely a different mindset.

 

[Sifan]

LOL it's all ear, listening to the CAT purr and feel ... the tach doesn't work LOL

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I put some new skins on the Traxter this weekend. Ordered some house brand stuff from Rocky Mountain ATV MC, fast shipping and these Tusk brand tires come well reviewed.

The original Carlisle skins had seated to the bead quite well...14+ years will do that I guess. No amount of persuasion I exerted would work. So, I waived the white flag, and took them to town to break them down on a tire machine. That made short work of it, and daughter #2 and I had them mounted up and torqued in quick order. These are a 6 ply rating vs the factory 4 ply. They run a 25x8-12 up front and a 26x11-12 in back (factory was 26x10-12). So far so good, they ride nice, we'll see what kind of wear I get out of them.

















The Suburban required a bit of attention also. The backup camera I had installed was having some issues with the picture, so a new replacement was ordered and installed. I also put on a GTS "aero wing" to help keep the back window free from our gravel dust. So far so good with both. When purchased the Suburban had a wing mounted up top that deflected some air to the back glass...but after meeting a Peterbilt 379 on a windy day this summer, its old plastic composition couldn't handle the strain, and it was sent back to the wild.

 

[zmotorsports]

Great stories about your dad Marc.

It's hard because we miss them so much but sharing stories keeps their memories alive and great men should be celebrated and remembered.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Great stories about your dad Marc.

It's hard because we miss them so much but sharing stories keeps their memories alive and great men should be celebrated and remembered.

Thanks, Mike, yes we need to keep the stories/memories going for the younger generations.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Love the old pictures. Sure today’s phone cameras are really good, but the color of old photos are just cool.
I use to have a MF mower like that.When I bought it from my friend it didn’t have a mow deck. He had a rototiller on the back. He lived out on a abandoned airstrip. I went by his house one day and his yard was all tilled up. I asked him if he was planting new grass, he said No I don’t have a mower. Crazy guy. He sold me the MFer and I bought a mow deck for it. I used it for several years before I sold it. Sold for what I paid for it, minus the mower.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Love the old pictures. Sure today’s phone cameras are really good, but the color of old photos are just cool.
I use to have a MF mower like that.When I bought it from my friend it didn’t have a mow deck. He had a rototiller on the back. He lived out on a abandoned airstrip. I went by his house one day and his yard was all tilled up. I asked him if he was planting new grass, he said No I don’t have a mower. Crazy guy. He sold me the MFer and I bought a mow deck for it. I used it for several years before I sold it. Sold for what I paid for it, minus the mower.

Thanks, Herb! I'm a big fan of "old" photos too. Hell, I just like having an actual picture to hold in my hand...we're going to have a full generation here before too soon that won't have boxes of pictures!

 

[skully67]

Just read this whole thread (well, the last couple nights). Great thread, shop and projects.

Both my parents are from KS. Still have most of my family back there. Get back once every couple years, so I really enjoy the pictures. I just look at the roads, the backgrounds and smile.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Just read this whole thread (well, the last couple nights). Great thread, shop and projects.

Both my parents are from KS. Still have most of my family back there. Get back once every couple years, so I really enjoy the pictures. I just look at the roads, the backgrounds and smile.

Welcome aboard and thanks for stopping in!

What state do you call home now?

 

[BoilermakerFan]

I put some new skins on the Traxter this weekend. Ordered some house brand stuff from Rocky Mountain ATV MC, fast shipping and these Tusk brand tires come well reviewed.

The original Carlisle skins had seated to the bead quite well...14+ years will do that I guess. No amount of persuasion I exerted would work. So, I waived the white flag, and took them to town to break them down on a tire machine. That made short work of it, and daughter #2 and I had them mounted up and torqued in quick order. These are a 6 ply rating vs the factory 4 ply. They run a 25x8-12 up front and a 26x11-12 in back (factory was 26x10-12). So far so good, they ride nice, we'll see what kind of wear I get out of them.

















The Suburban required a bit of attention also. The backup camera I had installed was having some issues with the picture, so a new replacement was ordered and installed. I also put on a GTS "aero wing" to help keep the back window free from our gravel dust. So far so good with both. When purchased the Suburban had a wing mounted up top that deflected some air to the back glass...but after meeting a Peterbilt 379 on a windy day this summer, its old plastic composition couldn't handle the strain, and it was sent back to the wild.

Summer tires off, winter tires on!

 

[skully67]

Welcome aboard and thanks for stopping in!

What state do you call home now?

Live in SW WA. Moms family moved out here in 50's.

The family farm back there is technically Mankato, KS.
But the closest town is right across the border up in Superior, NE.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Live in SW WA. Moms family moved out here in 50's.

The family farm back there is technically Mankato, KS.
But the closest town is right across the border up in Superior, NE.

WA is a pretty state, lots of different terrain from one side to the other! I have family in Eatonville and a few other scattered places.

If I had a nickel for every time I've been through Mankato...I'd have a lot of nickels

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Summer tires off, winter tires on!

It's ready for whatever Old Man Winter throws at us this year I guess

 

[OutlawDrifter]

This weekend was eventful, didn't accomplish as much as I'd hoped, but I did get some stuff done.

First thing Saturday morning, oldest son and I loaded up in the 'burb and headed for Missouri. I had finally found a car trailer that met my specs and price point. Called the guy and the one he had advertised, a 2020 model, was sold, but he had just unloaded a bunch of new 2021's off the truck. Said he would have the one I was interested in put together when I got there.

While trying to finish up paperwork, he tried to buy my Suburban no less than 3 times. Turns out, he is a GMT400 fan also!

16' + 2' dovetail, LED lights, 5" channel all the way through, 1 brake axle, fold up jack, 6-ply radials, and the ramps store in the rear.






When I arrived home, I heard a rattle underneath the 'burb...turns out, my passenger catalytic converter decided to loosen up its inner material. Now, this one is easy to remedy...but the driver's side, not so much. After much thought, I was able to produce the necessary repair....which ended up with metal in my eye and a trip to the ER. All is well and said foreign matter is no longer in my eye, shame on me for not wearing proper eye protection while cutting!

Now at my normal cruise RPM, 2250ish (67mph), the rig is a touch louder than I want...it may be time to put a set of dual Super Turbos on it and call it a day.

 

[jbmatth]

After much thought, I was able to produce the necessary repair....
the rig is a touch louder...

I have done that same repair before, not ideal but works.

JB

 

[skully67]

Nice trailer. I bought the same spec'd thing a few years ago. Needed the 2' of dove as my car wasn't happy going onto my 16' I had. And I lowered it even more.
Funny thing...new trailer has been used several times now. But I've never had my own car on it! Hell, my dad's hauled more hay on it than anything else!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Nice trailer. I bought the same spec'd thing a few years ago. Needed the 2' of dove as my car wasn't happy going onto my 16' I had. And I lowered it even more.
Funny thing...new trailer has been used several times now. But I've never had my own car on it! Hell, my dad's hauled more hay on it than anything else!

One always finds more friends when you acquire a trailer!

 

[rattle_snake]

After the 2nd time I got metal in my eye, I turned into Mr. PPE. Extremely painful yet completely avoidable. Sprinkled eye protection all over shop so no excuse. My dad has only one eye and always told me to use eye pro but I didn't listen until it was too late....
What make is the trailer?

 

[OutlawDrifter]

After the 2nd time I got metal in my eye, I turned into Mr. PPE. Extremely painful yet completely avoidable. Sprinkled eye protection all over shop so no excuse. My dad has only one eye and always told me to use eye pro but I didn't listen until it was too late....
What make is the trailer?

Justin, the trailer brand is VAR, they are made in Cookville, TX.


I went an purchased some goggles to cut/grind with...in the market for a good face shield next!

 

[jbmatth]

I have to admit I don't use a face shield, but anytime I use a grinder, wire wheel, etc. I have a pair of goggles on that fit snug to my face. Never had to have metal removed but I did get a couple of eye infections before learning my lesson.

I'm going to be in the market for a new car hauler this spring, I'll add that to my list, looks nice.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I have to admit I don't use a face shield, but anytime I use a grinder, wire wheel, etc. I have a pair of goggles on that fit snug to my face. Never had to have metal removed but I did get a couple of eye infections before learning my lesson.

I'm going to be in the market for a new car hauler this spring, I'll add that to my list, looks nice.

JB

Yeah, I wear glasses full time...you know, cause I'm blind and all, but apparently that wasn't enough on this one! I'll be more cautious going forward for sure!

So far I like the trailer, hopefully it will last.

 

[BUGTHUG]

I have to admit I don't use a face shield, but anytime I use a grinder, wire wheel, etc. I have a pair of goggles on that fit snug to my face. Never had to have metal removed but I did get a couple of eye infections before learning my lesson.

I'm going to be in the market for a new car hauler this spring, I'll add that to my list, looks nice.

JB

Hey JB, I think the place is still in business. It's called Terry Trailers, they were out of OKC. I bought my trailer there in 1986. Probably one of the best things I purchased for my shop/barn. I def got alot of use out of it, and hauled some weird **** on it. Mines like OLDrifter just metal.

 

[Bob Heine]

I keep a half-dozen safety glasses scattered around the garage and another half dozen in the workshop (half tinted, half clear). I got a piece of ceramic tile in my eye that got past the side of the safety glass lens (I look to the side because I'm permanently cross-eyed). Next time it was a piece of steel that I tried to ignore for two days. It rusted and the eye doctor had to go after the rust stain with a Dremel. Not a sound you want to hear getting up close and personal with your eyeball. Last visit to the eye doctor was a branch that hit my eye hard enough to dislodge one edge of the artificial lens in my 'good' eye. I can still see but the pupil is locked wide open. Causes a special kind of day- and night-blindness. Now it's safety glasses with one of four face shields over my face. My favorite face shield is the SAS 5145 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RFSLZ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20).

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I keep a half-dozen safety glasses scattered around the garage and another half dozen in the workshop (half tinted, half clear). I got a piece of ceramic tile in my eye that got past the side of the safety glass lens (I look to the side because I'm permanently cross-eyed). Next time it was a piece of steel that I tried to ignore for two days. It rusted and the eye doctor had to go after the rust stain with a Dremel. Not a sound you want to hear getting up close and personal with your eyeball. Last visit to the eye doctor was a branch that hit my eye hard enough to dislodge one edge of the artificial lens in my 'good' eye. I can still see but the pupil is locked wide open. Causes a special kind of day- and night-blindness. Now it's safety glasses with one of four face shields over my face. My favorite face shield is the SAS 5145 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RFSLZ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20).

Thanks for the link Bob!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Made some good progress this weekend. New exhaust is on, and the Dynomax Super Turbos did the job. With the two muffler setup I added approximately 30% more muffling based on square inches. It still has a nice deep sound, but its much quieter inside.








Everything showed up except the speaker grill for the sub, so I went ahead and built the box and got it "thumping". Ended up going 13.5" high, 24" long, and 8" deep. Covered the box with some color matched carpet from Albright's Supply (awesome company, fast shipping, very fair prices on upholstery, they are my go to). I'm very pleased with this over the 8" setup I was running, the current amp does the job just fine. This 12" definitely has a better range and doesn't have to be pushed as hard.











Sunday was spent putting up patio furniture, making the weekly grocery store run, and getting prepped for this upcoming week! We will be in the low 70s for most of the week, some of that global warming I guess, haha. I'll take it, we don't get much of that in November around here!

 

[jbmatth]

Good looking enclosure, but those wires look like they want some zip ties.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Good looking enclosure, but those wires look like they want some zip ties.

JB

...haha, I just knew I'd get called out on that! Always keeping me honest, JB!

That was the initial pic after putting the box in the back. They have been arranged in a more eye pleasing fashion, and will get a better job done when I decide what to do with the amp.

 

[iced98lx]

Good looking trailer to add the fleet for sure, that's a good solution the burb exhaust, I'm sure it didn't cost much in the way of flow either.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Good looking trailer to add the fleet for sure, that's a good solution the burb exhaust, I'm sure it didn't cost much in the way of flow either.

Thanks..and yes, there should be zero loss with this exhaust setup compared to my previous setup, and definitely better than stock!

 

[rattle_snake]

Which RF sub is that? and older one? F3, Q of box?
Looks great nice work.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Which RF sub is that? and older one? F3, Q of box?
Looks great nice work.

Justin, it's one of their Prime series, bargain stuff. R1S412 is the part #. Box comes out to 1.02cu/ft internal, F3 is 43hz and Qtc Is .87.

Thanks!

It definitely has better range than it's predecessor.

 

[rattle_snake]

Now you have improved rumble from the pipes and tunes. My first 2 mods on anything!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Busy weekend, not necessarily good busy either.

Saturday morning I was up early and ready to tackle getting my JD mower serviced, cleaned up, blades sharpened, and put away for Winter. On my way home from an oil filter/oil purchase for the mower, the rear brake hardline on the 'burb decided to purge fluid. I nursed it home and put it on the rack, pulled the old line off and went to town for repairs. Everything went back together pretty smooth, but I couldn't get the brakes to bleed properly no matter what I did. Finally resorted to having the wife pump the brakes manually, then took it out on the gravel road and cycled the ABS a few times to purge any more air. Finally got that done, but it was 4pm by then, and I no longer felt like being in the shop!

Sunday I did my weekly grocery trip and then got after it in the shop. The JD service/clean-up/etc is done and it's ready for next Spring. Decided to get the fuel tank leak fixed in the MF 8 mower, pulled the tank, cleaned it up and sealed it up with the Red-Kote. Pretty noxious fume from that stuff, I'll let it cure for about 2 days before sticking the tank back on.

No pics this round, maybe next time?

 

[rattle_snake]

Brakes are no fun. Essential, but not fun to work on. I spent some time this weekend replacing parts, adjusting. Bleed, rinse, repeat.