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Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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BB767

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Philo, IL
Cool..... Thomas gets an air strip....:rocker::rocker::rocker:

With a hanger for the Nova to live in!:3gears::evil:

And test track... :3gears:

Don't forget the swimming pool and a landing pad for Clarks' helicopter. That was mentioned a while back too!!

And wait till you see the bench.....no wait...benches, a pair of benches... that I've got in mind for the hanger, they'll be awesome. Now that the Walnut is moved and already out there I think I'll use that and this time I'll do a little mother of pearl inlay on it and brass hardware, I just love the look of black Walnut and polished brass. It'll have a place for a swing out anvil and I'll get a solid block of stainless steel that will be inset flush with the top, 36" X 32" deep would do nicely, polished of course. Oh, we also should plan on a lift out there so it will be easy to do regular oil changes on the Nova. I'll do the oil changes myself Chris, that'll save us some money. Tools, that goes without saying we need more tools and then I'll need another tool box to hold them all and another air compressor would be almost a necessity. Hummmm I'll give this some more thought, we wouldn't want to overlook anything. If you guys can think of anything else chime in, it's best to plan ahead rather than renovate after it's built. That'll save money too Chris since I know that's important to you. :D

Living The Dream (LTD) Thomas
 
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BB767

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Our server room is safe - we'd have to take an axe to a chilled water line to put out a fire. :lol:

I carry a dry chemical in my race car - only because IHRA requires it. At an NHRA track, they make you take it out. If I'm upside down and on fire I want two things - 1) to get the hell out and 2) did I win?

Good to see you have your priorities straight Chris! :thumbup:

Thomas
 

Omphaloskeptic

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Oct 11, 2008
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Ultima Ratio, Wa.
SWMBO HAS SPOKEN!

DEFY HER COMMAND AT YOUR OWN PERIL!!!


Whoever said "It is better to ask forgiveness, than to ask permission" must have been a lifelong bachelor. lol
 

type47fan

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2011
Messages
19
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Don't forget the swimming pool and a landing pad for Clarks' helicopter. That was mentioned a while back too!!

And wait till you see the bench.....no wait...benches, a pair of benches... that I've got in mind for the hanger, they'll be awesome. Now that the Walnut is moved and already out there I think I'll use that and this time I'll do a little mother of pearl inlay on it and brass hardware, I just love the look of black Walnut and polished brass. It'll have a place for a swing out anvil and I'll get a solid block of stainless steel that will be inset flush with the top, 36" X 32" deep would do nicely, polished of course. Oh, we also should plan on a lift out there so it will be easy to do regular oil changes on the Nova. I'll do the oil changes myself Chris, that'll save us some money. Tools, that goes without saying we need more tools and then I'll need another tool box to hold them all and another air compressor would be almost a necessity. Hummmm I'll give this some more thought, we wouldn't want to overlook anything. If you guys can think of anything else chime in, it's best to plan ahead rather than renovate after it's built. That'll save money too Chris since I know that's important to you. :D

Living The Dream (LTD) Thomas

Thomas, you'll need to install this system in your runway/test track/drag strip for all season operation!

http://www.heatizon.com/products/radiant-snow-melting/asphalt

Can't wait to see Payne's Philo Phenomenon! You need to start rounding up investors.:thumbup:
 

BigAl62

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Apr 18, 2011
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2,286
Location
suburbs of Chicago
What is the bolt pattern on them wheels. 4.5 look like mopar or ford wheels to me.

In post 4277 (from 1-14-2012) Tom posted a picture of the sides of those wheels, they were marked "5 on 5" on them. I'm assuming that is the bolt pattern. 15" X 8" Ford or Chrysler wheels would be a GREAT find! I'm sticking with GM truck wheels, those came in that size on Blazers (the full size 4X4's), 1/2 ton Suburbans and 1/2 ton pickups. They're getting hard to find because people pop the centers out and weld in Rally wheel centers with 5 on 4 3/4" bolt patterns to make poor mans Corvette wheels (in whatever offset they need).
 

onething

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Jan 23, 2011
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438
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TEXAS
I need to go around and look at all my fire extinguishers and see what I got. I know there is one in the kitchen and two in the garage. and two in the trailer and one in the race car.. But I am not sure what kind ?

They should be checked at least once a year to make sure they are still in good shape.
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
I did some more clean up on the 1930's Allen Syncrograph, Model E-137 distributor machine.

IMG_7670-1.jpg


There was about an inch or more of accumulated dirt/dust/grim what have you on it everywhere. The only clean up I've done so far was blow it off. This is what I found underneath all the gunk and crud. A period 1944 advertisement for these units shows this one to be complete except for a work light that was mounted to the center support.


IMG_7671.jpg


I have a neighbor who remembers actually using these "back in the day". In fact he said it was just like this one. I asked if it had a strobe light and that he couldn't remember, but he said "it had a light below" so I take that to mean it did use a strobe. The case on this completely encloses the units internals, top, sides and bottom so I'd have to take it apart to look inside. I need to do a little research on them. Anyone here have any experience with these units or have an operators manual?

IMG_7672.jpg



IMG_7673.jpg



The individual lettering on all the control labels is slightly raised, nice touch that.

IMG_7675.jpg


All the switches and controls move crisply and positively. The drive motor turns very easy and smoothly. The period advertisement didn't show a degree wheel except for the one seen.

IMG_7677.jpg


Under the dust I found this original lettering on the right side metal spec cover:

NUMERICAL AND ALPHABETICAL
DISTRIBUTOR SPECIFICATIONS

covering

cam angle-rotation-spring tension, etc.


IMG_7059.jpg


The left cover had this...

IMG_7678.jpg


CENTRIFUGAL AND VACUUMATIC
DISTRIBUTOR SPECIFICATIONS


VACUUMATIC being spelled that way. Must be a term that Allen used.

IMG_7060.jpg


Anyway it's a nice, complete period piece that's been waiting patiently for decades to be rediscovered and restored.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Dec 24, 2009
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Philo, IL
Thomas, you'll need to install this system in your runway/test track/drag strip for all season operation!

http://www.heatizon.com/products/radiant-snow-melting/asphalt

Can't wait to see Payne's Philo Phenomenon! You need to start rounding up investors.:thumbup:

If there's a need, someone will fill it won't they Wayne?! That clearly needs to be installed on my... oops... our RTTDS. :D
Thanks again for the link.

BTW, I like that- Payne's Philo Phenomenon or PPP.

Thomas
 

MisteR Tee

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Joined
Nov 8, 2006
Messages
61
Location
England
I did some more clean up on the 1930's Allen Syncrograph, Model E-137 distributor machine.

The left cover had this...

IMG_7678.jpg


CENTRIFUGAL AND VACUUMATIC
DISTRIBUTOR SPECIFICATIONS


VACUUMATIC being spelled that way. Must be a term that Allen used.

Thomas

That's the way it should be spelt, with two "u"s !!!:thumbup: At least this side of the pond!!:lol_hitti
 

Jaz__ej20

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Mar 25, 2012
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Just signed up after reading all 235 Pages over 3 days to say that this is one of the most amazing things i have seen! You seem like an amazing fellow and very generous. I can only wish to have a similar future.

Thanks for the thread!
Jarrod, Tasmania, Australia
 

Sweet Old Bill

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Mar 20, 2009
Messages
362
Location
N. California
Thomas said: "Oh, we also should plan on a lift out there so it will be easy to do regular oil changes on the Nova. I'll do the oil changes myself Chris, that'll save us some money. Tools, that goes without saying we need more tools and then I'll need another tool box to hold them all and another air compressor would be almost a necessity. Hummmm I'll give this some more thought, we wouldn't want to overlook anything. If you guys can think of anything else chime in..."

You would need two more "powder coated" Walkers, may I suggest another 4-ton Big Boy & a 2-ton Tom Boy. By the way, have some "jack envy", I have just picked up a 4-ton Blackhawk, circa 1940! I need the battery pack!
 

onething

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Jan 23, 2011
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438
Location
TEXAS
That's the way it should be spelt, with two "u"s !!!:thumbup: At least this side of the pond!!:lol_hitti

That's the way Mr. Webster spells it as well

http://www.merriam-webster.com/ said:
Definition of VACUUM
1: emptiness of space
2a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
 
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markviii

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Jan 25, 2010
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Location
east central IL
I think we have quite the opposite of a vacuum here at the 1930s auto shop.

(google "vacuumatic" and see all the interesting things that pop up)

Chris
 

MisteR Tee

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Nov 8, 2006
Messages
61
Location
England
Thanks guys, I'll admit I had to check my dickshonery(!) to make sure I was right, before I posted it. I believe the correct pronounciation is something along the lines of " vac-u-um" so there's three parts to it. Yes, you're right Tom about the two countrys & the vast gulf between us in terms of spelling & meaning.:thumbup:

Anyway, back to our regular program(me)!
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
Just signed up after reading all 235 Pages over 3 days to say that this is one of the most amazing things i have seen! You seem like an amazing fellow and very generous. I can only wish to have a similar future.

Thanks for the thread!
Jarrod, Tasmania, Australia

Hello Jarrod, you are more than welcome and thank you for the very kind thoughts. You are probably the most ready of anyone right now, for the thread test since it's most fresh in your mind. All you can do is hope that Chris "springs" it on the group shortly before it all starts to fade and we start adding new material to study. ;)

I've been gone 9 days flying but I'm back home and once I get some rest I'll get some more material on here that I've been wanting to post. I hope you'll check back with us. Cheers.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Philo, IL
....

You would need two more "powder coated" Walkers, may I suggest another 4-ton Big Boy & a 2-ton Tom Boy. By the way, have some "jack envy", I have just picked up a 4-ton Blackhawk, circa 1940! I need the battery pack!

That sounds very sensible to me Sweet Old Bill, I'll take that under serious advisement.
Those older model Blackhawks are wicked. How about a picture or two? :thumbup:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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He forgot one more daffinition.:willy_nil "Vacuum: What's in between the ears of someone in elected office".:lol_hitti

Politicians' Paradox - "Vacuum: What's in between the ears of someone in elected office"; and yet how can they be so full of hot air? lol

Just........don't......... get......... me.......... started.............................How can we see it and the politicians can't???????? No wait, I promised Chris I'd be good so 'nuff said.

Common Sense Thomas
 

hobbitss

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May 31, 2010
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341
Location
Southestern Massachusetts
Hello Jarrod, you are more than welcome and thank you for the very kind thoughts. You are probably the most ready of anyone right now, for the thread test since it's most fresh in your mind. All you can do is hope that Chris "springs" it on the group shortly before it all starts to fade and we start adding new material to study. ;)

I've been gone 9 days flying but I'm back home and once I get some rest I'll get some more material on here that I've been wanting to post. I hope you'll check back with us. Cheers.

Thomas

The rowdy Crowd is chanting what it wants... :willy_nil

Tool Shed Treasures!!!

Tool Shed Treasures!!!

Tool Shed Treasures!!!

:rocker:

OK... It's really One Lone Voice in the vast distance and it quietly adds, Please??? :sad:
 
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mdbeck1

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Mar 7, 2010
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Norman, OK

charlief1

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Dec 1, 2010
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Thanks for the link Beck. That's a very interesting thread with some really obscure tools in it.:)
 

SkywalkerCR

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Dec 20, 2011
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53
Location
Great Midwest - River City
Don't forget the swimming pool and a landing pad for Clarks' helicopter. That was mentioned a while back too!!

Wow Thomas.....I am touched that you would put in a helipad just for me:willy_nil.

I am here at beautiful Sun N Fun in Florida. Lots to see here. I saw FIFI the only B29 left flying today. What a restoration job and piece of flying engineering art. For those of you on the forum here that like all things mechanical....you have to put a visit to the Oshkosh or Sun N Fly in on your bucket list.

Unbelievable spectacles in their own right.

Thanks Clark
 
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BB767

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I have duly noted the requests for more Tool Shed material and I do have some, but I haven't cleaned them up enough to post.......yet. And since it's not cleaned up I haven't taken any pictures.......yet. And with no pictures I can't do a post about them......yet. But I can do the following post since it's all ready to go, well mostly ready.

IMG_8017.jpg

I'd like everyone to meet Earl Hale. This picture was taken about two weeks ago, just after Earl's 92nd birthday. The month before he had just gotten his drivers license renewed for umpteenth time, still drives everywhere, bought a couple of more cars this last year, is active in our car club and locally we consider him a National Treasure. He got his first car, a Model T, when he was 16 years old in 1936. He traded a "near new" Hawthorne bike straight up for it and drove it every day to high school. On older stuff he's our "go to" person for mechanical questions. Among other things I don't think there is anything about Ford flat heads that he doesn't know including part numbers by heart....still!

Earl knew Mr Johnson quite well and while they weren't quite the same age, Earl still knew Mr Johnson for better than 50 years. He said that while Mr Johnson "was a pretty good welder but where 'ol Virgil really shined was as a blacksmith. Wasn't anything he couldn't repair".

Earl is a gifted mechanic/metal crafter in his own right, having taught aircraft power plant material as a civilian to Air Force personal at a local Air Force base, Chanute Air Force Base. He stared teaching reciprocating engines and when they phased those out he started teaching jet engines and when they switched to missiles he taught those too.

IMG_8046.jpg

This is a copy of a newspaper article done about Earl a few years back. The red car in the background is a 1929 Ford that Earl modified.

IMG_8042.jpg

This is what he stared with...

IMG_8022.jpg

...and this...

IMG_8024.jpg

...is what he...

IMG_8023.jpg

...finished with. It's all metal and he fabricated nearly everything except for the cowl and radiator shell. Notice the Jeep truck in the background, I'll get to that in a minute.

1929FordEHaleRS.jpg

Here's some more of Earl's work. He took a picture off a calendar and scaled it as necessary to create this wood bodied wagon out of a 4 door metal sedan. Earl has some talent and he's a genuine automotive enthusiast of the first rank, my kind of guy. Gus is in the background of the earlier picture because Earl had a spare Jeep engine he thought I should have.

IMG_8019.jpg

Earl said he'd had it underfoot long enough and that I might need a spare. It's a very low mileage engine and is pretty compete except for the head. It's identical to the one in Gus.

IMG_8020.jpg

Told me to bring Gus on by and we'd load 'er up.

IMG_8021.jpg

And so we did.

IMG_8029.jpg

While I was there Earl noticed in the picture of the original shop Jeep truck that it has trim rings on it from a '32 Ford. I told him I had been looking for some nice ones but hadn't had any luck yet. He told me to go over to a nail on the wall in his garage and pick out a nice set of 5, including one for the spare tire. I installed one to make sure it fit (16") and these are the other 4 going home with the spare engine.

IMG_8028.jpg

Earl also noticed I needed a Willy's horn button for the steering wheel and he had one of those too, tucked away in a drawer. You might remember Earl also donated the round outside rearview mirror head.

IMG_8033.jpg

This was my first real cross country outing with Gus. Driving through the big city early in the morning in Gus with the Jeep engine strapped in the back was a ball. I had the window open, my arm crooked out it and I got several thumbs up. I bet it brought memories to some of the old timers who spotted us slipping on down the road.

IMG_8032.jpg

Here's a closer look at the rear wheel with the trim ring installed and the engine strapped in the back. It's not quite the same as when Craig hauled off the Chrysler 318 a few months back but it's a vintage truck for a vintage engine. The trim rings are just like the ones on the old shop truck. Once I get them all cleaned up and installed I'll show off Gus's new duds.

IMG_8035.jpg

So if there was ever any question if Gus was going to pull his weight around the shop or just be a show piece this should answer that. Earl is now forever linked to Gus and the history of the shop.

I've know Earl since the early 1970's when I had my Jeepster and he helped me with it from time to time. That's almost 40 years now I've called him my friend. They just don't come any nicer or more sincere. I am truly blessed.

Thomas
 

Sweet Old Bill

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N. California
Tom,

Thank you for introducing Earl to your friends on Garage Journal. Earl has been blessed to have acquired his knowledge, generosity, & wisdom. I would venture that he feels blessed to count you as a friend, too.
 

babaluba

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Nov 25, 2009
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61
Location
Norway
Simply love that last post, Thomas.

And even more, love the fact that Earl has kept those wheel rings about. It is a good thing to see people who look at an object they no longer have a direct use for, but that is far from "trash heap-ready", and instead of tossing it, keep it in case someday someone might need it. It is proper recycling! Sadly, it is becoming more and more rare...
 
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