993James993
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Andres, thats a really nice cabinet. Who is it made by? It looks like Jonathan Ive designed it.
Modern Garage in Far East
- Thread starter abstamaria
- Start date
Andres, thats a really nice cabinet. Who is it made by? It looks like Jonathan Ive designed it.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thom, a great part of the joy of GJ to me is the diversity of cars in the garages - musclecars, VWs, Trabants .... I am happy you added pictures of the Giulia (Juliet!) on the thread. That has the tail pipe exiting at an angle? As I mentioned, my Japanese friend Osamu (shown trimming bonsai trees in an earlier picture here) is an Alfa man. Congratulations on the twins, and I wish you and your wife my best.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thank you, Nogglefish. I had to go through the thread to find out where you spotted the Wassily. It's in the picture of my Rottie Chewbakka, yes? Only a portion of the chair shows, and it is out of focus and covered by a pillow. I am surprised you recognized it.
Yes, it's a Breuer Wassily. While you and others know the chair and the black Corbusier sofas in the garage pictures, I am sure a few on GJ, viewing the "modern" style shown here, will be surprised that the Wassily chair was designed in 1925-26 and the Corbusiers in 1928. The modern style generally illustrated by the house is actually from the 1930s, the same era as the vintage projects on GJ. That is actually quite startling.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Jim, it's made by Bulthaup, a German kitchen company. I tried to check who designed it, but there is no information. I was just admiring the wood against the green paint in the new pictures of your arts-and-crafts project.
thomfr
Well-known member
You have a very good taste in a lot of things shown here.
You own a lovely house, a very nice and divers car collection, fan of minimalistic style (hard to achieve in our modest semi detached) like nice furniture (I am a fan and small collector of Joe Colombo, Eames and Bauhaus furniture) and Bulthaup is making very nice kitchens.
The exhaust of the Giulia is a stainless one from Alfaholics in the UK. Expensive but long lasting and giving some extra torque (proven on a friend of mines dyno). The exiting under an angle is original for this model.
My collection of classic cars is small, beside the Giulia only a Alfa Sprint 1.7QV. ( http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Foto-KDXMXZJJ.jpg ) Which is for sale as I want to buy a classic which can be used by my wife with the kids in the future (Volvo Amazone break or equal).
Problem is space, money and time to maintain cars well. I learned this the hard way from my father who reduced his collection from more than 10 to 5 which is plenty to keep up in good condition for him (and he is retired!).
But I love the big garages like yours (especially in this style) and enjoy it very much that you are not to shy to show it (you have al the rights to be proud of it).
Thom
You own a lovely house, a very nice and divers car collection, fan of minimalistic style (hard to achieve in our modest semi detached) like nice furniture (I am a fan and small collector of Joe Colombo, Eames and Bauhaus furniture) and Bulthaup is making very nice kitchens.
The exhaust of the Giulia is a stainless one from Alfaholics in the UK. Expensive but long lasting and giving some extra torque (proven on a friend of mines dyno). The exiting under an angle is original for this model.
My collection of classic cars is small, beside the Giulia only a Alfa Sprint 1.7QV. ( http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Foto-KDXMXZJJ.jpg ) Which is for sale as I want to buy a classic which can be used by my wife with the kids in the future (Volvo Amazone break or equal).
Problem is space, money and time to maintain cars well. I learned this the hard way from my father who reduced his collection from more than 10 to 5 which is plenty to keep up in good condition for him (and he is retired!).
But I love the big garages like yours (especially in this style) and enjoy it very much that you are not to shy to show it (you have al the rights to be proud of it).
Thom
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Ideal Collection
Thanks, Thom. I think it is just that our tastes are similar. I like Eames too. (The only Bulthaup items we have are the bins.)
The tail pipe exiting at an angle is what I always liked about the Giulia. It made the car seem very sporty. Alfa's are great cars.
Your father went the right route, although I think he still has too many cars. I do as well, but hope to correct that. In the 1960s, I came across this cartoon in a US sports car magazine. It to me expressed the ideal garage and collection - just one car that the owner loves, enjoys, and knows very well. And a simple garage for the one car. I don't think I will ever be able to afford a Type 35B, but I'll work toward the ideal suggested by the cartoon. I'll get there, someday!
Thanks, Thom. I think it is just that our tastes are similar. I like Eames too. (The only Bulthaup items we have are the bins.)
The tail pipe exiting at an angle is what I always liked about the Giulia. It made the car seem very sporty. Alfa's are great cars.
Your father went the right route, although I think he still has too many cars. I do as well, but hope to correct that. In the 1960s, I came across this cartoon in a US sports car magazine. It to me expressed the ideal garage and collection - just one car that the owner loves, enjoys, and knows very well. And a simple garage for the one car. I don't think I will ever be able to afford a Type 35B, but I'll work toward the ideal suggested by the cartoon. I'll get there, someday!
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I don't believe I've ever seen a home and garage more cluttered with...
...good taste and restraint.
Beautiful work.
...good taste and restraint.
Beautiful work.
type550
Well-known member
Andres,
There is something about you that you don't often see. Obviously you have great talent and have done well in life, but your philosophy and attitude is quite amazing and is clearly reflected in your lifestyle. Even down to that simple cartoon that you have kept over the years, which even I can relate to as I see that in my spyder when I look at it - when it all comes down to it, life is as complicated as you make it! I commend you on responding to anyone who posts on your thread or adds something that could be totally off topic but you always seem to add a positive tilt to it somehow.
You deserve the garage of cars and the house with all its designer furniture, and I would be surprised if many people following this thread see you as someone here just showing off your wealth. Keep posting some of your cool photos of your house, furniture and cars - they are definitely aspirational
There is something about you that you don't often see. Obviously you have great talent and have done well in life, but your philosophy and attitude is quite amazing and is clearly reflected in your lifestyle. Even down to that simple cartoon that you have kept over the years, which even I can relate to as I see that in my spyder when I look at it - when it all comes down to it, life is as complicated as you make it! I commend you on responding to anyone who posts on your thread or adds something that could be totally off topic but you always seem to add a positive tilt to it somehow.
You deserve the garage of cars and the house with all its designer furniture, and I would be surprised if many people following this thread see you as someone here just showing off your wealth. Keep posting some of your cool photos of your house, furniture and cars - they are definitely aspirational
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Jim, I've been looking at images of the arts-and-crafts movement and am quite attracted by it. Some sources call it the "American Craftsman Style," I think. If so, with good reason. I didn't see the style applied to a workshop; that is the challenge left to you! Don't rush it; quality and workmanship take time. Your build is a breath of fresh air.
PS: Surprisingly, I know of Limn and used to visit their Seattle store. Small world.
PS: Surprisingly, I know of Limn and used to visit their Seattle store. Small world.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thank you, Jack. The one thing I regret is that I did not discover GJ until I was committed to the details of construction. There are many ideas I would have wanted to borrow from your 12-gauge garage. Thank you for contributing and giving advice so freely.
Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Type550, thank you. You are very kind.
That cartoon was of course made for you. There are few cars that can substitute "Bugatti" in the caption. One of them is your Spyder.
That cartoon was of course made for you. There are few cars that can substitute "Bugatti" in the caption. One of them is your Spyder.
Saw a link to this thread on the WERA forum (motorcycle road racers - mostly USA) and had to join GJ just to see the pictures. Thank you for sharing! Love the garages and the cars. My father used to haul me to Laguna Seca in the late fifties / early sixties where I'd sneak into the pits and ogle everything Coventry. This thread took me back.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thanks, Bob. You were lucky. You were in the paddocks of Laguna Seca in the Golden Age of sports cars. I am happy the thread reminded you of those years with your Dad.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Nuts and Bolts
For many years, I hung these useful bins from Griot's underneath my workbench. When we moved into the new house, I placed them in "Gorilla" racks. Now, more years later, I find I have no place for the rack in the new workshop. Here is a temporary solution I put together this weekend. The separate trays make the arrangement look busy, so I am not too happy with this. I may have to find another solution.
For many years, I hung these useful bins from Griot's underneath my workbench. When we moved into the new house, I placed them in "Gorilla" racks. Now, more years later, I find I have no place for the rack in the new workshop. Here is a temporary solution I put together this weekend. The separate trays make the arrangement look busy, so I am not too happy with this. I may have to find another solution.
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993James993
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Hello Andres,
The small cabinets are perfectly suited to their intended purpose. They will save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes. I think they look great.
What is it that you find distracting about them? Is it the contrast and possibly some discord created by sitting them on casters next to the larger tool cabinets. You might position them on top of one or more of the larger rollaways, but this will add height and consume counter space. Alternatively you could house them inside a larger cabinet with sliding doors similar in mass to your other boxes. Or you could locate them in your movable shelving system.
I seem to have this type of problem as well. I can arrange things in perfect order and inevitably more things arrive that have to be included, disrupting that order.
twokidsnosleep
Well-known member
I like your handwritten journals and diagrams on the previous page. There is something nostalgic about handwritten script versus cold computer screen or text printed pages.
I started a small, messy wood project journal with photos I tape into it and my notes scrawled all over. Mostly it is to organize my mind which seems a bit full and forgetful these days.
You inspire me to continue, and be a bit neater in my writings
I started a small, messy wood project journal with photos I tape into it and my notes scrawled all over. Mostly it is to organize my mind which seems a bit full and forgetful these days.
You inspire me to continue, and be a bit neater in my writings
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Here are few photographs for Jim and the few others who wrote privately for pictures of the Stratos. I decided to show details here, rather than long views, as I thought that would be more interesting to GJ readers.
The V6 engine and gearbox are from the Ferrari 246, of course, but with different cams, manifold, and carburetors. The odd green vent tubing seen in the photo are the original Cavis hose, much revered in the Ferrari concours circuit. I wanted to replace them before I knew any better, but luckily they proved too difficult to remove.
The front compartment only houses the spare tire, a Pirelli P7 in the photo (the P7, the 1st of the super tires, was developed on the Stratos). In layout and structure, the Stratos is very similar to the Lamborghini Miura and, except for he transverse motor, the GT40.
The tires on the car are Michelin TB5s, the hot-weather version of the TB15, the classic 1970s road-racing tire. Michelin manufactures these period-correct historic tires again now. Those are the 15” competition magnesium wheels. 14” magnesium wheels, which I stil have, are standard.
The V6 engine and gearbox are from the Ferrari 246, of course, but with different cams, manifold, and carburetors. The odd green vent tubing seen in the photo are the original Cavis hose, much revered in the Ferrari concours circuit. I wanted to replace them before I knew any better, but luckily they proved too difficult to remove.
The front compartment only houses the spare tire, a Pirelli P7 in the photo (the P7, the 1st of the super tires, was developed on the Stratos). In layout and structure, the Stratos is very similar to the Lamborghini Miura and, except for he transverse motor, the GT40.
The tires on the car are Michelin TB5s, the hot-weather version of the TB15, the classic 1970s road-racing tire. Michelin manufactures these period-correct historic tires again now. Those are the 15” competition magnesium wheels. 14” magnesium wheels, which I stil have, are standard.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
The cockpit is bare, with no padding beneath the carpets. There is no upholstery on the doors or even window winders. Just a friction lock to keep the window panes in position and a bin for helmets. When the doors are closed, there is little space inside, and the side window slits make one feel one is inside a full-face racing helmet. The Stratos is actually a small car, the body just enveloping the mechanicals and the occupants.
Of course, there is no air-conditioning and no stereo.
The “jet-fighter” windscreen is perhaps the Stratos’ most unique feature. It is lightweight glass, and the curvature (drawn from a cylinder I recall) allows no distortion. There are two gasoline tanks, each with its filler cap. You have to fill them up simultaneously!
The Stratos is a very focused car, with little concession for comfort. It was after all made simply to win the World Rally Championship. It is demanding and uncompromising and, while it handles beautifully, ultimate control is available only to the very skilled. That, the limited numbers, and the high price when first sold meant very few now would know or recognize the car. I first read about the Stratos in Car & Driver's April 1975 issue. It said the Stratos “doesn’t forgive. You lay your $17,000 on the table and see if you measure up.” I wanted to have a Stratos ever since.
Many years later, this Stratos came on the market. No one knew or wanted it, but of course I did. I swapped a Porsche, added some, and starved for some time thereafter, but the car has been with me ever since.
Of course, there is no air-conditioning and no stereo.
The “jet-fighter” windscreen is perhaps the Stratos’ most unique feature. It is lightweight glass, and the curvature (drawn from a cylinder I recall) allows no distortion. There are two gasoline tanks, each with its filler cap. You have to fill them up simultaneously!
The Stratos is a very focused car, with little concession for comfort. It was after all made simply to win the World Rally Championship. It is demanding and uncompromising and, while it handles beautifully, ultimate control is available only to the very skilled. That, the limited numbers, and the high price when first sold meant very few now would know or recognize the car. I first read about the Stratos in Car & Driver's April 1975 issue. It said the Stratos “doesn’t forgive. You lay your $17,000 on the table and see if you measure up.” I wanted to have a Stratos ever since.
Many years later, this Stratos came on the market. No one knew or wanted it, but of course I did. I swapped a Porsche, added some, and starved for some time thereafter, but the car has been with me ever since.
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thomfr
Well-known member
Wow! What a lovely motorcar! But I heard that the combination of short wheelbase, no weight and plenty of power has to be treated with respect (I do not want to think about your rain season).
The car is just right on the edge of véry nice condition and not over restored or polished, respect!
Thom
The car is just right on the edge of véry nice condition and not over restored or polished, respect!
Thom
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Good idea, 993James993. I might fabricate a matching box for the drawers, with perhaps a roll-up door. In the meantime, these bins are out of the way.
Just when everything seems in place, a forgotten box of screws or the odd aquarium shows up.
I have been working on a car, so no garage work for a while.
Just when everything seems in place, a forgotten box of screws or the odd aquarium shows up.
I have been working on a car, so no garage work for a while.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
I like your handwritten journals and diagrams on the previous page. There is something nostalgic about handwritten script versus cold computer screen or text printed pages.
I started a small, messy wood project journal with photos I tape into it and my notes scrawled all over. Mostly it is to organize my mind which seems a bit full and forgetful
I agree with you. There is a charm that is so engaging in a hand-drawn line. Your journal will give you a great deal of pleasure later.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
I am sure i speak for many....this is the winning shot....
Sorry for your loss..
Thank you. That is also my favorite picture on this thread. Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thanks, Thom. You heard right; the Stratos is a very "nervous" car, and it will bite if you don't concentrate. The level of performance is constant, through every corner, every second. You step out of it perspiring, exhausted, drained. But happy. It is that kind of a car. My best. Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Green Roof
The “new” garage is actually a renovation of an existing structure. We had problems with the old cement slab roof, which leaked badly and in summer acted as a heat sink. Our contractor filled in cracks that we discovered and laid new cement topping over the existing roof, using a waterproofing mix in the cement, and installed new drains. We experienced no leaks during the last storms.
The “green roof” added a further waterproofing membrane, the blue PVC liner shown in the previous pictures, so this added protection was appealing to me.
A water storage system, made of pressure-molded polystyrene, is then laid over the blue waterproof membrane. It stores 16 liters of water per square meter, cutting the frequency of required watering. In the summer, this should cool down the building, too. If the garage should wam up, we’ll just turn on the sprinklers on the roof.
A filter liner is then laid above the water storage grid. The sheet is made of a polyester and polypropylene mix, which the green-roof contractor claims has excellent capillary properties.
I attached 2 photos to show how the blue PVC liner was installed and a drain detail. After the blue waterproof membrane was installed, the general contractor covered the sides of the parapet with a 1" (2.5cm) cement topcoat to protect the liner sides from UV deterioration and mechanical damage.
The black flexible pipes are the perforated drainage pipes.
The “new” garage is actually a renovation of an existing structure. We had problems with the old cement slab roof, which leaked badly and in summer acted as a heat sink. Our contractor filled in cracks that we discovered and laid new cement topping over the existing roof, using a waterproofing mix in the cement, and installed new drains. We experienced no leaks during the last storms.
The “green roof” added a further waterproofing membrane, the blue PVC liner shown in the previous pictures, so this added protection was appealing to me.
A water storage system, made of pressure-molded polystyrene, is then laid over the blue waterproof membrane. It stores 16 liters of water per square meter, cutting the frequency of required watering. In the summer, this should cool down the building, too. If the garage should wam up, we’ll just turn on the sprinklers on the roof.
A filter liner is then laid above the water storage grid. The sheet is made of a polyester and polypropylene mix, which the green-roof contractor claims has excellent capillary properties.
I attached 2 photos to show how the blue PVC liner was installed and a drain detail. After the blue waterproof membrane was installed, the general contractor covered the sides of the parapet with a 1" (2.5cm) cement topcoat to protect the liner sides from UV deterioration and mechanical damage.
The black flexible pipes are the perforated drainage pipes.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Substrate for Green Roof
A flower! What is GJ coming to?
The other week, the "green-roof" contractor finally laid the substrate over the filter membrane. This substrate or soil substitute is granulated lava, pumice, and fertilizers. It has no sand or soil, and so doesn't compact over time. It is also a third of the weight of soil and stores up to 35% water by volume. Together with the water storage system, the roof stores 55 liters per square meter. The load requirement for the green roof is 163 kg per square meter.
We planted a two low creeper varieties on the roof, a peanut and Portulaca. Both are hardy and require little watering. That's a Portulaca flower, which is quite tiny actually.
Here is the just-planted roof, still scraggly. The grass pavers on the driveway are visible too, as well as the ivy starting to creep up on the driveway wall.
A flower! What is GJ coming to?
The other week, the "green-roof" contractor finally laid the substrate over the filter membrane. This substrate or soil substitute is granulated lava, pumice, and fertilizers. It has no sand or soil, and so doesn't compact over time. It is also a third of the weight of soil and stores up to 35% water by volume. Together with the water storage system, the roof stores 55 liters per square meter. The load requirement for the green roof is 163 kg per square meter.
We planted a two low creeper varieties on the roof, a peanut and Portulaca. Both are hardy and require little watering. That's a Portulaca flower, which is quite tiny actually.
Here is the just-planted roof, still scraggly. The grass pavers on the driveway are visible too, as well as the ivy starting to creep up on the driveway wall.
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993James993
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- Feb 24, 2008
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- 524
Hi Andres,
That will be beautiful when all the flowers bloom. Does the water cycle through somehow? If not how do you keep it from stagnating?
On another note, do you have a separate parking garage for your daily drivers? I recall a white 996 that only appeared in one photo.
I just reviewed this entire thread and your garage and home still astound me!
That will be beautiful when all the flowers bloom. Does the water cycle through somehow? If not how do you keep it from stagnating?
On another note, do you have a separate parking garage for your daily drivers? I recall a white 996 that only appeared in one photo.
I just reviewed this entire thread and your garage and home still astound me!
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Thanks, Jim. As with starting a thread on a modern, minimalist garage, I was hesitant about posting a picture of a flower. The garage roof is the same height as our kitchen window sill, so we see the roof every day. The green and the flowers blooming should be a good change from the gray waterproofing we used to see before. The garage is quite cool, so the "green roof" solution to managing the temperature in the garage seems to be working.
I understand the water is held in suspension by the design and periodically replaced when it rains or the garden is watered. The excess water empties into the drains. The water storage grid is under some 6 inches of soil substitute, so it is like an underground reservoir.
The other leg of this L-shaped building has a two-car garage, Jim. I'll take some pictures.
I'm glad you like the design, BIGBUCK.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Bugatti
For some relief and in relation to the cartoon on the Bugatti in the rain, posted earlier, I have attached below two pictures taken today of a Bugatti Type 35 steering wheel. It is the genuine article, or at least I am told it is.
It is heavily patinated (it is 80 years old at least), one of the slim spokes characteristic of the model has a crack, and a PO perhaps before WWII decided to "add lightness" by drilling holes. I believe it is nickel-plated steel. It is not mine, but the closest I can be to having a Bugatti Type 35B in my garage.
But what is a Type 35 steering wheel doing in Manila? It's a long story that perhaps I can tell in the future. I have in the meantime attached an advertisement that appeared in the local sports car club newsletter "Valve Chatter" some 20+ years ago. (The currency exchange rate at the time was US$1.0025.00.) I hope you find this interesting.
Regards to all.
Andres
For some relief and in relation to the cartoon on the Bugatti in the rain, posted earlier, I have attached below two pictures taken today of a Bugatti Type 35 steering wheel. It is the genuine article, or at least I am told it is.
It is heavily patinated (it is 80 years old at least), one of the slim spokes characteristic of the model has a crack, and a PO perhaps before WWII decided to "add lightness" by drilling holes. I believe it is nickel-plated steel. It is not mine, but the closest I can be to having a Bugatti Type 35B in my garage.
But what is a Type 35 steering wheel doing in Manila? It's a long story that perhaps I can tell in the future. I have in the meantime attached an advertisement that appeared in the local sports car club newsletter "Valve Chatter" some 20+ years ago. (The currency exchange rate at the time was US$1.00
25.00.) I hope you find this interesting.Regards to all.
Andres
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abstamaria
Well-known member
"Green" roof drainage
To give some idea of how they work, here is a picture of water drain and storage cells and perforated pipe as installed on the 'green' roof.
To give some idea of how they work, here is a picture of water drain and storage cells and perforated pipe as installed on the 'green' roof.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Daily Drivers
I used to be able occasionally to drive to work in one of the old sports cars I have. With the traffic now, that is no longer practical.
I thought that it would be best to keep the daily driver parked separately from the old cars. Luckily for me, the long rectangular shape of the property (which made it unattractive to all except one looking more for a garage than a home) allows that. For many years, I used a tent for this purpose. Those are the Rubbermaid sheds, by the way, that take the clutter from the garage. I also store spray cans and other flammables there.
This year, after 8 years with the tent, we were able build a permanent 2-car garage. The method of construction is again steel and cement, with a slab floor, as shown here. That's a laundry area to the left of the garage opening; this being the tropics, laundry doesn't have to be done indoors.
I really liked that Ford Expedition, by the way. They were sold not too expensively here, so I got one to tow a trailer to the races. We kept it even after I got a race-car transporter (the green truck to the left). I only sold the Expedition this year, after 13 years. Although SUVs are I suppose no longer politically correct, it was a great American product. Comfortable and absolutely reliable. It seemed like it would go on forever.
I hope this is not too uninteresting!
Regards, Andres
I used to be able occasionally to drive to work in one of the old sports cars I have. With the traffic now, that is no longer practical.
I thought that it would be best to keep the daily driver parked separately from the old cars. Luckily for me, the long rectangular shape of the property (which made it unattractive to all except one looking more for a garage than a home) allows that. For many years, I used a tent for this purpose. Those are the Rubbermaid sheds, by the way, that take the clutter from the garage. I also store spray cans and other flammables there.
This year, after 8 years with the tent, we were able build a permanent 2-car garage. The method of construction is again steel and cement, with a slab floor, as shown here. That's a laundry area to the left of the garage opening; this being the tropics, laundry doesn't have to be done indoors.
I really liked that Ford Expedition, by the way. They were sold not too expensively here, so I got one to tow a trailer to the races. We kept it even after I got a race-car transporter (the green truck to the left). I only sold the Expedition this year, after 13 years. Although SUVs are I suppose no longer politically correct, it was a great American product. Comfortable and absolutely reliable. It seemed like it would go on forever.
I hope this is not too uninteresting!
Regards, Andres
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type550
Well-known member
It is never too uninteresting Andres
Do you have any more photos of your transporter? Also is your daily driver garage finished yet?
Do you have any more photos of your transporter? Also is your daily driver garage finished yet?
HOTFR8
Banned
It is never too uninteresting Andres
Do you have any more photos of your transporter? Also is your daily driver garage finished yet?
I too would like to see it.
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Car Transporter
The racing circuit we used was at Subic, the former US naval base that saw much use during the Vietnam War. It is some 2.5 hours from Manila, so I thought a transporter would be a good idea to protect the car from weather and road grit. We built this one about 12 years ago.
The transporter is based on a used Isuzu Elf truck that was imported from Japan and reconditioned locally (a big business here). It has a "flat-low" configuration, meaning that it uses 13" wheels in the back (2 on each side), allowing the 14-foot bed to sit lower to the ground. We then had an aluminum box built on the truck. The rear of the box is hinged at the bottom and forms part of the ramp. We fabricated aluminum extensions for the ramp, as shown in the photo. We painted it British Racing Green, of course.
I carefully calculated the angle and length of the ramps and determined the point at which the floor should begin to slope downward (I recall about a foot from the opening). Luckily, everything worked well, and even a very low car such as the Lotus 23 clears easily. One can also push a car in with little effort.
We installed recessed mounting points on the floor of the container and strap the loaded car's wheels down to secure it.
The transporter is airconditioned and proved a lot more convenient than the open trailer we used before. It was less costly than a new enclosed trailer and so was good value.
The name of our vintage racing team (which includes my Japanese friend's Alfa Giuilietta, a TR4A, and a real Shelby GT40) is "Team Transic Gloria," from the saying "sic transit gloria mundi" (so passes the glory of the world), which is what one is supposed to say when viewing ruins and other things whose days of glory have long since gone. Unfortunately, I have been told firmly not to race anymore, and so sold my prized Lotus 23.
The racing circuit we used was at Subic, the former US naval base that saw much use during the Vietnam War. It is some 2.5 hours from Manila, so I thought a transporter would be a good idea to protect the car from weather and road grit. We built this one about 12 years ago.
The transporter is based on a used Isuzu Elf truck that was imported from Japan and reconditioned locally (a big business here). It has a "flat-low" configuration, meaning that it uses 13" wheels in the back (2 on each side), allowing the 14-foot bed to sit lower to the ground. We then had an aluminum box built on the truck. The rear of the box is hinged at the bottom and forms part of the ramp. We fabricated aluminum extensions for the ramp, as shown in the photo. We painted it British Racing Green, of course.
I carefully calculated the angle and length of the ramps and determined the point at which the floor should begin to slope downward (I recall about a foot from the opening). Luckily, everything worked well, and even a very low car such as the Lotus 23 clears easily. One can also push a car in with little effort.
We installed recessed mounting points on the floor of the container and strap the loaded car's wheels down to secure it.
The transporter is airconditioned and proved a lot more convenient than the open trailer we used before. It was less costly than a new enclosed trailer and so was good value.
The name of our vintage racing team (which includes my Japanese friend's Alfa Giuilietta, a TR4A, and a real Shelby GT40) is "Team Transic Gloria," from the saying "sic transit gloria mundi" (so passes the glory of the world), which is what one is supposed to say when viewing ruins and other things whose days of glory have long since gone. Unfortunately, I have been told firmly not to race anymore, and so sold my prized Lotus 23.
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illmatyk
Well-known member
very very nice and awesome!!
I have been wanting to go to Subic and check out the track. Have you tried racing at Clark? I have heard that it is a nice place.
Question, where in Manila do you buy your tools? I was there last year for 2 days but wasn't able to go look for tools. I was only able to go to Banawe and MOA.
Again, awesome garage.
-Matt.
I have been wanting to go to Subic and check out the track. Have you tried racing at Clark? I have heard that it is a nice place.
Question, where in Manila do you buy your tools? I was there last year for 2 days but wasn't able to go look for tools. I was only able to go to Banawe and MOA.
Again, awesome garage.
-Matt.
OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Transporter
The Subic track closed the other month, Matt, to give way to a container port. The local sports car club has scheduled a vintage race meeting at the Clark circuit, the first at this brand-new track, this month. I have not seen it.
Snap-On and Proto have dealers in Manila, but the selection is wider and probably less expensive in the U.S. Mail order should work for you if there are no dealers in Guam.
I found some pictures showing details of the ramp and the tie-down system, which might be interesting to some on GJ. The "transporter" is a small (sports cars only!) and very basic one, done inexpensively on a reconditioned truck. If you don't race that seriously, it may work for you.
As I mentioned before, I find the series "Heartland Thunder," on cable here, very interesting. Many of the racers say they operate on a very tight budget, doing much of the work themselves. Then they proceed to the race ... in these huge, incredible rigs, many pulled by separate tractor heads! That is the U.S.! I am amazed and envious in a good way. Now THOSE are transporters.
Kind regards,
Andres
The Subic track closed the other month, Matt, to give way to a container port. The local sports car club has scheduled a vintage race meeting at the Clark circuit, the first at this brand-new track, this month. I have not seen it.
Snap-On and Proto have dealers in Manila, but the selection is wider and probably less expensive in the U.S. Mail order should work for you if there are no dealers in Guam.
I found some pictures showing details of the ramp and the tie-down system, which might be interesting to some on GJ. The "transporter" is a small (sports cars only!) and very basic one, done inexpensively on a reconditioned truck. If you don't race that seriously, it may work for you.
As I mentioned before, I find the series "Heartland Thunder," on cable here, very interesting. Many of the racers say they operate on a very tight budget, doing much of the work themselves. Then they proceed to the race ... in these huge, incredible rigs, many pulled by separate tractor heads! That is the U.S.! I am amazed and envious in a good way.
Now THOSE are transporters. Kind regards,
Andres
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OP
abstamaria
Well-known member
Separate Garage
The separate garage for the "daily driver" is almost complete, type550. We have started to park in it, but I am still waiting for some shelves and storage. I will try to get some photos this week.
Here is a photo taken several weeks ago, after the steel roll-up door was installed. We painted this door white eventually.
The other photo shows the epoxy floor in this 2-car garage. We used the same mix, including topcoat, as in the 6-car garage. However, I decided to try a light gray, which looks nice actually (I would still prefer white, because in comparison it brightens an area much more than gray). The air compressor will go in the rear right corner. Those are old Rubbermaid cabinets that we had in our other house. They last and weather very well.
The separate garage for the "daily driver" is almost complete, type550. We have started to park in it, but I am still waiting for some shelves and storage. I will try to get some photos this week.
Here is a photo taken several weeks ago, after the steel roll-up door was installed. We painted this door white eventually.
The other photo shows the epoxy floor in this 2-car garage. We used the same mix, including topcoat, as in the 6-car garage. However, I decided to try a light gray, which looks nice actually (I would still prefer white, because in comparison it brightens an area much more than gray). The air compressor will go in the rear right corner. Those are old Rubbermaid cabinets that we had in our other house. They last and weather very well.
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I usually just read the forums but this thread deserves comment.
abstamaria, your home and garage are simply amazing.
I absolutely love the minimalist style and many of the little details are just phenomenal.
Thanks for sharing it all with us.
abstamaria, your home and garage are simply amazing.
I absolutely love the minimalist style and many of the little details are just phenomenal.
Thanks for sharing it all with us.
HOTFR8
Banned
Thanks for the details on your transporter. Impressive.