Battery & Electric Auto Shop

[JRS1967RSSS]

Here is an old pic of my grandfathers auto shop.

He started with battery, alternator(generator) and starter repair.

He eventually offered many other types of repairs such as radiators and just about anything that he could earn a living with.

My father took over the business many years ago and did lots of engine rebuilds and engine machine work.

The building still stands but the automotive business is closed.

We use it as storage for our junk and our project cars.

There is lots of old tools and equipment still housed in this shop.

I will get more pictures of the contents and post them later.

I ran across this forum while searching for pics. My long term goal would be to restore this 1950's garage to its original look. I was inspired by Thomas in the "Restored 1930's Auto Shop" thread. He did an excellent job on Johnson's old Garage. Im not sure I have the time or funds to do it like he did but my hats off to him. What an inspiration.


More to come..........

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

Here is an updated picture(11/29/16).

Im not sure how old the first picture is. I would guess 1960's

 

[j p smith]

Cool building, where are you located?

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

Georgia

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

A few more pics.........

 

[HSURDDY]

Cool old building. Love the old test equipment....

 

[rebelmyers1]

Following this. My grandfather owned an auto electric shop as well. My dad worked for him for 29 years that's all I did every summer was sandblast and clean starters and alternators. Grandmother sold the business after his passing it's still open and running but don't think it's making a ton of profit due to the reman prices


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[JRS1967RSSS]

I sandblasted a few in my day too.

I did the same thing in the summer. I would rebuild the starter cases and have them ready to go when a starter came in to rebuild. I always liked to do the chevy cases, they were easy. Fords were a little more difficult. Grandpa would pay me 1.75 for each case. I could gross $30-$35 a week. That was big money for a 10 yr old in 1977. I would drag them old cases out of the scrap pile just to get $1.75.

I would pester the other mechanics when I wasnt busy. I use to hang around them with my grease rag hung in my pocket thinking I was a real mechanic. I guess I learned a few things from some of the old timers. Most of them are all dead and gone now. I have alot of fond memories from this time in my life.

 

[rebelmyers1]

You were little when my grandfather made most of his money. I was rebuilding in 2002-2007 I mostly did lawnmower and ford alternators for the highway patrol. He did very well in the late 70's and 80's but once Delco Remy came about it really hurt the business.


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[JRS1967RSSS]

A few more pics...........

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

and some more............

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

A few for the anvil and vise folks............

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

and some more............

Got an old Peterson 'flying stone' and a pretty late KwikWay seat and guide machine. Very cool, how long has it been closed for?

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

Its been 15-20 years ago since any commercial engine work has been done.


I used the kwik-way valve grinder about 5 years ago for a friends project.

I think my dad used the kwik-way seat and guide machine for one of his projects about a year ago.

There is a couple old valve grinders in storage. Maybe manufactured by Souix???

 

[Richard Cranium]

Some neat old equipment, thanks for posting.

 

[matt_i]

Very cool! Love old shops and industrial buildings...

 

[Thirdyfivepickup]

A few more pics...........

That tool wall deserves a frame around it and preserve it right like it is

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I find it interesting that the building pictures show no signage. I guess mostly word of mouth?

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

The business sign was on the front glass window on the left.

If you look at the old picture you can see it. The newer picture doesnt show it that good because part of the window was busted a some point and never re-lettered.

 

[Stadger]

Oh, for the days of real mechanics and not the parts-changers of today. I guess that's why I ride a 44 year old Harley. If the right person sees these photos I wouldn't be surprised if Hollywood calls to use the place as a movie set!

 

[JRS1967RSSS]

Couple more pics..........

An old armature tester and a Craftsman lathe.

Anyone know the age on the lathe?????????