perolere
Member
Nice trailer indeed.
2 Sluggo's Garage
- Thread starter rmalkow2
- Start date
Strouty
Well-known member
I sit at the feet of the master..........
I can definitely tell you how not to do things.
HF Strikes Again.......
Ya they got me with another coupon. I’ve seen this tool creeper and thought it might be a good idea but avoided the full price until they sent me a coupon and it just happened to be payday. Go figure.
Anyway I think it might be handy as when ever I’m working under the car or at ground level I tend to have wrenches spread out everywhere except within my immediate reach. So hopefully this will be a help when laying on the ground.
It’s actually made better than I expected, came with its own wrench for installing the casters which roll very nice. I had the magnetic flashlight and the creeper has a built in metal plate for just such magnetic items.
Ya they got me with another coupon. I’ve seen this tool creeper and thought it might be a good idea but avoided the full price until they sent me a coupon and it just happened to be payday. Go figure.
Anyway I think it might be handy as when ever I’m working under the car or at ground level I tend to have wrenches spread out everywhere except within my immediate reach. So hopefully this will be a help when laying on the ground.
It’s actually made better than I expected, came with its own wrench for installing the casters which roll very nice. I had the magnetic flashlight and the creeper has a built in metal plate for just such magnetic items.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
That tool creeper looks very handy!
That tool creeper looks very handy!
xtremek
Well-known member
You can't tell you have a 10mm socket poking you in the back? 
:
:Strouty
Well-known member
That tool creeper does look very nice, I have seen some in the past and thought they would be handy, might have to take a peak at them.
Paul_VR6
Well-known member
(Sorry for the post tapatalk had an error and I somehow responded to this thread)
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A Chocolatey Adventure.....
I decided to check off another bucket list item this week by taking a couple days off work and driving from Michigan to Hershey PA for the AACA Fall Swap Meet. I’ve heard much about this for many years and I can say that it lives up to its reputation. I walked for 5 hours yesterday and probably only saw about 30% of the 9000 vendors there. Never even had time to look at the car corral or show cars except from a distance. It’s over whelming and would really take 2 days to cover a large area and likely repeat yearly visits to rotate your areas. Many vendors get their same yearly spots so some guys told me they cover different areas each year they come. I brought carry bags to force myself to only buy small items but would upgrade to a wagon or cart in the future just to make it easier to carry items around all day.
Here’s a few pics of the massive size and fun atmosphere.
I stopped in at the tent from Iron Trap Garage and got to meet the owner Matt and his friends. If you like traditional hot rods built with old parts and using many old methods, check out the Iron Trap Garage YouTube channel and subscribe. I’ve found it to be a wealth of knowledge I did not have and very entertaining as he builds cars without a lot of hype or drama. Just good build viewing and useful information.
I decided to check off another bucket list item this week by taking a couple days off work and driving from Michigan to Hershey PA for the AACA Fall Swap Meet. I’ve heard much about this for many years and I can say that it lives up to its reputation. I walked for 5 hours yesterday and probably only saw about 30% of the 9000 vendors there. Never even had time to look at the car corral or show cars except from a distance. It’s over whelming and would really take 2 days to cover a large area and likely repeat yearly visits to rotate your areas. Many vendors get their same yearly spots so some guys told me they cover different areas each year they come. I brought carry bags to force myself to only buy small items but would upgrade to a wagon or cart in the future just to make it easier to carry items around all day.
Here’s a few pics of the massive size and fun atmosphere.
I stopped in at the tent from Iron Trap Garage and got to meet the owner Matt and his friends. If you like traditional hot rods built with old parts and using many old methods, check out the Iron Trap Garage YouTube channel and subscribe. I’ve found it to be a wealth of knowledge I did not have and very entertaining as he builds cars without a lot of hype or drama. Just good build viewing and useful information.
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Of course I could not leave the swap meet empty handed so these are my purchases for the day. I think I got good deals on all items. With so many sellers there and some persistence you can find the deals and pass up the high prices. But it also depends on how desperate you are for that one special part I guess.
I thought this vendor just mind boggling. He had more car bodies, fenders, doors, hoods and parts than I could imagine one person accumulating. And I can imagine a lot. Gotta believe he has more at home.
I thought this vendor just mind boggling. He had more car bodies, fenders, doors, hoods and parts than I could imagine one person accumulating. And I can imagine a lot. Gotta believe he has more at home.
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jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
Looks like you had a good time at Hershey.
Thanks for the pictures.
Looks like you had a good time at Hershey.
Thanks for the pictures.
patrickg20
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 509
Thanks for sharing photos from Hershey. Pretty cool you got to meet Matt. I watch IronTrap YouTube channel religiously. It is entertaining, and full of good info, without a lot of b.s.
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xtremek
Well-known member
Hershey's on my bucket list as well. You're an evil SOB for not taking us along.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Hershey's on my bucket list as well. You're an evil SOB for not taking us along.
That!
Hershey's on my bucket list as well. You're an evil SOB for not taking us along.
That!
Sorry guys, I didn’t know you were ready to go. It definitely requires taking at least 2 days off work if you do a quick trip like mine. But that was a lot of driving over 2-3 days. If I go again I may stay till the weekend next time. Hotel rooms were not hard to find and I think a lot of people camp locally. Some vendors stay right on site in their RV’s.
If it’s on your bucket list and you really like the old cars and parts shopping I totally recommend it. There’s not a lot for muscle cars because it really caters to pre-WW2 vehicles.
Pennsylvania is beautiful in the fall but you can expect some rain. Make your plans for next year!!!
Speaking of
I did have another good reason to go back to Pennsylvania...........I was all out of Yuengling Beer so it was time for a “Beer Run” and there just happened to be a good swap meet going on as well.
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ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
I was all out of Yuengling Beer so it was time for a “Beer Run” and there just happened to be a good swap meet going on as well.
Always what we get when we go over the border. So close yet so far!
xtremek
Well-known member
My wife will be at a conference in Chicago next month. We'll be heading into Wisconsin for some beer.
My latest time in the garage this past week and most of Saturday was to remove the old exhaust system from my silver Mustang which is the budding race car. I was amazed that no exhaust manifold studs were very stuck in the heads especially since they are steel studs threaded into aluminum heads.
It took me small work periods throughout the week and then dedicating most of Saturday to get everything out and moving some brackets and fitting my big hands into some tight spaces. But out with the old including the old cats which were likely restricting flow.
This week I will start with the install of the new long tube headers.
I will reuse the original upstream O2 sensors and the downstream sensors will be deleted and later when I get a tune for the computer I’ll just turn them off completely. The upstream should only be needed for engine tuning.
For some reason the headers I bought did not come with an O2 bung on the driver side so I’ll have to cut the one off the original pipe and weld it to the header.
In the process I was also able to remove all the old EGR system and use some scrap aluminum I had to make a block off plate for the intake manifold where the old EGR valve was mounted. that helps clean up the engine bay and get rid of another power robbing system.
I’m looking forward to the open exhaust sound and see if performance is improved.
It took me small work periods throughout the week and then dedicating most of Saturday to get everything out and moving some brackets and fitting my big hands into some tight spaces. But out with the old including the old cats which were likely restricting flow.
This week I will start with the install of the new long tube headers.
I will reuse the original upstream O2 sensors and the downstream sensors will be deleted and later when I get a tune for the computer I’ll just turn them off completely. The upstream should only be needed for engine tuning.
For some reason the headers I bought did not come with an O2 bung on the driver side so I’ll have to cut the one off the original pipe and weld it to the header.
In the process I was also able to remove all the old EGR system and use some scrap aluminum I had to make a block off plate for the intake manifold where the old EGR valve was mounted. that helps clean up the engine bay and get rid of another power robbing system.
I’m looking forward to the open exhaust sound and see if performance is improved.
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xtremek
Well-known member
Exhaust work *****!!!! End of statement. Glad it went ok.
don long
Well-known member
I've had Hersey on my bucket list for a long time but have never planned the trip. Thanks for the pictures.
As for the exhaust work vs sanding bondo I've got much much more experience sanding the bondo and like you enjoy it much more.
Don
As for the exhaust work vs sanding bondo I've got much much more experience sanding the bondo and like you enjoy it much more.
Don
I thought I’d give a little update to my recent purchase of the Harbor Freight tool creeper I recently bought.
I had the chance to put it to a better test this past week as I was checking brakes and replacing a power steering line on my F150. This provided lots of quality time laying on the ground under the truck and working in the wheel area from a sitting position on my rolling stool.
In both circumstances I personally found this to be very useful. While laying under the truck it not only gave me a place to keep all tools handy and to put loose screws and small parts I did actually get to use my added on light and roll the thing under the bumper to let the light shine upward. Yes, a headlight might serve the same purpose but this did prove useful.
When working on the brakes it gave me a good place to toss lug nuts and not lose them, it was a handy height to reach to when sitting on a rolling stool as well.
I did load it down with lots of tools on purpose to see how that would work. No problems with extra weight and maybe my only issue was I put so many tools on it I was covering things up and making it hard to see smaller tools on the bottom.
The only other minor points I can make are it rolls so easy that one time I gave it a lazy push with my foot while standing and actually caused it to roll under the vehicle. Totally my fault but the it required the lawn rake to reach under and pull it back.
And, some necessary re-training of myself is required. After 40+ years of just laying my tools all over the ground I actually have to think about using the thing properly. I suppose in time the old dog will learn.
It may not be for everyone but I give it a thumbs up and think I’ll like it. I’m sure the more crafty of you guys can actually make one of these out of scrap material around the shop.
I had the chance to put it to a better test this past week as I was checking brakes and replacing a power steering line on my F150. This provided lots of quality time laying on the ground under the truck and working in the wheel area from a sitting position on my rolling stool.
In both circumstances I personally found this to be very useful. While laying under the truck it not only gave me a place to keep all tools handy and to put loose screws and small parts I did actually get to use my added on light and roll the thing under the bumper to let the light shine upward. Yes, a headlight might serve the same purpose but this did prove useful.
When working on the brakes it gave me a good place to toss lug nuts and not lose them, it was a handy height to reach to when sitting on a rolling stool as well.
I did load it down with lots of tools on purpose to see how that would work. No problems with extra weight and maybe my only issue was I put so many tools on it I was covering things up and making it hard to see smaller tools on the bottom.
The only other minor points I can make are it rolls so easy that one time I gave it a lazy push with my foot while standing and actually caused it to roll under the vehicle. Totally my fault but the it required the lawn rake to reach under and pull it back.
And, some necessary re-training of myself is required. After 40+ years of just laying my tools all over the ground I actually have to think about using the thing properly. I suppose in time the old dog will learn.
It may not be for everyone but I give it a thumbs up and think I’ll like it. I’m sure the more crafty of you guys can actually make one of these out of scrap material around the shop.
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Strouty
Well-known member
Thanks for the update, I still haven’t been able to get to HF yet.
Tucked away for Winter
Got the race car out of my main garage and loaded into the new trailer for winter storage. It was somewhat of a major task for me as this not only makes room in the garage for winter storage of the Mustang convertible but it was the first time for me of loading the car into the trailer and seeing how it would fit, how would I get out, etc.
It worked out pretty good as I was able to drive the car easily inside. Much easier than my old open trailer was. I hugged the right side of the trailer, and last second angled the nose to the right. This gained just enough driver door opening for my fat **** to squeeze out.
Putting the nose of the car to the far right made that front tire almost go into the side door step area but fortunately a piece of 4x4 made for the perfect partial support so that tire would not slip forward into the step area. With the car strapped down to the floor d-rings its in there secure for the long winter ahead.
Then before parking the trailer I used my new to me tow rig to take it out for its first test run on the highway. I had decided that more torque was needed to properly pull this trailer especially when loaded. The F150 would pull it but strained under the load so I started shopping for a Super Duty with a 7.3L Diesel engine and luckily found one very close to home. It’s a 2003 F350 Lariat and while not without some typical Michigan rust but all in all a very solid truck that had been in the same family since new. The owner had taken very good care of it over its life and it should have lots of miles left in it.
What a beast this thing is! It pulls that trailer fully loaded pretty effortlessly and with the tuner set for 50 extra HP it accelerates very well onto the highway.
So I’m now a first time diesel owner and will be anxiously awaiting next summer to get back to the drag strip.
Got the race car out of my main garage and loaded into the new trailer for winter storage. It was somewhat of a major task for me as this not only makes room in the garage for winter storage of the Mustang convertible but it was the first time for me of loading the car into the trailer and seeing how it would fit, how would I get out, etc.
It worked out pretty good as I was able to drive the car easily inside. Much easier than my old open trailer was. I hugged the right side of the trailer, and last second angled the nose to the right. This gained just enough driver door opening for my fat **** to squeeze out.
Putting the nose of the car to the far right made that front tire almost go into the side door step area but fortunately a piece of 4x4 made for the perfect partial support so that tire would not slip forward into the step area. With the car strapped down to the floor d-rings its in there secure for the long winter ahead.
Then before parking the trailer I used my new to me tow rig to take it out for its first test run on the highway. I had decided that more torque was needed to properly pull this trailer especially when loaded. The F150 would pull it but strained under the load so I started shopping for a Super Duty with a 7.3L Diesel engine and luckily found one very close to home. It’s a 2003 F350 Lariat and while not without some typical Michigan rust but all in all a very solid truck that had been in the same family since new. The owner had taken very good care of it over its life and it should have lots of miles left in it.
What a beast this thing is! It pulls that trailer fully loaded pretty effortlessly and with the tuner set for 50 extra HP it accelerates very well onto the highway.
So I’m now a first time diesel owner and will be anxiously awaiting next summer to get back to the drag strip.
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Not a day too soon.....
Talk about cutting procrastination to the last minute. 24 hours ago I was getting the race car stored and then riding my lawn mower to do a final cut and to blow leaves off the entire yard.
Today we got hit hard with a winter storm. The prediction was 3-5 inches. It’s now 5:30pm and I gave up shoveling for the day and measured 7.25 inches and its still snowing. If necessary to get out the driveway tomorrow there’s always 4wd and the go pedal.
Talk about cutting procrastination to the last minute. 24 hours ago I was getting the race car stored and then riding my lawn mower to do a final cut and to blow leaves off the entire yard.
Today we got hit hard with a winter storm. The prediction was 3-5 inches. It’s now 5:30pm and I gave up shoveling for the day and measured 7.25 inches and its still snowing. If necessary to get out the driveway tomorrow there’s always 4wd and the go pedal.
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Strouty
Well-known member
Yikes, I am not ready.
xtremek
Well-known member
Bob, we only got about 3"-4", and it was the lightest stuff ever. Driving in it yesterday was fun, seriously. The warm ground and snow made for some very slippery conditions, and I'm told Pontiac (where we had to go) got about 8". My kind of fun, especially in the Sonic (turbo and stick shift).
Higgins
Well-known member
Thanks for the report! I've looked at them, but didn't need one at the moment. Yes, I could build one, however, I have to many I wanta Do thing on a list that I never get around to. So for a few $$$ I could walk out of HF and use it immediately!!
Done!!
Done!!
taumac
Well-known member
Bob, wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving to you and family.
Been awhile since I updated but have been busy since Thanksgiving holiday. Winding down at work before our Christmas break which I am now just starting. Looking forward to having 2 weeks off from the daily grind.
After that surprise 10 inch snowfall I got busy and dragged the snow blower out of storage, checked the spark plug, gassed it up and its ready for the next winter blast. It sounds like we may finish out December with warmer temps and no snow but I never trust January or February here in Michigan. So at least I’m ready.
Then I got an inspiration for a project I’ve had started for a long while now. I’ve wanted to build a tribute vehicle in the style of a post WWII Lakester using a real P-38 belly drop tank that I’ve been saving. I had started with a used Formula Vee race car frame which gets me the front suspension, steering and main frame but could not decide on the engine and rear axle combo. I’ve seen a three wheel version of one made and street legal. Then while recently watching a TV show where the builder made a custom chopper trike using a Honda Goldwing flat four engine because it has a rear exit output shaft from the transmission.
That show got the juices flowing and using my favorite tool (Facebook Marketplace) I found a donor 1978 GL1000 for next to nothing and dragged this home.
It turned over and sputter to life with a little gas in the carb so that’s all I needed. It already has the intake conversion that replaces the four separate carburetors with a manifold and one single carb.
So now its in the garage and in process of being stripped down of parts and pounds of typical Gold Wing add ons. Currently it looks like this and I can’t believe how much “stuff” thy hang onto these bikes. IT even had a trailer hitch!
So I’m hoping to strip it down to bare essentials, remove the front forks and graft the bike frame into the race car frame to make this a 3 wheel belly tanker. Using the bike means I have a title, built in fuel system, cooling system, electrical and gauges, braking system and lots more that I won’t need to fabricate from scratch.
It’s still going to be a lot of work but if it was too easy it would not be fun.
Now awaiting family to arrive for Christmas and then the fun, games and over eating can begin.
Hoping everyone has a great Christmas!
After that surprise 10 inch snowfall I got busy and dragged the snow blower out of storage, checked the spark plug, gassed it up and its ready for the next winter blast. It sounds like we may finish out December with warmer temps and no snow but I never trust January or February here in Michigan. So at least I’m ready.
Then I got an inspiration for a project I’ve had started for a long while now. I’ve wanted to build a tribute vehicle in the style of a post WWII Lakester using a real P-38 belly drop tank that I’ve been saving. I had started with a used Formula Vee race car frame which gets me the front suspension, steering and main frame but could not decide on the engine and rear axle combo. I’ve seen a three wheel version of one made and street legal. Then while recently watching a TV show where the builder made a custom chopper trike using a Honda Goldwing flat four engine because it has a rear exit output shaft from the transmission.
That show got the juices flowing and using my favorite tool (Facebook Marketplace) I found a donor 1978 GL1000 for next to nothing and dragged this home.
It turned over and sputter to life with a little gas in the carb so that’s all I needed. It already has the intake conversion that replaces the four separate carburetors with a manifold and one single carb.
So now its in the garage and in process of being stripped down of parts and pounds of typical Gold Wing add ons. Currently it looks like this and I can’t believe how much “stuff” thy hang onto these bikes. IT even had a trailer hitch!
So I’m hoping to strip it down to bare essentials, remove the front forks and graft the bike frame into the race car frame to make this a 3 wheel belly tanker. Using the bike means I have a title, built in fuel system, cooling system, electrical and gauges, braking system and lots more that I won’t need to fabricate from scratch.
It’s still going to be a lot of work but if it was too easy it would not be fun.
Now awaiting family to arrive for Christmas and then the fun, games and over eating can begin.
Hoping everyone has a great Christmas!
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jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
Looks like you are making good progress on the belly-tank hot rod.
Looks like we will be having a green Christmas here in Niles..... Not complaining a bit.
Like you said, we still have January and February.
Looks like you are making good progress on the belly-tank hot rod.
Looks like we will be having a green Christmas here in Niles..... Not complaining a bit.
Like you said, we still have January and February.
xtremek
Well-known member
Interesting choice of drivetrains, I like it. Will this be road legal?