2 stall, Mexican style
- Thread starter Gmonkee
- Start date
Just like 99% of everybody who lurks here, I want a "compound" someday (Old Car Guy's place would be a nice start). However, this makes me remember that there are millions of mechanics and fabricators doing more with less than I have space-wise, so I tip my hat to them and will try harder to get my **** off the couch and out into the garage
Jackass1983
Active member
hmm, i thought my place is a low budget design!
But you can make it much better with less work!
Just take the four stamps more to the right side (on the wall!) and make the roof much biger!
Maybe close the left and right side like a wall!
Than you have 3 walls, so less wind rain will come in!
And its not much work... you just need another blanket like your roof now..
Cheers Mark ( www.ST2000.de )
But you can make it much better with less work!
Just take the four stamps more to the right side (on the wall!) and make the roof much biger!
Maybe close the left and right side like a wall!
Than you have 3 walls, so less wind rain will come in!
And its not much work... you just need another blanket like your roof now..
Cheers Mark ( www.ST2000.de )
cnyeco1
Well-known member
Well at least you have one hell of a vise on the table. Lookss like you carry your tools into work every day judging from those small bags on the ground.
You're a real trooper.
You're a real trooper.
The roof is fiber type lamina over the pit and truck, the black sheet is nursery shading material. He does have disc and drum cutters as well as a strut press ( I made a thread on the strut compressor too) stuffed into the shop. It may look rough but I like fresh air and sun while working. This is very typical here, save for the brake lathes and pit.
wbrian63
Well-known member
Mexican perro's are cool! Just look how that one is doing his part to hold the truck in place. 4x4 on the left for a wheel chock, dog on the right...
My dad & stepmom live part-time in San Miguel de Allende. I've been down to visit, and lived a month in Mexico City when I was 13. I continue to be amazed by the "can do" attitude of the Mexican people.
In SMdeA, it's high desert, so much of the construction is masonry & steel. (I think this is the case in much of Mexico, but I cite only from my personal experiences.)
Around the corner from their house sat a flat-bed trailer from an 18-wheeler, with big structural steel members - perhaps 8x8 or maybe larger I-beams - easily 20-plus feet in length. There were a number of beams on the ground adjacent to the trailer. I asked my dad if they were coming or going. He said it was a delivery - "por la mano." (By hand). I thought he was kidding me. He said he watched in amazement as a group of laborers toiled to unload each of the beams that were on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if each beam weighed at least 1,000 pounds.
His former house had a "native" connection to the city sewer - was that way when he bought it. That is to say the sewer line exited the property and went "somewhere" down the street. The gov't is cracking down on these unapproved methods of sewage disposal, and the fines are steep and connection fees very high - even if you're not the owner that built the house. In consultation with some others, it was decided to take the house off the "city" system and install a couple of tanks to deal with the sewage output of the house, one for gray water, the other for black. I don't know what kind of changes had to be made to the house to get the toilets to go to the black water tank directly.
The house sits on a small lot, no room for the tanks anywhere but under the front driveway area that leads to the garage area under the house. The property is enclosed by a wall with a drive-thru gate at the front - no way to get any sort of "normal" construction equipment through - headroom thru the door is about 7 feet.
The driveway is constructed of concrete pavers. Those were pulled up, and a HOLE, about 15' x 15' x 15' was dug. Concrete walls and floors were installed, along with two tanks - a very large (I think) 3,000 gal grey water unit and a smaller 1,000 gal black water unit. There's a pump attached to the grey water and with some treatment, it's used for irrigation on the property. The black water is pumped out by a "honey wagon" periodically. After the walls, tank and associated plumbing was in, concrete beams were formed across the ceiling, and a concrete roof was poured, after which the pavers were reinstalled. The only evidence of the "$hit bunker" is a 2' square iron frame door in the middle of the drive.
All done - por la mano...
My dad & stepmom live part-time in San Miguel de Allende. I've been down to visit, and lived a month in Mexico City when I was 13. I continue to be amazed by the "can do" attitude of the Mexican people.
In SMdeA, it's high desert, so much of the construction is masonry & steel. (I think this is the case in much of Mexico, but I cite only from my personal experiences.)
Around the corner from their house sat a flat-bed trailer from an 18-wheeler, with big structural steel members - perhaps 8x8 or maybe larger I-beams - easily 20-plus feet in length. There were a number of beams on the ground adjacent to the trailer. I asked my dad if they were coming or going. He said it was a delivery - "por la mano." (By hand). I thought he was kidding me. He said he watched in amazement as a group of laborers toiled to unload each of the beams that were on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if each beam weighed at least 1,000 pounds.
His former house had a "native" connection to the city sewer - was that way when he bought it. That is to say the sewer line exited the property and went "somewhere" down the street. The gov't is cracking down on these unapproved methods of sewage disposal, and the fines are steep and connection fees very high - even if you're not the owner that built the house. In consultation with some others, it was decided to take the house off the "city" system and install a couple of tanks to deal with the sewage output of the house, one for gray water, the other for black. I don't know what kind of changes had to be made to the house to get the toilets to go to the black water tank directly.
The house sits on a small lot, no room for the tanks anywhere but under the front driveway area that leads to the garage area under the house. The property is enclosed by a wall with a drive-thru gate at the front - no way to get any sort of "normal" construction equipment through - headroom thru the door is about 7 feet.
The driveway is constructed of concrete pavers. Those were pulled up, and a HOLE, about 15' x 15' x 15' was dug. Concrete walls and floors were installed, along with two tanks - a very large (I think) 3,000 gal grey water unit and a smaller 1,000 gal black water unit. There's a pump attached to the grey water and with some treatment, it's used for irrigation on the property. The black water is pumped out by a "honey wagon" periodically. After the walls, tank and associated plumbing was in, concrete beams were formed across the ceiling, and a concrete roof was poured, after which the pavers were reinstalled. The only evidence of the "$hit bunker" is a 2' square iron frame door in the middle of the drive.
All done - por la mano...
Its in park, Maggy is in no danger. She's the reason I don't leave the tools in the shop, a cocker spaniel security system is easy to get past. Good eye cnyeco1, those are my toolbags.
Our biggest problem with the shop at the moment is that groundwater from all the rain lately has filled the pit half full.
In a tropical climate this type of shop is actually very practical, put a roof over a concrete slab in a secureable area. Later fill it with tools and fixtures as you need. This shop doesn't even have one light fixture in it, we don't need one!
Our biggest problem with the shop at the moment is that groundwater from all the rain lately has filled the pit half full.
In a tropical climate this type of shop is actually very practical, put a roof over a concrete slab in a secureable area. Later fill it with tools and fixtures as you need. This shop doesn't even have one light fixture in it, we don't need one!
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
Small enough town, everyone knows what everyone else has already. It's easy to think there may not be honor among the poorest people but there is. Good for them. I applaud this guy's tenacity.
Bull, there is a 8 ft tall steel door directly behind the camera. The crackheads in this town will clean it out to the walls if it gets left open overnight. I only wish there was honor of that type here because the bad apples have ruined it for everyone. Neighborhood watch is a rule here, even if only by needing to be nosy and paranoid. Keeps most crime down anyway.
I was asked to accompany a friend visiting family here and I didn't speak a word of spanish, long story short I kinda liked it here and decided to try and stay. The first few years were tough but I learned spanish and met a nice young lady. She's my wife of 6 years now.
Not the best idea a few years back but now its the best decision I ever made in my life.
I would never recomend trying what I did to anyone, but in hindsight what an adventure its been!
Brian
I was asked to accompany a friend visiting family here and I didn't speak a word of spanish, long story short I kinda liked it here and decided to try and stay. The first few years were tough but I learned spanish and met a nice young lady. She's my wife of 6 years now.
Not the best idea a few years back but now its the best decision I ever made in my life.
I would never recomend trying what I did to anyone, but in hindsight what an adventure its been!
Brian
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regguy1
Well-known member
Well Brian, I remain interested by this. Sounds like you have an adventurous spirit. Have any pics of recent projects?
Also, all I ever hear about Mexico in the news is either about illegal immigrants or the insane drug war. Is your area nice to live in, by your standards?
Also, all I ever hear about Mexico in the news is either about illegal immigrants or the insane drug war. Is your area nice to live in, by your standards?
TheShrine
Well-known member
Gmonkee,
I can't seem to find where you work out of?? I see you mention "tropical" but where bouts? I live in Ajijic (on Lake Chapala) and spend a fair amount of time in Mismaloya and Guayabitos.
I'm VERY familiar with your work environment south of the border. I always drive between the states and MX so I've had my share of mechanico adventures throughout the years. All have been rewarding on various levels.
I can't seem to find where you work out of?? I see you mention "tropical" but where bouts? I live in Ajijic (on Lake Chapala) and spend a fair amount of time in Mismaloya and Guayabitos.
I'm VERY familiar with your work environment south of the border. I always drive between the states and MX so I've had my share of mechanico adventures throughout the years. All have been rewarding on various levels.
Rudyjr
Well-known member
Brian, What part of Mexico are you in??? I have been thinking of possibly retiring to Mexico in a few years if all goes well. We have encountered some of the most friendly welcoming people on our visits there. Jim