Above 1200 Sq/FT building my BIG PARTY garage

[drivesitfar]

I hope the doctor visits are just normal checkups and always wishing you the best if there is an issue.

I just saw a small western town and small 1800’s cemetery (about 20x30 fenced across driveway from little town). I’ll try to take a few pics to text you cause it looks like others are taking your lead and saving some of our past.

 

[don long]

Osha is putting the brakes on cussing when the wife walks in unexpectedly. Osh..! Looking good Don. I need to get into the tractor bucket for a lift with my chainsaw to trim some trees but Ginny gets left and right backwards when we are on the road so I fear up and down could follow the same electrical short. Don't want to be "grounded" unexpectedly or end up with a bunch of "Charlie Brown" Christmas trees.

Thanks for the visit Bobby
You know what they say "where there is a will there is a way lol Tractor huh

thanks for documenting the build, looks great

Thanks Ace
It's my pleasure

I hope the doctor visits are just normal checkups and always wishing you the best if there is an issue.

I just saw a small western town and small 1800’s cemetery (about 20x30 fenced across driveway from little town). I’ll try to take a few pics to text you cause it looks like others are taking your lead and saving some of our past.

Well Drives
As we get older, our lives start rotating around doctor visits. When I fell out of the man lift a few months back I jammed my neck and will be going in for surgery on it soon.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

When I fell out of the man lift a few months back I jammed my neck and will be going in for surgery on it soon.

That doesn't sound pleasant at all. Be careful.

 

[don long]

Progress was made today. The signal light is wired and working all put together less the top mount.
The light was on a stand when I got it, but I want it to hang from the ceiling
So I rebuilt it up side down so the bottom is now the top and the smooth side is on the bottom

2021-05-17 11.24.21 by don long, on Flickr

2021-05-18 17.32.52 by don long, on Flickr

2021-05-18 17.32.57 by don long, on Flickr

2021-05-18 17.33.14 by don long, on Flickr

You can see the reflection of the light burning on the bottom of the blanket as the signal changes colors.

Now to find a good place to hang it up.

 

[don long]

That doesn't sound pleasant at all. Be careful.

Thanks Willie
The vertebrates are pressing on my spinal cord causing me severe headaches and limited movement of my head to the left. So I need it taken care of soon.

 

[ODIS]

Thanks Willie
The vertebrates are pressing on my spinal cord causing me severe headaches and limited movement of my head to the left. So I need it taken care of soon.

You have some of the best medical resources in your area with the most advanced procedures in the world.

All of our best thoughts to you and family during your surgery and recovery time.

ODIS.

 

[Bears Fan]

The vertebrates are pressing on my spinal cord causing me severe headaches and limited movement of my head to the left. So I need it taken care of soon.

Good luck with the surgery Don! We are all pulling for you and a speedy recovery. Listen to the doctors and Ann

 

[harley jim]

Thanks Willie
The vertebrates are pressing on my spinal cord causing me severe headaches and limited movement of my head to the left. So I need it taken care of soon.

The traffic light looks great Don.
Something else we unfortunately have in common, mine was caused when Pat and I rolled the Tahoe. About a year later they fused four of mine. Problem is we don't bounce as well as we used to.

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[Dan in Pasadena]

I was tempted to "make a funny" but I'm sure you're NOT feeling all that amused these days and especially not about this surgery. I've been fortunate to not have had much surgery but I've been told by many that if you need physical therapy afterward, you MUST do it and if it doesn't hurt like hell you're probably not doing it right! Wishing you all the best Don.

 

[Davenr]

Hi Don,
All the best to you for a speedy recovery from any surgery you decide to have. From your friends Down Under.
Vanley and David

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Maybe if you fall off again in the other direction....




On second thought don't. You might land on something expensive.

 

[southalabama]

Don’t put off vertebrae surgery.

Dad did. Ended up causing diaphragm injury which caused lung injury which triggered asthma in his early 70’s. Never a history of asthma. By the time he had surgery on neck the damage to lung was permanent.

 

[Menifee Valley Speed Shop]

Good luck on your surgery Don

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[don long]

Thanks for all the concern guys.
i'm waiting on the Dr. to call with a date for the surgery so I'll be letting everyone know when I find out.

In the mean time I'm still pushing forward on the Foster freeze sign. I'm going another route on this side. I contacted my sign co. and had them make me a stencil for the letters rather than masking each one off because the old paint is so bad that it isn't sticking when I pull the tape off. Hope this works out.

I've sanded all the old paint off the sign and will start fresh with a primer sealer then I'll paint the whole can white, add the stencils and paint the sign can blue and pull off the stencils leaving the white letters

THe can sanded

The can all sanded

 

[don long]

I also have the stop light hung and powered up

 

[Bears Fan]

I'm always amazed at how fast a project gets completed once you get your hands on it!!! The stop light looks awesome

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice, stop light looks great!
Sorry to hear about the headaches, I can relate, hope you can get that resolved soon.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I'm always amazed at how fast a project gets completed once you get your hands on it!!! The stop light looks awesome

Don't be fooled, he doesn't do any of it. When he turns out the lights a gang of migrant elves comes in and does all the work.

 

[drivesitfar]

that traffic signal sure got wrapped up and hung nice and quick. WELL DONE!!

i'm sure you are doing the right thing on that old ice cream sign cause if anybody knows how to restore any sign it's you. i'm sure you keep learning as we all do, but sometimes the old ways are best and redoing everything from scratch might be the best option here.

if you think your doctor(s) know best and surgery will fix you that's your call, if you'd like a few other non surgical options feel free to call, text or email me.

good luck with your health and of course your sign and other projects too.

 

[don long]

I'm always amazed at how fast a project gets completed once you get your hands on it!!! The stop light looks awesome

Well Buddy
When you don't have a job to distract you or kids that demand your time good things happen

Nice, stop light looks great!
Sorry to hear about the headaches, I can relate, hope you can get that resolved soon.

Thanks Rattle Snake
I'm glad that the doc. discovered my problem.

Don't be fooled, he doesn't do any of it. When he turns out the lights a gang of migrant elves comes in and does all the work.

Uncle Willie

I wish it were true

that traffic signal sure got wrapped up and hung nice and quick. WELL DONE!!

i'm sure you are doing the right thing on that old ice cream sign cause if anybody knows how to restore any sign it's you. i'm sure you keep learning as we all do, but sometimes the old ways are best and redoing everything from scratch might be the best option here.

if you think your doctor(s) know best and surgery will fix you that's your call, if you'd like a few other non surgical options feel free to call, text or email me.

good luck with your health and of course your sign and other projects too.

Thanks for the support Drives
The light has been a project for some time and I spent a little time every now and then working on it. When I decided to paint it the rest of the work was already complete so assembly was the only thing left to do

 

[don long]

Spent this afternoon getting ready for the model "A" and model "T" clubs to stop by tomorrow morning
Pictures to follow

I also managed to squeeze in some time to get the Foster Freeze sign painted white


Before

 

[shortykorte]

On the light controller, did you buy from one of the aftermarket traffic light parts people?

For the sign, what are you using for stencil? I assume vinyl? I guess you took a picture of sign and they were able to turn it into a vinyl template?
I wish I could work in your shop for a week so I could learn a lot.


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[bcoke]

Don I have a traffick light and wonder how you wired it ? controller? as I need to mount mine........and get it working.....good luck with the neck.......bobbycoke

 

[don long]

On the light controller, did you buy from one of the aftermarket traffic light parts people?

For the sign, what are you using for stencil? I assume vinyl? I guess you took a picture of sign and they were able to turn it into a vinyl template?
I wish I could work in your shop for a week so I could learn a lot.


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Come on over Shorty
Yes I picked up the traffic controller from Ebay
The stencil is a sticky vinyl that goes through a cutting machine and then onto a paper to hold the letters in place and another piece of paper on the bottom to protect the adhesive. Sort of like a decal

Don I have a traffic light and wonder how you wired it ? controller? as I need to mount mine........and get it working.....good luck with the neck.......bobbycoke

Bobby
I found the controller on Ebay for $100.00 and the wiring diagram was easy to follow
Thanks for the visit

 

[drivesitfar]

We spent a few days on the sunny side of our state and i'm almost certain this small western town was influenced by you cause it was next to a big shop (and no house in site). i'll post a few more pictures if you like, but I didn't see the owner so I didn't wander on to the property for close ups. the little cemetery he had with a white picket fence around it off to the side was a nice reminder of the old WEST too.

i'm certain your sign will end up as good or better than you hope and looking forward to seeing it on top of your new post.

 

[Homebody]

Awesome stuff as usual Don!
Sorry to hear about the neck - had the same thing years ago to a T and the doc said spines are weird and lets wait a few months and see if it cures itself. I'll be damned if it didn't and been fine now for 10 years. Not suggesting you try that as everyones different. He did say it's more than likely to come back some day though.

Best of luck with your surgery.

The fact you are still out there making magic happen with that type of pain proves what a badass you are! Awesome.

 

[don long]

We spent a few days on the sunny side of our state and i'm almost certain this small western town was influenced by you cause it was next to a big shop (and no house in site). i'll post a few more pictures if you like, but I didn't see the owner so I didn't wander on to the property for close ups. the little cemetery he had with a white picket fence around it off to the side was a nice reminder of the old WEST too.

i'm certain your sign will end up as good or better than you hope and looking forward to seeing it on top of your new post.

Awesome stuff as usual Don!
Sorry to hear about the neck - had the same thing years ago to a T and the doc said spines are weird and lets wait a few months and see if it cures itself. I'll be damned if it didn't and been fine now for 10 years. Not suggesting you try that as everyones different. He did say it's more than likely to come back some day though.

Best of luck with your surgery.

The fact you are still out there making magic happen with that type of pain proves what a badass you are! Awesome.

 

[don long]

Not having very good luck with the new GJ

Drives
Thanks for those old town photos and the good wishes. But most of all thanks for your friendship.
I'll be working on the big sign again in the morning

Homebody
I'm always happy to see your posts here. Thanks for the well wishes the neck is killin me but I choose to be in pain in my garage rather than on the couch with it.
It's been getting worse rather than better so I'm hoping they call me soon with a repair date.

 

[rmalkow2]

Don,
The traffic signal looks great hanging in your place. And looking forward to finished pics of that sign. It sure is great what can be done these days with pre-cut vinyl stencils. Lots easier than masking off letters separately.
Hoping your spine surgery is successful and give you relief. We need many more of your restoration projects to enjoy on here.

Bob

 

[don long]

A quick update on the weekend party
We had 80 folks drop in with their model "A"s. We served burgers in the diner and hot fudge sundays in the ice cream parlor.
Every one had a good time and wouldn't leave without letting us know how happy they all were.
They started showing up around 9:30 and by 10:00 everyone was parked and wandering around the place.
We started serving at 11:30 and the party broke up after 3PM

 

[don long]

Don,
The traffic signal looks great hanging in your place. And looking forward to finished pics of that sign. It sure is great what can be done these days with pre-cut vinyl stencils. Lots easier than masking off letters separately.
Hoping your spine surgery is successful and give you relief. We need many more of your restoration projects to enjoy on here.

Bob

Thanks Bob
You popped in while I was posting photos of the weekend. I'm happy with the stop light I think it adds to the back of the building bringing it into the rest of the garage.
I masked off the first side of the sign with poor results so I bit the bullet and paid through the nose for art work that will create the words in stencil form for the other side and tomorrow I will be finding out if the art work is accurate

 

[drivesitfar]

another successful PARTY at your little slice of heaven to be sure. hard to take enough pictures or show what all you have and what the others bring to the table so just wanted to thank you again for the tour when I was in your part of the world.

if my Shiatsu was still alive i'd have you give him a visit cause in over 20+ years I never left his office without feeling better and he NEVER asked me where it hurt.

best of luck with the surgery if that's what you think is best and our prayers will be with you and Ann for that day and the following ones too.

hope you had a little relief today while you were enjoying some work in your garage/shop.

 

[don long]

Yes it was a good party Drives
While I'm waiting for the Dr. office to call for my surgery date I'm working on getting the Foster Freeze sign done and up on the pole.
I've managed to get the stencils on the sign and get it painted and stripped tonight

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

This sign makes me want to find a Foster's Freeze and get a root beer freeze. I haven't had one in several years. Looks great, Don. Since it'll be outside will there be lighting on it in the evenings? (or when you WANT it to be lit)

 

[ODIS]

Wonderful to see the “BPG” back to serving up good food and great surroundings! Keeping my fingers crossed for good luck during and after the surgery!

 

[don long]

This sign makes me want to find a Foster's Freeze and get a root beer freeze. I haven't had one in several years. Looks great, Don. Since it'll be outside will there be lighting on it in the evenings? (or when you WANT it to be lit)

YES Dan
The sign will have neon letters on it and I have the electrical hooked up to it's own switch
It should look something like this

Wonderful to see the “BPG” back to serving up good food and great surroundings! Keeping my fingers crossed for good luck during and after the surgery!

I agree Ody
It's great to be able to share this place again.
Thank you for those well wishes

 

[ooba tooba]

I have to admit. One of the things I was concerned about with the site upgrade was if pics from this thread would still be here. I occasionally check in for inspiration (and of course the eye candy). I am contemplating a career change so I have more “me” time for projects I have on the table. I’m glad your pics remain and I hope you’re soon fixed as good as new Don.

 

[ambenz]

What can I say but "Awesome" to see the Model Teers party, the sign, and the general stuff you do.
Your thread is one of my "GO TO" threads I visit first thing when I log on to the forum.
Keep it coming and "really", thanks for sharing!
Keeping you in my thoughts during your neck surgery and recovery during your down time.
That goes for your wife too, as she will have to find the strength to keep you grounded for a few days!

 

[drivesitfar]

was the stencil/vinyl worth paying for? from my chair it looks great, but you might have had to give it a DON LONG tweak.

 

[shortykorte]

was the stencil/vinyl worth paying for? from my chair it looks great, but you might have had to give it a DON LONG tweak.

Looks like stencil is Mylar. Did you use stencil as a tracing guide then tape to your drawn line? If the stencil was used as a mask, how’d you adhere it around the letters for spraying?

Going to be awwwwesome!


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