Aussie Garage starts this week!

[Bob Heine]

Ken, I love the rack on the Land Rover. I have had a few occasions when something like that would have been very helpful. A few (11) years ago we suffered a little damage to the screen enclosure on our pool.

I requested bids from several companies to have the repairs done professionally. Aside from the fact that they couldn't get to my repair for six months to a year unless I paid cash up front, they all said they couldn't repair it but could replace it with a framework that met current codes for as little as $30,000. A hurricane in Florida brings out all the best and most honest people who will help you dispose of as much of your wrinkled and dirty cash as possible.

I found a place 20 miles away from home that would sell me the aluminum tubing even though I wasn't in "the trade." I bought all the tubing, sheeting and a door for just over $300. They wouldn't deliver that small a load so I went to pick it up in the PT Cruiser (overall length 14-feet).

I'm pretty sure I violated a dozen or so laws, The longest piece was 24 feet long, which meant 10 feet of overhang. Bungee cords didn't cut it but there was a Harbor Freight about a mile from the supplier and I bought a couple of dozen ratchet straps and a box of red rags. With 6 feet hanging off the front and 4 feet off the back I found a residential street route back home. It took a couple of hours but I didn't kill anyone or damage anything but my nerves. The old door became a pet door and my repair is still standing.

EDIT: I may be exaggerating when I say I violated a bunch of laws. Florida has some strange rules and among them is the over-length rules. Had I tied a palm tree (frond) to the aluminum, it can hang 10 feet off the back of the vehicle. I suspected the police wouldn't bother me right after the storm because everyone was doing crazy stuff to return to a life close to normal.

 

[Mudnut]

Thanks Bob,

I think you did a great job of repairing your enclosure.

One of the biggest advantages of the bar up front, is it takes a lot of weight off the roof rack. If you look at my rack, it is from my old Discovery that I just moved over to the Defender. The Discovery had a shorter roof line, so not all the weight was supported across the entire roof rails. 50% of the weight was on the front of the rack when I had something long to carry (extended over the bonnet). This weight then had to be increased by strapping down to avoid bouncing. Could feel scraping on the top of the doors upon opening when there was weight up there, meaning that the roof was flexing under the load.

It only took me 11 years to come up with a solution

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Mudnut]

Well have had a few days of solid work done on "Shedzilla" as my wife has started to call it.
Well solid in between family commitments.

Been framing up between the columns, and doing lots of little things that take time but don't show much progress (i.e. noggins, and framing angled sections). Most of the framing is done in place, as the tolerances are too tight to build on the ground, and lift in place. I was able to do this on a few sections only.

Still waiting on my welder friend to come by and do the final welds on some of the columns. I still don't trust my overhead welds. I can then frame up the front and top sections of the sides.

Most of the work has been done upstairs, and it is finally looking like a room.
Where the doorway is, will be a platform, and a short section of stairs leading down.

1st photo. shows the size of the roller doors. 3.6m high, x 3m wide x2.

2nd. Shows the upstairs from the office side.

3rd. Upstairs looking towards the office side.

4th. Again looking towards the offices, and starting the framing of the high window looking up the mountain. Will let lots of heat out. I have to put 2 in the garage / workshop side also.
The doorway is visible, to the left of the wall, and the top of a ladder can be seen in bottom of it.

5th. Looking out one of the windows upstairs, across my neighbours yard towards the street.

The scrap ply screwed to the wall is to try and protect the flooring from the rain.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, fantastic progress.

Like you, I find its the small detail that takes the time but worth doing it right the first time..

Regards

 

[Grumblebum]

It's really starting to take shape Ken, you must be getting close to wrapping up the outside now ?

Cheers GB.

 

[Mudnut]

Had a few more days of working. Have been installing the high timber framing. Lots of up and down ladders, and on to scaffolding.
Just a few more areas to complete in the office side, and the frame inspection can be organised.
Need to set up a scaffolding bay in this area to complete the framing. Will not be able to do this for the next few days, as I am working, but have time the following week.
Some pics of my progress.
1. High wall in the garage side complete except for a few runs of noggins.
2. Framing above the roller doors.
3. View from the street, and across my neighbours paddock.
4. You can see the high windows above the lower roof. 2 in main garage, 1 in mezzanine level.
5. External high framing complete on the garage side.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[hewey]

I love the overall lines of the house, that's going to look great. Nice frame work too!

 

[Terrick down Under]

Well this is getting a grand look about it hey, well done, should be in by Xmas.
Yeah I know, but that's what all my mates say to me about my place.
Keep going, you doing a great job.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, your built is nothing short of amazing, thank you again for sharing it with us..

Regards

 

[Mudnut]

Well had a few days to work on my shed, and got a bit done. All the high framing is complete, and just a few rows of noggins to go in tomorrow. Have the framing inspection scheduled for Thursday morning, so fingers crossed all goes well.

Looking forward to start outside cladding.

Had the roller doors delivered today, and might get them up Thursday if time permits.

A few photo's of the last few days work.

Cheers,
Ken

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, thank you for the update.

All the best for your inspection..

Regards

 

[Terrick down Under]

Mate, looks good from here. Keep up the good work.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice job and unique design!

 

[Mudnut]

Well passed my frame inspection this week. Can now start to clad it when I finish working.
I am currently at work, and had the AFL Grand Final on. Tomorrow get to watch the NRL final whilst at work also. What a tough gig?? Will not get much done next week on the shed, as I am having my cataracts removed, and new lenses implanted. They say no lifting, but we will see how I feel.

Cheers for the support over this year of my build.

Ken

 

[Bob Heine]

Ken, good luck on the cataract surgery. I've had both eyes done but in different years. It's like getting back the eyesight you had when you were young.

 

[Mudnut]

Thanks for that Bob,

I am getting both eyes done one day apart, as I have to travel to Townsville to have the procedure done. Didn't want to make two trips, and organise accommodation and get time off work ect...

I sure hope my eyesight is not as "good" as when I was a kid, as I wore bifocals and was called "six eyes" by my school mates. Multiple surgeries have improved them to this point, and the cataract removal and lens replacement should improve them further.
Funny thing is I have to re qualify for my pistol license for work on the day before my surgery. A half blind man with a Glock. When I challenge "don't move!!" it is so I can have a half a chance of hitting the target.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Terrick down Under]

Ahhh Magoo you've done it again, I just fell of my chair reading that.

 

[sean Buick 76]

LOL about the "glock", nice! Keep up the nice work, and visit my page if you want to see a much more un-safe load on my truck LOL!

 

[dlcwent]

Ahhh Magoo you've done it again, I just fell of my chair reading that.

Couldn't have said it better. Good luck with the surgery Ken. And your build is coming along and looking great.

 

[Grumblebum]

Well done on the inspection Ken, shed is coming along nicely. When I had my frame inspection done on the extension a few years back the guy had never seen a pitched roof done before. Had to get the engineer to write him a letter to say it was more than ok.

All the best for the improved vision.

GB.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, yet another milestone, well done.

All the best with your op.

Regards

 

[Mudnut]

An update of my progress.

Had the cataract operation. The world is much brighter now!! Am having blurred distance vision in my left eye, but will give it time to settle. If it does not improve, will see what the Dr recommends. My vision up to about 2.5m is perfect. Had about 10 days off work, but back tomorrow night.

Welded the brackets up for the roller doors, and got the tracks in place for one of them. Used the chain blocks to get them up. I still need to tension the first one further to make it easier to lift. I will wait until I have some assistance to accomplish this, and install the tracks for the second door.

Was told not to do any heavy lifting, so I limited installing the exterior cladding to one at a time (44kg each) . They are cement sheet, 9mm thick, and act as framing bracing. They come primed, and will decide on colour once they are up.

Ended up purchasing a cheap circular saw ($50) for the cement cutting blade, as I didn't want to ruin my good saw with the dust.

Got 10 sheets up, and nailed them to the incoming weather side. Will have to figure out how to get the high sheets up without injuring myself. More than likely will get extra help in for these.

The heat is building up, and want to get the structure water tight soon, but still have much to do.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[dlcwent]

Ken, the build is coming along nicely. I'm glad to hear that the eye surgery was at least 50% successful. I do think with a little time you'll be at 100%. I like the look of that cement board. I've never seen it before. Good plan to get some help with the higher ones.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, great to read that your op went ok, they do take some time to settle as you say..

You build is progressing well by the looks of things, take care installing the upper sheets even for two blokes it can be a struggle.

Regards

 

[Mudnut]

Thanks Guy's,

Have been taking it easy until I heal. Well trying to take it easy. Am on a run of nights at the moment, so not much accomplished this weekend.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Mudnut]

Well had a bit of a setback with my Left eye. Vision deteriorated, two weeks since my cataract operation and contacted the Dr. Made an appointment for the following day. Drove down to Townsville on Thursday, and he had a look. Gave me the choice of tomorrow (on Friday), or next Friday to replace the lens. Seems it had moved and distorted my vision. Had the replacement operation last Friday.

So now am now recovering again. Not that there is much recovery from cataract surgery. Vision is better, and it is slowly improving from what it was. My near vision is not as good as it was, but distance is better. Hopefully will continue to improve over the coming weeks.

Had my son help me with the other roller door, and got the tracks in place, and door tensioned. Now have both working, and keeping the ponies out of the shed.

Will slowly continue to get the cladding up around the base.

Photo's: First from the inside. Then outside picture showing some of the side cladding in place.

Cheers.

Ken

 

[Terrick down Under]

You just gotta love progress, especially with all the things going on

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, great to read your vision is on the mend.

I can't get over what you have achieved, done well.

Regards

 

[Mudnut]

Hi everyone,

Had several things to do on the "Honey Do" list, so has taken time from working on the shed.

Painted my sons room.
Installed a new shade cloth over the South side of the house, and deck.
Gardened
Tried to find my body weight in gold, before the season ends. Too wet, and hot. Sadly didn't find enough to pay for fuel.
Spent a day cleaning my roof top tent on my trailer. Covered in mould. (Still have staining)
Working at the job that pays the bills.

After all that, some more progress on the shed. Spent some time making a door frame for the access door, installed it and door. Was too cheap to purchase a ready made frame, so gave it a go myself. Took a while, but was in the shade, so not too bad.

Door handle, and deadbolt in place.

Got most of the lower sheets on the East side (up to the access door).
Scaffolding ready for the higher sheets on the southern side.

At least it is horse proof now.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[metalhead140]

Sorry to hear about the eye trouble, but the progress looks good!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, sounds like you have been fairly busy, some times you just do what you have to do..

The shed is coming along nicely..

Regards

 

[Terrick down Under]

You sure have been busy. I found out how many of your muscles are connected to your eyes a few years back. Just moving your head back and forth affects your eyes. SO, you have accomplished a lot while recovering.

 

[Mudnut]

Had a few days off this week, so did some more cladding, but I am held up by the windows not being here. Really want them in place before I go much further. So what to do today?
In the workshop space it is starting to accumulate lots of things from the build, and need to get things out of the weather. The concrete was starting to look a bit grotty, so out with the blower, and pressure washer after a big clean out. 10l of paint should do the trick, so once dried, I started to cover the floor. Still not sure if I like the colour, but did not want to go grey. Will put down the second coat tomorrow before I have a sleep and off to work for the night.

Ended up putting brackets to hold some scaffolding braces and get them off the floor. Seems I need to move them, as I walked into the bracket just at eye height. Gave me a fright, but no damage done. Will raise them up about 400mm, to have a clear path underneath.

Steven Wright said "It's a small world, but I don't want to paint it" This is how i feel about my shed. Just wanted to get the floor painted before more stuff wants to migrate inside.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[dlcwent]

It's looking good Ken. I can't tell from the picture what color the paint is. It almost appears to be off white.???? And I'll bet that almost running into the bracket did give you a scare especially after the eye surgery. Hopefully the windows will get to you soon so you can move on.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Ken, well done..

 

[Mudnut]

It's looking good Ken. I can't tell from the picture what color the paint is. It almost appears to be off white.???? And I'll bet that almost running into the bracket did give you a scare especially after the eye surgery. Hopefully the windows will get to you soon so you can move on.

Thanks mate,

It is kind of a cream colour, but there seems to be a tinge of pink to it. The second coat came out a bit more cream colour, so will stick with it for the time being. I just wanted a light colour to make the space brighter, and cleaner looking.

I also wanted something easy to clean out, and not be too dusty. Could not just seal the concrete, as it was too stained (the ponies were using it as a shelter, and toilet).

Moved trailer and Land Rover along with the other items that I shifted outside for the painting back into the space, and it looks better and clean.

Will work on the cladding a bit over the next few days.

Cheers

Ken

 

[Mudnut]

Well the windows, and sliding door arrived this week. Have the windows installed bar one on the lower section that I need to move scaffolding to install safely. Still have the three upper windows to install, but again will wait until I move scaffolding. Had to cut some cement sheet on three windows to get them to fit.
There is a surrounding metal flange that is meant to secure the window to the frame. I slipped the top bit of flange under the upper sheets, and cut out the side and bottom bit of cement sheet so that the flange rested on the frame. I then siliconed the gap around the window. This will be covered by architrave, and very water tight.
Just took longer to install than if just screwed to the frame before I installed the cement sheeting.
The sliding door came in pieces, and I had to figure out how to assemble it. I also recessed the bottom track to make it level with the flooring once finished.
Have an other day off work to install more siding tomorrow.
Progress as of tonight. A window attached to the frame is visible on the photo of the sliding door.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Grumblebum]

Looks great Ken, you must be looking forward to the end of the build now?

You are not alone with the sliding doors, had to muck around with mine a bit too to get it right.

How far north of Cairns are you drive time ?

Cheers GB.

 

[Mudnut]

Looks great Ken, you must be looking forward to the end of the build now?

You are not alone with the sliding doors, had to muck around with mine a bit too to get it right.

How far north of Cairns are you drive time ?

Cheers GB.

Thanks mate,

Really looking forward to having it water tight.

I live about 30 mins north of Cairns. Near Palm Cove. Great part of the world to live in.

Ken

 

[dlcwent]

Ken, glad to hear the windows have finally arrived for you. I'm sure you're happy. And I just googled Palm Cove, and you are spot on about a great part of the world to live in. It is absolutely beautiful. I wish I were there right now as we are heading into a deep freeze here in the next couple of days around -18* C.