HOTFR8
Banned
Maybe you can make a cover for the bolts so you can not see the little mistake?
Above 1200 Sq/FT Bailey's Barn Build
- Thread starter mwbailey
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Decided to do some "preparation" for a two-post lift. Some vehicles will need to be moved to receive and install the contraption. My first idea was to make some room under the outside lean-to for several 4X4's I had sitting around on the garage floor. About 45 minutes later, I had a rack fabricated, but then decided I would just put the 4X4's on saw horses temporarily -- but they are in the lean-to and out of the way.
Next, I stuck the 27 T sedan body in the aisle beside the HO train layout. This may make it tough to work on the layout, but let's just say the location is temporary.
Well, now, THAT cleared some room.
The smart thing to do would be go through the boxes of stored material that I have not needed in the past three years, but no. . . instead we'll just stack them in a little smaller footprint. Hmm, not too much gained there.
The idea is to allow the 442 to be cranked up (for the first time in three years) and moved out. Looking from here, that might be easier said than done. I'll at least need a good spotter as I back it around.
I may be overthinking again, but I measure the area for the lift. It's roughly 228" across by 285" long. The so-called hammer truss has an opening of 146.91". So, if I center a Bend Pak 10S, which is 145" wide by 145" high, I might have 1.91" to spare across the hammer truss. Or, I could move the lift slightly forward and I would have over 80" of slack. Maybe I could offset the lift so it wouldn't be right in the middle of everything. But, then would the car bang into the hammer truss before fully lifted.
And, was that 145" height and width inside or outside dimensions? Life gets tedious, don't it?
Next, I stuck the 27 T sedan body in the aisle beside the HO train layout. This may make it tough to work on the layout, but let's just say the location is temporary.
Well, now, THAT cleared some room.
The smart thing to do would be go through the boxes of stored material that I have not needed in the past three years, but no. . . instead we'll just stack them in a little smaller footprint. Hmm, not too much gained there.
The idea is to allow the 442 to be cranked up (for the first time in three years) and moved out. Looking from here, that might be easier said than done. I'll at least need a good spotter as I back it around.
I may be overthinking again, but I measure the area for the lift. It's roughly 228" across by 285" long. The so-called hammer truss has an opening of 146.91". So, if I center a Bend Pak 10S, which is 145" wide by 145" high, I might have 1.91" to spare across the hammer truss. Or, I could move the lift slightly forward and I would have over 80" of slack. Maybe I could offset the lift so it wouldn't be right in the middle of everything. But, then would the car bang into the hammer truss before fully lifted.
And, was that 145" height and width inside or outside dimensions? Life gets tedious, don't it?
Mike.ASC
Well-known member
Decided to do some "preparation" for a two-post lift. Some vehicles will need to be moved to receive and install the contraption. My first idea was to make some room under the outside lean-to for several 4X4's I had sitting around on the garage floor. About 45 minutes later, I had a rack fabricated, but then decided I would just put the 4X4's on saw horses temporarily -- but they are in the lean-to and out of the way.
Next, I stuck the 27 T sedan body in the aisle beside the HO train layout. This may make it tough to work on the layout, but let's just say the location is temporary.
Well, now, THAT cleared some room.
The smart thing to do would be go through the boxes of stored material that I have not needed in the past three years, but no. . . instead we'll just stack them in a little smaller footprint. Hmm, not too much gained there.
The idea is to allow the 442 to be cranked up (for the first time in three years) and moved out. Looking from here, that might be easier said than done. I'll at least need a good spotter as I back it around.
I may be overthinking again, but I measure the area for the lift. It's roughly 228" across by 285" long. The so-called hammer truss has an opening of 146.91". So, if I center a Bend Pak 10S, which is 145" wide by 145" high, I might have 1.91" to spare across the hammer truss. Or, I could move the lift slightly forward and I would have over 80" of slack. Maybe I could offset the lift so it wouldn't be right in the middle of everything. But, then would the car bang into the hammer truss before fully lifted.
And, was that 145" height and width inside or outside dimensions? Life gets tedious, don't it?
Every time I see pictures of your barn I drool .....
Hey, HOTFR8, I think I'll just keep the toolbox lid closed when anyone is inspecting "Ole Paint"! In fact, with all the crud under the hood, it would probably be better just not to open the hood. . . .
Mike.ASC, glad you like the barn. If I can figure out how to get the lift installed, it should be in final shape to get some work done on my vehicles. Wait, wait. . . I need a larger air compressor and permanent air lines.
Mike.ASC, glad you like the barn. If I can figure out how to get the lift installed, it should be in final shape to get some work done on my vehicles. Wait, wait. . . I need a larger air compressor and permanent air lines.
HOTFR8
Banned
Two of my favorite things. We need to see more of the T sedan and know what plans you have for it. As for the train set I have mine leaning against the wall waiting for the day I have room to get it down.
Understood.
Well, HOTFR8, you asked for it. The Model T is one of my "dream cars". My project list after completing the second 1967 Olds 442 was either going to be a bobber Harley of sorts or a "hot rod Lincoln". The latter was modeled after an AMT kit from years ago -- pardon my pun. The model was a coupe, but I wanted a back seat for the grandkids. If I don't get started soon, they will want to drive it instead of ride in it!!
So, here's the goal:
When I saw a Latham supercharger on the Internet for sale, pretty much complete, I just had to jump on it. So, this thing sat on my hearth in the living room for a period before The (second) Wife told me where to put it. . . in the garage.
I'm sure most hot rodders start with the supercharger, then move to the engine. So, that's what I did. I located what was supposed to be a 430 ci Lincoln engine and took a trip with a friend to pick it up (this thing must weight 700-800 lbs.).
When I looked at the engine more closely, I found an "M" on the valve covers so it must be a Mercury. No problem, since I want the "finned" valve covers, anyway. Then it began to appear that I had a 383 ci engine. No problem, it's HUGE anyway.
Next I put out feelers for a Model T Tudor Sedan. A sister-in-law's friend's brother gave me a lead on a sedan in Chattanooga, TN. I rented a U-haul trailer, hooked it to my Expedition, made it about 350 miles one-way to the Tudor's location, stuck in on the trailer, returned to Rock Hill, SC, to unload, and returned the trailer in one day. I should have known something was up when it came with THREE doors, two patch panels for the doors, and one for the quarter panel. However, it had a gas tank and a dash. What more could a guy ask for?
Now the body sits on hold until I finish the 442 (that's why I need the two post lift), decide whether to blast or dip the rusty body, and come up with a strategy for the chassis. Do I build the chassis from rectangular tubing or look for one, pretty much complete?
In any case, the chassis will include four-speed manual trans, quick change differential, hairpins, etc., just like the model:
So, briefly, that's the plan, the current collection of parts, and the minor hurdles.
So, here's the goal:
When I saw a Latham supercharger on the Internet for sale, pretty much complete, I just had to jump on it. So, this thing sat on my hearth in the living room for a period before The (second) Wife told me where to put it. . . in the garage.
I'm sure most hot rodders start with the supercharger, then move to the engine. So, that's what I did. I located what was supposed to be a 430 ci Lincoln engine and took a trip with a friend to pick it up (this thing must weight 700-800 lbs.).
When I looked at the engine more closely, I found an "M" on the valve covers so it must be a Mercury. No problem, since I want the "finned" valve covers, anyway. Then it began to appear that I had a 383 ci engine. No problem, it's HUGE anyway.
Next I put out feelers for a Model T Tudor Sedan. A sister-in-law's friend's brother gave me a lead on a sedan in Chattanooga, TN. I rented a U-haul trailer, hooked it to my Expedition, made it about 350 miles one-way to the Tudor's location, stuck in on the trailer, returned to Rock Hill, SC, to unload, and returned the trailer in one day. I should have known something was up when it came with THREE doors, two patch panels for the doors, and one for the quarter panel. However, it had a gas tank and a dash. What more could a guy ask for?
Now the body sits on hold until I finish the 442 (that's why I need the two post lift), decide whether to blast or dip the rusty body, and come up with a strategy for the chassis. Do I build the chassis from rectangular tubing or look for one, pretty much complete?
In any case, the chassis will include four-speed manual trans, quick change differential, hairpins, etc., just like the model:
So, briefly, that's the plan, the current collection of parts, and the minor hurdles.
HOTFR8
Banned
Now that sounds like a great project and will be a great one to follow. What happened with the train set?
Train layout was/is a project to help connect with new grandsons "inherited" with second marriage. At the time (5 years ago) they were about 11 and 7 -- good age to work with trains. "New" granddaughter was about 14, so I figured any relationship there would be on HER terms. . . . Since the layout was started, my "natural" granddaughters, now 14 and 10, have shown interest in working with the scenery.
Check out the blog: http://blacktop-crossing.blogspot.com/
Check out the blog: http://blacktop-crossing.blogspot.com/
HOTFR8
Banned
Now that looks good. I have another car friend here with his own Garage just for the trains. Set up is a reproduction of Castlemaine and the Kyneton yards with all Stations, platforms as well as good sheds etc. Sadly my set up is nothing like that.
HOTFR8
Banned
I have a few photos I can share from a visit some time ago. The interesting thing here is the owner was at the time President of the Castlemaine Historic Vehicle Club I belong to and the Club visiting is the Castlemaine Rod Club I also belong to.
View media item 64695This is the reproduction of the Castlemaine Station from the 1950's & 60's. So much has changed since then. Much of the work is yet to be completed. You can see the black and white photos he is working from.
View media item 64696This is Kyneton. The reproduction of the Bluestone Station and Good Sheds is pretty well perfect.
View media item 64697View media item 64698A couple more for the detail.
Sadly mine is just a board with rail tracks on it.
Of interest in the top photo the fellow with the wide brimmed hat is the late Leroi Tex Smith.
View media item 64695This is the reproduction of the Castlemaine Station from the 1950's & 60's. So much has changed since then. Much of the work is yet to be completed. You can see the black and white photos he is working from.
View media item 64696This is Kyneton. The reproduction of the Bluestone Station and Good Sheds is pretty well perfect.
View media item 64697View media item 64698A couple more for the detail.
Sadly mine is just a board with rail tracks on it.
Of interest in the top photo the fellow with the wide brimmed hat is the late Leroi Tex Smith.
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Wow! That's quite a layout your friend has, HOTFR8. Our (grands' and my) layout was designed to fit under a bed at one time so it's 6'4" X 4', roughly. When we built the barn, I put it more permanently on legs. Maybe one day we'll add a 2' X 6 to 8' shelf. Need to finish the first part first!?!?!
By the way, seems I saw a Model T "bucket" or roadster in your posts. Couldn't find it just now, but maybe I'll need to get some pointers when I start on the chassis for the Tudor sedan.
By the way, seems I saw a Model T "bucket" or roadster in your posts. Couldn't find it just now, but maybe I'll need to get some pointers when I start on the chassis for the Tudor sedan.
HOTFR8
Banned
Yes it is a set up and the building it is housed in you have to say just takes the whole set up. The Kyneton section was built and he purchased it and has added to it with the Castlemaine section.
As for the T you should see some photos in the 'HOTFR8' build or perhaps in 'Sheddwellers'. I do know I have posted photos at different times and I may have even posted in a topic something like lets see inside your garage - shed.
As for the T you should see some photos in the 'HOTFR8' build or perhaps in 'Sheddwellers'. I do know I have posted photos at different times and I may have even posted in a topic something like lets see inside your garage - shed.
Oops, made a mistake Saturday of attending a meeting of the Carolinas Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motors Club. A former neighbor sold me a 3 hp Johnson outboard like my father had.
Then he invited me to the meeting he was hosting. I just may have to add some space to my barn. . . .
I sure hope I can resist the temptation to find more "antique" outboards. But, what's nice about this hobby is that you can collect these things for $50-$500, each, and have fun running them. That's a lot cheaper than a hot rod Lincoln or a 1967 442!
Maybe I'll just settle for making a wooden skiff for the 3 hp I already have.
Then he invited me to the meeting he was hosting. I just may have to add some space to my barn. . . .
I sure hope I can resist the temptation to find more "antique" outboards. But, what's nice about this hobby is that you can collect these things for $50-$500, each, and have fun running them. That's a lot cheaper than a hot rod Lincoln or a 1967 442!
Maybe I'll just settle for making a wooden skiff for the 3 hp I already have.
So, a friend of The Wife (and mine, also) recommended to an elementary school principal that he contact me to help with a FIRST Lego League robotics team for 4th and 5th graders. It's the same school my children attended in the 80's, so how could I say, "No"? My "part" was to help with robot assembly and programming. The program also includes research, documentation, presentation, etc. The teachers who are leading the effort will focus on those parts.
Last year was our first year and we had fun. This year we hope to improve AND have fun! The theme is "Animal Allies" -- emphasizing that humans and animals often work together, sometimes even for mutual benefit. So, our group of 10 students chose bats eating insects like mosquitoes. OK by me, but then we decided to make some bat boxes. I just can't stay out of trouble, so I volunteered to cut out the pieces to let the students assemble some boxes. Here is the plan:
The three larger pieces can be cut from a 2X4' piece of plywood. Therefore, from a 4X8' sheet, you can get four boxes. The skinny sides are pieces of furring strips.
Decided to use T1-11 siding for the boxes. The plans recommended scoring the inside of the box so the little bats can have something to hang on to. The prototype box, which I will "purchase" for my yard (and support the cause) was not scored since I figured the T1-11 was rough enough. But, when you offer items to the public and don't follow the directions precisely you might end up being embarrassed.
So, after laboring through scoring horizontal lines every 1/2" on the roughly 26" back wall for the box, this is what I got:
You can "imagine" that you see the score lines on the pieces nearest us in the photo.
I just didn't have the energy to score the two front pieces. I hope the bats are smart enough to turn around when needed OR can use the rough surface to claw their way up the box.
BUT, to give the students the opportunity to finish the boxes in one after-school meeting, I did stain the interior sides to get this:
They can paint the outsides after assembly. They will even have a Batman stencil to decorate the boxes with, if they want.
So, while most of you guys are doing outstanding work on REAL projects, some of us get to insert splinters in our fingers and get black stain all over our hands -- and deal with 10 4th and 5th graders after school. Ain't life fun?!? And maybe that's what garages are for. . . to have FUN.
Last year was our first year and we had fun. This year we hope to improve AND have fun! The theme is "Animal Allies" -- emphasizing that humans and animals often work together, sometimes even for mutual benefit. So, our group of 10 students chose bats eating insects like mosquitoes. OK by me, but then we decided to make some bat boxes. I just can't stay out of trouble, so I volunteered to cut out the pieces to let the students assemble some boxes. Here is the plan:
The three larger pieces can be cut from a 2X4' piece of plywood. Therefore, from a 4X8' sheet, you can get four boxes. The skinny sides are pieces of furring strips.
Decided to use T1-11 siding for the boxes. The plans recommended scoring the inside of the box so the little bats can have something to hang on to. The prototype box, which I will "purchase" for my yard (and support the cause) was not scored since I figured the T1-11 was rough enough. But, when you offer items to the public and don't follow the directions precisely you might end up being embarrassed.
So, after laboring through scoring horizontal lines every 1/2" on the roughly 26" back wall for the box, this is what I got:
You can "imagine" that you see the score lines on the pieces nearest us in the photo.
I just didn't have the energy to score the two front pieces. I hope the bats are smart enough to turn around when needed OR can use the rough surface to claw their way up the box.
BUT, to give the students the opportunity to finish the boxes in one after-school meeting, I did stain the interior sides to get this:
They can paint the outsides after assembly. They will even have a Batman stencil to decorate the boxes with, if they want.
So, while most of you guys are doing outstanding work on REAL projects, some of us get to insert splinters in our fingers and get black stain all over our hands -- and deal with 10 4th and 5th graders after school. Ain't life fun?!? And maybe that's what garages are for. . . to have FUN.
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sean Buick 76
Well-known member
Hi there! I just found this thread today and took the time to enjoy thew thread from start to finish. You must be my long lost cousin with all the vehicles, engines and projects! Nice work and I will subscribe to see more!! Sean
Hey sean, I'll have to check my family tree to see if there are any branches in Canada!! But, my projects don't hold a candle to your efforts -- that also include working and raising kids. You go through engines and cars faster than The Wife uses Keurig K cups!
I appreciate the diversity of your projects and especially appreciate your interest in Buicks. Seems I saw a Chevelle somewhere in your history of autos, but they are so prevalent -- nice cars, but a LOT of them. Buicks are fewer and farther between; a bit like Oldsmobiles.
Looks like you've started you children off right reading to them from Muscle Car books. I missed with my own kids, but I've tried to indoctrinate a couple of granddaughters. Here are two photos taken in the '67 442. The same car but 10 years apart. They are first cousins and were about 2 years old at the time of the photos. I find it curious that BOTH found the Hurst shifter even before they could see over the dash!!
Good luck on your current and future projects.
I appreciate the diversity of your projects and especially appreciate your interest in Buicks. Seems I saw a Chevelle somewhere in your history of autos, but they are so prevalent -- nice cars, but a LOT of them. Buicks are fewer and farther between; a bit like Oldsmobiles.
Looks like you've started you children off right reading to them from Muscle Car books. I missed with my own kids, but I've tried to indoctrinate a couple of granddaughters. Here are two photos taken in the '67 442. The same car but 10 years apart. They are first cousins and were about 2 years old at the time of the photos. I find it curious that BOTH found the Hurst shifter even before they could see over the dash!!
Good luck on your current and future projects.
Some days you take whatever "victory" you can get. Since there hasn't been much progress in the workshop lately other than fabricating parts for bat boxes, I just had to do one thing:
So, a day or two after the Antique Outboard Motor Club get-together, I was searching for information on the 3 hp Johnson I had and found a Johnson Seahorse sign that had "Bailey" on it AND was like 60% discounted. I just had to order it. Today I attached it to the "custom" motor stand. I'll call that progress for the lack of anything else going on.
On a somewhat related note (they both have a connection to water, I guess), I threw an old Hula Popper lure into the lake a couple of times Sunday afternoon and landed a fish. Nothing much to brag about, but enough to keep a grandson interested.
The bummer of the last few days was hitting a deer within about 1/2 mile of home. Obviously, he had something else on his mind when he walked onto the left hand side of the road. I slammed on brakes, but he only made it to the right front corner of my bumper. He had a nice 6 or 8-point rack and was pretty good size. He kept on going, but left the Expedition is pretty bad shape.
In the shop now for repairs. He even put a hole in my AC condenser!!
Oh, and speaking of bat boxes, the students got three more assembled and painted at least on the front side. At best, we had directed chaos. I think they enjoyed it.
So, a day or two after the Antique Outboard Motor Club get-together, I was searching for information on the 3 hp Johnson I had and found a Johnson Seahorse sign that had "Bailey" on it AND was like 60% discounted. I just had to order it. Today I attached it to the "custom" motor stand. I'll call that progress for the lack of anything else going on.
On a somewhat related note (they both have a connection to water, I guess), I threw an old Hula Popper lure into the lake a couple of times Sunday afternoon and landed a fish. Nothing much to brag about, but enough to keep a grandson interested.
The bummer of the last few days was hitting a deer within about 1/2 mile of home. Obviously, he had something else on his mind when he walked onto the left hand side of the road. I slammed on brakes, but he only made it to the right front corner of my bumper. He had a nice 6 or 8-point rack and was pretty good size. He kept on going, but left the Expedition is pretty bad shape.
In the shop now for repairs. He even put a hole in my AC condenser!!
Oh, and speaking of bat boxes, the students got three more assembled and painted at least on the front side. At best, we had directed chaos. I think they enjoyed it.
xtremek
Well-known member
Very cool giving back to the community, especially kids. That my friend, is about as "REAL" as it gets.
OK, so I got the Expedition back Tuesday after repair from the deer fight. It's pretty obvious they installed some used parts; the headlight assembly has road dust on it.
But the fender looks pretty good as does the bumper, grill, etc.
Tonight I was driving down a pretty busy two-lane highway with residential developments on both sides and almost hit ANOTHER deer! Fortunately, the guy behind me did not ram me when I slammed on brakes. The two cars coming the other way seemed to miss her, as well. I was driving the Miata and couldn't find the horn button to warn her; by the time I got stopped, I was looking up at her. What's up with these deer, anyway?!
But the fender looks pretty good as does the bumper, grill, etc.
Tonight I was driving down a pretty busy two-lane highway with residential developments on both sides and almost hit ANOTHER deer! Fortunately, the guy behind me did not ram me when I slammed on brakes. The two cars coming the other way seemed to miss her, as well. I was driving the Miata and couldn't find the horn button to warn her; by the time I got stopped, I was looking up at her. What's up with these deer, anyway?!
xtremek
Well-known member
Suicidal tendencies. After two confirmed kills this year, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So, many of you may be familiar with Patrick McManus’ stories that appeared in Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, and other places. My brother-in-law especially appreciates McManus’ “sequential vortex” that basically suggests ANY project will result in an endless sequence of other tasks that distract you from the original project so much, you’d be better off not even starting and just go fishing like you wanted to, instead.
I was reminded of that when a neighbor asked if he could use the ramp in our yard leading to Lake Wylie to pull his three jet skis onto the trailers. He could use his four wheel drive, Kubota tractor and backing down our ramp would be so much easier than using some other ramp where he’d have to pull the trailer to them with his car. Of course, I said, “Go for it, but I’d be away much of the day.”
Lo and behold – this is the beginning of the sequence – at about 3PM the neighbor rings the doorbell to ask if Ole Paint (the Ford 8N tractor) was running. That inquiry stung a bit, but when I pursued the need, he said he had stuck his Kubota up to the axle and mower deck when he got off of the ramp to make getting the jet ski to the trailer easier. I was happy to oblige.
Strapped the 8N to the Kubota and began to pull. That wasn’t an easy proposition, and we had two shovels and several 2X6 boards in play before the Kubota was out of the muck.
It would seem that the much larger rear tires of the 8N would work well to pull the trailer out, with jet ski, and fortunately there’s a ball on the front of the tractor. Connecting the trailer was easy enough, but the troughs created by the Kubota were deep enough to mire the front wheels of the Ford too deep to pull out easily. Pretty soon, we had the jet ski removed from the trailer, and the trailer unhitched from the 8N. Over about twenty minutes, the same two shovels, and another 2X or so under the deeper front wheel, the 8N was out of the muck.
Turns out, it wasn’t really that hard to pull the trailer out of the lake, hook the trailer to the Kubota, take the jet ski down to the ramp, load it on the trailer, and pull everything up the ramp – with ONE exception. The jet ski had a small leak and had been taking on water for several days. Within 7.3 minutes, we found the drain plugs and let some water out of the hull, THEN the jet ski was ready to go up the ramp.
At this point, Ole Paint and the Kubota were both pretty muddy. The neighbor volunteered to wash off the 8N, but I had another plan. If you remember the disappointment with the appearance under the hood after installation of the brand new toolbox, you may know where I’m headed. All I need is to pull out the pressure washer and clean mud from tires AND gunk from near toolbox.
I parked the tractor in the barn in just enough time to take a shower and dress for a Veterans Day dinner that my wife and her task force had organized at the church.
Now, the next step in the sequence was to pull the tractor outside the next morning and haul the pressure washer up to the barn. You cannot start the pressure washer without the water hose connected since the water lubricates the pump. That done, a few pulls on the starter cord should have things ready. No such luck.
Next step, pull off air filter, spray a little carburetor cleaner, and a couple more yanks on the cord. Sure enough, the engine fired. Now look a little further into the carburetor, but WOW does it have a lot of connections. Wonder why the various butterflies and levers don’t move?
We’ll worry about that later. Is gas getting to the bowl? Well, no it is not and the bowl smells of varnish! The float moves up and down easily but it’s hard to tell if the needle is moving with the carburetor connected to the engine – avoiding the effort to remove the carburetor because of all of the connected rods and springs! Maybe emptying the gas tank and running some carburetor cleaner down the gas hose will help. Yep, gas is discolored and smelly. Not sure that the needle is opening, but to my surprise now all of the butterflies, bell cranks, and rods move freely. Must have been all the carburetor cleaner liberally applied. Hook everything up, put some new gas in the tank, tried the starter cord. . . nothing. Spray a little cleaner; fires right up for two revs. Bottom line, still not getting gas. Let’s leave some carburetor cleaner in the fuel line for a period of time and hope that it works miracles.
With such a small amount of progress over such a long spell, it must be time to read the newspaper and gather thoughts. At least the first part of that effort was accomplished, and the air compressor was started up. I’ve seen mechanics blow out carburetors, so maybe that’s what needs to be done. No luck pressurizing the fuel hose still full of carburetor cleaner; the fluid just flew everywhere.
Time to bite the bullet and remove the carburetor. The two cap screws have torx heads! Now, why would they do that? Some searching through the drill drawer turns up a T25 that I can insert into a socket on the end of a driver. With the carburetor unhooked from the rods and springs, it’s easy enough to turn it upside down and notice that the float won’t come out because the needle is attached to it. And, although the float seems to move, it’s not clear that the needle is moving. While trying to pry the float out, the needle pops loose. Eureka! That may have been the issue. With the new gas that was drained out to remove the carburetor back in the tank – hose connected previously to the tank and carburetor – there’s gas flowing through the needle valve unless the float is pushed up. Now, that’s encouraging! Everything back together (oh, and come to find out, the cap screws had hex head AND torx - doh!?), a little cleaner sprayed into the carburetor, and we’re in business.
Finally get to spray the mud off the tractor.
The pressure washer did pretty well removing grease and grime on the transmission and oil pan. But, as luck would have it, the dirt under the hood resisted even the “high power” setting on the pressure washer. Frankly, had I known I wasn’t going to get the gunk off the under-hood parts, I probably would have let my neighbor wash off the mud. . . or just gone fishing!?!?!
I was reminded of that when a neighbor asked if he could use the ramp in our yard leading to Lake Wylie to pull his three jet skis onto the trailers. He could use his four wheel drive, Kubota tractor and backing down our ramp would be so much easier than using some other ramp where he’d have to pull the trailer to them with his car. Of course, I said, “Go for it, but I’d be away much of the day.”
Lo and behold – this is the beginning of the sequence – at about 3PM the neighbor rings the doorbell to ask if Ole Paint (the Ford 8N tractor) was running. That inquiry stung a bit, but when I pursued the need, he said he had stuck his Kubota up to the axle and mower deck when he got off of the ramp to make getting the jet ski to the trailer easier. I was happy to oblige.
Strapped the 8N to the Kubota and began to pull. That wasn’t an easy proposition, and we had two shovels and several 2X6 boards in play before the Kubota was out of the muck.
It would seem that the much larger rear tires of the 8N would work well to pull the trailer out, with jet ski, and fortunately there’s a ball on the front of the tractor. Connecting the trailer was easy enough, but the troughs created by the Kubota were deep enough to mire the front wheels of the Ford too deep to pull out easily. Pretty soon, we had the jet ski removed from the trailer, and the trailer unhitched from the 8N. Over about twenty minutes, the same two shovels, and another 2X or so under the deeper front wheel, the 8N was out of the muck.
Turns out, it wasn’t really that hard to pull the trailer out of the lake, hook the trailer to the Kubota, take the jet ski down to the ramp, load it on the trailer, and pull everything up the ramp – with ONE exception. The jet ski had a small leak and had been taking on water for several days. Within 7.3 minutes, we found the drain plugs and let some water out of the hull, THEN the jet ski was ready to go up the ramp.
At this point, Ole Paint and the Kubota were both pretty muddy. The neighbor volunteered to wash off the 8N, but I had another plan. If you remember the disappointment with the appearance under the hood after installation of the brand new toolbox, you may know where I’m headed. All I need is to pull out the pressure washer and clean mud from tires AND gunk from near toolbox.
I parked the tractor in the barn in just enough time to take a shower and dress for a Veterans Day dinner that my wife and her task force had organized at the church.
Now, the next step in the sequence was to pull the tractor outside the next morning and haul the pressure washer up to the barn. You cannot start the pressure washer without the water hose connected since the water lubricates the pump. That done, a few pulls on the starter cord should have things ready. No such luck.
Next step, pull off air filter, spray a little carburetor cleaner, and a couple more yanks on the cord. Sure enough, the engine fired. Now look a little further into the carburetor, but WOW does it have a lot of connections. Wonder why the various butterflies and levers don’t move?
We’ll worry about that later. Is gas getting to the bowl? Well, no it is not and the bowl smells of varnish! The float moves up and down easily but it’s hard to tell if the needle is moving with the carburetor connected to the engine – avoiding the effort to remove the carburetor because of all of the connected rods and springs! Maybe emptying the gas tank and running some carburetor cleaner down the gas hose will help. Yep, gas is discolored and smelly. Not sure that the needle is opening, but to my surprise now all of the butterflies, bell cranks, and rods move freely. Must have been all the carburetor cleaner liberally applied. Hook everything up, put some new gas in the tank, tried the starter cord. . . nothing. Spray a little cleaner; fires right up for two revs. Bottom line, still not getting gas. Let’s leave some carburetor cleaner in the fuel line for a period of time and hope that it works miracles.
With such a small amount of progress over such a long spell, it must be time to read the newspaper and gather thoughts. At least the first part of that effort was accomplished, and the air compressor was started up. I’ve seen mechanics blow out carburetors, so maybe that’s what needs to be done. No luck pressurizing the fuel hose still full of carburetor cleaner; the fluid just flew everywhere.
Time to bite the bullet and remove the carburetor. The two cap screws have torx heads! Now, why would they do that? Some searching through the drill drawer turns up a T25 that I can insert into a socket on the end of a driver. With the carburetor unhooked from the rods and springs, it’s easy enough to turn it upside down and notice that the float won’t come out because the needle is attached to it. And, although the float seems to move, it’s not clear that the needle is moving. While trying to pry the float out, the needle pops loose. Eureka! That may have been the issue. With the new gas that was drained out to remove the carburetor back in the tank – hose connected previously to the tank and carburetor – there’s gas flowing through the needle valve unless the float is pushed up. Now, that’s encouraging! Everything back together (oh, and come to find out, the cap screws had hex head AND torx - doh!?), a little cleaner sprayed into the carburetor, and we’re in business.
Finally get to spray the mud off the tractor.
The pressure washer did pretty well removing grease and grime on the transmission and oil pan. But, as luck would have it, the dirt under the hood resisted even the “high power” setting on the pressure washer. Frankly, had I known I wasn’t going to get the gunk off the under-hood parts, I probably would have let my neighbor wash off the mud. . . or just gone fishing!?!?!
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xtremek
Well-known member
I love the "sequential vortex? At our place, it's called "the Duck Haus". And as far as the suicidal deer are concerned, I get more deer with my car in one year than most hunters get with their guns and bows.
xtremek
Well-known member
PS. Robin said that last comment was very not funny. 
Couldn't decide whether this update was "Garages at Night" or just "Garage Gallery" material -- maybe neither.
Posts #654 and 657 included Bat Boxes that students at the local elementary school were making as part of their FIRST Lego League competition. Well, we had fun in the regional competition a week ago, but it's hard to compete against 4th through 8th graders when your team is made up of only 4th and 5th graders! So, our season is over.
Still, I felt I should take advantage of the project and mount one of the bat boxes to the barn. Even if we don't cut down on the mosquito population, maybe I'll get some guano to fertilize the flowers with.
I finished mounting the box this evening so the pictures are low light:
The recommendation is to mount the box at least 10' from the ground level with over 12' being even better (so the bats can drop out of the box and catch flight before hitting the ground); 25' from the nearest limb (so birds of prey don't perch on the limb waiting for the bats to exit); and facing east or south (apparently they like a warm house; also why the box is painted black). Best I could do was 11' at the bottom of the box, 25' from nearest tree (but maybe not nearest limb), and on the east southeast side of the garage. I thought about the peak of the roof, but bat guano would end up on the sliding door glide cover and the cement pad in front of the doors. Besides, I didn't want to climb a ladder that high.
Most of the bats have left the area, but they should be back this Spring.
Posts #654 and 657 included Bat Boxes that students at the local elementary school were making as part of their FIRST Lego League competition. Well, we had fun in the regional competition a week ago, but it's hard to compete against 4th through 8th graders when your team is made up of only 4th and 5th graders! So, our season is over.
Still, I felt I should take advantage of the project and mount one of the bat boxes to the barn. Even if we don't cut down on the mosquito population, maybe I'll get some guano to fertilize the flowers with.
I finished mounting the box this evening so the pictures are low light:
The recommendation is to mount the box at least 10' from the ground level with over 12' being even better (so the bats can drop out of the box and catch flight before hitting the ground); 25' from the nearest limb (so birds of prey don't perch on the limb waiting for the bats to exit); and facing east or south (apparently they like a warm house; also why the box is painted black). Best I could do was 11' at the bottom of the box, 25' from nearest tree (but maybe not nearest limb), and on the east southeast side of the garage. I thought about the peak of the roof, but bat guano would end up on the sliding door glide cover and the cement pad in front of the doors. Besides, I didn't want to climb a ladder that high.
Most of the bats have left the area, but they should be back this Spring.
HOTFR8
Banned
An interesting concept for Bats. I have seen a few here but would never consider doing that for them.
Well, HOTFR8, I wouldn't normally have gone out of my way for a bat box, but when you work with a few 10-12 year olds, you do things you might not ordinarily do. The "theme" this year for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League was Animal Allies -- how humans interact with other animals for mutual benefit. So, the bat box somehow fit the theme. The students heard that as many as 50 bats might roost in a box just a little over 2-foot, square!! We'll see. . . .
I do enjoy sitting on the dock on a summer evening and watching the bats dart around over the water catching bugs. Maybe some of the bugs are mosquitoes and the bats are helping keep the population down.
I do enjoy sitting on the dock on a summer evening and watching the bats dart around over the water catching bugs. Maybe some of the bugs are mosquitoes and the bats are helping keep the population down.
HOTFR8
Banned
We see the odd bat here but in Bendigo (Just up the road from me) they have Flying Foxes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey-headed_flying_fox
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Loca...207421719-Rosalind_Park-Bendigo_Victoria.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey-headed_flying_fox
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Loca...207421719-Rosalind_Park-Bendigo_Victoria.html
xtremek
Well-known member
The bat box looks perfect. The kids did a nice job.
rantingmadhare
Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2016
- Messages
- 10
Amen, welcome to the Antique Outboard Motor Club! They sure are a lot of fun to tinker with and don't take up much space.
xtremek
Well-known member
Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year (if I don't get back this way before then). I hope life is treating you well.
The best to you, xtremek. Hope you're taking good care of the youngfolks!
Speaking of youngfolks, some of the grands are showing up tomorrow afternoon. Just to ensure they had something to do -- and watch out for this, rantingmadhare -- I pursued a 12-foot V-hull from a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club today. Some may recall I had purchased a 1955 3 hp Johnson outboard from a former neighbor and the realtor that sold my house a few years back. You shouldn't have an "antique" motor sitting around with nothing to put it on. Right?
Fortunately, the neighbor remembered that I mentioned the desire to have a small boat to troll around "Bailey's Slough" in with the grandkids. So, when he wanted to upgrade to a 14 footer, he offered a deal on his 12 footer that I couldn't refuse. Problem was, by now the little 3 horse had been sitting for a couple of years and would not start for me six or eight weeks ago. I suggested that I would pay his asking price if he would get the Johnson Seahorse running again.
As I was headed over to get my first look at his boat, he said to bring the motor along. He must have worked on that thing for two and a half hours. I felt a little guilty, except that I could tell he was enjoying it. I think he figured I'd have to consider the boat purchase for a couple of days. But when I said I was ready to put the outboard on the boat and ride it across Little Allison Creek, he said, "Let's do it," and took it for its "maiden" voyage.
Afterwards, I jumped in and home I went. He did insist that I take his oars with me, just in case. No problem at all. Of course, the test will be tomorrow when the motor cools off and I try to start it again.
I must admit, The Wife wasn't all that pleased with my purchase, but she did come out on the dock to take the photo.
Oh, and The Wife had already given me a new decoration for the workshop -- a cooler/chiller with built-in table top:
Now I think she wants to keep it in the livingroom. . . NOT!
Speaking of youngfolks, some of the grands are showing up tomorrow afternoon. Just to ensure they had something to do -- and watch out for this, rantingmadhare -- I pursued a 12-foot V-hull from a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club today. Some may recall I had purchased a 1955 3 hp Johnson outboard from a former neighbor and the realtor that sold my house a few years back. You shouldn't have an "antique" motor sitting around with nothing to put it on. Right?
Fortunately, the neighbor remembered that I mentioned the desire to have a small boat to troll around "Bailey's Slough" in with the grandkids. So, when he wanted to upgrade to a 14 footer, he offered a deal on his 12 footer that I couldn't refuse. Problem was, by now the little 3 horse had been sitting for a couple of years and would not start for me six or eight weeks ago. I suggested that I would pay his asking price if he would get the Johnson Seahorse running again.
As I was headed over to get my first look at his boat, he said to bring the motor along. He must have worked on that thing for two and a half hours. I felt a little guilty, except that I could tell he was enjoying it. I think he figured I'd have to consider the boat purchase for a couple of days. But when I said I was ready to put the outboard on the boat and ride it across Little Allison Creek, he said, "Let's do it," and took it for its "maiden" voyage.
Afterwards, I jumped in and home I went. He did insist that I take his oars with me, just in case. No problem at all. Of course, the test will be tomorrow when the motor cools off and I try to start it again.
I must admit, The Wife wasn't all that pleased with my purchase, but she did come out on the dock to take the photo.
Oh, and The Wife had already given me a new decoration for the workshop -- a cooler/chiller with built-in table top:
Now I think she wants to keep it in the livingroom. . . NOT!
Mike.ASC
Well-known member
Great looking cooler/chiller. I was in the area for Christmas and should have reached out to let you know but things were just so busy-I have something Oldsmobile related that I have been saving to pass on to you. Next time I get down there I will let you know.
Mike
Mike
xtremek
Well-known member
Good thing you took the oars, otherwise Mr Murphy would have stuck his nose into your business. Back in the day, I got a boat that needed repairs from the girlfriend dad. He bought a brand new one to replace it. I got the repairs made about the same time as he picked his up, so we decided to make a day of it. They suggested I take oars along,and after much teasing, I launched and ran pretty well. The dad put his in and started across the lake. I was tooling with around with the gf when we heard screaming coming from his boat. He'd forgotten to put the drain plug in and was taking on water. Moral of the story, DON'T LEAVE THE DOCK WITHOUT OARS AND LIFE JACKETS.
Well, xtremek, I did have a paddle I took with me so I might have been able to get along without the oars, but it was thoughtful of the "seller" to leave them in for me. I also took life vests both to be legal and to be safe.
Considering the plug for the boat, I learned that a good while ago -- not good to launch the boat without the plug installed. However, my last launch without the plug installed was a little premature. No doubt, you appreciate the rather low quality of brakes on a Ford 8N. Since I knew that maneuvering a trailer with Ole Paint was pretty easy:
I got the harebrained idea that launching the boat on the rather steep ramp would be easier with the tractor than with the Expedition.
I also knew that 8N tractors were notorious for their less than adequate brakes, so I thought far enough ahead to tell myself, "If you cannot stop, just keep it straight. When the boat/trailer hits the water, the weight will no longer drag you downhill." Just as I figured, that was the case -- both the "no brakes" and the reduced downhill pull. We had a pretty abrupt launch and because of that, the boat was still strapped to the trailer AND the plug was not in the boat!. That was clearly the case since the first time I really tried to stop the whole contraption was on the ramp so I could install the plug and unstrap the boat. Maybe I should have done that on level ground. . . .
Murphy and I have a love-hate relationship!
Considering the plug for the boat, I learned that a good while ago -- not good to launch the boat without the plug installed. However, my last launch without the plug installed was a little premature. No doubt, you appreciate the rather low quality of brakes on a Ford 8N. Since I knew that maneuvering a trailer with Ole Paint was pretty easy:
I got the harebrained idea that launching the boat on the rather steep ramp would be easier with the tractor than with the Expedition.
I also knew that 8N tractors were notorious for their less than adequate brakes, so I thought far enough ahead to tell myself, "If you cannot stop, just keep it straight. When the boat/trailer hits the water, the weight will no longer drag you downhill." Just as I figured, that was the case -- both the "no brakes" and the reduced downhill pull. We had a pretty abrupt launch and because of that, the boat was still strapped to the trailer AND the plug was not in the boat!. That was clearly the case since the first time I really tried to stop the whole contraption was on the ramp so I could install the plug and unstrap the boat. Maybe I should have done that on level ground. . . .
Murphy and I have a love-hate relationship!
Speaking of Murphy, I just had to try out the 3 hp outboard today. The boat was on the dock, so the first order of business was to put it back in the water. Guess who forgot the plug?!?! Fortunately, the boat is so light, the water line is actually BELOW the level of the plug. Got the plug in, loaded the vests and paddle, clamped the motor to the transom. Two and a half pulls, and she was running -- I was too slow to push the choke in on pull two, or maybe it would have been only two pulls. Ran up to a neighbor's house to show off. Shut down the motor two more times and cranked back up with one pull. Success.
Well, the oil can/cooler Christmas gift got pushed out to the screened in porch. Golly, I thought The Wife would want to leave it in the living room!
So, heck, if it's going to be on the porch, it may as well be in the workshop. Not sure what the best location is, but with the recent cold weather in SC, the cooler isn't really needed, yet. Looks pretty good next to Ole Paint.
So, heck, if it's going to be on the porch, it may as well be in the workshop. Not sure what the best location is, but with the recent cold weather in SC, the cooler isn't really needed, yet. Looks pretty good next to Ole Paint.