Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[jimreed2160]

So he has a crew that brings in extra ladies from 100 mi away. It's a good life and that's no bull.

 

[bolensboneyard]

A little shop progress yesterday.

Finished off the punches. And took them for a test drive. Good results so far. I was a little aggressive grinding off the flashing. But these are for me. The product for distribution will be better, I promise.

And I want more. I love them.

Finally got around to making a foam pattern for lathe stops (right)

Also made a handle for my burner (left) and a gift. I plan to make Rian cast the gift.

Glued and sprued.

Thanks for stopping in!!

Love the punches. The only brass I have is HF soft and makes good shrapnel! Good to be back and see, unlike so many factories today, your quality has gone up not down.

 

[jblnut]

Andy, do you use red brass or yellow brass when casting ??

If it would help get me punched one day I'd gladly stuff a large flat rate box full of scrap brass (red and yellow) and send it your way !!

I wonder how a trivet would look made from brass or bronze all polished up and shiny ??

 

[sawduststeve]

All I know is some British birds like Southern accents.

I've got a Southern accent and I've always done all right.

 

[oldironfarmer]

So he has a crew that brings in extra ladies from 100 mi away. It's a good life and that's no bull.

I like to think we treat him Presidentially.

Love the punches. The only brass I have is HF soft and makes good shrapnel! Good to be back and see, unlike so many factories today, your quality has gone up not down.

Thanks, Bobby! Soft brass punches sure have their place. But I think these do too.

Andy, do you use red brass or yellow brass when casting ??

If it would help get me punched one day I'd gladly stuff a large flat rate box full of scrap brass (red and yellow) and send it your way !!

I wonder how a trivet would look made from brass or bronze all polished up and shiny ??

I'll punch you after you get hammered.

While Rian was here I tried to make an aluminum bronze trivet for Dennis and it wouldn't pour. I may try again with straight brass. I think a brass trivet would look great with only the words polished but the al-br I tried just tarnished my reputation.

I would be tickled to pay for a flat rate box with brass, bronze, copper, and any combination thereof.

All I know is some British birds like Southern accents.

I've got a Southern accent and I've always done all right.

I don't think southern Northumberland counts. But we've all heard about your successes.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: glad to hear you had a nice day with the boys that stopped by for a few forging tips.

I bet Cali is just trying to earn her keep so to speak and she doesn't yet know how really special her new family really is. maybe Hershey will take her under her wing and show her how to act around the cows in the future.

I'm anxious to hear if the bull was able to get all your herd pregnant and if he did WELL DONE FOR SAVING HIM.

hope you had a great day and weekend and looking forward to all the new metal melts and combinations you are talking about.

cheers and looks like the coke machine is almost empty.

BTW all our dogs either chase vacuums, push lawn mower tires and thankfully not a one chased a car.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy: glad to hear you had a nice day with the boys that stopped by for a few forging tips.

I bet Cali is just trying to earn her keep so to speak and she doesn't yet know how really special her new family really is. maybe Hershey will take her under her wing and show her how to act around the cows in the future.

I'm anxious to hear if the bull was able to get all your herd pregnant and if he did WELL DONE FOR SAVING HIM.

hope you had a great day and weekend and looking forward to all the new metal melts and combinations you are talking about.

cheers and looks like the coke machine is almost empty.

BTW all our dogs either chase vacuums, push lawn mower tires and thankfully not a one chased a car.

While I was eager for the boys to come, it was more fun than I had imagined. now I'm eager to see Grizz's update.

Cali is 4 and Hershey is 1. But Hershey seems to have the upper hand, er, paw.

I can't see why the bull is not doing his job, but time will tell.

Craig and I reloaded the Coke machine as he was curious to see inside. It only takes a few minutes.

 

[mfg0772]

Andy - wow! I just spent that last 2 weeks reading your entire thread. I have lurked on this site for a while and finally joined to see pictures in the threads. Then I discovered your thread. I had been temped to comment many time on yours and others but felt that for my first comment, I had to wait until I made it through your thread. I truly find everything you post about so interesting and I have learned a lot and you keep me inspired to keep moving forward on all of my projects. I can't wait to continue to stay up on your latest happenings.

Mike

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy - wow! I just spent that last 2 weeks reading your entire thread. I have lurked on this site for a while and finally joined to see pictures in the threads. Then I discovered your thread. I had been temped to comment many time on yours and others but felt that for my first comment, I had to wait until I made it through your thread. I truly find everything you post about so interesting and I have learned a lot and you keep me inspired to keep moving forward on all of my projects. I can't wait to continue to stay up on your latest happenings.

Mike

WOW!! That's a lot of effort to spend on my thread. Thanks! I have figured it's getting too long for anybody to start from the beginning.

I'm honored to have your first post. I hope we see many more. I see at this instant you're up to 3.

Remember most of my stuff is how not to do things.

 

[jblnut]

Andy - wow! I just spent that last 2 weeks reading your entire thread.

Mike

Get out while you still can !!! It's taken me 5 days shy of 2 years and 2 months to get through this monster. I started reading it back in July of 16' and it's been a daily struggle to keep up !!

 

[mfg0772]

Get out while you still can !!! It's taken me 5 days shy of 2 years and 2 months to get through this monster. I started reading it back in July of 16' and it's been a daily struggle to keep up !!

Don't worry - now that I've slogged through Andy's thread, I have to fill my time somehow so I've moved over to yours. See you there

 

[oldironfarmer]

Get out while you still can !!! It's taken me 5 days shy of 2 years and 2 months to get through this monster. I started reading it back in July of 16' and it's been a daily struggle to keep up !!

I'm a slow reader too...

Don't worry - now that I've slogged through Andy's thread, I have to fill my time somehow so I've moved over to yours. See you there

Now there's a great thread! You'll enjoy that! Come back and get a Coke if you get thirsty. We'll have something else posted in a couple of weeks.

 

[oldironfarmer]

When my son came to get his cows he brought a trailer to take the purple car home on. He said he has waited a year for me to fix the transmission

I promised him I would get on it so today I got the Willys pickup started and pulled it out then started the purple car and pulled it in.

Does anyone know why I should have blurred the tag? A curious habit to me.

It would be preferable to do this on the four post lift but the Dodge pickup is disabled on it and I can't seem to get interested in putting it back together. So I'll do it in the floor.

Looks like the thread is taking a 1935 Chevy repair detour. Kind of like the Bobcat head detour.

Thanks for looking in!

 

[jblnut]

I'm a slow reader too...

Now there's a great thread! You'll enjoy that! Come back and get a Coke if you get thirsty. We'll have something else posted in a couple of weeks.

No shame in being a slow reader, I was in the fourth grade reading group .... twice .... from fourth grade through eighth grade ... and again in tenth grade.

After Andy gives you a Coke drive up here and I'll put a nip of whiskey in it and we can talk about how things used to be before the internet and when only your rich uncle had a car phone.

Looks like the thread is taking a 1935 Chevy repair detour. Kind of like the Bobcat head detour.

It's a good thing Bob the Cat got a new head. Probably as good a thing as the purpleish car getting a new trans.

Iff'in you're of the remembering type you'll remember that the first time I mustered up the courage to post in this thread was about Bob the Cat way back when

 

[xtremek]

Are you the spawn of the Devil? They say there's no rest for the wicked, so........ Just wondering. Keep up the good work.

 

[realvc]

Are you the spawn of the Devil? They say there's no rest for the wicked, so........ Just wondering. Keep up the good work.

I would think Andy is just the opposite because the complete saying is, "There is no rest for the wicked and righteous don't need any"
So this means Andy is a saint notice that is with a little s.

Vince

 

[dchance]

Andy,
Did you explain to him that it would have been fixed quicker if the fix had involved casting a new part for it. At this time in life all repairs should involve something new so you learn something.

Dwight

 

[oldironfarmer]

No shame in being a slow reader, I was in the fourth grade reading group .... twice .... from fourth grade through eighth grade ... and again in tenth grade.

After Andy gives you a Coke drive up here and I'll put a nip of whiskey in it and we can talk about how things used to be before the internet and when only your rich uncle had a car phone.

It's a good thing Bob the Cat got a new head. Probably as good a thing as the purpleish car getting a new trans.

Iff'in you're of the remembering type you'll remember that the first time I mustered up the courage to post in this thread was about Bob the Cat way back when

I'm thinking Bob's new head will last a lifetime. Mine.

I'm counting on the same thing for the purplish car's transmission.

No, I didn't remember when you first posted. b\But I do remember you fixing my shop telephone reception problems. Thanks again!!

Mustered the courage?

Are you the spawn of the Devil? They say there's no rest for the wicked, so........ Just wondering. Keep up the good work.

There are those who think so...

I would think Andy is just the opposite because the complete saying is, "There is no rest for the wicked and righteous don't need any"
So this means Andy is a saint notice that is with a little s.

Vince

I've heard that saying. Can't validate it, though.

Andy,
Did you explain to him that it would have been fixed quicker if the fix had involved casting a new part for it. At this time in life all repairs should involve something new so you learn something.

Dwight

Oh he understands that. And my ability to focus on something I'd rather not do is really suffering.

I am focused on the purplish car, however. Didn't have much time today, but did manage a little. Started taking off the driver's side exhaust manifold to replace the gasket. My son thinks it has a cracked flex plate but all I can hear is the exhaust so I thought I'd fix that and see how it drives.

The exhaust leak is at the back, and I see the bolts are loose. I hope the one is not stripped. It is also hard to shift out of park and I thought maybe that arm was hitting the head but it's not, and no signs of interference.

Leaking rocker arm cover too so it came off. Hmmm, roller rockers.

I didn't expect that. I know it's a nice strong engine, somebody has spent some money on it. The head gasket surface looks good under the manifold.

Down below it looks like JB has been here creating header clearance.

More inspection underneath shows some cracked welds from the frame modifications. Now I'm in a quandary. When I drove it the transmission felt fine. With my son wanting it to be a reliable driver I need to bite the bullet and fix it. No quick fixes here. I need to pull the engine to repair the frame so might as well take the transmission out with it and either repair or replace it. With the quality of the engine I'm thinking a performance performance prepared transmission might be the way to go. With two lifts I'm doing this on the floor. Good news it's not the first time. So first order is pull the driveshaft.

It flies!!

U-joint bolts weren't really tight

Then the hood. Alone. Engine hoist will do that without scratches and dings.

Those folding hoods will swarm on you. It really is a two man job. If you're a broom maker broom twine makes a nice lifting cord.

To be continued...

 

[oldironfarmer]

The saga of the amazing one man hood removal continues. Please hold your applause.

Towels and rags for padding, up, up

And away

And safely on the floor

When I pulled the driveshaft I didn't think much fluid would come out. OK, I just didn't think.

I ran and got a pan and caught the last few drips in the pan.

All so I can show you how well sawdust works to soak up oil. It really does pull it right out of the concrete. I've used it a lot because, well, I need to.

I keep a couple of buckets around just for that.

And after it's used it makes great fire starter.

Thanks for looking in! I get to take my wife to a hair appointment tomorrow so limited time again, and I'm really needing JB here as I prepare to pull the front cowl off.

JB!!! Skip the shutdown, come help me get this car apart!!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy that is certainly no quick fix and will keep you off the streets for some time..

 

[Grumblebum]

"With two lifts I'm doing this on the floor."


just to remind you why you got the lifts in the first place

GB

 

[jimreed2160]

Sometimes my favorite days in the shop are when I start with a plan and then just follow a trail of breadcrumbs. The day just becomes one big adventure. So good luck with your trans/mani/frame/? project.

 

[jbmatth]

Andy you know those headers weren't dented by me, they are way too pretty. I'd love to be able to help you get the car pulled apart and get everything fixed up. I'm sure you will get it 90% of the way done in no time. Then it may set just like your Cummins but who am I to judge.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy that is certainly no quick fix and will keep you off the streets for some time..

I'm thinking it will be quick and easy. What could possibly go wrong?

"With two lifts I'm doing this on the floor."

just to remind you why you got the lifts in the first place

GB

Sad, isn't it. The old single post lift has the Dakota on it, which potentially could be moved out, Studebaker under it, which could be shoved to the side, and 48 Coupe behind all that which could be running with a temporary fuel tank. But I really don't want to get the 48 out in the weather, and it would take all day to get stuff cleared out.

The four post has the Dodge Cummins on it, which needs a couple of days' work, and Miss Vicky behind it, and she needs a little time. However the four post would be nice for pulling stuff off but inconvenient for removing the engine. If I left the engine and only pulled the transmission it would work fine but that would preclude getting to the frame cracks I saw.

So that's why I'm working on the floor, and other excuses!

Sometimes my favorite days in the shop are when I start with a plan and then just follow a trail of breadcrumbs. The day just becomes one big adventure. So good luck with your trans/mani/frame/? project.

Yep! And here we go! Of course before work today there's just-weaned calves to be fed and a hair appointment to make.

Calves are fed

And they're getting small square bales in a manger, the old fashioned way. They've about quit crying, so a few more days they can be turned out into a 5 acre pasture for a few weeks.

I did take time to smell the roses, er, Willys

I like seeing it outside. And it did drive there. That's Cali photobombing.

Andy you know those headers weren't dented by me, they are way too pretty. I'd love to be able to help you get the car pulled apart and get everything fixed up. I'm sure you will get it 90% of the way done in no time. Then it may set just like your Cummins but who am I to judge.

JB

Just wanted you to know everybody does it.

I'd be pissed if it weren't true. The Cummins isn't quite 90%, but I really am not interested in finishing it for some reason. I'll need it to feed with in a few weeks. The purplish car, however, will be finished because my little boy is waiting on it.

Check on me.

 

[Grizz1963]

Morning frim McComb Illinois Andy.

I was wondering if this would have gone differently had we all had more time with you. Though I also suspect more time would have meant more casting

Offto Hanniball today then back to Dennis’

 

[oldironfarmer]

Morning from McComb Illinois Andy.

I was wondering if this would have gone differently had we all had more time with you. Though I also suspect more time would have meant more casting

Off to Hannibal today then back to Dennis’

Good morning, Rian! Looks like you're still out of jail, that's good.

I can't do anything but cast when people are here who want to cast. It was after you left that my son showed up to get his cows, and brought a trailer to take the purplish car home. That was the moment I realized I'd better get cracking on it.

Today I hurried out to the shop after I got back from the beauty shop. Drained the radiator, and it went everywhere. Glad I've got lots of sawdust.

Then got the headlights off, it sure looks bare.

Over lunch I ordered a transmission from JEGS. The fluid was pretty burned and I don't want to take the time to rebuild this one. I'll do that when I put it in something else. If that day ever comes.

Then the cowl, condenser, and radiator finally gave up.

I started unhooking the engine and am surprised at the quality stuff on it. The A/C and generator mounts are all nice billet pieces. I've never bought stuff like that.

My sister-in-law lost her little dog Tinker after 17 years. A Dachshund. She is fixing dinner for us tomorrow so late in the day I made a pattern to cast tomorrow morning.

Just a knick knack but I hope she likes it.

Thanks for stopping in!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy There is a little bit of piece of mind ordering a new transmission.

With an engine like that I dare say its had a work out over its life time.

 

[Vieux]

While I was on vacation Andy had a lot of interesting things

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy There is a little bit of piece of mind ordering a new transmission.

With an engine like that I dare say its had a work out over its life time.

I've never been one to just buy new, but I do think it's the best course in this instance. Thanks for the support (as my conscience tells me I'm a fool).

It also shortens the time the car is down, and since there was no return of the used unit, I can rebuild it for another vehicle or perhaps MELT THE CASE!!!

While I was on vacation Andy had a lot of interesting things

I've enjoyed your vacation, friend. Time for another vacation!!!

 

[jblnut]

Andy, those are some really nice looking calves !!

How many head of cattle do you have wandering around these days ??

 

[bolensboneyard]

Andy, those are some really nice looking calves !!

How many head of cattle do you have wandering around these days ??

Ditto. Sure do miss mine.

 

[Grizz1963]

Loving the Tinker tribute.

Nice work.

 

[tym]

Andy, nice to see the work on the purple rod! Old car problems always seem to multiply. My dad's Camaro (MadMaxmaro) was having a miss at a car show. Wound up replacing all the spark plug wires with new ones (red, of course) to fix the ignition problem. But now there's a valve tick. There's always something. Just have to make peace with the uncertainty.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, those are some really nice looking calves !!

How many head of cattle do you have wandering around these days ??

Thanks! I was just lamenting how they don't look as good in the picture. I'll try to get a good shot of them. Seems like the cows are doing well and the gimpy bull has good genetics to boot.

21 momma cows on my quarter. And my bull and a visitor. I think I've got four or five little ones in the pasture but I won't know until I start feeding them and their mommas come in every day. They're shy right now.

Ditto. Sure do miss mine.

I've been thinking about selling out. But I think I'd miss them. Especially on days when the wet turned to ice and there's a 1/4" of ice over 6" of mud in the cow lot and you have to break gates open in the sharp wind and you slip and fall into the mud and it freezes on you. Yeah, I'd miss that. I'd also miss that corn smell when they burp, I would really miss that.

Loving the Tinker tribute.

Nice work.

Thanks, Rian!

The tail didn't fill, but I think she liked it anyway.

Of course the pattern was cut in a hurry, freehand, so the T is skinny and the e didn't come out right, but hey, it's art.

When I poured it I wound up overfilling the crucible, relying on the amazing surface tension of liquid aluminum.

The liquid is about 3/16" above the crucible rim. Didn't spill any though.

Andy, nice to see the work on the purple rod! Old car problems always seem to multiply. My dad's Camaro (MadMaxmaro) was having a miss at a car show. Wound up replacing all the spark plug wires with new ones (red, of course) to fix the ignition problem. But now there's a valve tick. There's always something. Just have to make peace with the uncertainty.

I don't want this to be a years long project. But the spark plugs don't look good, one wet one. Maybe the intake valve was open and the accelerator pump pushed some in after it was killed. I hope. Since I'll have the engine out it's tempting to check the compression and the rod clearances. And then there's no stopping, might as well order a crate engine.

I don't have to have things perfect but I don't want it coming back in a year either.

Thanks for the visits, guys. The real reason I pulled the engine was to fix frame cracks. I'm having fun, and got a casting fix this morning. We're having cool mornings and it's hard to not go light the furnace.

 

[dchance]

Andy it looks like you are doing a fine job in getting the car apart. Now you just have to put it together again. With all of the vehicles you can surely find a use for the old transmission.

Dwight

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy you guys have had a top day.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Thanks! I was just lamenting how they don't look as good in the picture. I'll try to get a good shot of them. Seems like the cows are doing well and the gimpy bull has good genetics to boot.

21 momma cows on my quarter. And my bull and a visitor. I think I've got four or five little ones in the pasture but I won't know until I start feeding them and their mommas come in every day. They're shy right now.



I've been thinking about selling out. But I think I'd miss them. Especially on days when the wet turned to ice and there's a 1/4" of ice over 6" of mud in the cow lot and you have to break gates open in the sharp wind and you slip and fall into the mud and it freezes on you. Yeah, I'd miss that. I'd also miss that corn smell when they burp, I would really miss that.



Thanks, Rian!

The tail didn't fill, but I think she liked it anyway.

Of course the pattern was cut in a hurry, freehand, so the T is skinny and the e didn't come out right, but hey, it's art.

When I poured it I wound up overfilling the crucible, relying on the amazing surface tension of liquid aluminum.

The liquid is about 3/16" above the crucible rim. Didn't spill any though.



I don't want this to be a years long project. But the spark plugs don't look good, one wet one. Maybe the intake valve was open and the accelerator pump pushed some in after it was killed. I hope. Since I'll have the engine out it's tempting to check the compression and the rod clearances. And then there's no stopping, might as well order a crate engine.

I don't have to have things perfect but I don't want it coming back in a year either.

Thanks for the visits, guys. The real reason I pulled the engine was to fix frame cracks. I'm having fun, and got a casting fix this morning. We're having cool mornings and it's hard to not go light the furnace.

Andy you are such a romantic!

 

[drivesitfar]

BB: I was going to say the same thing and wondering if maybe Andy is making up for a past life when he wasn't such a nice guy. or just maybe Andy has always been this thoughtful!!

i've been looking at CNN & WEATHER CHANNEL watching Florence and hope you can somehow stay out of HARM'S WAY. GOD BLESS YOU and GINNY and hope you just get a little wet.

ANDY: that is a very nice thought and project making your friend a memory with that TINKER casting. WELL DONE!!

best of luck with the HOT ROD rebuild that looks like it's going FULL SPEED AHEAD.

enjoy your SATURDAY as I will today!!

 

[jbmatth]

Neat little trinket to remember a loved one with. I feel you on the snowball effect of working on anything but cars especially. If you don't have the money/energy to completely rebuild everything on the vehicle it can just get pushed to the side and you'll get to it later. Or another approach that has served me well is "Don't get it right just get it running and drive it." That is why I'm constantly working on my vehicles I guess.

JB

 

[jimreed2160]

Andy, I can hear the scope creep afterburners kick in on that purple car. It looks like an old girlfriend of mine--pretty on the outside but a hot mess inside. Good luck with the rebuild(s).