2 Sluggo's Garage

[xtremek]

Since you're done with the Stang, do you mind if I drop on 3 or four of mine? THe Stang looks good.

 

[Trapps]

Ok, I’m giving up on any more significant winter for this year. I made the decision and drained the gas from the snow blower and put it away in storage for the summer.
So if we get one more big snow storm in Michigan you can blame me for jinxing us and with Coronavirus I can’t go out anyway so who cares if the driveway has snow for a day or two.
I’m always so glad to I get that thing out of my garage each year.



Bob

We won't get another big snow. I bought a new Snow Blower this year...

 

[Grumblebum]

That's a top idea with the wheel dolly Bob.

I've got plenty to do and managed to get the garage back into a "can walk in there again" state yesterday lol.

Stay safe.

GB

 

[rmalkow2]

Since you're done with the Stang, do you mind if I drop on 3 or four of mine? THe Stang looks good.

Thanks for your trust in my work but I’m so slow at this stuff you might not get yours back till the next virus hits. Besides, you need some rewarding jobs to keep you busy at home now.
So get out there and start cleaning up!

Now that my interior is done and the outside temp just hit 55F here I think I’ll get the hose out and wash the outside good. Then it will be all shined up in case I ever get to go anywhere again.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

We won't get another big sn

Wow. I bought a new Snow Blower this year...

Oh wow thank you so much for saving me. The “buying a new snowblower jinx” definitely out does the “putting the old snowblower away jinx”.

So if we do get any snow it’s now your fault!
But I think you are right, our snowy days are over.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

That's a top idea with the wheel dolly Bob.

I've got plenty to do and managed to get the garage back into a "can walk in there again" state yesterday lol.

Stay safe.

GB

Cleaning up the garage is definitely a must do chore during this time. I’ve been doing Some cleaning and organizing as well.
Well done.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Today’s hand tool cleanup is a pickle fork that I acquired some time ago in an old tool box purchased at an estate sale. It only had light surface rust and some old tape stuck on it. So it only required removal of the tape and a wipe down with Acetone to remove the old glue residue. Then a going over with the wire wheel to get rid of the light rust. I also re-shaped the **** end of the tool on the bench grinder since it have been mushroomed over a bit from past use.

Another wipe down overall with Acetone to get any dirty residue off followed by a wipe down with WD-40 to keep it from rusting again. It went straight to my tool box with other similar tools and ready for service.

It was a nice warm sunny day today so I also got a couple small spray painting jobs done. One of those was to mask off the top of this old Anco wiper blade storage/sales unit. It was originally yellow but the paint was completely gone and the lid was full of surface rust. After cleaning it up it got masked off, then a coat of primer followed by two coats of gloss black.
I’m not trying to do a full restoration on this cabinet just trying to improve it and retain as much original surface as possible. The rest of the original painted sides will get some polishing to try and bring out the original colors as much as possible. The bottom edge is pretty covered with surface rust so I may have to paint a section of that with sort of a trim band as well. That’s a project for another warm day.

 

[rubberrodder]

I remember those old Anco cabinets from my days pumping gas in "service stations". Back when you actually got service. Tire repairs, brake jobs,oil changes, and, WIPER BLADES! I pushed many of those things out in the mornings and back in at night. Dang! I'm old. {When did that happen?}

 

[xtremek]

Looking forward to seeing the cabinet "done".

 

[rmalkow2]

Garage in a garage.

Here's my latest garage project. It's more of a decorative thing than a necessary or even functional one. Something I've wanted to do for a long time and being stuck at home it seems like a good time to make it happen. I love old Art Deco style service stations and the way the canopy would hang out from the building front to voter the pumps that you drive up to. So, I decided to build a faux version inside my existing garage.

Here's a couple photos of the style that is influencing my thought process.

I've started with some square white plastic columns purchased from Menards and a couple sheets of plywood and some scraps of 2x4 I have laying around. Step one was to cut down the plywood to be only 40 inches wide so that will be the furthest extension out from the wall its attached to. The columns are inset so they don't stick out more than a typical tool box or cabinet. I'm hoping for the appearance factor without sacrificing any more floor space than I normally wood with typical wall cabinets. /the front corners were rounded off with that universal radius tool we all have......the good ole 5 gallon bucket. I attached some 2x4 scraps to the underside that serve as inserts for the plastic columns to locate from. Got it basically together and then could not lift the thing alone.

A buddy came over (for a wellness check ) and helped me stand the thing upright. Then yesterday I got some "essential" supplies from Menards which included a 1x2 for the ledger board on the back wall and some round puck lights to shine down from under the canopy. I got the ledger board installed and the bottom plate of the canopy attached to that so it is now secured to the wall.

This picture was just for some visual pleasure on my part. The brand theme will be Texaco and the Fire Chief globe will get mounted to the top of my faux gas pump cabinet in place of the little generic light there now. Today's task is to add the electrical content of the puck lights and the wireless on/off control for them. If time permits I'll start making spacers to support the top plate which will be about 10" up from the bottom plate. Eventually covering the space in between the plates with white powder coated aluminum and then final paint and decoration in the appropriate colors, more signage and Texaco items etc.

 

[Grumblebum]

RM that is going to be way cool.

GB

 

[jon72vega]

Bob,
Very cool!

 

[rmalkow2]

RM that is going to be way cool.

GB

Bob,
Very cool!

Thanks guys!

Yesterday's progress was mostly electrical related. I installed 3 LED plug in style puck lights under the bottom plate and they are plugged into a wireless module that then plugs into an existing wall outlet that is up high. All wiring will be hidden inside the finished roof canopy but I'll have to design an access panel for any future needs. I also swapped the Fire Chief gas pump globe onto my faux pump cabinet to keep with the theme. And just for effect, hung a sign up in the center of the back wall. Not a lot of progress in one day but it was Sunday so I was not working too hard.

Here's an evening shot with the lights on.

 

[rmalkow2]

Today’s construction progress was to get the top plate cut to size, up on the structure and a bunch of blocking cut and installed. Also a partial front plate that will be behind the metal covering so I can later attach some individual letters to spell TEXACO. It also adds a lot of stiffness to the structure.
I have to yet find or make 4” high letters.With many of the stores like Hobby Lobby closed I’ll check the hardware and Home Depot but I may have to make my own or just wait until things open back up.
Hopefully tomrrow I can start attaching the metal skin and then it will be time for painting to start.

 

[xtremek]

I wasn't feeling the cool factor when you started, but the more it comes together, the more I like it. Can't wait to see it done.

 

[rmalkow2]

I wasn't feeling the cool factor when you started, but the more it comes together, the more I like it. Can't wait to see it done.

I knew it would not be easy to convey the vision that’s been rolling around in my head so hopefully it will become clearer as progress happens. One of the biggest problems is really to capture the spirit of an actual service station front within a very small and limited space.
At one time I thought to use up the entire width of my garage back wall to make a more extravagant front facade but then I divided the space in half and gave one side to the Harley theme. So I hope this little bit of canopy and the final decorations will convey the theme. So far I’m happy with the way its going which is good because today the white paint went on and I really don’t want to tear this apart and start over.
I didn’t get to the metal covering yet so hopefully that goes on tomorrow.

 

[xtremek]

I kind of got where you were headed, but what sold it for me was the cabinets under it.

 

[rmalkow2]

Progress as of tonight. All the metal covering for the canopy front and sides is on and all the wood is painted the base white. Next will be additional accent painting and decoration in the Texaco theme. Hopefully that gives the structure more character and adds to the overall theme. It definitely needs more of the green and red Texaco colors to add some life to the stark white.

 

[Jagmandave]

I would love to have an old Sun machine like that, or even better the one with the big scope in the middle - I work on classic Minis so I could use it! They don't tell you so much on modern cars.....

I also would like to have an old Sun distributor machine too. Not too long ago you could buy either for $100 or less, now.......not so much!

 

[jon72vega]

Progress as of tonight. All the metal covering for the canopy front and sides is on and all the wood is painted the base white. Next will be additional accent painting and decoration in the Texaco theme. Hopefully that gives the structure more character and adds to the overall theme. It definitely needs more of the green and red Texaco colors to add some life to the stark white.

Bob,
One word, FANTASTIC!

 

[Strouty]

Yup, that looks awesome, the letters will just be icing on the cake.

 

[rmalkow2]

I would love to have an old Sun machine like that, or even better the one with the big scope in the middle - I work on classic Minis so I could use it! They don't tell you so much on modern cars.....

I also would like to have an old Sun distributor machine too. Not too long ago you could buy either for $100 or less, now.......not so much!

I saw this ad in a posting on the Vintage Sun Equipment thread. Not sure how far away this is from you but its a pretty cool Sun double wide cabinet with screen. Lots of storage space in the bottom cabinets. Price has dropped and it’s OBO. I agree that prices have generally gone up because these are now “vintage”. But if you are persistent you can still find a deal out there.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/510669216476865/

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Thanks for the encouraging comments on my little garage within a garage project. I made a little more progress over the weekend. Some time consuming paint work but it starts to add the flavor to my version of an old time service station front. I had a lot of masking, painting of stripes and then touch up of some overspray on the white to do but, the finished result adds character.

I also added another hanging sign and decided to make the TEXACO letters myself since craft stores are closed yet. That’s my next project to work on this week and I bought some vinyl cut letters as patterns. I’ll likely make then out of wood and paint them red then they get attached to the front of the canopy face. I also have some metal stars ordered and if they work out to be the right size they will bracket the TEXACO name. After that I have other decorative ideas planned for the back wall to make it resemble a building front and allow for display of smaller items.

Here’s the progress so far. My roadster seems to like its new home.

 

[xtremek]

It looks great. THe color brings it together.

 

[Jagmandave]

I saw this ad in a posting on the Vintage Sun Equipment thread. Not sure how far away this is from you but its a pretty cool Sun double wide cabinet with screen. Lots of storage space in the bottom cabinets. Price has dropped and it’s OBO. I agree that prices have generally gone up because these are now “vintage”. But if you are persistent you can still find a deal out there.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/510669216476865/

Bob

That's what I'm talking about - absolutely no where to put it unless I get my new shop built, which isn't looking too promising right now due to the costs I'm being quoted.

 

[Vieux]

I definitely like it!

 

[rmalkow2]

Thanks everyone for checking out my progress and the encouraging comments on my little garage decoration project.
One of the last decorative tasks has turned out to be the most time consuming. I did not want to wait until local craft stores opened up to buy block letters so I got some vinyl ones from the hardware store to use as templates and decided to make my own TEXACO letters out of wood. Cutting them out and sanding was one lengthy task and now priming them and painting them has taken more time but it's almost done. Just had to use more coats of paint than I expected with drying time allowed in between.

I'm almost there. Got to finish the red and then black out the centers of the "A" and "O", then get them mounted along with some stars that I did source off Amazon.

 

[rmalkow2]

New Project Material

This past Saturday I took a break from home garage work and made a trip up to northern Michigan to rescue another old Ford. It was 4 hours each way in my truck and pulling a 20 ft trailer but after all this quarantine at home business was very enjoyable to see life and beautiful countryside again. Accompanied by friend and GJ member Woz, we drove up Saturday morning, got lost once and finally found the seller and the vehicle near Charlevoix, MI. I was after the 1937 Ford Tudor Sedan.

Its a pretty complete vehicle less the interior seats and fabric which I do not need. It was basically someones forgotten hot rod that had set in the dirt for many years. The back portion of the frame is rotten but I don't need that either. The plan is to set this body onto a more modern chassis. In fact someone had previously done this likely in the 1960's. As you'll see in the pics below it has home made motor mounts and also had little bolt on coil helper springs on the front suspension like you could buy from JC Whitney back in the day. The rear diff was a Ford 8" which dates it to 1962 or a few years later. Some leaf spring hangers were booger welded onto the frame to install this rear diff. It was a crude job but probably some kids pride and joy for awhile. Supposedly it came from the Petoskey, MI area originally but I have no other back story.
Also included in the deal was a Ford flathead V8 motor that supposedly is not stuck. I have to verify that yet but it was basically free with the purchase and I had room in the trailer so.........
We literally dragged it into the trailer with my winch so I still have to get it to roll and out of the trailer and then find a place to store it out of sight.

It's my disease and I cannot be cured.....

 

[jon72vega]

Nice find Bob!

 

[xtremek]

Good snag. Looks like a fun project. Let me know when we're going to get started on it.

 

[Strouty]

I share this sickness, sort of.

Looks like a great project.

 

[don long]

Hi Bob
Haven't visited in a while so I have some good reading ahead of me tonight.
I went back 1 page and saw the texaco station (Very clever) It adds alot to your garage. The 37 ford is a sweet project that will kill a few hours of garage time I'm sure.
That disease you speak of is curable with time, I know because mine is some what in remission (I don't want any more car projects to work on) I still have 4 big ones to finish.
So good luck with the 37

Don

I'll be reading tonite

 

[rmalkow2]

Nice find Bob!

Thanks Jon. Not too many like this ever turn up in MI so I jumped on this when I saw it. I have another ‘37 and hope to make one good vehicle out of parts of the two. Rough plans are to sit the body on a newer chassis.

Good snag. Looks like a fun project. Let me know when we're going to get started on it.

Thanks and as soon as your checks get cashed we will be officially started. I’ll start watching in the mailbox next week.

I share this sickness, sort of.

Looks like a great project.

I know many on GJ have this sickness, but I can’t buy big trucks as fast as you. I gave up all hope of matching up with your exploits. But you are my project hero in a strange sort of way.

Hi Bob
Haven't visited in a while so I have some good reading ahead of me tonight.
I went back 1 page and saw the texaco station (Very clever) It adds alot to your garage. The 37 ford is a sweet project that will kill a few hours of garage time I'm sure.
That disease you speak of is curable with time, I know because mine is some what in remission (I don't want any more car projects to work on) I still have 4 big ones to finish.
So good luck with the 37

Don

I'll be reading tonite

Thanks Don, I do give you credit with inspiring the Texaco project. It’s something I always wanted to do but seeing your displays in and out of your garage got me off my **** to at least do this one even if on a much smaller scale. It’s been a fun process.
And yes I’m sure the desire to do full car builds will slow down as I age. Sometimes I do question why I keep wanting to work on another old car. This particular one will not be a quick project but hopefully I’ll get it done and driving some day.

Bob

 

[patrickg20]

Nice find! I like the new project. I have the same disease. Once you get it, you die with it. I am always planning two or three projects ahead. I am looking forward to watching your progress!

 

[Strouty]

That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me, I think.

 

[xtremek]

....Thanks and as soon as your checks get cashed we will be officially started. I’ll start watching in the mailbox next week. .....
Bob

I thought I was just cheap labor. And if we're working on cars, C-19 doesn't count, right?

 

[rmalkow2]

Nice find! I like the new project. I have the same disease. Once you get it, you die with it. I am always planning two or three projects ahead. I am looking forward to watching your progress!

Thanks Patrick, I always have projects in my head which is not good because then I see the right parts come available and that leads to more “stuff” acquired. Stay tuned for yet another new project coming.

I thought I was just cheap labor. And if we're working on cars, C-19 doesn't count, right?

I’m thinking that greasy hands protect you from stuff plus too many projects keep you off the street. Not too worried about C-19 where I’m at. I know others have it worse. But hey, don’t you have a truck project to finish?

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Texaco Display Done

I got the last few decorative items done for my in garage Texaco display. The TEXACO name plate letters cut out, sanded, painted and attached to the front face flanked by two red painted stars.

A tool display board with a bunch of my old Ford Model T and Model A tools mounted up.

And, a window frame like shelf unit for displaying some vintage items that I’ve collected over the years.

I’m liking the finished product and enjoy the atmosphere it adds to my garage while still being functional. All the vintage cabinets are not just display items. The old Sun test station holds all my electrical test equipment. The wiper blade cabinet holds various misc tools and larger items. The faux gas pump is really a cabinet that holds all my painting supplies and tools.

My goal was to make a scaled down display for low cost that also served a functional purpose because small garages can’t afford too much extra space for display only. I didn’t add up all the small costs but I can easily say this didn’t cost me more than $200 to make. So you can have fun, form and function on a small scale with a little imagination and effort.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

F350 Wheel Upgrade

Always monitoring the inter webs for a good deal, I found a very nice set of 20” wheels and tires from a 2014 F350 very close to my home and very cheap. One of those deals where the seller had bought his own new wheels/tires and just didn’t want these taking up space in his garage any longer.

This is something I’ve been looking for to replace the old stock 16” wheels, not only for looks but more for a better ride and better fuel mileage on the highway. The tires on these are 80% gone so I’ll have to replace them before winter but that was expected. And I really don’t want the block type off road tread pattern. I never take this truck off road so would really benefit from a smoother, quieter highway type tread.

Here’s the before picture with the 16” wheels.

Here’s the difference in appearance old and new side by side. The new combo in 2.25” larger in diameter than the old.

I got to try out my theory of using the wheel dolly to help change each wheel and it worked great. My back thanked me for not having to lift those heavy units up onto each hub.

Here’s a couple shots of the finished look after the complete change over.

I did before and after highway testing and the expected change to my speedometer was 3mph which is no big deal. With the original wheels running at 70mph I was turning the motor at 2000RPM. With the new wheels I can set the speed control at 68mph which when checked via GPS is actually 71mph and the motor turns at 1700 RPM. I’m looking forward to my next highway trip to compare fuel mileage. I expect about 1-2 mpg improvement which is what I achieved when I did this same type swap on my F150 truck.

Love the looks too!

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I really like your Texaco garage addition. What a great way to store some of your collectibles!