Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage

[Tommo3]

Sounds like you are off running down another rabbit hole! Forget reconfiguring gantry cranes and offices, get your stuff off of the "Hill" Get the junk to auction and the scrap gone once you clear your stuff Daddy wont feel he can control you and will play nice again.

 

[Strouty]

It hasn't even been 48 hours since Dad forced my decision to move off the Hill?? I can't bring anything to the auction until April 8th, most of the roads are posted (no heavy trucks), the mud has been bad and we just got two more inches of rain last night. I suspect that for some of you this would be an easy endeavor, probably take a weekend, maybe two, but I live in reality (most of the time anyways) and this isn't a quick process, not unless I want to make such a mess that is takes me years to overcome things. On top of that, there is NO scenario that is going to make my Dad "play nice", all it will be is a knee jerk reaction on my part that upends my life even more.

For those of you that think I should be all moved by next weekend I am laying out all the reasons why I can't make that happen.

1) Excuse

2) Excuse

3) Excuse

4) Excuse

5) Excuse

Everyone that has the same viewpoint as my Dad should understand all those reasons perfectly.

 

[bimmer1980]

I think anyone that has been following this thread knows that it will not be an easy endeavor to move a majority of your stuff... In a month, let along a weekend. At least, I can see that it is a massive undertaking. (Especially as I have recently helped with a historical warehouse clean out for my sister in law)

That said, I think people are just trying to encourage you to take steps to eliminate the hold that your dad has over you. ... And cautioning you to be careful about creating more project(s) that might inhibit it. I do see your ideas and the desire to want to set up your shop appropriately.

The broader concern in watching this thread is that it seems to be a constant stream of acquisition.... Yes, some stuff is sold and other things have been scrapped, but by and large, the stuff seems to have a hold over you (in addition to your father).

Some of the storage solutions seem geared to support a much larger shop (business) instead of a one man "hobby" garage. So while they seem pretty neat, if they are not fitting into the current shop, maybe think about tempering the expectation. I had some similar thoughts about equipment for my shop and ended up selling them off to bring some focus to the shop. Haven't missed the items since it left, but the floor space is nice!!

On another perspective, I think you have been making good steps towards good progress before your dad derailed the train. The daily driver was moving forward, the Hill clean up was happening, it seems the office is at a working stage, there was clean floor space at both shops. All in all, pretty dang good!

At the end of the day, you gotta do what works for you. We're just a bunch of keyboards jockeys... Lol. (As I think of my own list of half completed projects....)

Do keep in mind the positive progress!!

 

[Strouty]

I would say that the acquiring is a form of self sabotage, also I do get the outside viewpoint, it is not lost on me.

I do not have to move everything in a month, I have a lease good through the end of June, while that is not a lot of time, it is far more than a month. I do not want to do what I did when I moved stuff to the Hill, that was just a mess, I just grabbed things and tried to "roll with it", I do not feel that it worked out for me. The same thing happened when the office got moved into the house, it was all forced due to piss poor planning and it is still a nightmare.

Also, I am not going to be rebuilding the entire Salvage Garage, I am just going to work on the stockroom end, remove a man door and move another one. I don't have time to do everything, but I also do not have room for everything without creating this stockroom, it has been in the works in one form or another for a long, long time. I am just performing my due diligence to make sure I don't end up having an issue down the road. I do think I have the layout figured out, it is also VERY clear that I will not be able to put everything I would like to put in the SG main shop. I am going to have to make some decisions that I really do not want to make, especially under duress.

I think the worst part of this is that I am going to try to keep using the shop at the Hill while I can, having the lift is a great asset for all my DD projects. In other words, I have to be careful what I take to the SG, as it could screw up progress on that front. I have some of the Lista storage wall at the Hill that is needed to assemble the SG's stockroom, so I will have to decommission that. Then I can bring a couple more sections of it over, pieces that aren't part of the stockroom, pieces that will allow me to make some more room at the SG so I can move more stuff. I think it will be a snowball effect, but I do not think there will be much visible progress until April, the auction is then, the roads shouldn't be posted, the temps should be better, and hopefully the mud won't be as bad. Today is a good start too, the time change gains me a usable hour on the good side.

 

[walrus]

Do you need the independent contractor job with your dads business?

 

[Strouty]

I do for now, I have been building up my equipment so that I can reinvent myself, again. I want to do industrial clean outs and buy and sell things on a much more regular basis. I was hopeful that there would be a deal this year for the Hill, but since that took a turn, I am going to be set back a bit. If the transition off the Hill doesn't go too badly, I should have most of my equipment where I would feel comfortable doing jobs using it. Right now I have a few too many issues that I "cross my fingers" when I take a road trip, not really dangerous issues, but DOT issues for sure. The Muv-all needs to have all the leaking rams repaired and the area around the hydraulic line transition from the upper to lower portion of the trailer is rusted bad enough they would probably take me out of service, even though it is only an 1/8" plate that just holds the hydraulic lines up. Perk has leaking exhaust and the starter has some random issue, could be the starter, wiring, or solenoid, maybe even the switch itself. When testing, it doesn't have an issue, and even when it has an issue it will still start, it just sounds like it won't. The other issue Perk has is the transmission and PTO/hydraulic pump. I currently don't have my overdrive gears, makes hauling heavy a real PITA, the PTO is sized inappropriately for the pump, I have a new trans, new PTO, new hydraulic pump, new hydraulic tank and most all the hydraulic lines and fittings, just need to do the work. Most of that stuff is not a DOT issue, but using the knuckleboom is really slow, especially when unfolding and folding it up, it just needs to be fixed if I am going to use it on a regular basis. I would say it takes me 20 minutes or more to fold the boom out and fold it back up all because the pump won't pump fluid fast enough, its should take 5 minutes to do that. Also can't lift anywhere near capacity, even if you rev the engine up it is still not where it should be.

I figure I am going to need to do work to the Mitsu, the smaller 8k Hyster forklift, and one front end loader before I would totally set out on my own. With those pieces of equipment I should be able to do just about anything.

 

[Strouty]

Today is going to mostly be office work, tomorrow and the next day look like nice weather, so I will try and get some outside cleanup done.

So far this morning I have been cleaning up some of the mess in the house at the Hill, there are some boxes that mice got into, so I am clearing out the trash. The back room that never got used was apparently the party room for the mice. I had my bucket trap in there, caught ten or more over the winter, but this could have been from before I started trapping them.

 

[Firstram]

1) Excuse

2) Excuse

3) Excuse

4) Excuse

5) Excuse

Everyone that has the same viewpoint as my Dad should understand all those reasons perfectly.

I’ve worked with a ton of Sociopaths, it doesn’t matter what you do or say, you’re words will be used against you!

 

[Strouty]

I am a narcissist so it doesn't much matter...

 

[xtremek]

I hate to say this, but this may be the best thing to happen to you. No more limbo land. Clear direction that you can control +90% of your destiny, and no one keeping you off balance. And anyone who knows you, knows the move is a major undertaking for an entire company, let alone one guy.

 

[shakenfake]

I want to do industrial clean outs and buy things on a much more regular basis.

 

[Strouty]

The sucky part about all this is that if I move off the Hill now, I essentially have to write it off forever. I know my Dad and once I move he will look at it like I tried to undermine him and that will be the end of the Hill for me now or in the future. I hate that thought and that is part of the reason I tried to make it work even though it has been clear to most that it would never work, at least not the way I had hoped it would work.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I'm not you. I hate most people. My family most of all. Were it me, I'd walk away. I'd have my **** out of there ASAP, even if it got piled on the driveway and tarped till I sorted it out. Then I'd cut communication, and let them come find me, when they wondered what happened. And then I'd ignore them anyway.

 

[Strouty]

Unfortunately I can't go quite to that extreme, but I would love to.

 

[Plastikosmd]

I'm not you. I hate most people. My family most of all. Were it me, I'd walk away. I'd have my **** out of there ASAP, even if it got piled on the driveway and tarped till I sorted it out. Then I'd cut communication, and let them come find me, when they wondered what happened. And then I'd ignore them anyway.

I thought I was the only one!
And this is why I have a wife, 3 cats and nobody around. (And couldn’t be happier)

 

[Strouty]

The BFF tilt cylinders are done, came in over budget, but still far cheaper than replacements. I want to get those installed tomorrow and try to get the main lift cylinder figured out, I hope I can get it out by myself. I can’t keep waiting for help, I do not have time to mess around.

 

[Strouty]

I am going through boxes of old electronics, some stuff is headed directly to the trash, other stuff is more likely pieces parts for future projects. I am going to get the cables thinned out, figure I can have some for legacy hardware, no need to save a bunch of mini usb and micro usb cables. I do find it amazing what stuff got saved, also annoyed that some things got mixed in with other things, stuff that I bought duplicates of because I couldn’t find it after packing up the office and then the temporary office. I have another trash bag full, got two toes down to one, found my favorite camera and the batteries with a charger.

I have piles of winter and work clothes to make my way through, I have to get really strict with this stuff, there is just too much of it. I am a clothes *****, I buy something that is supposed to stay clean, inevitably it gets dirty, that makes it work clothes, the cycle continues.

 

[Plastikosmd]

The process sounds somewhat cathartic

I enjoy sorting (nuts/bolts), sharpening buckets of old bits and indexing them etc (but I’m Wierd)

 

[Strouty]

It isn’t my ideal thing, but I listen to audiobooks while doing it. I managed to get through most of the clothes and about half of the gadgets. I plan on being at the Salvage Garage tomorrow afternoon, I would love to get the BFF back together, so I can take it apart.

 

[kent_323is]

It isn’t my ideal thing, but I listen to audiobooks while doing it. I managed to get through most of the clothes and about half of the gadgets. I plan on being at the Salvage Garage tomorrow afternoon, I would love to get the BFF back together, so I can take it apart.

I'm glad you're making some progress! On the BFF, how critical is the main lift cylinder be next on the list? Does it work, but leaks (slightly?). Could it used as-is and used to help with work at the Hill for cleanup, and then worked on later when you're not under the gun? I can't remember if you have it at the Hill or at the Salvage garage.

 

[Strouty]

You know those chocolate fountains that caterers use at parties? It pretty much looks like that.

 

[Strouty]

This morning is cold again, except it isn’t really cold, it just seems that way since it has been warmer for a week now. I guess it is better than yesterday being cold, damp, and windy. I need to do a few things this morning, but after lunch I am going to pick up the BFF tilt rams. I am going to have to make up some new hydraulic lines as well as dig out the pressure washer, the main ram is a mess. I think the toughest part is going to be removing the chains, I should have measured the nut to see what size they are, guess I will have to do that today. I don’t think a socket can be used unless it is a custom deep socket, the real fun is going to be holding the chains up rather than letting them just fall down. Should be interesting for sure, at least I will have some time to think about it.

 

[walrus]

I can hear the wind outside, hands aren't going to do well outside today.

 

[Strouty]

Hopefully they will die down, we are supposed to have about a 20 degree increase in temps by about noon.

 

[kaymccampbell]

This morning is cold again, except it isn’t really cold, it just seems that way since it has been warmer for a week now. I guess it is better than yesterday being cold, damp, and windy. I need to do a few things this morning, but after lunch I am going to pick up the BFF tilt rams. I am going to have to make up some new hydraulic lines as well as dig out the pressure washer, the main ram is a mess. I think the toughest part is going to be removing the chains, I should have measured the nut to see what size they are, guess I will have to do that today. I don’t think a socket can be used unless it is a custom deep socket, the real fun is going to be holding the chains up rather than letting them just fall down. Should be interesting for sure, at least I will have some time to think about it.

C clamps or vise grips and angle iron for supporting the chains.

 

[Strouty]

I am not sure I would trust that to hold these chains, I would like to try and get some wire through the links so I have something to hook to, but I might not be able to do that either.

Just like Walrus said, it is windy and cold on the hands!

 

[kent_323is]

I had to look back in the thread to see what you were talking about on these chains on BFF.... pages 546 & 547 is where there are good pictures of BFF and removing the tilt cylinders. Also a good picture of the main lift cylinder "chocolate fountain"!!!!

 

[kaymccampbell]

I am not sure I would trust that to hold these chains, I would like to try and get some wire through the links so I have something to hook to, but I might not be able to do that either.

Just like Walrus said, it is windy and cold on the hands!

Chains weigh less than 500 lbs each?

 

[Strouty]

I would not be surprised if they were 500 pounds (or more) each.

 

[Strouty]

Here is the chain, thought I figured the type out, but not yet.

 

[OccupantRJ]

That sounds like the best solution. You just don't need the stress, and you know that he will keep messing with any agreement you make.
It's always hard to have disagreements with family so if you can cut down the opportunities for falling out it must be better in the long run.
I hope you can soon get some peace in your life.

What is the benefit of having another one?

I have two, and keep glass beads in one and aluminum oxide in the other. I do a lot of restoration work with them and need both abrasives continually.

 

[Strouty]

I think the chain weighs about 16 pounds a foot, will know for sure when I get a measurement. That isn't too bad, but definitely not light.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Here is the chain, thought I figured the type out, but not yet.

I would not be surprised if they were 500 pounds (or more) each.

Double up on the clamps, you'll be better n fine. I used to do the big chains on roll-off trucks with one.

 

[Strouty]

I may have to remove the chain to get to all the bolts around the bottom of the main ram, I am going to clean and paint the tilt cylinders, no sense in putting them back multi colored. I did find new snap rings, so I have all those ready to go, even have the pliers this time. I would like to dig out the pressure washer and set things up as the front of the forklift is a mess, plus I may have to lift the mast using the ram, so it is going to leak even more. Luckily I have enough justification to setup the pressure washer, lots of fifty things need to be cleaned! Of course I will most likely need some stuff that is at the Hill, but I expected that anyways, tomorrow is dedicated for this project, so if I can get everything together tonight, I won't have to mess around much in the morning.

My Brother threw me for a loop last night, he thinks I should still try and make a deal with Dad for the Hill, what was confusing is he is the one that always told me to get out. Talk about messing with my head. At this point I am moving forward with my moving out plan, I am going to talk to my Stepmother as I am not sure what she knows about what Dad is doing.

 

[Allenw]

Maybe get things thinned at the hill, not totally leaving at this time but able to leave easily if it becomes necessary.

 

[Strouty]

That was his point, he was basically telling me that from his perspective, dumping everything ASAP was shortchanging myself to a fault. I think the biggest issue is the timing of the auction. I guess worst case, I still have to dump things later on this year, but I will have to deal with the Marketplace crowd. The only hope that could save things at this point would be my Stepmother, he won’t cross her, that would be very bad.

 

[Strouty]

Regardless of my flip floppiness I am still proceeding with my basic plan, kind of need to do that no matter what anyways. Just the work I have done cleaning up the house has made a noticeable improvement. I have to say that I did tweak my back moving Chuck’s cinder blocks out, I thought since my hip was still sore that I would try and put them out the window, was fine until the last couple big blocks, it was at that moment that I knew I had facked up, but it was too late.

 

[shakenfake]

I have two, and keep glass beads in one and aluminum oxide in the other. I do a lot of restoration work with them and need both abrasives continually.

I highly doubt he will ever use either blaster with a frequency to warrant such a setup.

 

[legenddc]

Like anything, the quickest way to clean is to get rid of things. You're already working towards that. Just keep scrapping and selling everything you can. Whenever things get finalized (in writing) you'll be in a better position with less stuff to move or less stuff to trip over while working on projects if you don't.

 

[Strouty]

I am just keeping myself moving so my back doesn't completely seize up, I have been doing as much as I can, trying not to step over the line of making it worse. I have to go with the flow to a point, I did check and I have a way in and out of the Salvage Garage (roads that aren't posted). Problem is the water table is so high that the side and back yards are still too muddy, I could use Clark to get things in and out, but holy **** would it make a mess, a mess that would cause me more grief once things dry up. I still feel like I am moving forward, so I guess that is what matters most right now.