G'day from Australia - My Life Story & Workbench Project

TwoBytes · Jun 20, 2014

Hey Garage Journallers,

* I hadn't intended this to be a long post, but I got a bit carried away * :lol:

I've been lurking for quite a while, finally joined up to comment on "The Concrete Underground" and "The 12-Gauge Garage" and I thought I'd better introduce myself...

I've always loved making and fixing stuff and some of my greatest memories are of spending time in the workshop with Dad, my brother and our mates.

We had a fairly large workshop at Mum and Dad's place and we did all kinds of stuff in and out of there, cars, motorbikes, renovations, landscaping, metal fabrication, woodwork, drinking, laughing, music, etc.

My brother got cancer and passed away unexpectedly about 5 years ago... which put a dent in my enthusiasm for the workshop for a long time... it brought back too many memories.

My wife and I even lived in an apartment for a few years, which meant I didn't have a workshop at all! (although it's amazing how many projects I still got done working in the underground carpark and on the kitchen bench)

Then about 2 years ago my son came along, which really made me want a garage/workshop again. I want my son to spend time in the shed with me like I did with my Dad ("All Australian Boys Need a Shed!" (John Williamson)).

My wife and I bought a house with a 2-car garage just before my son was born and I've been slowly turning it from a messy storage area into a workshop.

I would love to start a build thread, but I'm a long way from having anything worth looking at. With a 2 year old running around, progress is very, very slow!

My main achievement so far is installing an attic ladder and making a start on a floor and shelving up in the garage roof space for storage.

I've also started work on a workbench that should turn out to be a bit different.

My grandfather was a cabinet maker and he built himself a BBQ in the 1980s which I inherited when he passed away in the late 90s.

My grandfather wasn't one to do things by halves, so it's pretty heavy duty for a BBQ. It's got a welded steel RHS frame surrounding kitchen quality cabinets and drawers. It's also got stainless benches each side of the hotplates and a large stainless lid.

It's a bit of a work of art (in my very biased opinion), but it's not actually a very good BBQ!

So Dad actually had the idea to rip all the BBQ bits out and turn it into a work bench...

I haven't got very far yet (mostly because my little helper there needs to be involved in everything, which makes everything take 10 times longer!)

I intend to put a wooden section in where the hotplates used to be, and to remove the lid and put it on a new frame to make a second bench which will sit alongside the main one. I'd appreciate any suggestions or comments...

Also, regarding my screen name...
- A boys trip to Phillip Island to watch the MotoGP over a decade ago...
- a hungover trip to McDonalds for breakfast...
- a challenge to eat all 3 hotcakes in 2 bites...
- success...
- another lot of hotcakes, also gone in two bites so it could be filmed...
- nickname "Two Bites" ever since...

I work with computers, so I changed it to TwoBytes.

Mat.

1/2 Cup · Jun 20, 2014

G'day Mat and welcome, great intro. Looking forward to your posts. :thumbup:

Playwme · Jun 20, 2014

Welcome fellow Canberran. I understand how long it takes to get stuff done with the small kids around. Mine are finally getting to an age where they can occupy themselves while I'm doing other stuff.

Glenn M. · Jun 20, 2014

Welcome to the GJ from VA!

TwoBytes · Jun 20, 2014

Hey Glenn, thanks for the welcome.

Thanks 1/2 cup, I've actually been to Shepparton quite a bit, l used to have family in Strathmerton.

And Playwme, you're in Canberra too hey, that's awesome! Enjoying the recent cold weather? I actually don't mind the cold, but I don't like listening to all the whinging that comes with it.

Mat.

1/2 Cup · Jun 20, 2014

Small world, my Mum grew up in Strathmerton and I went to Cobram High School, amazing. :thumbup:

HOTFR8 · Jun 20, 2014

Welcome from another Aussie. You may be interested in our Aussie Kiwi Social group.

TwoBytes · Jun 22, 2014

Yeah 1/2 Cup, it is a small world!

Thanks HOTFR8, how do I go about joining the social group?

HOTFR8 · Jun 22, 2014

TwoBytes said:
Thanks HOTFR8, how do I go about joining the social group?

Look for an invite then go here >

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=8

code4pay · Jun 23, 2014

I also grew up near Shepp in Kyabram. Now closer to Canberra in Jervis bay. that's an awesome BBQ!

TwoBytes · Jun 23, 2014

Hey code4pay, great to see so many Aussies on here.

Thanks, I'm hoping the BBQ will turn out to be a pretty good workbench.

Lance-AR · Jun 24, 2014

Welcome to Garage Journal!

TwoBytes · Jun 24, 2014

Thanks Lance-AR, good to be here!

rburke65 · Jun 24, 2014

"TwoBytes"..... I love it. Welcome from the State of Ohio!

TwoBytes · Jun 24, 2014

Thanks rburke65, it's a nickname I've had for many years.

I've used TwoBytes on a few other forums and places around the net, so if you see it pop up anywhere else it's probably me.

James_B · Jun 24, 2014

Welcome from an expat ... now living in Canada.

TwoBytes · Jun 24, 2014

Thanks James!

Looking at the list of cars in your signature, did you have the Torana in Canada? I imagine there's not many Toranas in Canada!

James_B · Jun 24, 2014

I put the Torana into storage from when I left Australia in 2008. The agreement with my wife was that I'd try Canada for 5 years. By that time her kids would have finished schooling, and we'd then make a decision on staying in Canada or moving to Australia. 2103 arrived and the decision was made to remain in Canada, so I made a quick return in May 2013, specifically to deal with the car and take care of the few bits of odds and ends I had in storage.

TwoBytes · Jun 25, 2014

Hey James,

Shame you had to sell the Torana, the timeline in your sig seems to indicate that you had it since new... it must have been hard to let her go after 35 years! Did you consider shipping it over there?

sean Buick 76 · Jun 25, 2014

Welcome! I think that BBQ would make a great base for a Compound Miter saw... Just an idea, but it would also look good with a shelf in place of the BBQ and a thick top.

James_B · Jun 25, 2014

TwoBytes said:
Hey James,

Shame you had to sell the Torana, the timeline in your sig seems to indicate that you had it since new... it must have been hard to let her go after 35 years! Did you consider shipping it over there?

Yes, it was bought new ... and it took almost 10 months between the order and delivery, and when I sold it last May, I had owned it for 34 years.

It was one of the 5 cars in the first batch of the Mk 2 versions of the Normal-Air Garrett SL/T turbocharger installations. Don't know how many SL/T model cars were actually produced, but the estimates all seem to indicate that it was a low 2 digit number.

The car was sold to a fanatical UC Torana collector in Brisbane.

I did consider shipping it over, but having seen the damage and short life expectancy of the cars here due to the amount of salt used on the roads, meant that it wasn't an idea that I had for very long. As well, unless I had a heated garage to store it in, the plastics would also disintegrate very rapidly due to the low winter temperatures.

TwoBytes · Jun 25, 2014

sean Buick 76 said:
Welcome! I think that BBQ would make a great base for a Compound Miter saw... Just an idea, but it would also look good with a shelf in place of the BBQ and a thick top.

Hey Sean, thanks for the suggestion. I really like that idea, sitting the mitre saw down in the recess so it's table is level with the benches on the side. I've currently got my mitre saw mounted on a table with wheels though, so I can push it out on the driveway and keep the dust out of the garage!

James_B said:
Yes, it was bought new ... and it took almost 10 months between the order and delivery, and when I sold it last May, I had owned it for 34 years.

It was one of the 5 cars in the first batch of the Mk 2 versions of the Normal-Air Garrett SL/T turbocharger installations. Don't know how many SL/T model cars were actually produced, but the estimates all seem to indicate that it was a low 2 digit number.

The car was sold to a fanatical UC Torana collector in Brisbane.

I did consider shipping it over, but having seen the damage and short life expectancy of the cars here due to the amount of salt used on the roads, meant that it wasn't an idea that I had for very long. As well, unless I had a heated garage to store it in, the plastics would also disintegrate very rapidly due to the low winter temperatures.

Hey James, I had a look at the link in your signature, that is a cool car!

I think the only thing sadder than seeing it go would be seeing it rot away, so I think you made the right call.

At least it went to somebody who'll appreciate it

I sold a motorbike recently that I'd owned for 15 years (not quite in the same league as your Torana), it was hard to see it go, but the guy I sold it to is a total champion, he still send me pics of it when he rides it and keeps in touch. Made it a lot easier to part with it.

frank2112 · Jun 28, 2014

Nice to find another local. Welcome.

James_B · Jun 28, 2014

TwoBytes said:
I think the only thing sadder than seeing it go would be seeing it rot away, so I think you made the right call.

At least it went to somebody who'll appreciate it

I sold a motorbike recently that I'd owned for 15 years (not quite in the same league as your Torana), it was hard to see it go, but the guy I sold it to is a total champion, he still send me pics of it when he rides it and keeps in touch. Made it a lot easier to part with it.

I'm still in constant communication with the new "custodian" throughout his restoration.

He's just had to replace the YellaTerra head that I fitted in 1988 ... too much meat removed in the YellaTerra re-work on what appears to have been a badly core shifted donor head. It started to leak water out of the earth strap bolt hole, had a leaking welch plug, and another crack behind the exhaust valve seat #6. Probably the over machining at YellaTerra and 5 years sitting in storage was not a good combination.

When the new owner bought it, he knew that the engine hadn't been turned over since February 2008, and asked me not to even try turning it over, so it was just one of the risks he assumed.

The decision was made that the YellaTerra head was not worth fixing. I suspect he salvaged the valves (YellaTerra) and valve springs (I replaced the YellaTerra springs with a better set) from the old head to fit to the replacement head, but I don't think he's had the replacement head re-machined for the oversized studs for the roller rockers I also fitted. It's probably gone back to standard rockers.

At least now it has hardened valve seats, so it can run on premium unleaded without needing an upper cylinder lubricant added to the fuel.

TwoBytes · Jun 30, 2014

Thanks Frank!

James, sounds like the new owner knew the risks, and it should be worth his effort just to run it on unleaded fuel. All part of the joy of owning a 35 year old car I guess!

James_B · Jun 30, 2014

TwoBytes said:
Thanks Frank!

James, sounds like the new owner knew the risks, and it should be worth his effort just to run it on unleaded fuel. All part of the joy of owning a 35 year old car I guess!

H doesn't seem put out by the problem. He spent 2 years refurbishing his other UC, and now it's a trophy winner. It's also a hatchback, but 100% stock and fitted with practically every available factory or dealer fitted option.

On the weekend, he told me that the YellaTerra head that he's acquired is currently getting the stock rocker posts milled down and re-tapped for the studs for the roller rockers.

TwoBytes · Jun 30, 2014

Sounds like you chose a great new custodian James, good work.

I've bought and sold a lot of 2nd hand cars and motorbikes over the years and most of the sellers and buyers have been great, but geez I've met some d1ckheads.

My first car was a '76 FJ40 Short Wheelbase Landcruiser, I bought it when it was about 20 years old, and sold it 5 years later. I bumped into the guy I sold it to years later and he said "that car was a piece of ****, it blew a head gasket". It had never given me any trouble at all, but he seemed to be making out like it was my fault.

But that's nothing compared to the bloke who went out of his way to ring me and tell me I was an @sshole because the clutch had blown up in the Subaru Liberty I'd sold him 2 years earlier!

Squankum · Jul 2, 2014

Welcome to Garage Journal from the American South, Two Bytes!

I'd hate to think of how red and leathery and Australian ******** would be.

And yes, every boy needs a shed/workshop/garage! It breaks my heart how many boys (and girls) aren't learning how to do anything but buy things.

TwoBytes · Jul 2, 2014

Haha, thanks Squankum, that made me laugh out-loud!

My son helped me make a start on the the base for the stainless BBQ lid workbench today. (I've still got to double up all the legs, add some more supports for the top and some cross pieces half way up for a shelf)...

That face is what he does now when I tell him to smile :dunno:

He turned 2 last week and he's getting right into it. He gets all his protective gear on, he pulls the trigger on all the power tools when I tell him he can, and he knows that we need to unplug them when we're not using them, and he hands me the portable stuff to put up out of his reach when we're finished. It's great seeing him get into it!

TwoBytes · Nov 18, 2014

Workbench update...

View media item 45007
View media item 45008

1/2 Cup · Nov 18, 2014

Repurposing at its best, well done.

Thanks for the update.

Regards

TwoBytes · Nov 18, 2014

Thanks 1/2 Cup! I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.

Grumblebum · May 21, 2016

Those benches look great TB.

What is your plan for that lovely blank wall space above the benches now ? Pegboard, French cleats, shelving, cupboards....

My young bloke is now 4 1/2 and it's a great experience having him helping me on most projects that aren't welding or grinding related, and yeah it takes longer. I'm going to start getting him proper tools instead of toy ones. He's now pretty competent with drills and impact drivers (with my assistance of course).

Anyway thanks for sharing and looking forward to you getting a garage thread going - you have enough here already to start one.

Cheers GB :beer:

TwoBytes · May 22, 2016

Hi GB,

Thanks mate!

Unfortunately the lovely blank space above the wall is not so lovely and blank any more!

I've built one temporary heavy duty shelf (out of an extendable aluminium plank) that sits on supports on the bench surface. Ultimately I'd like some high cupboards up near the ceiling and rows of french cleats to hold various stuff between the benchtops and the bottom of the cupboards.

I've been trying to work out a good place to store my bikes, and this is the best I've got so far...
View media item 60728
As you can see, it's a big mess at the moment, but despite that I'm still getting a fair bit done in there.

Great to hear your son is getting into it. Mine is almost 4, and my daughter is about 18 months and they both love hanging out in the garage with me.

I've been thinking about starting a garage thread but didn't think I had enough (or regular enough) material. Thanks for the encouragement.

dlcwent · May 25, 2016

Twobytes, I've infiltrated your thread now too. I must say that you have a very handsome son. (Must take after his mom as I'm sure you're one ugly bloke. :lol_hitti

)(JK)

I'm in the same "know" of having someone close to me dying and losing interest in a lot of things that were shared. I'm truly sorry for your loss of your brother.

I hope that we can be another couple of blokes that hit it off. I'll be looking for your future post.

Terrick down Under · May 26, 2016

Twobytes, Just got to say hello, I don't often remember to check the newbies. If your heading out and about pm me and drop on out. It is good to have your young fella out with you in the garage. Mine is now 22 and usually says, "look out dad, I can see it better and do it quicker". So I sit back and watch...just to make sure he is safe.
James B, half of the ACT Torana club live out here in our Estate.

TwoBytes · May 26, 2016

Hey dlc, you're bang about my son, him and his sister are both gorgeous and they sure as hell don't get that from me!

Sorry to hear that you've lost somebody close mate. It sure puts things in perspective hey.

I've been thinking about starting a garage thread instead of continuing to post here, but I don't seem to have much time left after reading all the stuff you blokes post!

And yeah, I think we've hit it off already.

Terrick, thanks for taking the time to say g'day. And thanks for the offer to drop past, you're only abut half an hour from my place. I'll let you know if I'm heading down your way.

My son isn't quite 4, and I'm already getting plenty of attitude. I was out in the garage with him the other day and he said "do you know how I know that Dad... it's because I know everything"

:bounce:

I'll head over and have a look at your thread too mate.

G'day from Australia - My Life Story & Workbench Project

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