shortykorte
Well-known member
...but do you have a fireplace? Guess you could let the daughters have Friday night bonfires. Good to see you getting some time in the Asylum even if it’s just whacking your wood.
Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)
- Thread starter shopnut
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
HOTFR8 - Perfectionist is probably more fitting. It gets me in trouble sometimes though, especially when it involves eating up all of my free time (and it typically does!).
TurtleValley – Thanks for “visiting” and welcome to the forum. I hope you are finding the entire website informative, interesting, and helpful. I’m glad to be a part of it for all these years. My updates have been infrequent lately as family stuff has me pretty *******. But I’m settled into this new house and marriage now and I’m finding more free time lately, so shop time is ramping back up again. Thanks for all the kind words, sorry about the distraction from your life, and thanks for the new vocabulary word (“Awesomnusilus”)! BTW, I like the ratio of shop to house you have there (3:1).
shortykorte – No fireplace in the new place, and honestly, even with one in the old house, there were few opportunities to burn the wood. Sadly, I don’t really have an outlet for all the wood. Following Hurricane Irma, anyone that needed wood, had plenty. A couple of years ago, a coworker came out and picked up a load of freshly cut Hickory to sell to the local fine restaurants for their special “Hickory Smoked ____” (fill in the blank). But it is a bit far for him to drive, so I haven’t been able to convince him to come again.
TurtleValley – Thanks for “visiting” and welcome to the forum. I hope you are finding the entire website informative, interesting, and helpful. I’m glad to be a part of it for all these years. My updates have been infrequent lately as family stuff has me pretty *******. But I’m settled into this new house and marriage now and I’m finding more free time lately, so shop time is ramping back up again. Thanks for all the kind words, sorry about the distraction from your life, and thanks for the new vocabulary word (“Awesomnusilus”)! BTW, I like the ratio of shop to house you have there (3:1).
shortykorte – No fireplace in the new place, and honestly, even with one in the old house, there were few opportunities to burn the wood. Sadly, I don’t really have an outlet for all the wood. Following Hurricane Irma, anyone that needed wood, had plenty. A couple of years ago, a coworker came out and picked up a load of freshly cut Hickory to sell to the local fine restaurants for their special “Hickory Smoked ____” (fill in the blank). But it is a bit far for him to drive, so I haven’t been able to convince him to come again.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
SN: sorry I didn't get by earlier to see if Irma had damaged your cool shop or family's home. glad it didn't cause it looked like a mess and pretty nasty from a lot of pictures i saw on CNN and other sites.
so what's new for 2018? any plans other than making more cool stuff for your daughter to work out on?
cheers
so what's new for 2018? any plans other than making more cool stuff for your daughter to work out on?
cheers
HOTFR8
Banned
ODIS
Well-known member
Good to see all is pretty much normal!
O
O
drivesitfar – No worries at all. After some cleanup, the yard is tidy again here and I’m finding time to work in the shop again… Life is Good! In store for 2018 is getting all the vehicles running around here. I rode one bike on a 3 miles test drive right after I bought it and it immediately was dis-assembled for restoration. At this point, it’s maybe 20-30 hours away from running again, so I need to make it a priority to just finish it up and be done.
My daughter has gotten so strong lately for working out on those silks, I’m afraid to piss her off… she might deck me! So glad to see her enthusiastic to stay fit despite her still spending a lot of time on her phone.
ODIS – Everything SEEMS normal. Too normal! Makes me a bit paranoid! LOL. It’s nice to be tinkering in the Asylum again.
My daughter has gotten so strong lately for working out on those silks, I’m afraid to piss her off… she might deck me! So glad to see her enthusiastic to stay fit despite her still spending a lot of time on her phone.
ODIS – Everything SEEMS normal. Too normal! Makes me a bit paranoid! LOL. It’s nice to be tinkering in the Asylum again.
GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 48 of ?)…
I'm getting closer to finishing this organizing task, but it's a struggle. For Part 48 of this topic (Yep 48, this is a monster task!!), it’s a continuation of the small parts storage in the drawer cabinets. The twelve 2” deep drawers in the new yellow cabinets are nearly full with all my fasteners (machine screws - SAE and metric, wood screws, and various small parts). I’m now working on filling the twelve 5” deep drawers with small component parts.
For these deeper drawers, I start with these inexpensive cases from Harbor Freight Tools. They are current $4.70 each, so a drawer costs about $28 to completely compartmentalize with adjustable dividers. Compart that to about $50 per drawer for the removable yellow cups I used in the shallow drawers.
I remove the lids and cut off the hinges so they squeeze together tightly. The lids are basically scrap, but it seems they could be used as some sort of organizers too, since they have dividers. I’m not tossing them out just yet.
Although the drawer slides and drawer frames of these cabinets seem plenty tough, the bottom sheet steel was not designed to take the dead weight and tend to sag down when heavily loaded (remember, the original storage system in these drawers had a suspended rack system). Well, I found a cheap solution that works nicely in conjunction with the HF cases. After searching the shop for something that would work, I discovered a few extra drywall cornerbead protectors just collecting dust after the office project years (many years) ago. Bolted together back-to-back to form a Tee, they offer plenty of reinforcement for the cases. They cut easily with a tin snips and already have the holes punched in them.
The end of the cases rest on the Tee.
I still am amazed at how perfectly these cases fit these drawers.
Here are two drawers worth of electrical parts, now offering easy access. I took a little time to label all those wall warts for voltage so I don’t have to sift through them next time I need one.
I'm getting closer to finishing this organizing task, but it's a struggle. For Part 48 of this topic (Yep 48, this is a monster task!!), it’s a continuation of the small parts storage in the drawer cabinets. The twelve 2” deep drawers in the new yellow cabinets are nearly full with all my fasteners (machine screws - SAE and metric, wood screws, and various small parts). I’m now working on filling the twelve 5” deep drawers with small component parts.
For these deeper drawers, I start with these inexpensive cases from Harbor Freight Tools. They are current $4.70 each, so a drawer costs about $28 to completely compartmentalize with adjustable dividers. Compart that to about $50 per drawer for the removable yellow cups I used in the shallow drawers.
I remove the lids and cut off the hinges so they squeeze together tightly. The lids are basically scrap, but it seems they could be used as some sort of organizers too, since they have dividers. I’m not tossing them out just yet.
Although the drawer slides and drawer frames of these cabinets seem plenty tough, the bottom sheet steel was not designed to take the dead weight and tend to sag down when heavily loaded (remember, the original storage system in these drawers had a suspended rack system). Well, I found a cheap solution that works nicely in conjunction with the HF cases. After searching the shop for something that would work, I discovered a few extra drywall cornerbead protectors just collecting dust after the office project years (many years) ago. Bolted together back-to-back to form a Tee, they offer plenty of reinforcement for the cases. They cut easily with a tin snips and already have the holes punched in them.
The end of the cases rest on the Tee.
I still am amazed at how perfectly these cases fit these drawers.
Here are two drawers worth of electrical parts, now offering easy access. I took a little time to label all those wall warts for voltage so I don’t have to sift through them next time I need one.
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shortykorte
Well-known member
Re: The ASYLUM - Turning a Crazy Vision into a Lakefront Gearhead Getaway: Year 6
Looking good ‘nut. I’ve brought some of the other storage case but didn’t know about these until now. I see a lot of similar uses. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Looking good ‘nut. I’ve brought some of the other storage case but didn’t know about these until now. I see a lot of similar uses. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
TurtleValley
Well-known member
You are one sic **** puppy! (don't take that the wrong way, I mean neat freak!). I guess you can never be too organized though! I am amazed that they fit that accurately in the drawers even with modifications you did.
Now I have to go redo my tool box....
Now I have to go redo my tool box....
shortykorte – Thanks. I believe I mentioned it in an earlier post way back when, but be aware that these cases are not of the highest quality. I originally used some for holding my ratchet straps in my truck and they worked okay. The base can twist (rack) quite a bit when the lid is opened and with them heavily loaded. Of course all things have limitations. They work nicely for sitting in my drawers though.
TurtleValley – A guy like me could never take “sic **** puppy” any other way besides a compliment!!
. Sorry if I caused you extra work. On the other hand, if you didn’t want inspiration to start more projects, you my friend are on the WRONG forum!!
TurtleValley – A guy like me could never take “sic **** puppy” any other way besides a compliment!!
. Sorry if I caused you extra work. On the other hand, if you didn’t want inspiration to start more projects, you my friend are on the WRONG forum!! GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 49 of ?)…
LOW PROFILE ROLLING TRAYS FOR UNDER THE CABINETS
Back when I built the original 8 rolling trays (see Reply 3038), I envisioned some larger ones to go in a few more spots. Well, I finally got around to building them.
These were great to build in my spare time, like when I had an hour or two to tinker. I first started with cutting all the small parts and gathering up all the various bits I needed (side blocks, wheels, and drawer pulls).
I then cut the front and back boards, along with the bottom plywood and made these three trays.
I prefer to keep the wheels unpainted, so it was the proper time to give them a shot of black paint. There was no need to waste paint on the interior as it will not be seen. Here they are drying for a day or two.
When dry, it was time to install the wheel sets. This is FASTUBE brand parts. The wheel sets just slip in from the ends and a 2x2 holds them there.
And here’s the finished tray. The wheels only let it roll back and forth, so its motion is more or less like a cabinet drawer.
LOW PROFILE ROLLING TRAYS FOR UNDER THE CABINETS
Back when I built the original 8 rolling trays (see Reply 3038), I envisioned some larger ones to go in a few more spots. Well, I finally got around to building them.
These were great to build in my spare time, like when I had an hour or two to tinker. I first started with cutting all the small parts and gathering up all the various bits I needed (side blocks, wheels, and drawer pulls).
I then cut the front and back boards, along with the bottom plywood and made these three trays.
I prefer to keep the wheels unpainted, so it was the proper time to give them a shot of black paint. There was no need to waste paint on the interior as it will not be seen. Here they are drying for a day or two.
When dry, it was time to install the wheel sets. This is FASTUBE brand parts. The wheel sets just slip in from the ends and a 2x2 holds them there.
And here’s the finished tray. The wheels only let it roll back and forth, so its motion is more or less like a cabinet drawer.
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shortykorte
Well-known member
I too would use the bins in my drawers. Interesting floor storage.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
SN: thanks for the tip on the cool little storage boxes cause i think i might have 10 pairs of those furniture or appliance dollies sitting in a drawer.
if you might want to put a few of your ideas on my new thread please come and do so or i started another Organizing thread that has some cool ideas in it called Organizing 201 and here's the link if you hadn't seen it yet.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335623&highlight=organizing+201
great to hear your daughter is getting in very good shape cause that's always a good thing. my girls were always active and I didn't have to worry (as much) when they left the house that they couldn't take care of themselves.
if you get a chance to take a few pictures and post them of what you store in your new organizers please do. thanks
if you might want to put a few of your ideas on my new thread please come and do so or i started another Organizing thread that has some cool ideas in it called Organizing 201 and here's the link if you hadn't seen it yet.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335623&highlight=organizing+201
great to hear your daughter is getting in very good shape cause that's always a good thing. my girls were always active and I didn't have to worry (as much) when they left the house that they couldn't take care of themselves.
if you get a chance to take a few pictures and post them of what you store in your new organizers please do. thanks
shortykorte – Well, if you’re using them without the lids like I am, then maybe you can help me figure out what to do with all of these.
I'll probably have twice as many when I'm done filling the drawers!
drivesitfar – You’re welcome. And thanks, I will check out the thread and contribute if I can. There is a wealth of information on this forum and threads like that help showcase it all in one spot.
I have the drawers all filled up already and I snapped some pictures earlier. So I will post them up shortly.
Yeah, the youngest step-daughter doesn’t need any push exercising, keeping up with school work, or anything like that. Thankful, because I don’t have much experience persuading kids to do anything. It’s good to see her self-motivated like I am.
I'll probably have twice as many when I'm done filling the drawers!
drivesitfar – You’re welcome. And thanks, I will check out the thread and contribute if I can. There is a wealth of information on this forum and threads like that help showcase it all in one spot.
I have the drawers all filled up already and I snapped some pictures earlier. So I will post them up shortly.
Yeah, the youngest step-daughter doesn’t need any push exercising, keeping up with school work, or anything like that. Thankful, because I don’t have much experience persuading kids to do anything. It’s good to see her self-motivated like I am.
GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 50 of ?)…
LOW PROFILE ROLLING TRAYS FOR UNDER THE CABINETS (Continued)
The rolling trays immediately got filled so I could empty out several of those tote bins that I’ve been tripping over for a while. And since member drivesitfar asked, here you go…
Here is my tray full of scrap aluminum parts and sections.
Halfway rolled in.
I sized them to be recessed in a bit, giving some toe-kick space with them all the way in. I didn’t feel I needed the full 4” that you might find at a kitchen base cabinet though since I won’t be standing there much.
Here are my trays full of carbon and stainless steel scraps and brackets.
LOW PROFILE ROLLING TRAYS FOR UNDER THE CABINETS (Continued)
The rolling trays immediately got filled so I could empty out several of those tote bins that I’ve been tripping over for a while. And since member drivesitfar asked, here you go…
Here is my tray full of scrap aluminum parts and sections.
Halfway rolled in.
I sized them to be recessed in a bit, giving some toe-kick space with them all the way in. I didn’t feel I needed the full 4” that you might find at a kitchen base cabinet though since I won’t be standing there much.
Here are my trays full of carbon and stainless steel scraps and brackets.
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taumac
Well-known member
Re: The ASYLUM - Turning a Crazy Vision into a Lakefront Gearhead Getaway: Year 6
Those seem very bins seem very familiar because I just bought 28 of them for my new to me file cabinets in recently got. I’ve been buying these for years now and thought they would fit in my new file cabinets but the don’t.
So had to replace them with these.
I use one of my file cabinets as a fastener cabinet and can fit 14 of these per drawer.
I figuired I can use yellow ones horizontally and fit 8 per drawer so I use up 16 of the 22 yellow ones. The extra ones I thought of either using them with or without lids and sitting them in my 44s as way to organize tools or pieces very similar to want I’ve done here.
That idea could work for you or you could build a rack and to hold all of them on casters and bins get used and a pull out drawer.
Those seem very bins seem very familiar because I just bought 28 of them for my new to me file cabinets in recently got. I’ve been buying these for years now and thought they would fit in my new file cabinets but the don’t.
So had to replace them with these.
I use one of my file cabinets as a fastener cabinet and can fit 14 of these per drawer.
I figuired I can use yellow ones horizontally and fit 8 per drawer so I use up 16 of the 22 yellow ones. The extra ones I thought of either using them with or without lids and sitting them in my 44s as way to organize tools or pieces very similar to want I’ve done here.
That idea could work for you or you could build a rack and to hold all of them on casters and bins get used and a pull out drawer.
Attachments
shortykorte
Well-known member
Re: The ASYLUM - Turning a Crazy Vision into a Lakefront Gearhead Getaway: Year 6
Mark great use of those trays. I’ve been debating what to do with small yet useable cutoffs. Currently they’re in a milk crate which makes it difficult to see what you have. Putting in drawers makes it more organized but uses drawer space. Your use is best of both worlds.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mark great use of those trays. I’ve been debating what to do with small yet useable cutoffs. Currently they’re in a milk crate which makes it difficult to see what you have. Putting in drawers makes it more organized but uses drawer space. Your use is best of both worlds.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
taumac – Thanks for sharing your ideas. When I saw your file cabinet full of cases, I immediately had to try my Stanley cases in mine. No luck though, even in the wide Legal size cabinet.
Remember, all the yellow cups from inside these cases were used in the drawers of the big cabinet:
I’ve found dozens of uses for these empty cases, but I haven’t found a place to stash them all yet. Unlike your efficient use of space, putting them inside those particular drawers shown below is an utter waste of good accessible drawer space. I even found them great for storing my HO model train cars.
Until now, I’ve been considering a mobile bakery bun rack to hold all these leftover case shells, but I really didn’t relish the idea of another cart taking up real estate around here. After seeing your picture, I was inspired to look for space inside my existing cabinets for room. It turns out I can stand them on their ends and they fit perfectly inside 4 of the cabinets. Pictures to come…
shortykorte – Thanks. I did the milk crate thing for many, many years and I understand the issues with storing things that way. I’ve spent countless hours searching for that perfect project part, but hopefully one quick loop around the shop now will yield the item I’m looking for. We shall see!
Remember, all the yellow cups from inside these cases were used in the drawers of the big cabinet:
I’ve found dozens of uses for these empty cases, but I haven’t found a place to stash them all yet. Unlike your efficient use of space, putting them inside those particular drawers shown below is an utter waste of good accessible drawer space. I even found them great for storing my HO model train cars.
Until now, I’ve been considering a mobile bakery bun rack to hold all these leftover case shells, but I really didn’t relish the idea of another cart taking up real estate around here. After seeing your picture, I was inspired to look for space inside my existing cabinets for room. It turns out I can stand them on their ends and they fit perfectly inside 4 of the cabinets. Pictures to come…
shortykorte – Thanks. I did the milk crate thing for many, many years and I understand the issues with storing things that way. I’ve spent countless hours searching for that perfect project part, but hopefully one quick loop around the shop now will yield the item I’m looking for. We shall see!
ODIS
Well-known member
So cool! SO VERY ORGANIZED! One of my favorite threads. You are the “Holy Grail” in everything GARAGE! Do you extend these talents to your kitchen? Need to see the pictures!
ODIS – Thanks for your continued support Ody! Things have slowed down quite a bit lately around the Asylum, but progress continues to be made nevertheless.
Kitchen? Well, the Asylum apartment DID get some organizing done to it when I was living there full time. My personal favorite was this custom slide-out for the frying pans:
Kitchen? Well, the Asylum apartment DID get some organizing done to it when I was living there full time. My personal favorite was this custom slide-out for the frying pans:
CORVETTE BARN FIND…
It’s pretty bad when you discover your OWN car in a pile of junk! Yes, there is a car behind all this stuff…
From the other side, it doesn’t look quite as bad…
Luckily, most everything is on wheels to roll out of the way and the Corvette finally emerges!
After re-introducing the old girl to the sun for a few moments, I took her out for a short spin.
While driving, noticed the “GEN” idiot light intermittently coming on (more on than off) and I knew a drained battery could be in my near future, so back to the shop I went. With a voltmeter hooked up, I could see the charging system cycling between 12.2 and 14.5 volts – not good! After finding no apparent problems, I decided to order a new alternator to eliminate 90% of the possibilities. I figured for $41 delivered to my door, I couldn’t go wrong. Hopefully a quick alternator swap and I will be back on the road. The girls have anxiously been waiting for a ride since I told them I was getting it out.
It’s pretty bad when you discover your OWN car in a pile of junk! Yes, there is a car behind all this stuff…
From the other side, it doesn’t look quite as bad…
Luckily, most everything is on wheels to roll out of the way and the Corvette finally emerges!
After re-introducing the old girl to the sun for a few moments, I took her out for a short spin.
While driving, noticed the “GEN” idiot light intermittently coming on (more on than off) and I knew a drained battery could be in my near future, so back to the shop I went. With a voltmeter hooked up, I could see the charging system cycling between 12.2 and 14.5 volts – not good! After finding no apparent problems, I decided to order a new alternator to eliminate 90% of the possibilities. I figured for $41 delivered to my door, I couldn’t go wrong. Hopefully a quick alternator swap and I will be back on the road. The girls have anxiously been waiting for a ride since I told them I was getting it out.
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Brian R
Well-known member
ODIS – Thanks for your continued support Ody! Things have slowed down quite a bit lately around the Asylum, but progress continues to be made nevertheless.
Kitchen? Well, the Asylum apartment DID get some organizing done to it when I was living there full time. My personal favorite was this custom slide-out for the frying pans:
That is cool, nice job!
cbacres
Well-known member
Looking good Mark. I'll be going down the container of some sort trail soon as I wrap up getting my drawer cabs done.
I can tell you that it is nice to be able to look in a drawer without digging for something as I do have a couple cabs in operation.
But I have a minumum of 94 drawers to look through
I can tell you that it is nice to be able to look in a drawer without digging for something as I do have a couple cabs in operation.
But I have a minumum of 94 drawers to look through
shortykorte
Well-known member
Ahhhh man, I was hoping to get that Vette out before you noticed. Nice weather to pop the T-tops off and go for a spin.
You like Mercedes SL's?
You like Mercedes SL's?
JCQuick
Well-known member
You know when you do something like that the car needs to emerge slowly so that it can get used to the sun 
Brian R - Thanks! Very cool bike as an avatar. Is it yours? I often think about picking up an antique bike to restore. But then reality hits me and a realize I can’t keep up with what I currently have!
cbacres – Thanks. The small yellow cups and now these larger divided trays seem to be working nicely for the items I want to store. Being able to re-configure is key to me... I’m sure I will be rearranging in 5 years or so again. 94 drawers will keep you busy, that’s for sure! It’s costing me between $28 to $50 per drawer, depending on which method I use, so for 94, it could add up. But if you’re like me though, it happens over the course of a couple years.
shortykorte – You missed your opportunity! I probably wouldn’t have even noticed it missing for at least 3 weeks. (Note to self… Install tracking device on Corvette asap). Like ‘em? Sure! But if it needs any work at all, I am completely booked up through 2022,
JCQuick – Too funny. If a car could squint, the Corvette would have been doing it that day.
I actual have quite a story about the events of the day I took the Corvette out to fill up with fresh gas, but I don’t have time to type it up now. I will post it soon.
cbacres – Thanks. The small yellow cups and now these larger divided trays seem to be working nicely for the items I want to store. Being able to re-configure is key to me... I’m sure I will be rearranging in 5 years or so again. 94 drawers will keep you busy, that’s for sure! It’s costing me between $28 to $50 per drawer, depending on which method I use, so for 94, it could add up. But if you’re like me though, it happens over the course of a couple years.
shortykorte – You missed your opportunity! I probably wouldn’t have even noticed it missing for at least 3 weeks. (Note to self… Install tracking device on Corvette asap). Like ‘em? Sure! But if it needs any work at all, I am completely booked up through 2022,
JCQuick – Too funny. If a car could squint, the Corvette would have been doing it that day.
I actual have quite a story about the events of the day I took the Corvette out to fill up with fresh gas, but I don’t have time to type it up now. I will post it soon.
ODIS
Well-known member
Looking great! Thanks!
SIMPLE FIX FOR THE CORVETTE, AND THEN SOME EXCITEMENT…
The purchased alternator for the Corvette was a perfect match for the old one and it worked like a charm. I love cheap and simple fixes!! With my surplus time, I also fixed a broken heater valve vacuum hose while I was in there wrenching. Yes, we do have some cold days in Florida that require a heater!
So it was time for a spin to fill up with some fresh ethanol-free gas. As I’m driving to the station, I noticed the car darting all over the place once I got over 50mph, like I had a really loose ball joint in the steering linkage. It was a white knuckle ride for sure. I took a good look at the tires and this is what I found:
Broken tire belts are likely the cause, and all four tires showed signs of it. Well, the tires ARE 30+ years old, so I guess replacement is past due. Funny thing is, they still clean up real nice and the rubber is not cracked. The tires on my 2013 Avalanche actually look worse.
But squirrelly Corvette steering wasn't the big excitement of the day. The main event was when I was at the gas station filling up. I was at the pump a little longer than normal while I measured out some fuel stabilizer to dump in the tank. I was just done filling gas and I heard someone one say “****!”, and then a moment later, “****!!!” in a very urgent tone. I turn around to see the portable fuel can in the back of this guy’s SUV up in flames (I was parked back to back with him and realize the fill point on a Corvette of this vintage is in the rear deck behind the window). But not only was the can burning inside his vehicle, so were the rags he had to either side of it.
The graphics on this Hummer summed up almost exactly what I was seeing in real life, and I could hardly believe it. The gas “can” was really more of a rolling plastic tank with wheels at one end and probably held about 20 gallons. While I was putting the nozzle back in my pump, somehow the guy managed to pull the flaming tank out of his SUV. He also pulled the flaming rags out too. I stepped in to help him at this point and stomped some of the rags out. Meanwhile, he grabbed the station extinguisher and finally put out the burning tank. At that point, it had been burning for a couple minutes.
The irony here is the fact that while I considered my old Corvette as one of the bigger hazards out on the road that day, it turns out a brand new Audi (Q5?), or maybe more appropriately, the driver, nearly blew us all up.
The purchased alternator for the Corvette was a perfect match for the old one and it worked like a charm. I love cheap and simple fixes!! With my surplus time, I also fixed a broken heater valve vacuum hose while I was in there wrenching. Yes, we do have some cold days in Florida that require a heater!
So it was time for a spin to fill up with some fresh ethanol-free gas. As I’m driving to the station, I noticed the car darting all over the place once I got over 50mph, like I had a really loose ball joint in the steering linkage. It was a white knuckle ride for sure. I took a good look at the tires and this is what I found:
Broken tire belts are likely the cause, and all four tires showed signs of it. Well, the tires ARE 30+ years old, so I guess replacement is past due. Funny thing is, they still clean up real nice and the rubber is not cracked. The tires on my 2013 Avalanche actually look worse.
But squirrelly Corvette steering wasn't the big excitement of the day. The main event was when I was at the gas station filling up. I was at the pump a little longer than normal while I measured out some fuel stabilizer to dump in the tank. I was just done filling gas and I heard someone one say “****!”, and then a moment later, “****!!!” in a very urgent tone. I turn around to see the portable fuel can in the back of this guy’s SUV up in flames (I was parked back to back with him and realize the fill point on a Corvette of this vintage is in the rear deck behind the window). But not only was the can burning inside his vehicle, so were the rags he had to either side of it.
The graphics on this Hummer summed up almost exactly what I was seeing in real life, and I could hardly believe it. The gas “can” was really more of a rolling plastic tank with wheels at one end and probably held about 20 gallons. While I was putting the nozzle back in my pump, somehow the guy managed to pull the flaming tank out of his SUV. He also pulled the flaming rags out too. I stepped in to help him at this point and stomped some of the rags out. Meanwhile, he grabbed the station extinguisher and finally put out the burning tank. At that point, it had been burning for a couple minutes.
The irony here is the fact that while I considered my old Corvette as one of the bigger hazards out on the road that day, it turns out a brand new Audi (Q5?), or maybe more appropriately, the driver, nearly blew us all up.
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Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mark, I'm not too bright but even I figured out a portable gas tank needs to be filled with the tank on the ground well away from the car. I thought owning an Audi meant you were smart.
Yep. If I had to guess. I'd have to say a static charge sparked the fire. It's been very dry in our area lately and even when I take a jacket off or something, I hear that crackle.
Either that, or I suppose there's a remote chance that he overfilled the tank and it was big enough to have some sort of electric pump on it that shorted.
I do know that one of the rags I thought I had surely stomped out was burning again after 15 or 20 seconds. We both looked at each other in amazement when that happened.
GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 51 of ?)…
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE.
I mentioned this earlier in Reply #3403, but let me now show you what I have in mind with a sketch. A rectangular hole will cut in the hollow base of the cart and cubby holes will be added to facilitate storage of the longer scraps of raw material measuring up to 36” long.
It will be finished off with a matching yellow door like this one.
Cubby holes will be made by simply stacking up 30” long sections of these 2x3” downspouts. Cost was $9 per 120” section and 4 pieces will be cut from each. Total cost was $81 for the material. I also bought some extra cutting disks for my 4.5” grinder to cut the hole in the cabinet.
I now have some cutting and painting to do when free time opens up.
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE.
I mentioned this earlier in Reply #3403, but let me now show you what I have in mind with a sketch. A rectangular hole will cut in the hollow base of the cart and cubby holes will be added to facilitate storage of the longer scraps of raw material measuring up to 36” long.
It will be finished off with a matching yellow door like this one.
Cubby holes will be made by simply stacking up 30” long sections of these 2x3” downspouts. Cost was $9 per 120” section and 4 pieces will be cut from each. Total cost was $81 for the material. I also bought some extra cutting disks for my 4.5” grinder to cut the hole in the cabinet.
I now have some cutting and painting to do when free time opens up.
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Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mark, that's another organizing idea I'm going to make my own (it's not stealing if I don't get caught). Are you considering a small window/notch in the end of each downspout so you can label each one with the kind of scrap it contains(1" Strap, 1" Square, 1" Tube, 1" Angle, etc.)?
A label on the inside surface of the downspout might get knocked off or damaged by the scrap and perhaps that small space would protect it. Of course you must already have a much more elegant solution and I'm looking forward to seeing it.
A label on the inside surface of the downspout might get knocked off or damaged by the scrap and perhaps that small space would protect it. Of course you must already have a much more elegant solution and I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Brian R
Well-known member
Brian R - Thanks! Very cool bike as an avatar. Is it yours? I often think about picking up an antique bike to restore. But then reality hits me and a realize I can’t keep up with what I currently have!
cbacres – Thanks. The small yellow cups and now these larger divided trays seem to be working nicely for the items I want to store. Being able to re-configure is key to me... I’m sure I will be rearranging in 5 years or so again. 94 drawers will keep you busy, that’s for sure! It’s costing me between $28 to $50 per drawer, depending on which method I use, so for 94, it could add up. But if you’re like me though, it happens over the course of a couple years.
shortykorte – You missed your opportunity! I probably wouldn’t have even noticed it missing for at least 3 weeks. (Note to self… Install tracking device on Corvette asap). Like ‘em? Sure! But if it needs any work at all, I am completely booked up through 2022,
JCQuick – Too funny. If a car could squint, the Corvette would have been doing it that day.
I actual have quite a story about the events of the day I took the Corvette out to fill up with fresh gas, but I don’t have time to type it up now. I will post it soon.
Yes and thanks for noticing. 1948 Vincent Rapide with non-matching nos. I like all old bikes but this one is special since I spent 15 years trying to track down a semi-affordable basket case.
Some of your bikes could almost be considered antique and looks like we have a bike that could be considered cousins, maybe. I've got a grey-market Canadian '83 RC350LC which I think is close to your '84 RZ350?
JCQuick
Well-known member
I sell Audi parts trust me when i say the owners are not to bright
Mark sounds like quite the fun at the ethanol free pumps
shortykorte
Well-known member
Re: The ASYLUM - Turning a Crazy Vision into a Lakefront Gearhead Getaway: Year 6
Heater? This was 7am this morning. What’s up with 35* in the middle of March.
And glad the station stop didn’t get any hotter.
I use the vinyl gutter sections in a milk crate, works great.
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Heater? This was 7am this morning. What’s up with 35* in the middle of March.
And glad the station stop didn’t get any hotter.
I use the vinyl gutter sections in a milk crate, works great.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Attachments
Bob Heine – Steal away… my ideas here are always free!! My solution of identification will be as simple as it gets… you open the door and look at the stock in the bins. If size is critical, you grab a tape measure
To be honest, what I envision in there is a lot of misc stuff to begin with… some round stock for the lathe of various materials, but also just a lot of leftover wood and vinyl trim. Plus some structural steel of various profiles.
Brian R – Wow, long hunt. Glad you finally found one. I would hate to admit my bikes are antiques because then I would have to call myself an antique too, because these were the NEW bikes when I was growing up!!
I remember when I first discovered the RZ350’s were built prior to 1984 for other countries and I was confused why people were calling them “Elsies”. But then it finally clicked… “L-C” for the liquid cooling. Duh. I can be thick sometimes, but I eventually catch on.
JCQuick – It was a younger dude… probably didn’t heed his dad’s warnings.
shortykorte – It’s been chilly, not quite as chilly as up there, but still chilly for us FL whimps. No frost here though. I rode to work the last 3 mornings with the heated jacket on! What a difference it makes. I kinda feel like I’m cheating when I use it… I can hear them saying “Real men don’t wear heated gear”
Great idea to stick the downspouts in a crate… Now I know what to do with the 2 ten foot sections of 3x4” stuff that I didn’t use. Thanks!!
To be honest, what I envision in there is a lot of misc stuff to begin with… some round stock for the lathe of various materials, but also just a lot of leftover wood and vinyl trim. Plus some structural steel of various profiles.
Brian R – Wow, long hunt. Glad you finally found one. I would hate to admit my bikes are antiques because then I would have to call myself an antique too, because these were the NEW bikes when I was growing up!!
I remember when I first discovered the RZ350’s were built prior to 1984 for other countries and I was confused why people were calling them “Elsies”. But then it finally clicked… “L-C” for the liquid cooling. Duh. I can be thick sometimes, but I eventually catch on.
JCQuick – It was a younger dude… probably didn’t heed his dad’s warnings.
shortykorte – It’s been chilly, not quite as chilly as up there, but still chilly for us FL whimps. No frost here though. I rode to work the last 3 mornings with the heated jacket on! What a difference it makes. I kinda feel like I’m cheating when I use it… I can hear them saying “Real men don’t wear heated gear”
Great idea to stick the downspouts in a crate… Now I know what to do with the 2 ten foot sections of 3x4” stuff that I didn’t use. Thanks!!
drivesitfar
Well-known member
SN: I must own an AUDI (Hondas actually) even though i have never filled up a gas can inside my car I was pretty unaware of all the potential hazards involved with getting a little gas.
i'm guessing the 20 gallon container was metal and a spark set it off? or was it plastic? excuse my dumb question, but how did it start fire?
really happy the guy was quick to get the gas out of his car and hopefully put the handle of the gas station far from the flame too so you didn't end up an innocent bystander/casualty of a Darwin Award.
ALL: I googled and found this article for those that might want a little more information and i'm going to put it over on the safety 101 thread:
https://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Fill-and-Transport-Gasoline-Using-a-Gas-Can
i'm guessing the 20 gallon container was metal and a spark set it off? or was it plastic? excuse my dumb question, but how did it start fire?
really happy the guy was quick to get the gas out of his car and hopefully put the handle of the gas station far from the flame too so you didn't end up an innocent bystander/casualty of a Darwin Award.
ALL: I googled and found this article for those that might want a little more information and i'm going to put it over on the safety 101 thread:
https://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Fill-and-Transport-Gasoline-Using-a-Gas-Can
drivesitfar – The tank was plastic. My best guess is a spark from a static charge set off the fumes. I guess I will never know though. Yes, happy. And I consider myself lucky, since I was very close (too close!!) to the action in this case.
Thanks for sharing that link on tank filling safety. I took time to scroll through it and I hope others will too.
Thanks for sharing that link on tank filling safety. I took time to scroll through it and I hope others will too.
GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 52 of ?)…
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE (Cont.)
The doors got their yellow and black tutone paint job at the house. Anything I can drag home to work on during my time away from the Asylum gets tossed in the truck or strapped to the bike.
When I bought the pile of surplus doors, they were all white like this.
I normally pull apart the swaged frame and pull the door out of it. It makes is so much easier to prep and paint the two colors.
Here are the black frames and yellow doors drying after the rattle-can spray job. Bicycles make great drying racks!
It’s been perfect bike-riding weather so here they are strapped to the bike.
Since they made it out to the Asylum without becoming hood ornaments for the cars behind me, here is an idea about the positioning of the door on the cabinet.
I have just a bit more time to tinker, so I cut several sections of downspout that will become the dividers inside the cabinet. This picture should give you what I’m intending to do.
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE (Cont.)
The doors got their yellow and black tutone paint job at the house. Anything I can drag home to work on during my time away from the Asylum gets tossed in the truck or strapped to the bike.
When I bought the pile of surplus doors, they were all white like this.
I normally pull apart the swaged frame and pull the door out of it. It makes is so much easier to prep and paint the two colors.
Here are the black frames and yellow doors drying after the rattle-can spray job. Bicycles make great drying racks!
It’s been perfect bike-riding weather so here they are strapped to the bike.
Since they made it out to the Asylum without becoming hood ornaments for the cars behind me, here is an idea about the positioning of the door on the cabinet.
I have just a bit more time to tinker, so I cut several sections of downspout that will become the dividers inside the cabinet. This picture should give you what I’m intending to do.
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GETTING THE SHOP ORGANIZED (Part 53 of ?)…
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE (Cont.)
It was time to cut the access hole into the side of the cabinet. The cut lines were first marked.
A 4.5” grinder with 1/16” cutting disk made it a pretty easy job.
Just look at all that space inside going to waste! Well, no more!
With the opening made, I could test fit the 30” sections of tubing inside. There are 35 of them.
Before I called it quits for the day, I decided to give the newly exposed metal a quick coat of black paint to slow down the rusting process. I mean, can we ever really STOP it in humid Florida?
And here is where the lathe cabinet stands thus far.
Next will be securing the dividers inside and mounting the door and aluminum tile board to finish off that end of the cabinet.
PHASE II OF THE LATHE CART – LONG RAW STOCK STORAGE (Cont.)
It was time to cut the access hole into the side of the cabinet. The cut lines were first marked.
A 4.5” grinder with 1/16” cutting disk made it a pretty easy job.
Just look at all that space inside going to waste! Well, no more!
With the opening made, I could test fit the 30” sections of tubing inside. There are 35 of them.
Before I called it quits for the day, I decided to give the newly exposed metal a quick coat of black paint to slow down the rusting process. I mean, can we ever really STOP it in humid Florida?
And here is where the lathe cabinet stands thus far.
Next will be securing the dividers inside and mounting the door and aluminum tile board to finish off that end of the cabinet.
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