Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Denver MCM garage expansion

[smschriefer]

Since you are doing it in an MCM style the simple answer is a strip of aluminum cove trim. It would be period correct and hide the seam. https://eagle-aluminum.com/retro-trim-nostalgic-50s/

For the outlet cover I think I'd try and make one out of formica that fills the entire void and use magnets to hold it in place. The cover and outlets would then be flush with the finished backsplash. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be slick.

Keep up the great work!

 

[TomGW]

Thanks for the encouragement!
Mark - Interesting stuff! I was planning on laminating the outlet cover plate with orange formica scrap. I picked up a plate that had squared edges which would be easier to glue and trim. You can see my crappy router job on the recessed rectangle better now that the plate is mounted.

Would it not be a simple fix to remove the orange laminate and cut a new piece to accurately fit the routed opening? It would overhang the edge of the rectangular outlet but that would still be inset within the opening. This would get rid of the gap.
Very nice workplace.

EDIT: I think I must have been browsing through the thread when the previous post was uploaded. Similar thoughts - apologies.

 

[kwyjibo]

I use the finishing washer and screw combo at work to help dress up installations that might otherwise just get slapped together with construction screws.

The difference is that I use stainless square drive screws (McMaster has them). The colors match, and if you're really OCD, you can clock the drive sockets...

I also tend to prefer the flanged finishing washers (again, McMaster). Adds just a little more detail.

The gold torx screws *work*, but they don't *look* right, IMO.

Anyways, awesome work.

Thanks for the tips. I was looking for flanged finish washers, never thought to look at McMaster. I gave up looking after visiting Woodcraft, Rockler, Ace and Home Depot (in that order) And, yes, I probably would clock the squares.

Since you are doing it in an MCM style the simple answer is a strip of aluminum cove trim. It would be period correct and hide the seam. https://eagle-aluminum.com/retro-trim-nostalgic-50s/

For the outlet cover I think I'd try and make one out of formica that fills the entire void and use magnets to hold it in place. The cover and outlets would then be flush with the finished backsplash. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be slick.

Keep up the great work!

Would it not be a simple fix to remove the orange laminate and cut a new piece to accurately fit the routed opening? It would overhang the edge of the rectangular outlet but that would still be inset within the opening. This would get rid of the gap.
Very nice workplace.

EDIT: I think I must have been browsing through the thread when the previous post was uploaded. Similar thoughts - apologies.

Cove trim! I didn't know this existed. Thanks Steve
I did track down colored caulk that according to the manufacturer is "close" to matching. I think it's worth the $25 gamble. If not it'll be Eagle cove trim to the rescue
I showed my wife the outlet. "It's good enough for the garage" I said that I would leave it alone but I have a feeling that after a few weeks of staring at it I will follow through with your suggestions to re-cover it and leave the right side overhanging to fill the space

The trim around the smaller window is now done. Working on the tops of the large windows now
Before and after:

 

[kwyjibo]

I had to wait for glue, primer and paint to dry so this update is later than I had hoped. But the garage is now done (ok, not really. But all the pieces are up and there's only smaller details to attend to).
All the window trim has scrap wood attached to the inner edge to cover the framing while keeping the trim as narrow/thin as possible

This is the corner where I spent the most time in the last week because it's where the bench backsplash and window trim intersect

Here's a view of the bench area. The trim above the large windows was the final project

 

[Trapps]

Just fantastic! Your craftsmanship, design and attention to detail has been so inspirational. Aside from the obvious P-Car tie in, the use of the Gulf colors, with visible baltic birch accents, really works to keep your space bright and airy.

Congrats!

I can't wait to get to a point where I can say my garage is done. It's been 3+ years and I feel about 70%.

 

[kwyjibo]

Thanks Trapps, but "done" didn't last long....

Because I can't leave well enough alone and I don't like waste, I decided to change a few things on the wall cabinets. I was not happy with the orange door in the last section, which you can see below. So I made use of some ply and laminate scraps to make a couple changes

I bought only enough blue laminate to complete the cabinets and I recently noticed that the color was discontinued. I didn't have a single piece of laminate that could cover the roughly 15"x15" door. But there are blue shelves that are larger than the door.... So I decided to sacrifice a shelf to re-make the door. In the above photo you can see that the cabinet door to the far left is over-closing because the shelf that acts as the door stop for the frameless cabinet had been removed.

The plan was to replace the orange door (top) with a new blue door by cutting down a blue shelf (middle). To replace the shelf, I needed to make a larger piece by glueing scraps together. Then it was covered with two laminate scraps. If you look carefully at the bottom piece in the photo, you can see the seam. I made another orange shelf in the same manner. I wasn't worried about the seams because the shelves sit about 7' up and the tops wouldn't be very visible.
Except for a guide that slipped when routering the finger cutouts for the handle, it was a quick and easy job.

Targa update. The cleaning and machining of the engine case is done. But the bad news is that a couple heads were not usable because of heavy corrosion of the valve seats.

 

[Arclitgold]

Sweet work on the cabinets.

Keep us updated on the p-car!


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[ducatithunder]

Targa update. The cleaning and machining of the engine case is done. But the bad news is that a couple heads were not usable because of heavy corrosion of the valve seats.

Interesting. Steel seats are replaceable and pressed into the aluminum head. Must have been some serious corrosion and water intrusion to make it unusable.

 

[kwyjibo]

Interesting. Steel seats are replaceable and pressed into the aluminum head. Must have been some serious corrosion and water intrusion to make it unusable.

exactly! My understanding from the previous owner was that he bought it as a non-running car that had seized motor. Water had got down a carburetor and a piston was frozen. I don't know how long the water was allowed to sit but there was corrosion and scaling inside the case, in two cylinders, their heads and that carburetor. The machine shop said that the seats couldn't be cleaned up without cutting into the chamber and that the cost of replacing the seats was greater than the value of T heads so I'd be better off finding a good set rather than pay them for reconditioning. I'll have my friend's shop take a close look at them when they get back before deciding what to do with them. But if the (highly regarded) machine shop suggests that it's not worth it for me to hire them, then I'm inclined to believe them

 

[kwyjibo]

I was in the middle of catching up on my GJ reading this morning when I got a text from a friend: it was a photo of a car. It was quickly followed by another text with the question "trip?" Intrigued, I asked for more info and before I knew it I was running out the door. We met up with a couple other guys and headed out to the foothills. A few hours of inspection and a test drive later, a deal was struck. He'll be driving his new '88 targa home next week when I should get a much better look at it

I guess all this is to say that I don't have an update for my projects

 

[Arclitgold]

Sweet ride!


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[Trapps]

Can't really say the air-cooled market has softened, but it appears to have stopped stratospheric acceleration. Can you share any more details and the price? Regardless, that looks like a very well cared for example!

 

[ducatithunder]

Targas are starting to appreciate as the coupes, as always are still astronomical. Same thing is happening with the 914s and 944s, 928s .. All the bastards, lol. I had a 73T targa back in the day. Not a fan of targas, but it was definitely a 4 season car. Crank the heat and pop the top. The coupes roof line was never quite captured with the targa. I sold it and bought a coupe. Sold is when 911 longhood targas and short hood G bodies were cheap. Turned it into a great start on a nice all steel true RSR replica.

Many cherished memories of last minute calls for road trips out of state to pick up a car and the priceless drives back.

 

[kwyjibo]

My friend hopes to pick up the car tomorrow, but it's looking like the paperwork and $ transfers won't be completed until midweek. He bought it in the mid-40s, which is ok when compared to other G50 transmission targas. I want to inspect it further because he was relying on my on-the-spot assessment and I'd feel very bad if I missed something.
ducatithunder - you know that you can't mention an RSR replica without posting photos!

Quick update on the targa project:
Front bumper is off

as is the pedal cluster

I plan to restore the cluster and the turnsignal housings

 

[Arclitgold]

Keep us updated on the p car!

Do you have a separate thread for it somewhere?


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[beewerks]

Beautiful targa! I recognized it from Lyons since I'm just up the road in Longmont. That dealer always has really cool cars. Loving your mid century build thread BTW.

 

[kwyjibo]

Keep us updated on the p car!

Do you have a separate thread for it somewhere?

No separate threads. I just need to remember to take and post more photos

Beautiful targa! I recognized it from Lyons since I'm just up the road in Longmont. That dealer always has really cool cars. Loving your mid century build thread BTW.

That is exactly the one. I think everyone (ok, at least half the people) going to RMNP/Estes Park passes by the building and thinks "was that a [insert vintage car name] for sale?!?" I have a friend who also grew up in Longmont and sold a couple cars through the place. So when another friend found the targa, we all had to make the drive over to see the rest of the inventory.

My targa update - took the pedal cluster apart. With it disassembled, I can see what hardware needs replating, repainting or replacing. I'll be doing the same for the parking brake/heater/hand throttle cluster next

 

[kwyjibo]

I tore down the parking brake handle. Of course the overly expensive bolt snapped, but the other metal components are all reusable.

After a couple hours with wire brush and scotch brite pads the parking brake handle housing is ready for paint (I really need to get a bench grinder with a wire wheel!).

 

[Arclitgold]

Nice work! I bet it feels good to start working on it!


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[smschriefer]

A bench grinder with a wire wheel selection is very nice. I would suggest a small media blast cabinet. I finally got one and have to say it is so relaxing to clean parts in just moments without small wires being slung in every direction. I'm still learning what media works best for me and how to keep the feed going constantly, but it is worth every hassle on how fast I can clean everything of rust and old paint.

 

[kwyjibo]

Nice work! I bet it feels good to start working on it!

It does! It's the first automotive project in the garage since completion. All the E30 and E12 work was done when the addition and the cabinets were being built so this really is the maiden project. I'm already looking forward to the day when I can move all the unnecessary stuff out to a shed and recover more work space.

A bench grinder with a wire wheel selection is very nice. I would suggest a small media blast cabinet. I finally got one and have to say it is so relaxing to clean parts in just moments without small wires being slung in every direction. I'm still learning what media works best for me and how to keep the feed going constantly, but it is worth every hassle on how fast I can clean everything of rust and old paint.

It just so happens that a friend of mine downsized houses and had a bench grinder taking up space. It's now mine. It needed a couple of minor repairs but it should be good enough for now. I picked up a wire wheel for it tonight so I'll give it a go tomorrow. I talked myself out of a blast cabinet for space, money and other reasons, but I have access to a couple at friends' shops (but they're on the other side of town) if the need arises.

The "new" red targa was picked up today. Despite yesterday's snow and today's 17 degree temperature, we got the car to my friend's house. Once up on the lift I spent another couple hours looking over every inch and no new issues were found.

 

[kwyjibo]

I forgot to add the photo for the last post.
Here is the now working bench grinder. I still need to find a buffing wheel for it.

Met up with some friends for take-out-to-the-parking-lot lunch today. the red targa made an appearance. This corner of the parking lot looked like a 30 year reunion for a high school cheersquad (um... just kidding guys)

Today was warm enough for me to open up the high-tech spray booth and get a coat down on the pedal cluster and brake handle parts

 

[Arclitgold]

Nothing better than free! Sweet grinder.


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[kwyjibo]

Nothing better than free! Sweet grinder.

I'm very happy with it. It makes cleaning parts much quicker and easier. And my fingers aren't sore afterwards

A few of us gather at our favorite bakery on Sunday mornings. The weather cooperated so there was a reasonable turnout

Today - a quick test fit of the pedal cluster while I wait for a few parts.

Right when I had the cluster assembled, I heard a car pull up outside. My friend just finished installing his new 123 ignition system and was out for a test drive

 

[Arclitgold]

Oh my! That 2002!!!


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[TahitianGreen]

The 2002 is something nice.

That CGT though :O

 

[Mpower5266]

Mother of god...that 02!!

 

[kwyjibo]

Between the anxiety when driving and the difficulties and costs of the unique parts, he's been thinking of selling the Turbo and using the money to build a hotrod E30

No updates for me today - it was 60 degrees today so I made an excuse to get the Carrera out for a short drive

 

[Arclitgold]

Good idea. Gotta take advantage of those warm Colorado winter days


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[kwyjibo]

Arcllitgold - I'm glad I got the car out when I did - it's been pretty cold ever since
I finally found the last of the hardware to re-assemble the brake handle assembly. I'll probably re-use the rubber boot but the red and black plastic knobs are too dry and cracked. These are now going to sit on a shelf until the car gets bolted back together.

I made a trip over to my friend's shop. Good trip, I learned how to align bore the crankcase journals in my case. The bad news is that my transmission had a sad story to tell.

Close up, in the lower right corner, you can see the broken bearings and the locknut that was removed and installed with a chisel. who decides to work on a transmission when they don't even have the right tools?

And the worst: the nose piece was cracked. This is the inner side where the wannabe mechanic tried to seal the crack with silicone sealer

 

[Arclitgold]

Sad news about the transmission! What’s the plan?


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[ODIS]

My friend hopes to pick up the car tomorrow, but it's looking like the paperwork and $ transfers won't be completed until midweek. He bought it in the mid-40s, which is ok when compared to other G50 transmission targas. I want to inspect it further because he was relying on my on-the-spot assessment and I'd feel very bad if I missed something.
ducatithunder - you know that you can't mention an RSR replica without posting photos!

Quick update on the targa project:
Front bumper is off

as is the pedal cluster

I plan to restore the cluster and the turnsignal housings

If possible, would like to compare notes on how you will restore the signal-light housing on your car. Have been doing some research on replacing the reflective coating on the housings. Would be great to get your input as well.

Greatly enjoy all that you share on your thread. Thank you!

 

[kwyjibo]

Sad news about the transmission! What’s the plan?

He had torn into it last week and already had most of the internal parts ordered and had tracked down a nose piece from his parts stash. He's waiting on a couple replacement gears now but thinks that it should be done by the end of next week. No real hurry on my end because it won't have a place to go for at least another year. I'm trying to coordinate with him so I can be there to learn how to assemble a transmission

If possible, would like to compare notes on how you will restore the signal-light housing on your car. Have been doing some research on replacing the reflective coating on the housings. Would be great to get your input as well.

Greatly enjoy all that you share on your thread. Thank you!

I've done some research into this and it seems that either mylar or foil duct tape is the way to go on the reflectors. There is a local guy that restores light housings (mostly BMW) that showed me some of his comparison tests. He uses mylar. I have a friend that has a set of LWB housings with him now. I was going to test them on my own when they're completed. I'll post some photos of my housings when (if?) I start on them but the question is how much of them are going to be reusable

a few targa teardown updates
The fan unit is out

this is where it used to sit

with the ventilation system out of the way, I had easy access to the backside of the dashboard. Which signals the start of the tedious and sometimes painful process (at least to me and my tired old fingers and eyes) of prying apart and labeling electrical connections.

4 of 5 gauges out - the speedo gave me some trouble because the trip odo reset knob was frozen. It's free now. I don't think that I will rebuild these myself so I'm looking into who is the current go-to for that service

Here's the overhead view at my midday break

 

[E12-535iTurbo]

It looks like an awsome daily getaway. Are you going rebuild everything before it goes in storage?

 

[ducatithunder]

If possible, would like to compare notes on how you will restore the signal-light housing on your car. Have been doing some research on replacing the reflective coating on the housings. Would be great to get your input as well.

Greatly enjoy all that you share on your thread. Thank you!

IF they are the pot metal version you can lightly blast them. Fill any holes ore cracks with a low temp brazing rod and have them chrome powdercoated. Those like like they are in pretty good shape. I just bought a set that was in fair condition and will have to restore them.

 

[Andrew S]

One of the top guys in the 928 world found this method for "re-mirroring" tail light housings, you might be able to connect with him?

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/1062079-brumos-928-a-13.html#post17165633

 

[Klokwerk]

...
4 of 5 gauges out - the speedo gave me some trouble because the trip odo reset knob was frozen. It's free now. I don't think that I will rebuild these myself so I'm looking into who is the current go-to for that service
...

Hi there, have you looked into these guys? seattlespeedometer.com

I'm planning to send my gauges to them when it's time to restore my dashboard.

 

[kwyjibo]

It looks like an awsome daily getaway. Are you going rebuild everything before it goes in storage?

I'll try to rebuild what I can for the experience and to save money. One thing that I've learned the hard way is that sources for parts and/or services often disappear when I need them. My hope is that when the time to reassemble comes I won't get stalled by a foreseeable NLA part. If I find now that a part isn't useable I'll have extra time to find a replacement.

IF they are the pot metal version you can lightly blast them. Fill any holes ore cracks with a low temp brazing rod and have them chrome powdercoated. Those like like they are in pretty good shape. I just bought a set that was in fair condition and will have to restore them.

One of the top guys in the 928 world found this method for "re-mirroring" tail light housings, you might be able to connect with him?

Thanks for the info, I'll look into these methods. Here's one of my turn signal housings. You can see that the pot metal has corroded away so I'm interested in the low temp brazing repair.

Hi there, have you looked into these guys? seattlespeedometer.com

I'm planning to send my gauges to them when it's time to restore my dashboard.

Thanks for the link! I have friends that have been unhappy with their experiences with the "usual suspects" of the speedometer world. There is a local place that has been suggested by another friend that I also need to check out

quick update from this afternoon - removed the wiper and heat control assemblies.

Just a few electrical connections left before the harness is out

 

[ducatithunder]

I have a 911 front signal that looked the same. If you can back it to hold the solder then you can build it up. Here is a process using muggy weld. Grind and sand it smooth to reshape it. IF you not good with a torch then you can also do it with epoxy.

https://www.muggyweld.com/video/replace-missing-pot-metal-piece/

 

[kwyjibo]

Thanks for that link, it's very informative. Like most of the country, it's freezing out so I'm spending my Saturday morning with quality internet time. I'm looking into the solder/powder coat approach to repairing the light housing - one thing that I haven't figured out: the powder coat bakes at 375-400 degrees which is above the melting temp of the solder. So mutually exclusive?
Does it boil down to repair with epoxy then powder coat vs. repair with solder then use other reflective surface treatment?
Any thoughts on these are appreciated