2ltime's Garage

[2ltime]

Hi Folks!
Well, I recently bought my first home. And of course, it has a garage. So I wanted to start a thread documenting it as I settle in and try to organize all my crud. The first project for the garage has come along, doing a timing chain and guides/tensioners on a old Mercedes, so it's about time I actually cleaned the place

It measures 22x22 on the outside, and the short roof means the rafter ties come in at 6'6", with the light fixtures attached to the bottom, giving me even less height along one beam. Also, my truck is 6'8"

I currently do not have a shed, so all yard/gardening tools are in this place, and it still needs a lot of organization.

Besides the usual house work and car maintenance, I am into general hot rodding and plan to use the space for engine and trans builds, brake overhauls, rust repair, maybe small paint jobs, just general fun with cars/trucks/bikes/boats

Future plans include:

-Consolidating the work tables, currently have 3 iffy ones. Would rather one nice one.
-Building a shed to get yard tools, mulch, etc out of garage
-More lighting! Better lighting! Maybe painting walls white so the light works better
-Insulation, maybe replacing the garage door and windows as well
-More electrical supply, currently looking to pickup a better compressor but cannot feed it enough juice!
-Looking into any other solutions to free up floor space. Smallest car I own is a crown vic, if it needs maintenance in the winter right now it would be tight.
-Oh yeah, and storing more 2l's as I get them. Really would like to be able to do minor fab work so welder, bench grinder, drill press, etc are all on the radar

I do not plan on storing vehicles in here unless they are getting work done, my goal is to always have them solid enough to sit out in the elements. Nothing I own is nice enough to be a garage queen, so this place will get more shop tools as I do more work.

That's about it for now. Any input is always welcome.
-2ltime

 

[drivesitfar]

2L: I can clearly help you in ORGANIZING YOUR NEW SPACE/GARAGE, but you are on your own when it comes to getting advice from me on building hot rods so i'll be checking in and maybe one day again i'll get the car bug.

check out my thread for a few tips and maybe some ideas on what things to look for at local auctions and craigslist sales, but i'm very UN organized at the minute cause I just moved out of my cheap big shop space cause landlord needed to sell to settle his divorce. there's a link to my thread in my sig line to make it easy for you and I'm in the middle of a bunch of DIY stuff outside the house currently so maybe when you need a new fence, deck or cement work you can see how I did it or just ask.

congrats on the new home and there are quite a few members here from Wisconsin. are you all CHEESE HEADS or is that just a myth?

cheers

 

[iced98lx]

Congrats on the new space and welcome to the LCC (low ceiling club) it stinks but we make do

I highly suggest you build the shed ASAP. I haven't yet and still hate myself for trying to do as much as I do with the extra clutter in the garage.

If you're looking to heat that space I cannot endorse the idea of spray foaming the whole roof assembly and then painting the spray foam black enough. It is not eco-friendly but a thick layer of closed cell will help air seal as well as insulate. Really helps with that low ceiling issue since you're not putting drywall or other up right above your head. Hang lights up between rafters to get what you can height wise.



Do what you can before it fills up with engine blocks and heads and shelves full of stuf fyou have to move to do sutff, ask me how I know lol.

 

[2ltime]

Drives,
Not a myth, beer and cheese is the way of the land here! Thanks for the link, I will checkout some tips! Always good to take advice from those who document where it's from!

Iced,
That is a good point about the shed! I have actually seen your thread a few times, not currently a corvette owner but one day I hope to change that. It's nice to see all you have accomplished in the LCC

I do worry about the storage on my rafter ties, the previous owner had a small wood pile up there (sheets and 2x4's) and I haven't changed it much. Would it be better to store this somewhere else so the ceiling feels taller? Or since I don't have much space I guess this should be acceptable until a shed is built. With the door open and the other side covered it does feel really short to me.

A shed is probably a year or two out for now, as I would like to finish some other house projects first. So for now, it's just keeping that stuff to a minimum I guess.

It's fun trying to figure out what works for me out here, but man sometimes it feels daunting. Glad for all the help

-2ltime

 

[jnkpile]

Oh man I like the look of those roof boards, it’d be a shame to hide those. Another route you could take is sheet the outside of the roof with rigid insulation then strap and metal roof or sheet and shingle. Then pull down that strange plywood gable and do a nice wide fascia board all around.
If height is a goal you could lift the structure and run a course or two...or three of block around the perimeter.
Any space on the property to hang a lean-to off the back or side? Always nice when you have a smaller shop to have a spot outside sheltered from the rain (and snow) to do dusty work.
I’ve got a smaller door leading into my shop that has me occasionally letting the air out of tires, or removing a west coast style mirror just to get stuff in! Lol!

Cheers!



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[jnkpile]

If you had a narrower roll up door you could run the tracks over the collar ties and get that garage door opener up outta your way... crazy I know.


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[sean Buick 76]

Cool project!

 

[2ltime]

Any space on the property to hang a lean-to off the back or side? Always nice when you have a smaller shop to have a spot outside sheltered from the rain (and snow) to do dusty work.

- Yes, but the ground will need work first! It currently tapers off pretty quick behind the building. One day...


I’ve got a smaller door leading into y shop that has me occasionally letting the air out of tires, or removing a west coast style mirror just to get stuff in! Lol!

-Been there, it's always fun when you know it will fit but it doesn't seem to know that!

 

[2ltime]

Some small updates. Picked up some more Dewalt/Titan shelves, and cleaned up and around a bit.

Also picked up a new toy, so had to make room to go over it before driving this winter!

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[drivesitfar]

2l: great looking little sports car and hope it provides you a lot more fun than work.

I love the Dewalt shelving and it's the first time i've seen it. I usually use commercial racking, but those look pretty stout. did you pick them up online or can you buy then at Lowe's or HD and I just missed seeing them? of course i do more shopping for used than new, but I do like the look!!

AND it's the color of CHEESE!! Imy bride loves cheese and I benefit from that a lot. here's a pic of my breakfast that has unexpected cheddar on the eggs)

cheers

 

[2ltime]

2l: great looking little sports car and hope it provides you a lot more fun than work.



I love the Dewalt shelving and it's the first time i've seen it. I usually use commercial racking, but those look pretty stout. did you pick them up online or can you buy then at Lowe's or HD and I just missed seeing them? of course i do more shopping for used than new, but I do like the look!!



AND it's the color of CHEESE!! Imy bride loves cheese and I benefit from that a lot. here's a pic of my breakfast that has unexpected cheddar on the eggs)



cheers

Thanks Drives!

A store called Blains Farm and Fleet has these shelves. I had never heard of them until a flier came with a great deal. They are plenty stout for my needs, the 6ft unit’s bottom 2 shelves are full of small block Chevy parts. Bins of Rochester carbs, alternators, waterpumps, power steering pumps, heads, intakes, oil pumps, etc.

These seem to be the perfect balance of size and strength for my needs. Plus their fit and finish is really nice! No sharp edges or dinged powder coat.

And yes, cheese everywhere and with everything! Breakfast looks good- when can I come get a plate?



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[Grnmonstergarage]

Hello from fellow Wisconsin guy.....

It’s a struggle in these smaller garages.....heavily recommend a shed for all of the yard work tools.


I know how the short garage ceiling goes.........my ole 82 Cherokee barely fits ha.
Mine only has 7 foot to top plate........working on finishing up sub panel and wiring these days.

SWMBO has stated a garage spot for her car is a non-negotiable. So that always forces me to keep what organized.

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[2ltime]

Hello from fellow Wisconsin guy.....

It’s a struggle in these smaller garages.....heavily recommend a shed for all of the yard work tools.

I know how the short garage ceiling goes.........my ole 82 Cherokee barely fits ha.
Mine only has 7 foot to top plate........working on finishing up sub panel and wiring these days.


SWMBO has stated a garage spot for her car is a non-negotiable. So that always forces me to keep what organized.

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And southeast WI at that! Im in the Kringle hometown, but work near the old AMC plant!

I have to level off the back of the garage first, but currently have 2 trailers there. Not sure how to utilize/maximize that space yet...


That’s a nice truck! And yeah, my k10 does not fit by about 2 inches. 7 foot to the bottom of the beams, garage door is only 6.6


I normally get into long term car projects, so a spot is always needed. Takes a bunch of working room out, but about the only thing you can do in the cold.

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[drivesitfar]

2L: I think you were trying to post a comment to a fellow CHEESEHEAD and your comment didn't show up?

anyway yep I got pretty lucky in the WIFE PICKING LINE cause I get that sort of breakfast maybe 3-5 times a week.

when i cook I make things like GERMAN PANCAKES (not sure if you could put cheese on it though), but with lemon juice, powdered sugar and homemade raspberry jam or fruit it's pretty tasty. it has 4 eggs, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oat milk (or whole milk if you prefer).

anyway keep up the good work and if i ever get to a point where painted shelving is needed I'll look into those Dewalt shelves.

cheers

 

[2ltime]

Ah yes, my comments appear to be trapped in the reply bubble. Will try editing that now, thank you!
And ooh, sounds good! I make a quick pancake with the leftovers from breading chicken, just mixing breadcrumbs and eggs/milk.




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[Grnmonstergarage]

Yah.....I live on south side of Kenosha/Pleasant Prairie area. Kenosha has pretty cool history with automobiles.
SWMBO wants an old AMC hornet someday. All that food, it’s making me [emoji39]



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[drivesitfar]

2L: I don't watch much football anymore, but guessing since you are back in Packer country you might be watching them since they are leading their division?

hard to get work done on weekends when football games are on, but if you tape and just watch the plays the 3 hour game is only 15 minutes to watch it.

not the same i know, but I (we) are wanting some more garage pics and projects and storage solutions cause i'm sure you have a goal.

cheers and GO PACKERS!!! (yep they were my favorite team in the 1960's and i still remember the players and who could forget the coach who's name is printed on the Super Bowl trophy)

 

[2ltime]

2L: I don't watch much football anymore, but guessing since you are back in Packer country you might be watching them since they are leading their division?

hard to get work done on weekends when football games are on, but if you tape and just watch the plays the 3 hour game is only 15 minutes to watch it.

not the same i know, but I (we) are wanting some more garage pics and projects and storage solutions cause i'm sure you have a goal.

cheers and GO PACKERS!!! (yep they were my favorite team in the 1960's and i still remember the players and who could forget the coach who's name is printed on the Super Bowl trophy)

Not really a big NFL fan, and don't have cable, so no time wasted with T.V. on the weekends. But I do really enjoy going to games, so I have been spending a lot of time driving to college games. I'm about halfway between the fighting illini and the badgers.

Between that, a few project cars, a project house, etc the garage has been on the back-burner the last few days. I don't know if i'll get out there before Thanksgiving, but it's not going anywhere

 

[drivesitfar]

2L: yep i'm not a big NFL fan either, but our Seahawks QB is worth watching most games.

when I was actually playing football in my pre teen years your GREEN BAY PACKERS were MY TEAM. of course it might have been cause they were winners and won the 1st two super bowls, or maybe they were just tough SOB's that would not complain and play in freezing weather with broken bones and injuries.

anyway i'm sure your garage can wait, but if you are doing Honey Do's or To Do's in the house those projects might be a good post too cause we all can learn more about plumbing, electrical and carpentry.

cheers

 

[2ltime]

So time for an update on life/my garage:
I realized that this property I am still hesitant to pour money into. Found out I can expand/redo my garage for up to 720sqft within exceptions. That would be 24x30 if I decide to go that route. But I am going to try and save up some more so if I decide to redo the garage I can do it with cash and not financing. And maybe try to convince the town to let me go larger. Or move to a place with more property.

Anyway, I have been busy in there working on my Miata. It now runs well, just modernizing and upgrading it slowly.

Besides that, for anyone who has seen my other posts, I finally bought a tow rig. A new to me 2003 Suburban 2500, with quadrasteer. This thing turns as tight as the crown vic, yet has the guts to pull my other new toy, a 20ft PJ car hauler.

So now I have the 2 trucks that do not fit into my garage, and a trailer that does not fit. That has actually worked out well for me as they cannot become long term projects that get forgotten, as I see them daily and it would drive me nuts . The miata sat in the garage, which sat unopened, for a solid 2 months as house projects took over.

No real updates to the garage, but have started organizing it. Its amazing how much easier things are to keep clean when you give each there own spot. Spring cleaning is coming up shorty, and will update how that goes.

 

[wasfast]

If this is an intermediate "stopping point" as far as the house/property, sinking the money into a new garage is probably not a great idea. It will be difficult to get a return if you sell. Food for thought.

 

[2ltime]

Small update on the garage, as I started spring cleaning.
And the one thing I threw out? Well, gave away... Workbenches

I had 2 small ones in my garage that were more like tables then workbenches, and about as sturdy as a plastic folding one.
I need to make something sturdy and on wheels to replace them, but I find any horizontal surface I have ends up collecting junk. So whatever I build will be small and sturdy enough for a vice and some hammering on. But I really am going to see how long I can go without it. I have a hitch mount for my vice and have a hitch on my truck, so if I ever need there is one.

Yes, I still need to build a shed. Maybe tax return will go to that this year.
In the meantime I am trying to be as frugal as possible, so using wood leftover from the last owner to build some fixtures.
I went through each bin and sorted them out, including the misc catch all ones. That feels good.

 

[Grnmonstergarage]

Garage is looking good. ...mine is filled with **** again.
Need to organize it...been busy with work. Suppose that’s a good thing these days.


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[2ltime]

Thanks Grnmonstergarage,
Yeah being busy with work is a blessing these days. But man it feels good to do some spring cleaning, now I'm browsing Menards looking at insulation for the house, and maybe some for the garage