Modern Garage in Far East

ODIS · Sep 1, 2012

Re: Non-original script

abstamaria said:
In the Ferrari and Dino 246 world, an evergreen topic of discussion is whether it is correct for a Dino to wear a Ferrari badge. The counterpart topic here at GJ might be "has this ultimate shop thing gone too far?"

Dinos never carried a Ferrari badge, and "Ferrari" only appears on the manufacturer's tag on the door. Whether a Dino is a "Ferrari" is an unresolved topic, with staunch proponents for either view. But some owners do install a prancing horse sometimes, which provides fodder for debate.

I was given a "Ferrari" badge one time and was tempted to attach it to the car, but dealt with that by installing it on my tool cabinet door instead. Not original either, but at least no one will write to complain. Or so I hope. It's the only adornment on my cabinets and seems to go.

Andy,

In my opinion, a Dino is not a Ferrari........ It Is Better!

And, the badge is appropriate for your tool cab.

All the best.

Ody.

Scuderia-F1 · Sep 1, 2012

Re: Non-original script

abstamaria said:
In the Ferrari and Dino 246 world, an evergreen topic of discussion is whether it is correct for a Dino to wear a Ferrari badge. The counterpart topic here at GJ might be "has this ultimate shop thing gone too far?"

Dinos never carried a Ferrari badge, and "Ferrari" only appears on the manufacturer's tag on the door. Whether a Dino is a "Ferrari" is an unresolved topic, with staunch proponents for either view. But some owners do install a prancing horse sometimes, which provides fodder for debate.

I was given a "Ferrari" badge one time and was tempted to attach it to the car, but dealt with that by installing it on my tool cabinet door instead. Not original either, but at least no one will write to complain. Or so I hope. It's the only adornment on my cabinets and seems to go.

Andy, the Dino is an awesome car both looks and handling, & I must say that the badge looks AWESOME on your tool cabinet, & so is your tool cart with the cahssies tags.

abstamaria · Sep 2, 2012

Many thanks, Ody, Anders! I had forgotten about the chassis plate on the Stahlwille cart, Anders.

My best,

Andy

abstamaria · Sep 3, 2012

My previous garage

Here is a photo, taken in about 1986, of the home I lived in for 24 years, showing the garages to the right, behind folding wood louver doors. The garages originally had two parking stalls, with staff quarters on each side. The house had a fair-sized driveway, as seen here, so I parked the commuter car outside, leaving both stalls for restoring the one car I had in the beginning, my Lotus Elan.

Eventually, I bought the Stratos, generally unknown and not too expensive at the time. That’s me on the right and my college buddy Serge with his E-Type (or XKE, as we call them here). You might recall Serge from an earlier photo with his Westfield Lotus Eleven. That’s Hettel and Katrina posing in the middle, both long gone but not forgotten.

We would close off one stall with temporary plastic curtains to paint, but still that was quite messy. I stopped doing large painting jobs, and decided it was more efficient to send bodies and parts to paint shops.

Eventually, I converted the staff rooms to spare parts and workrooms. I’m not much good at machining, but had a small Unimat lathe that was quite useful. It’s good for sharpening pencils, an engineer-friend quipped.

Andy

abstamaria · Sep 3, 2012

My old workspace

I think that we garage guys all go through the same phases, hanging posters on walls, putting supplies and tools in plain view, thinking about a checkerboard floor, and so forth. Of course, we later take different routes.

By the end of our stay in that lovely home, the additional cars had squeezed my work area to one end of the garage. I had my supplies in open wire baskets and steering wheels from my old cars on a wall. The floor was bare cement originally, as seen in the previous photo with the Lotus being painted, but I later overlayed this with brick, as seen here.

At this time, the trellis system that I later brought to the new garage had already been in place for several years.

I kept my parts in those red cabinets. If you look through the open door on the right, you can make out more tool cabinets in the den. That's a bump-steer gauge on the wire rack.

I had begun to outgrow the space and was also being overwhelmed by the clutter. I had spent many happy hours in that garage and done three restorations, all to very high quality, i think. But it was time to move on.

Andy

abstamaria · Sep 3, 2012

The old garage

I posted this some time ago, but am showing it again to put the description of the old garage in perspective. I had five small cars in that garage; one can just see the Elise here.

Those are frangipani trees, which give a very tropical feel to the house.

Andy

abstamaria · Sep 3, 2012

Frangipani

The frangipani trees bloom all year round and everyday shower the driveway with fragrant white, red, or pink flowers. It was quite a treat to step out of a car and be greeted by all those flowers. The local name for frangipani trees is "kalachuchi, which unfortunately is also a term a wife might use to refer to her husband's girlfriend. Perhaps it is because of the bright colors and the sweetness.

Here are two Lotuses among the kalachuchi. Not too long after that photo was taken, we moved.

Omphaloskeptic · Sep 3, 2012

Andy, in looking at these pictures of your past, it seems to me that you've always been on that path to 'automotive perfection'. Kudos to you! :bowdown:

In regard to that magnifying light I suggested, I haven't pulled the trigger on one for myself as yet. If you do order one in the near future, could you post your thoughts on it here at GJ? I trust your opinion as to the quality/usefulness without a doubt due to your thread here. We all can plainly see you have a discerning eye for quality, design, and execution. With many GJ members enjoying those 'golden years', our aged eyes :eyecrazy:

would view a good magnifying lamp as an almost indispensable garage/study/shop tool. lol

Coyote Red · Sep 3, 2012

That little green Lotus is a nice looking car. Congrats.

Wingnut65 · Sep 4, 2012

Andy,

Thanks for showing more cars that have shared space in your garages over time. It is always interesting to see what catches someone's eye in different times in their lives and in different parts of the world. Like 'O' said, these cars show you have been on the path to perfection your whole life. Thanks for letting us have a glimpse in your past. :thumbup:

abstamaria · Sep 5, 2012

Thanks, Omphaloskeptic, Jeff, but it was stumbling all the way! I always liked modern architecture though and was quite influenced by a 1976 show at NY's MOMA on Luis Barragan's architecture. The cars I like tend to be fringe-end.

Thanks, Cayote Red. Im glad you like the little Lotus. I was just working on it today.

Best to all,

Andy

Fatandre · Sep 8, 2012

Re: Mt two companions

abstamaria said:
Just two photos, taken a few days ago, of my two garage dogs. That's Xena underneath a car; she'll be ten soon. That's two-year-old Sundance next to the jack. He's very affectionate, but quite a handful. Both just follow me wherever I go.

Andy

What kind of jack is this. This is exactly what I would need. It is low profile?

abstamaria · Sep 8, 2012

It has a very low profile, Fatandre. Here is a link to the company's page:

http://www.acjacks.com/

It's a very nice jack, with interesting features. if you look at the picture with Sundance, you will note the wheels have a rubber O ring around them. Those keep the Jack from rattling around and scratching your floor when you're moving the jack around.

Andy

abstamaria · Sep 29, 2012

Misc. Projects

Our house (residents in photo) was once a Spanish-style house for a large family. They named it “Vista Linda.” That means “beautiful view,” because of the vistas of the valley and mountains the house then enjoyed. When I first looked it up in street maps, I was surprised the guides tagged the location with that name.

The old sign disappeared when the house was rebuilt, and I always wondered how and where I would reinstall a substitute. I considered several modern fonts, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s lovely “Prairie.”

In the end, I chose a font designed by the architect Richard Neutra. The letters are free standing and separate from each other, so it took me and an assistant a whole morning to locate and install them. One gets only one chance with the electric hammer drill! Here is the finished work. It turned out nicely, I think.

Best,

Andy

ODIS · Sep 30, 2012

Wonderful and well done, Andy!

Beautiful property with incredible mature trees and remarkable landscaping. Remember seeing the "vistas" from your master bedroom and thinking: What a beautiful view and what a pleasant sight to behold each morning after a blissful sleep or even the night fraught with insomnia.

Like your property was named in its early days, ours was named; "Fair Winds" or Safe Journeys and Good Fortunes. We have yet to re-post this title, but is planned for the future monuments which will border our entry into the proper

All the best,

Ody.

jimmie jam · Sep 30, 2012

Very appropriate name Andy. Especially for the views "inside" and from the "inside" from what i've seen....very, very appropriate!

J.J.

abstamaria · Sep 30, 2012

Your location is breathtaking, Ody. What an incredible view you have! And such a beautiful home and garage, too, with all the right cars. You are a lucky man. You will have fun figuring out how and where to install the proerty's old name.

Many thanks, Ody, Jimmie! I just wanted to show off my handiwork!

Andy

ODIS · Oct 5, 2012

Andy,

I wonder if you would take a few moments to discuss the art work that borders your entry. Interesting design and an interesting choice of color. It seems to be in such a stark contrast to its surroundings. The more I look at the design, the better it gets.

Thanks too for your kind comments on Fair Winds and our collection of cars. So far, October has been simply beautiful. Early mornings is when I'm out in one of the cars enjoying the solitude and the music of the cars exhaust note.

All the best,

Ody.

Fatandre · Oct 18, 2012

Any update?
Keep looking again and again in here

abstamaria · Oct 18, 2012

ODIS said:
Andy,
I wonder if you would take a few moments to discuss the art work that borders your entry. Interesting design and an interesting choice of color. It seems to be in such a stark contrast to its surroundings. The more I look at the design, the better it gets. ...
All the best,
Ody.

I'm glad you like the sculpture, Ody. It's steel, and the artist is Lor Calma, one of the early proponents of modern architecture here. His son, Ed, with with his input, designed the house. Lor Calma, an architect too, began to concentrate on sculpture is in his mid 70s; the piece is from his "origami" (folder paper) series.

He gave that piece to us on the condition that we must never repaint it another color or move it from where he placed it. So there it sits.

Here is a smaller piece by Lor Calma; a study for a larger piece. It sits on a cabinet in my wife's bathroom, where this photo was taken. It is about eight inches high. Although my wife has been with art museums here, we hardly have any art in the house! This is one exception.

That is a wonderful place you have, Ody. I am sure the roads must be wonderful for early morning runs in a vintage sports car. I am envious!

Andy

abstamaria · Oct 18, 2012

I'm so sorry, Fatandre! The garage is done, and there's very little to report! I did change the labels on my red fastener cabinets (from red-on-white) to white-on-clear, which gave a much cleaner look, but really nothing worth reporting.

I have been using the workshop, and it has proven to be a nice, enjoyable place to work in. If something worthwhile should come up, I will report it.

My best,

Andy

thomfr · Oct 18, 2012

Hello,
Was just wondering if you consider to put some art on the walls (or a wall) of your garage or do you prefer the total clean look?

Thom

abstamaria · Oct 19, 2012

Hello, Thom. The garage is just a plain shoebox, with windows on two walls and the doors occupying the third wall. So I really only gave one vacant wall, on which the cam covers hang. So I don't really have any wall space left, except perhaps above the tool cabinets.

But, ultimately, I really prefer the clean look. The cars and even the tool cabinets look good and stand out against a plain wall.

My best,

Andy

Omphaloskeptic · Oct 19, 2012

Andres, in going back over your earliest posts/pics, I couldn't help but feel there is a 'clean and serene' vibe felt by just viewing the photographs; thanks again for sharing what you and your wife must truly enjoy!

"The difficulty is the garage, since we car guys do tend to accumulate car stuff, tools, wheel, spare parts, etc. I try to keep that down too but with less success."

The above quote of yours makes me wonder about the thought process you and your wife must go through when considering the purchase of just about anything aside from food and typical consumables. It must be part of both your natures to question not only the need of something, but also, the question of 'where will it live in our space'. You have taken 'clutter avoidance' to the extreme and the result is a tranquil, beautiful, and elegant abode. Thanks again for giving us here at GJ a glimpse of what is possible to achieve in the 'moderne mode'.

I was going to inquire if you ever bought a better means of magnification for reading, but then I thought of the fact that the illuminated magnifier on a stand would have to 'run the gauntlet' of the question 'where would it live?'. lol

abstamaria · Oct 20, 2012

Yes, that's true, Omphaloskeptic. When we consider buying anything, we always ask "where are we going to keep it?" That means no souvenirs when traveling!

But the trade-off is what you noted - a tranquil place to live and work.

I haven't bought the magnifying system; the one you found seems the best so far. That is because I haven't had to examine any wiring diagrams since. I might just get one.

Best,

Andy

ODIS · Oct 21, 2012

abstamaria said:
I'm glad you like the sculpture, Ody. It's steel, and the artist is Lor Calma, one of the early proponents of modern architecture here. His son, Ed, with with his input, designed the house. Lor Calma, an architect too, began to concentrate on sculpture is in his mid 70s; the piece is from his "origami" (folder paper) series.

He gave that piece to us on the condition that we must never repaint it another color or move it from where he placed it. So there it sits.

Here is a smaller piece by Lor Calma; a study for a larger piece. It sits on a cabinet in my wife's bathroom, where this photo was taken. It is about eight inches high. Although my wife has been with art museums here, we hardly have any art in the house! This is one exception.

That is a wonderful place you have, Ody. I am sure the roads must be wonderful for early morning runs in a vintage sports car. I am envious!

Andy

Andy,

That sculpture does fit the location as well as the color. The study piece in your wife's bath is also a very nice addition with a wonderful history.

I can understand the requests made by others when it relates to art or to cars.

The fellow that I purchased the T-Bird from, owned the car for well over 40 years and was literally a "vehicle" used to bridge many friendships over those 40 plus years. On the day it was purchased and loaded onto my trailer, with tears in his eyes, he had asked me to keep the car as it is under my "guardianship" until he died. On October 10th, of this year, at the age of 77, he did die from lung cancer. Yesterday, was his funeral and we were honored to be able to drive the T-Bird to the services so that all the family members and friends could relive and recall the precious memories about the car, and the man. I think everyone knows, the car will be even more prized as it resides in our collection.

My friend will always be remembered and his spirit will live a long time by this car and the friendship will be enjoyed in the drives we take in it.

I appreciate your words about our projects. You are always more than kind.

Thank you.

Ody.

abstamaria · Oct 23, 2012

Thanks, Ody. I'm sorry to hear about your friend; it is good you were able to bring some happiness to his family. Our relationship with our old cars is unfathomable to non-car guys, but you and your friend illustrated very clearly how deep that could be.

Andy

abstamaria · Nov 4, 2012

Misc. Minor Projects

Nothing major to report, just a few miscellaneous projects.

Following advice I gave in another thread, I replaced the red-on-white labels on my fastener and miscellaneous bits drawers with white-on-clear labels. These look much better; the white labels looked like Band-Aid.

I have a large assortment of English (Imperial?) screws and rivets, leftovers from when I was restoring the Lotus Elan and racing the 23; I keep these separately in large trays in the old tool cabinet next door.

Andy

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 4, 2012

Andy, very nice job on the parts drawers; nice cabinet too!

I'm wondering if 'Misc' parts are metric or SAE? lol

abstamaria · Nov 4, 2012

Thanks, Omphaloskeptic. Yes, I should perhaps use "SAE," but the English fastener sizing system has always been quite confusing to me. Anyway, right now, only the Elan uses these nuts and bolts. I have a few Whitworth fasteners, but, as they are only for the MG TC, I just keep them with the MG's spares.

Funny your "Misc" comment. As in my tool cabinets, everything seems to end up in the "misc" section!

Best,

Andy

abstamaria · Nov 4, 2012

More wall storage.

I am quite lucky in that I have a separate garage, described earlier in this thread, where I could park the cars we use to work. No matter how much one whittles down, there always seem to be the Christmas ornaments, the tree, coolers, the spare wheels, and so forth that need to be stored. I keep these in this second garage.

Last week I expanded the shelving system to give me more shelf area, the completed project shown below.

As I mentioned, the system I have is quite easy to install and features wall attachment brackets – important here in earthquake country. I couldn’t recall who made these shelves, only remembering they are Italian. Thom from the Netherlands has recognized them and very kindly contributed the following:

“It is a system well known in the logistics world (warehousing on shelves) and is made (or at least the marketing name in Europe) by "Metalsistem"
(http://www.metalsistem.com/index.php?lang=en).”

Ideally, these should be hidden by sliding doors (perhaps the GI corrugated sheet doors I mentioned before). In the meantime, to keep the visual clutter down, I kept most things in labeled plastic boxes, including the miter saw (I do woodworking in this area). This is still work in progress.

To prevent items from slipping from the shelves, I bought extra shelf braces, as seen here. They are easily removable.

The original Ansa exhaust system from the Dino can be seen poking past its shelf at top-left. I should sell this probably, as the stainless-steel Tubi I have on the car should last forever. However, it might be important to a buyer if I should ever decide to sell the car, so I suppose I have to keep it.

Note the epoxy floor in grey in this working garage. It has so far held up well. Compared to the white floor in the other garage, the grey is noticeably darker all around, as it reflects much less light. I didn’t think the difference would be as great.

Regards to all,

Andy

PS: I hope all those affected by Sandy are able to recover quickly and with not too much difficulty.

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 4, 2012

Andy, your second garage should have a nameplate above the entry; how's about 'MISC'? LOL

I'm sorry, but those pictures of your storage garage must be incorrect - IT'S MUCH TOO NEAT AND ORGANIZED! You must understand, your idea of a storage area is much better than the dining rooms of many of us GJ'ers.

In regard to your idea of the GI corrugated sheet doors as sliders, since woodworking is done in that area, I might opt for some other material. My thought is that the metal would be a 'static charged' surface that sawdust would cling to and appear to be dusty most of the time. I've always liked the bamboo shoot treatment for wallpaper, cabinet facings, and more. Thin vertically split bamboo 'saplings (?)' attached to a solid backing material would appeal to me as a suitable storage/wall covering and in addition, being a wood itself, would mask the accumulation of sawdust. Its use might also appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities too. :dunno:

P.S. - If it were mine, the Dino would be my coffin; I would sell the stock exhaust to pay for its (and my) 'final detailing' job! lol

abstamaria · Nov 4, 2012

Funny, Omphaloskeptic. I should confess I took that photo the other day when I had just finished putting the boxes in, so the place still looks neat and organized.

I take your point with the GI corrugated sheets. I like the utilitarian, honest look of the material. I'll consider your suggestion. I still have to figure out how to hang the doors.

Best,

Andy

Jvvmusme · Nov 15, 2012

Andres
Look at this gadget for the maxjax. You will love it. I am having them made locally.

http://www.gesusa.com/Offset-Adapters-for-Two-Post-Car-Lifts-p/119523.htm

abstamaria · Nov 16, 2012

Very interesting, Jose. That may be the answer also to moving the pads that extra inch to reach the MG TC's chassis rails (and clear the running boards).

Tell me how they work out.

Andres

magnusk750 · Nov 16, 2012

Yes, there is this intriguing, fascinating aspect of your place, the discipline it seems to demand but probably also encourage. Zen incarnated as a garage... (I very much hope I do not offend by saying that, said by a pagan like me, with all respect for beliefs or non beliefs of all kind)

QUOTE=abstamaria;2627775]Yes, that's true, Omphaloskeptic. When we consider buying anything, we always ask "where are we going to keep it?" That means no souvenirs when traveling!

But the trade-off is what you noted - a tranquil place to live and work.

[/QUOTE]

Bob Heine · Nov 16, 2012

abstamaria said:
Yes, that's true, Omphaloskeptic. When we consider buying anything, we always ask "where are we going to keep it?" That means no souvenirs when traveling!

But the trade-off is what you noted - a tranquil place to live and work.

Andres,

When my oldest granddaughter was seven, riding in the back of our car reading a book, she was so quiet I asked if anything was wrong. She replied "I'm fine Grandpa Bob but I need quiet when I'm making pictures in my mind." She is now a freshman at the University of Central Florida.

All souvenirs are but reminders -- of the pictures in our minds. Of course as my mind deteriorates, photographs are a big help. Most of them are heading for digital storage.

One of my most enjoyable trips was a two-week business trip to India in the mid-90s. To save money I booked an around-the-world ticket and extended the trip to include a layover in Singapore. Everything I needed was packed into one carry-on bag. The shoulder bag with laptop and business documentation did free up room for a camera and even some silk items and jewelry for my wife. At no point in the trip did I wish I had brought more stuff.

abstamaria · Nov 17, 2012

Thank you, Magnus. You said that very well; the style does demand and also encourages a certain discipline. It's not easy, and I have to reexamine myself from time to time. But it has its benefits.

Andres

abstamaria · Nov 17, 2012

I'm very much like your granddaughter, Bob. I'm glad she is doing well. You must be proud of her.

They say traveling light is the key to a good vacation, particularly when you're exploring a new, strange place, as you did. I hope you found India fascinating. Did you see the Taj Mahal? Although it has intricate details, it is an austere structure, a beautiful and calming one, especially from a distance.

Andres

Ironhorse · Nov 17, 2012

Ok read the whole thread....very very nice....just one question...is the Dino real or a clone? Great car either way...but just wow....nice!!

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