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

[IGO2XS]

Denali looks way better. I’ve always thought the Denali’s looked great. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to own a newer truck. I’ve been looking at trucks lately that are 3-6 years old because I am tired of working on my own old garbage. I like wrenching as a side business, I like it when doing modifications in my own stuff, I absolutely hate it when I need to fix my own junk to get to work. The problem is the used truck market is insane right now.

sounds like you need a new truck to me!

The used truck market is a joke and over inflated to the max!

I was talking to a buddy of mine and the used car market is on fire. He says the wholesale prices are equal to the retail prices so prices are high right now. It woud be a good time to sell my dually but I dont think I can do without a pickup truck.

 

[IGO2XS]

Definitely like the new Chevy over the GMC, just wish GM wouldn't have changed the mirrors.

I have always loved the Denali grill so this has been a real tough decision. At the end of the day I decided the Chevrolet front end is more modern so I chose the Chevy.

To me the Chevy headlights look upside down, I just can't un-see it. I've been very tempted to go for the Denali but haven't pulled the trigger.

The 2021's are out now. I dropped my truck off for service Tuesday morning and stopped in the office of the general manager at Sunset Chevy. He got on his computer and we built the truck.........Chevrolet High Country 4 door duramax dually. 4 x 4 and I ordered white because it will make the wheels look better. He old me it would be around 6 to 8 weeks. I hope it comes quicker.

 

[C2tuck]

Wow Mark, what a truly incredible journey!

I can tell you that I have literally spent the last 3 days straight reading your story. I started out on the 67-72 forum, as I have wanted one for years and I'm about to pull the trigger on a 72 SWB. While searching through the endless ideas, I stumbled upon your thread. Once you mentioned GJ, I ran over here (can't believe I missed it for so long) and started on this thread (and let me tell you, I normally don't like to read) and couldn't stop.

First of all, I think you built the cleanest C10 ever created, seriously, as well as many other truly awesome one off's, but the C10 is hands down still my favorite. Your garage is more than I could ever imagine and your home is stunning.

I appreciate your humbleness and I'm not sure you realize how much hope you've given others. I too have struggled with addiction (sober 5 yrs now), been lost and not had direction, met and somehow managed to keep an amazing woman by my side who gives me those nudges when needed, and has always been the calm within the storm for me. I made a huge career change later in life when everyone else I knew was settling into theirs, which eventually led to me taking a leap of faith and started my own business, nothing nearly as creative or glamorous as yours, but successful nonetheless. Oh, and I've also played drums for 25 years...DW ftw!

It takes a special person to accomplish what you have...you are one of the few that had the courage to chase your dreams and leave your mark.

I say all this to say thank you...for nudging us all to chase our dreams.

Keep the posts coming as you now have another subscriber to please. Lol.

 

[IGO2XS]

Wow Mark, what a truly incredible journey!

I can tell you that I have literally spent the last 3 days straight reading your story. I started out on the 67-72 forum, as I have wanted one for years and I'm about to pull the trigger on a 72 SWB. While searching through the endless ideas, I stumbled upon your thread. Once you mentioned GJ, I ran over here (can't believe I missed it for so long) and started on this thread (and let me tell you, I normally don't like to read) and couldn't stop.

First of all, I think you built the cleanest C10 ever created, seriously, as well as many other truly awesome one off's, but the C10 is hands down still my favorite. Your garage is more than I could ever imagine and your home is stunning.

I appreciate your humbleness and I'm not sure you realize how much hope you've given others. I too have struggled with addiction (sober 5 yrs now), been lost and not had direction, met and somehow managed to keep an amazing woman by my side who gives me those nudges when needed, and has always been the calm within the storm for me. I made a huge career change later in life when everyone else I knew was settling into theirs, which eventually led to me taking a leap of faith and started my own business, nothing nearly as creative or glamorous as yours, but successful nonetheless. Oh, and I've also played drums for 25 years...DW ftw!

It takes a special person to accomplish what you have...you are one of the few that had the courage to chase your dreams and leave your mark.

I say all this to say thank you...for nudging us all to chase our dreams.

Keep the posts coming as you now have another subscriber to please. Lol.

Thanks for your kind words. Thats cool you saw my thread on the C10 forum. Man you dont know how much I wish I had that C10 back. It was so beautiful and yes it was a work of art......so clean. I can only say these words in retrospect. I really wish I had it back but I know the big block 454 would be out of it and I would have an LT5 in it.

I appreciate your joining us and hope I can keep you intertained. Looks like we are finally going to drop the motor and transmission in the van. I see already I am going to have to get a hot rod oil pan because the crossmember is too close. I got all of the suspension pieces powder coated and they look nice.

No word on the progress of the 63 Vette I have added a few more things to the Rothspeed check list. I will have a custom made billet hood hinges and we will hinge the corvette hood from the firewall. I will also have them build my fuel cell out of aluminum.

 

[C2tuck]

Maybe you can get it back someday and make your 2.0 version.

I’m torn the more I think about it between doing a 68-72, or an 73-87 first. Mine and the wife’s first cars were both 86 c10’s.

We’ve been vacationing in Destin the last several years, may have to head down to Sarasota this summer for a change of scenery, but mainly an excuse to stop by.

Getting my drums set back up this week as I’ve wanted to for a while, thanks for the nudge.

 

[plain2car]

Maybe you can get it back someday and make your 2.0 version.

I’m torn the more I think about it between doing a 68-72, or an 73-87 first. Mine and the wife’s first cars were both 86 c10’s.

We’ve been vacationing in Destin the last several years, may have to head down to Sarasota this summer for a change of scenery, but mainly an excuse to stop by.

Getting my drums set back up this week as I’ve wanted to for a while, thanks for the nudge.

AGREE.. it would be nice to see Mark back on the "truck board", I've tried to get Mark to put the van build on there.
..I am currently doing a '86 daily driver build on there now and a previous build of a '72 truck as well, so I understand the predictament... LOL!
...I am willing to bet that if you knock on Mark's door he will gladly invite you in....

mark is a very thoughtful and respectable "young man!!" ......

 

[IGO2XS]

AGREE.. it would be nice to see Mark back on the "truck board", I've tried to get Mark to put the van build on there.
..I am currently doing a '86 daily driver build on there now and a previous build of a '72 truck as well, so I understand the predictament... LOL!
...I am willing to bet that if you knock on Mark's door he will gladly invite you in....

mark is a very thoughtful and respectable "young man!!" ......

Do you think they would allow me to post a van build? Definitely young in the mind on the more irresponsible side!

Maybe you can get it back someday and make your 2.0 version.

I’m torn the more I think about it between doing a 68-72, or an 73-87 first. Mine and the wife’s first cars were both 86 c10’s.

We’ve been vacationing in Destin the last several years, may have to head down to Sarasota this summer for a change of scenery, but mainly an excuse to stop by.

Getting my drums set back up this week as I’ve wanted to for a while, thanks for the nudge.

I used up all my resources to try to find the van. I had the VIN number and tried to find it that way. I found an old Corvette I had a few years back though. Stopping by is no problem. Unless I am running an errand I am in the garage all day long.

I am having a rendering done for my 2021 Chevy dually. I am using Kris Horton to draw this up for me. He is the same guy I used to do the cars at GodSpeed. He is going to be doing the rendering for the 63 Corvette.

Here is a side shot of the van. I did get the new crossmember bolted in with the motor and transmission in place. Lower control arm sits parallel to the ground at 8" ride height. Suspension geometry is good. I had to order a new crossmember for the transmission. The 4L80 is longer than the stock 700R. I have the lift all the way down to check out the front tire clearance in the footwell. Ride height will be a few inches taller than this picture. Also, the back of the Van will sit about an inch or so taller than the front. Once the coilovers get her we can play with it. I was so close to getting air ride for the van. I think you give up a lot of your ride when you go to air shocks though.

 

[GRN96WS6]

Do you think they would allow me to post a van build? Definitely young in the mind on the more irresponsible side!







I used up all my resources to try to find the van. I had the VIN number and tried to find it that way. I found an old Corvette I had a few years back though. Stopping by is no problem. Unless I am running an errand I am in the garage all day long.



I am having a rendering done for my 2021 Chevy dually. I am using Kris Horton to draw this up for me. He is the same guy I used to do the cars at GodSpeed. He is going to be doing the rendering for the 63 Corvette.



Here is a side shot of the van. I did get the new crossmember bolted in with the motor and transmission in place. Lower control arm sits parallel to the ground at 8" ride height. Suspension geometry is good. I had to order a new crossmember for the transmission. The 4L80 is longer than the stock 700R. I have the lift all the way down to check out the front tire clearance in the footwell. Ride height will be a few inches taller than this picture. Also, the back of the Van will sit about an inch or so taller than the front. Once the coilovers get her we can play with it. I was so close to getting air ride for the van. I think you give up a lot of your ride when you go to air shocks though.

Holy smokes small world! I know of Kris from the old days on CZ28 forum, he's an amazing artist and renderer!

 

[casmurbax]

Hi Mark,

How is the nan coming along?

 

[IGO2XS]

Hi Mark,

How is the nan coming along?

I just started back on the van yesterday. We cut about 3" out of the fuel tank because it hung down below the bumper and our ride height is low......hoping for 8" max from the ground. While I had the tank out I put a new fuel pump in the tank. I needed a fuel pump that would properly supply our 495 HP ls3 plenty of fuel.

I have had my nose to the grindstone on my wife's pantry for the last 10 days. I knew that painting all of the drawer and door fronts in addition to spraying the upper cabinets was going to be a job. I figure I had at least 80 hours of painting along in the is project for sanding, priming, and painting. I was most nervous on the spray painting because of my somewhat lack of experience. I ended up using a lacquer based product. Easy to spray, fast dry, and sands good. From primer to the paint it was a post catalyzed product. I added the hardner and the mixture had to sit for 10 minutes. I have sprayed 3 gallon of primer and 3 of the top coat. All I can say is I am very happy with the outcome. It really looks professional and i am happy with the results.

Oh and I got another vehicle..........pictures to follow soon.

 

[C2tuck]

Wow. Looks great! Definitely not showing the wife this post...she’ll want the same. Lol.

 

[Boosted1]

Van looks awesome.
Pantry does too.
What's up with all the little piggies?

 

[casmurbax]

Geesh look at that nice pantry. Looks terrific.

Is this set up for a photo shoot for WILLIAMS SONOMA?

 

[IGO2XS]

Van looks awesome.
Pantry does too.
What's up with all the little piggies?

We have one for each one of our nieces and nephews. Mary and I did not have kids so they are like kids to us.

Geesh look at that nice pantry. Looks terrific.

Is this set up for a photo shoot for WILLIAMS SONOMA?

Did I fail to mention my wife is Type A? She bought the bottles and then had custom labels made to go on them.


I have pictures of my latest truck/ project but I wanted to update the Chevy Van. today the van for the first time in probably 4 monhs I had all tires on the ground by the end of the day. I have been working feverishly on Mary's Pantry but over the weekend I spent part of my time on the Van. I got the upper and lower control arms installed in the front along with the coilovers so I now have front and rear coilovers. The front suspension looks real awesome because I had all of it powder coated. Its nice and clean just like I like it. Right now I have the height adjusters set all the way down so I know my springs are perfect. Tomorrow I am going to work on the suspension and get the ride height set.
I hope you can see these pictures alright. Everything is so shinny
its hard to see some of the detail.


You guys arent going to believe what I bought.....it will be a surprise
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

 

[JCQuick]

I dam sure I do not want my wife to she yours wife's pantry. just saying

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

That van is killer Mark! The stance, fresh paint and the rear wheel depth really set the van apart from the rest. Your going to have a ton of fun driving that.
Nice work on the pantry.

 

[IGO2XS]

I dam sure I do not want my wife to she yours wife's pantry. just saying

I am sure you would be more than happy to build her a pantry.

That van is killer Mark! The stance, fresh paint and the rear wheel depth really set the van apart from the rest. Your going to have a ton of fun driving that.
Nice work on the pantry.

I will be raising the rear of the van up just a touch. I spent a few hours today adjusting the coilovers. I will probably have at least a few more hours adjusting them to get it to set right. I like a small amount of rake in the stance so the back is slightly higher. I can wait to hear the van start up as it should sound killer. I think you are right I am going to love driving it.

 

[Homebody]

Damn, that's gonna be a sick ride! Those back wheels!

 

[IGO2XS]

Damn, that's gonna be a sick ride! Those back wheels!

They are 20 x 14 with a 335/35-20.


I bought a truck a few days ago. Its a 1954 Ford C-700 cab. It sits on a 2000 Ford F-350 ambulance chassis. It retains the Power Stroke diesel for power. It has A/C, 4 wheel disc brakes, and the automatic overdrive transmission. The freight liner 24" wheels are wrapped in low profile tires and this has air ride. I dont have a use for it other than driving it around. It should be a lot of fun and will be good for my Home Depot runs. Hoping you dont think i am crazy for getting this.

 

[Horror Business]

I like your new truck-a lot!!! More pics please.

 

[IGO2XS]

I like your new truck-a lot!!! More pics please.

I should have it in 10 days and will take plenty of pictures of it. Here are the rest of the pictures I have from the seller.

 

[Bob Heine]

Hoping you dont think i am crazy for getting this.

Mark, you'd be crazy not to buy it. It's a really cool looking truck and perfect for all the stuff you bring home.

 

[vwracer]

Awesome COE! You're going to need some tie down points for that Home Depot trip...

 

[Horror Business]

I think they did a really good job blending new and old.

 

[TwoBytes]

Hoping you dont think i am crazy for getting this.

Are you crazy! Of course we don't think you're crazy, that truck is awesome!

Wow!

 

[TwoBytes]

Awesome COE! You're going to need some tie down points for that Home Depot trip...

And maybe a knuckleboom?

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Mark, that is one cool truck are you going to "Monster Garage" it. Inquiring minds want to know. (-:

 

[casmurbax]

That's pretty sick ride, good for you.

That's no Denali....

 

[Homebody]

Darn it, I was gonna guess a COE but didn't get back on here!
That thing is freakin sweet!!

Imagine pulling up to Home Depot where all the contractors park their trucks in that! Pics of that day please!!
Better put some tie downs on that bed..

 

[plain2car]

mark,
"Do you think they would allow me to post a van build?" ... I will bet that if you post it that no one will complain! they do have a suburban forum...
On the wheel side I am looking at doing a very similar wheel (rev wheels) on my 1986 truck build (LS swap).
.. congrats on the "new truck" purchase .... now you have a truck to handle the weight of those "beams" you installed in the house..... my FIL has a old 1964/65? F600 grain truck that is just sitting waiting for attention!!

 

[IGO2XS]

mark,
"Do you think they would allow me to post a van build?" ... I will bet that if you post it that no one will complain! they do have a suburban forum...
On the wheel side I am looking at doing a very similar wheel (rev wheels) on my 1986 truck build (LS swap).
.. congrats on the "new truck" purchase .... now you have a truck to handle the weight of those "beams" you installed in the house..... my FIL has a old 1964/65? F600 grain truck that is just sitting waiting for attention!!

I will give it a shot and see what happens. Porterbuilt is pretty popular on their and once they see what we did with the front suspension I am sure there will be interest.

Darn it, I was gonna guess a COE but didn't get back on here!
That thing is freakin sweet!!

Imagine pulling up to Home Depot where all the contractors park their trucks in that! Pics of that day please!!
Better put some tie downs on that bed..

I do plan on taking it to Home Depost for supplies. I agree it does need some tie downs.

That's pretty sick ride, good for you.

That's no Denali....

thanks!!!

Mark, that is one cool truck are you going to "Monster Garage" it. Inquiring minds want to know. (-:

I am going to clean up any wiring and the engine compartment. I may try to do some HP upgrades on the Power Stroke just for the heck of it. I really hope I dont have to do too much.

And maybe a knuckleboom?

Are you crazy! Of course we don't think you're crazy, that truck is awesome!
Wow!

Ok cool thanks. I bet a rollback on this truck would be cool but probably too much money.

 

[SamYoung]

So if you have your big tow rig for hauling the car trailer and you're using this beauty for Home Depot runs, whats the new Silverado for? groceries?

Congrats non the less. That's a sweet rig. Is it bad that I'm envisioning you pulling up to a show with a SWC on the back of that bad boy? I'd say with matching paint, but that patina looks to good to mess with IMO.

 

[IGO2XS]

So if you have your big tow rig for hauling the car trailer and you're using this beauty for Home Depot runs, whats the new Silverado for? groceries?

Congrats non the less. That's a sweet rig. Is it bad that I'm envisioning you pulling up to a show with a SWC on the back of that bad boy? I'd say with matching paint, but that patina looks to good to mess with IMO.

I will leave the dually in the garage so it stays clean. The patina is staying for sure. I did think about putting a roll back on it but with the way the virus is there are not car shows like there used to be.

 

[andyvh1959]

Crazy to buy that truck? Oh hell no! CRAZY COOL!!

When Motolust sets in there is no logic, you just want it.

 

[LutzTD]

I will leave the dually in the garage so it stays clean. The patina is staying for sure. I did think about putting a roll back on it but with the way the virus is there are not car shows like there used to be.

very cool truck. rather than a roll back I bet you could put a skeleton wedge carrier on there, I cant believe for a minute this one won't get some of your style added.

 

[Terrick down Under]

I should have it in 10 days and will take plenty of pictures of it. Here are the rest of the pictures I have from the seller.

It is almost perfect....it could do with some loading lights to see under the vehicle.

 

[IGO2XS]

It is almost perfect....it could do with some loading lights to see under the vehicle.

It already has LED lights under it so the seller says. We'll see when it gets here.

 

[IGO2XS]

I am still waiing for my Ford C700 to arrive. The holiday last week had a lot of the drivers home so it didnt get picked up. I am hoping it leaves this week because it has a long way to go across country. I really planned on driving it because with my dually going I dont have a pick up truck around here. I have been working on the van and will snap some pictures soon. I had my interior guys over today and we decided to ad two more bucket seats for a total of 4. I found 2 more Camaro seats over toward Orlando and I will pick them up Thursday. We also decided to do a leather dash so I removed it today. Now its like I feel I have to replace the a/c system while I have the dash out. Damn, its just one thing after another. Will be replacing the factory air vents and thinking more on the A/C system.

I have yet to show a picture of my drum room because I am not completely done. We built a stage for the drumset and used carpet on it as it made a great surface for the drums to set on and helps absorb sound. I had some acoustic panels and I recovered them in black. We installed some heavy drapes so it would hide some of the garage door and add some color. A have a few more things to do yet.

 

[TwoBytes]

That room is awesome, and I love the aircraft style aluminium desk and chair!

What are the black and white line drawings on the wall behind the glass?

 

[loganb]

Wicked cool room, love the blend of making it functional as you want it while still looking good...props!

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