2 Sluggo's Garage

[fartymarty]

Oh ya, roloc is the name I was searching for but couldn’t remember. That’s what I used with a scotch brite pad on it.
I had totally forgot about the use of erasers to do this. I knew there was some old school methods but could not remember what they were.

Thanks

Didn't they start doing this with spinning wooden dowels and valve seating compound?....or is my memory makin' up stuff again to fill the forgotten memory holes.?

I think the Spirit of St Louis cowling was done with short length wire end brush.

 

[racer-john]

@fartymarty "Didn't they start doing this with spinning wooden dowels and valve seating compound?"
You are right. I did this back in 1958, but no pics.

 

[rmalkow2]

@fartymarty "Didn't they start doing this with spinning wooden dowels and valve seating compound?"
You are right. I did this back in 1958, but no pics.

Didn't they start doing this with spinning wooden dowels and valve seating compound?....or is my memory makin' up stuff again to fill the forgotten memory holes.?

I think the Spirit of St Louis cowling was done with short length wire end brush.

That’s pretty cool and I could see how both methods would work. The wooden dowel idea really interests me as I could see how you could easily make different size circles with different dowels. I’ll have to try that method someday.

I’ve always liked this look ever since I was a kid reading car magazines. It was fun to try an “old school” customizing trick.

 

[rmalkow2]

Today was clear and sunny so I took the opportunity to check all fluids in the hot rod and back it out of the garage for a short test drive around the neighborhood. Hoping for more warm sunny days to come so I can venture out further with it.

And it got a quick “wash” as well. Which means I went over it with some spray detailer and a microfiber. Can’t really wash this thing wo a wipe down is all it gets.

 

[rmalkow2]

Here’s my recent project for the drag car Mustang. It has needed better exhaust piping that is not restrictive and also exits outward toward the sides of the vehicle. It should now meet track rules properly. I bought a 3” tubing kit with various bends and also some “race mufflers”. I had never used these before and they are only mufflers in name only. Basically a bit of an expansion chamber with some perforated inner liner but totally straight through flow so they really don’t muffle any sound but sorta look like mufflers. First time trying these so it was pretty much an experiment but will serve the purpose.
Hangers were fabricated from cut offs of the 3” tubing, split and with a small piece of angle iron welded on. Then the angle iron was bolted to the rocker flange. All tube joints were welded and then painted it all with flat black VHT header paint which also served to hide my lack of welding skill.

Boy do I need practice!

Before final install of the new pipes I also wire wheeled the floor pan 3/4 of the way rearward and painted with Eastwood Rust Encapsulator.

Man is my old back ever sore from laying on the garage floor and climbing underneath and back out 50 times. I think this project has convinced me to bite the bullet and get myself a lift. I’m getting too old for this laying under the car stuff!

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Bakers should be starting up soon, or the South Lyon cruise in.

 

[jon72vega]

Today was clear and sunny so I took the opportunity to check all fluids in the hot rod and back it out of the garage for a short test drive around the neighborhood. Hoping for more warm sunny days to come so I can venture out further with it.

And it got a quick “wash” as well. Which means I went over it with some spray detailer and a microfiber. Can’t really wash this thing wo a wipe down is all it gets.

Bob,
That looks SWEET!

 

[jon72vega]

Here’s my recent project for the drag car Mustang. It has needed better exhaust piping that is not restrictive and also exits outward toward the sides of the vehicle. It should now meet track rules properly. I bought a 3” tubing kit with various bends and also some “race mufflers”. I had never used these before and they are only mufflers in name only. Basically a bit of an expansion chamber with some perforated inner liner but totally straight through flow so they really don’t muffle any sound but sorta look like mufflers. First time trying these so it was pretty much an experiment but will serve the purpose.
Hangers were fabricated from cut offs of the 3” tubing, split and with a small piece of angle iron welded on. Then the angle iron was bolted to the rocker flange. All tube joints were welded and then painted it all with flat black VHT header paint which also served to hide my lack of welding skill.

Boy do I need practice!

Before final install of the new pipes I also wire wheeled the floor pan 3/4 of the way rearward and painted with Eastwood Rust Encapsulator.

Man is my old back ever sore from laying on the garage floor and climbing underneath and back out 50 times. I think this project has convinced me to bite the bullet and get myself a lift. I’m getting too old for this laying under the car stuff!

That turned out good Bob!

 

[rmalkow2]

Bakers should be starting up soon, or the South Lyon cruise in.

I have not heard if Baker’s is started yet but I think I saw a flyer that S.Lyon starts in May. (Assuming Covid does not delay it).
I hope to make it to some of those cruise nites.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Bob,
That looks SWEET!

I enjoy it more each year. Never get tired of hearing it fire up.

That turned out good Bob!

Thanks Jon, It took me a lot longer than expected but is now checked off the todo list and that always feels good.

Bob

 

[harley jim]

Just stopped to take a look at your progress. Nice hot rod sir.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[xtremek]

Ok, I'm confused. I thought I posted on this. The interweb must have ate it. Anyway nice job on the cars. Don't hold your breath on car shows in Michigan, we're too stupid to take Covid seriously. And I hear you on the lift, though just getting off the creeper is my issue.

 

[rmalkow2]

Just stopped to take a look at your progress. Nice hot rod sir.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Thanks Jim. It’s nuthin fancy but just a fun little jalopy to cruise around in good weather. It’s always been a dream of mine to own one.

Bob

Ok, I'm confused. I thought I posted on this. The interweb must have ate it. Anyway nice job on the cars. Don't hold your breath on car shows in Michigan, we're too stupid to take Covid seriously. And I hear you on the lift, though just getting off the creeper is my issue.

Things are looking up so far for car shows and even some Saturday morning cars and coffee events. Many are not until May, June, July and are subject to change but I think many will happen. I remain hopeful.
I’m still shopping online for and researching lifts. I think a 4 post style is best for my various needs. Just need to get the nerve to spend the money.
Bob

 

[jon72vega]

Thanks Jim. It’s nuthin fancy but just a fun little jalopy to cruise around in good weather. It’s always been a dream of mine to own one.

Bob



Things are looking up so far for car shows and even some Saturday morning cars and coffee events. Many are not until May, June, July and are subject to change but I think many will happen. I remain hopeful.
I’m still shopping online for and researching lifts. I think a 4 post style is best for my various needs. Just need to get the nerve to spend the money.
Bob

Bob,
I'm hoping there are more shows & cars and coffee in my area as well.

Hey if you get a 4 post lift will the quick-jack be for sale?
I'd be interested if so.

 

[rmalkow2]

Bob,
I'm hoping there are more shows & cars and coffee in my area as well.

Hey if you get a 4 post lift will the quick-jack be for sale?
I'd be interested if so.

Thanks for the offer Jon but likely I would keep it as well. It’s a handy tool to have and while heavy, is somewhat portable so I can move it between my house garage and the barn/shop.
Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Still organizing tool boxes.....

This may not be a new idea to many of you but it was alight bulb on moment for me when I discovered magnetic label holders for my tool box drawers. I came across a couple extra ones at home and loved the idea so much an order was immediately placed an order on Amazon.
Found a 25 pack of very thin magnetic strips with paper inserts and clear plastic covers.
These are thin enough to fit one the drawer front or top lip so they are easier to see on lower drawers.
So much better than trying to get label maker labels to stick to the drawers. And if I re-arrange drawer contents they are easy to move.

Love it!!!

 

[rmalkow2]

Summertime Cruzin......

After a long winters sleep the garage was busy this weekend getting messy by finishing up some work to get my summer daily driver running on all 4 wheels again.
I finished up a big task that was started last fall to rebuild the whole front suspension. After 214,500 miles the old pony needed all new parts.

New:
Struts
Lower Control Arms with new bushings mounting bolts and ball joints.
New poly top and bottom pads for the coil springs.
Sway bar bushings and links.
Rotors,Calipers and pads
Two new front tires.

What a difference all that made in ride quality and tightness of this old (1999) horse.

Then it got a thorough cleaning inside and out.

Still needs some paint polishing and a few other detailing items done in the future but is now ready for a summer of use. I really missed this car over the winter and look forward to many more miles of driving.

 

[Vieux]

Great car!

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I’m still shopping online for and researching lifts. I think a 4 post style is best for my various needs. Just need to get the nerve to spend the money.
Bob

Can't wait to hear what you end up with, I'm in the same boat. I liked the Direct Lifts that were at Automotive Lift & Alignment on the west side but I never got an installation quote. The other place that I've heard a lot people over here get them from is ARESCO.

 

[xtremek]

The Stang looks nice. Sounds like she's ready for some fun. The rear next spring?

 

[rmalkow2]

Great car!

Thanks Vieux. It’s not new and has many, many miles on it but the original owner took very good care of it and I try to do the same. I never drive it in the winter since our area uses a lot of salt on the roads in wintertime. And, its not good for traction in the snow and ice.
But this helps it live longer and still look good.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Can't wait to hear what you end up with, I'm in the same boat. I liked the Direct Lifts that were at Automotive Lift & Alignment on the west side but I never got an installation quote. The other place that I've heard a lot people over here get them from is ARESCO.

I have researched Aresco lifts they sell from their web site and still looking at others. I will plan to assemble this myself and with a friend. One of the many reasons I would choose a 4 post lift is I think it will be a little simpler to assemble with a helper. And I like that it can be moved around the shop floor on dollies.
Unfortunately I will have to get delivery to a freight terminal which will cost more but if I have it delivered to my home I have no fork lift and the truck drivers do n to help unload.
Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

The Stang looks nice. Sounds like she's ready for some fun. The rear next spring?

The rear does need some help I think. Not urgent but likely the old swing arms bushings are dry and worn out too. I did replace the rear vertical struts but not the horizontal ones. And I did new brakes on the rear last year so I think it will drive ok for this season and then maybe throw more new parts at it next spring.
Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Spring Carlisle Swap Meet

I spent Wednesday and Thursday in Carlisle, PA at the annual spring swap meet. It turned out really good and by Wednesday night the grounds were pretty full of vendors. Chilly, windy, rainy and snowy weather did not deter the spectators and buyers and certainly did not slow me down either. It just meant you had to layer up to keep warm.
I feel really good as I found all the big items I was hoping for and some great deals on a few that I was not expecting. A complete street rod tube axle assy for a future T-Bucket project. A ‘49 Ford 3 Speed trans that was dirt cheap and all gears work smoothly. Some old sports car low back bucket seats for the T-Bucket project and, a couple aluminum racing seats for less than half of FB Marketplace prices.
A very fun and rewarding few days with lots of walking up and down many isles, a bit of haggling over price and a van full of treasures to bring home. The old RC airplane was the cheapest at $2 and will only fly again static, hanging from my garage rafters, in a perpetual banked turn.
The recently finished swap meet wagon performed great to carry my many loads and the van drove there and back without complaint as well.
Also, equally critical was a stop at a local beer warehouse for stocking up on my favorite Yuengling brands that are not sold outside PA.

 

[harley jim]

Looks like you cleaned up at the swap meet, I like the stingray and the tonkas. Good score.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[rmalkow2]

Looks like you cleaned up at the swap meet, I like the stingray and the tonkas. Good score.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

It was in my opinion a good swap meet with many motivated sellers. The bike is a Sears model with very little wear on it. No seat damage, original slick rear tire and good paint. And when the price is right who doesn’t like purple! It will be a cool shop decoration and occasional pit bike.

Good eye spotting the metal toy trucks. The yellow roadster is a Nylint which I have a number of. I collect Nylint hot rods and race car style metal toys. The green truck is a Buddy L and I don’t usually look for these but this was priced right and is a very custom style truck. Not like typical Buddy L trucks. If George Barris was designing toys this would be his style.

Bob

 

[jon72vega]

Spring Carlisle Swap Meet

I spent Wednesday and Thursday in Carlisle, PA at the annual spring swap meet. It turned out really good and by Wednesday night the grounds were pretty full of vendors. Chilly, windy, rainy and snowy weather did not deter the spectators and buyers and certainly did not slow me down either. It just meant you had to layer up to keep warm.
I feel really good as I found all the big items I was hoping for and some great deals on a few that I was not expecting. A complete street rod tube axle assy for a future T-Bucket project. A ‘49 Ford 3 Speed trans that was dirt cheap and all gears work smoothly. Some old sports car low back bucket seats for the T-Bucket project and, a couple aluminum racing seats for less than half of FB Marketplace prices.
A very fun and rewarding few days with lots of walking up and down many isles, a bit of haggling over price and a van full of treasures to bring home. The old RC airplane was the cheapest at $2 and will only fly again static, hanging from my garage rafters, in a perpetual banked turn.
The recently finished swap meet wagon performed great to carry my many loads and the van drove there and back without complaint as well.
Also, equally critical was a stop at a local beer warehouse for stocking up on my favorite Yuengling brands that are not sold outside PA.

Bob,
Sounds like you had a good time, and looks like a nice haul!

 

[xtremek]

Good haul.

 

[harley jim]

I picked these up at an estate sale earlier this year.

Half of mine were mine and my brothers when we were little the rest are just stuff that caught my eye.


Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[rmalkow2]

Here is today’s (Sunday’s) little project as I was too lazy to do anything harder. Remember that old RC plane in the Carlisle photo of purchases. The $2 Cessna!

Well I gave it a new make over with a two tone paint job using partial cans of left over spray paint and plenty of hot glue to hold the various pieces back together.

Then it got hung in the shop to spend its remaining life in an imaginary dog fight with the other older plane I got at last year’s swap meet.

 

[don long]

You and I have a lot in common! Cant pass up a good pile of rust because some time later it might get some attention. lol
Nice save on the airplane Bob.
I just love big swap meets but have trouble walking that much anymore.

We have or had a good swap meet here called Pomona S/M and I would pay as a vender so I could drive the 5 miles of isles as the guys were setting up.
Since Covid they have canceled the show.

 

[rmalkow2]

I picked these up at an estate sale earlier this year.

Half of mine were mine and my brothers when we were little the rest are just stuff that caught my eye.


Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Nice toy collection Harley Jim.

Here’s some of mine. I don’t go big after metal toys but I am always keeping an eye out for any hot rod or race car theme.
The Tonka trucks belong to my son and hopefully someday he will reclaim them.

 

[rmalkow2]

You and I have a lot in common! Cant pass up a good pile of rust because some time later it might get some attention. lol
Nice save on the airplane Bob.
I just love big swap meets but have trouble walking that much anymore.

We have or had a good swap meet here called Pomona S/M and I would pay as a vender so I could drive the 5 miles of isles as the guys were setting up.
Since Covid they have canceled the show.

Haha, rusty gold is somewhat of a disease I admit. I have long heard about the great Pomona Swap Meet and someday will make the trip to see it.
I sure did a lot of walking at Carlisle this year and have thought about the same idea to buy a vendor space myself. Hershey SM is even larger so potentially even more walking but we’ll see what the future brings.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Latest Project….and long overdue.

With a few warm days here finally I’ve started restoring this old hand pump Lubester. I’ve had this thing for years and keep moving it around the shop when its just taking up floor space and the plan was to display it outside with my gas pumps. So this is the year.

What I thought would be a fairly easy scuff and paint project (good looking from a distance but don’t get too close) as typical turned into a complete stripping of the old paint to get a good enough surface for new paint. These projects never seem to stay simple.
There were so many layers of old paint on the tank portion and it was peeling badly I ended up using most of an old gallon of BIX paint stripper and then sanding it before primer.

The pump portion was still had its original red paint under some old machine gray and the red stuff was clinging tight to the rougher pump casting surface so I left it and scuffed it up for new paint. Also found the original Bennett tag underneath all the layers.

It will be red all over again and then have Texaco decals applied for some theme.

 

[rmalkow2]

Lubester continued……

With a warm day yesterday and very little breeze it was paint day. First I completed my You Tube certification on mixing of Rustoleum paint for spraying and then got the nerve to attempt my first ever spray job of this type. Armed with my YT knowledge and the finest $10 paint gun that Harbor Freight sells I mixed up Rustoleum International Harvester Red enamel 5-2-1.
5 parts paint
2 parts acetone
1 cap full of Japan Drier

I would have used some hardener as well but didn’t have any on hand.

It took some adjustment of the air and paint mix and lots of trials on a sheet of cardboard to get the pattern acceptable but in the end it came out pretty nice for my first time. The first few coats were probably too dry due to my lack of experience and fear of runs. The last coat I adjusted wetter and it gave a better gloss for sure.
I’m gonna need to practice this a lot more but did enjoy the learning experience. I do think the addition of the Japan Drier to the mod did help it flash off faster and dry to the touch faster than normal Rustoleum only.

Now to give it a couple days in the sun to harden more and I apply the final Texaco decals and give it a new home outside the shop.

 

[xtremek]

Better bring it inside tonight. We're expecting rain. So now that you're an expert, feel free to drop by the Hack Shack. I have a ton of stuff you can practice on.

 

[rmalkow2]

Better bring it inside tonight. We're expecting rain. So now that you're an expert, feel free to drop by the Hack Shack. I have a ton of stuff you can practice on.

HAHA, no expert here by any means. I’m still a rookie for sure. If I can do it you can too. But I would use hardener next time and have some ordered.

After two full days of dry time we did get a little light rain but it did no harm to the paint thankfully.

Bob

 

[rmalkow2]

Lubester Finished…….

After a few days of dry time in the sun I decided today was the day top complete this project. I’ve had decals purchased for a long time so they went on today for the finished look.

Taking its place with the other gas station items in front of the shop.

 

[xtremek]

The Lubester looks nice. Isn't it a pain trimming/mowing around all that stuff? Maybe time for a small bed or cement pad to put them in/on?

 

[fartymarty]

The Lubester looks nice. Isn't it a pain trimming/mowing around all that stuff? Maybe time for a small bed or cement pad to put them in/on?

While we are making work for Sluggo (aka rmalkow2) ( ) I was thinking an awning would be nice for weather/UV protection.

Looks great sluggo!