dubber's single

[dubber]

FOR COLES NOTES TO THREAD PAGES SEE BELOW


Hello Everyone

Well first off i want to say how happy I am to have found this site. I frequent several car forums on a daily basis, with a special focus on euro cars. While cars have always been my focus, the vision of having an ultimate garage has always been an end goal of mine. My current set-up that I'm living in is a condo/garden home type unit with our own garage which was key in my decision to acquire this model. We started the process when i was 26 and we have been in it for about 4 years at this point. This is my first garage, along with my first home so it was a great step for me thus far. I don't have a lot of pics of the garage before the project started as i never intended to fix it up at all and i was more focused on my cars.

The winter has done wonders in giving me time for this project. Spring/Summer and fall i generally focus all my extra time on my dubs.

Here's an early pic before i got possession. The garage is 10' x 19'


I guess the first thing i attacked initially was installing a garage door opener with my father in law a couple years ago. Man was that a pain in the *** as there are 3 different ceiling heights in there and no wooden studs that we could tie into. Anyway lol...

This was my initial permanent set-up before finding this forum; functional and simple This site has influenced me tremendously with a ton of great ideas.






This was functional and lasted a couple of years. It also cost me next to nothing as everything was hand-me-downs.

I really wanted to clean up, get more light in there as well as organize it a little better. I can really relate to the members that I've read who also share the same trait of often sitting or standing in the garage and staring. Losing yourself in visions of possible efficiencies and style changes. It's a sickness...

Brief Coles notes of garage "milestones":

HUSKY PRODUCTS / ABOVE RAIL SHELF / TRIM PAINT------------PAGE 6
"FINISHED" PICS BEFORE RACE DECK-------------------------------PAGE 8
RACE DECK FREE FLOW INSTALLED----------------------------------PAGE 12
CRAFTSMAN CABINET / STOOLS-------------------------------------PAGE 14
WALL RE-ORG / TV-----------------------------------------------------PAGE 17
PICS WITH DUBS-------------------------------------------------------PAGE 18
UPDATED OVERALL GARAGE PICS------------------------------------PAGE 24
FULL PROJECT MODE PICS--------------------------------------------PAGE 47
RACE DECK CLEANING-------------------------------------------------PAGE 48
HOME LISTING PICS----------------------------------------------------PAGE 50
'dubber's double' FIRST PICS------------------------------------------PAGE 54
LINK TO 'dubber's double'----------------------------------------------PAGE 56

 

[dubber]

Since joining I've done a couple reorganization spurts along with installing some newer hand-me-down shelving. Also picked up a sweet little tool box for uber cheap. I should have been taking more pictures throughout but hindsight is what it is. Didn't think i would end up doing as much and then creating a thread. Initially i was just overjoyed with finding this site as its been a great reference center.

 

[dubber]

This past weekend i decided to start painting. I really want it to feel clean and open, and with it being so tight, that meant lots of light and white paint. Man oh man did the builders do a hack job with the drywall and mudding in there. I could have spent much more time in the prep process then i did but I'm happy with it thus far. Only ended up plugging some holes that i had made and some light sanding for the extra blobs of fill they had.

Here's a quick before and after shot. Took everything down from the wall and got to work.








My plan is to paint all the walls and then do the floor in the spring before i get my "Sunday Driver" in there permanently. My current thought for the floor is a slate grey using the Behr cement floor paint/epoxy.

 

[dubber]

Decided that i should shuffle the new tool box over a bit and move the jack over to the other side and change its orientation. Helps with removing, and loading things onto the shelves and the zen of the corner Also hung a pic of my baby.

 

[dubber]

Another project I've been working on this week is adding some lighting. I'm no electrician nor do i want to get some hard wiring done at this point so i was looking for some permanent plug in solutions. I found an awesome answer for my calling, a diamond plate 4' utility shop light. I installed it in darkest section, which is closest to the garage door. Since i have three ceiling heights and only one bulb, which is installed on the lowest and closest to the entrance to our place the back as a result is very dark.




http://www.homedepot.ca/product/4-diamond-plate-work-light/972629

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Aw man, a picture of a Mk. IV water-pumper So where's the car?

 

[dubber]

Haha, thats right eh, hadn't posted any with the queen (as i refer to her). Its a 2004.5 VW GLI which is technically the 20th anniversary of the GLI model.

Here's a few pics a buddy took before it went into storage for the winter.

 

[VWPORSCHEGT3]

Toby I agree..... i will go one step further... its not a VW unless it has a aircooled motor lol

 

[55cadillacking]

Man oh man did the builders to a hack job with the drywall and mudding in there.

Same here. It's frustrating how little care went into the craftsmanship and finishing of my garage. A LOT of time was spent by me fixing up builder shortcomings. I'm in the process of cleaning up drywall issues that I shouldn't have to worry about. Oh well, them's the breaks, I guess. Your place is coming along nicely. It is amazing what a coat of paint does to spruce up the appearance of a garage. Keep it up!

 

[dubber]

Not sure what's going on with my posts but i have a couple delayed as they need to be approved my moderators. Maybe because I'm new?

 

[Bluegiller_killer]

Never had that happen to me?

 

[dubber]

Ah, weird, working now...So i installed some lights as well this week. You know how it goes, start with one and then your adding several. Much happier now though.

Found these Diamond plate shop lights... Added one to the darkest back section of the garage as i have three different garage ceiling heights

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/4-diamond-plate-work-light/972629

 

[dubber]

Last night i picked up another of the same light to install at the front and i grabbed a new light for the single bulb which has a plug into it. This way i can tie the next light into the main bulb and both turn on when i hit the main light switch.



Compared to before i feel like i'm now a mad scientist in a lab. Love it.

Also picked up some caulking and started working on all the trim above the garage door. Big mess up there of unfinished odds and ends. This will be an ongoing portion of my project I forsee.

 

[dubber]

During the winter i have my daily in the garage, i love having more room to maneuver all around the car now with the recent reorganization.

My dog also likes to hang out with me..

 

[55cadillacking]

Also picked up some caulking and started working on all the trim above the garage door. Big mess up their of unfinished odds and ends. This will be an ongoing portion of my project.

I just completed the exact same project last weekend. Made a huge difference.

 

[HSpencer]

Loved your postings. Your doing a wonderful job on your garage. I would like to comment that the car photo over the top of your black tool box made a tremendous "open up" feeling when I was viewing the set of photos. Funny how a little glass with its reflections can open up a room. I used a 3'X5' mirror in my 10X20 tool room/office and it really went a long way in dropping the closed in feeling. Sort of like how your picture has done in yours.
I am very impressed with your arrangements of shelves and tool boxes.
For an illustration of what I am talking about, look at the photo of the black tool box without the picture above, and then the one with it above. To me, it really made the scene look bigger. Your shop is great. I can see that your in a nice area with all the beautiful fall colors, and your living in an upscale condo area with private garages. Those are hard to find here in the US, and if you do find one, they are rather pricey. Would it be too much trouble to see the other end of the house? I am interested in the patio area or balcony area. I will (sooner than later) have to relocate from my five acres and home and shop, and would be really interested in something with a condo and garage like you have. Thanks again for posting and I am going to look forward to other posts you make!
Cheers

 

[dubber]

@HSpenser, thanks for the kind words. Yes we love it, especially right now. Obviously i would prefer more room but the size, amenities and price made it perfect for our current situation. This way i could still have a toy! Its true though, especially in such a small space little changes/adjustments can make a substantial impact.

That last photo shoot was actually done just down the street from my place.

I'll try and find a pic of the outside front and i'll post it when i do.

 

[dubber]

I just completed the exact same project last weekend. Made a huge difference.

Yea its unsightly for sure. Going to be an ongoing project. I like what you have done to clean it up.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Last night i picked up another of the same light to install at the front and i grabbed a new light for the single bulb which has a plug into it. This way i can tie the next light into the main bulb and both turn on when i hit the main light switch.

Compared to before i feel like i'm now a mad scientist in a lab. Love it.

Also picked up some caulking and started working on all the trim above the garage door. Big mess up their of unfinished odds and ends. This will be an ongoing portion of my project.

What are those storage bag looking things on the wall? A link would be great! Looks like you might be using yours for the same thing but throwing all my used detailing microfiber cloths in one might be useful.

 

[dubber]

@ Mr. Roboto- Good eye those things are incredibly useful. They are extremely deceiving in their capacity. The one of the left has two large sleeping bags, two foam roll out pads, a smaller sleeping bag and a few other misc items just as a reference. They are made by Case Logic and i picked them up at a discount retailer a couple of years ago for $3.00 each. They must have been discontinued.

 

[dubber]

I haven't mentioned but my favorite part of the garage is my sticker bomb shoe box. This is an old wooden box i've had since i was a small kid and i decided to re-purpose it.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Wow - that is a lot in those bags. And for 3 bucks a piece, what a steal! I will have to keep my eye out for something similar, thanks.

 

[SD_R/T]

Very cool little garage. Looking forward to seeing this thing progress.

 

[dubber]

Having a garage has definitely been useful for a variety of reasons, first year with the GLI i was able to store it, which was the first time i was able to do so. Luckily the years since I've had a buddy with a big garage and a thirst for beer as a trade

Also allowed me to tackle some small projects and modifications in house.






One thing I'll have to consider now is I've lost some useable surface space since my last reorg. Have to give it some thought as there are a lot of restraints I'm working with.

 

[HSpencer]

We better watch out. These single car guys are eating our lunch!! Makes me wish I had one.

LESS, is the new MORE!

 

[dubber]

Back from a little Cayman vacation and decided to chip away a little more at the garage. I painted the other primary wall and the back wall that was hidden by the shelves. Love it.

 

[dubber]

Its funny since adding all the lights in the garage it makes the other rooms in my house seem dark or that i have some bulbs that are burnt out. I really notice leaving the garage into the laundry room.

 

[e30bradley]

your going to find out that allot of people here don't like water cooled vws.. what have you done to your ride?

 

[dubber]

your going to find out that allot of people here don't like water cooled vws.. what have you done to your ride?

Haha, is that right, oh well to each their own. The black mk6 is a daily and pretty stock minus some esthetic tweaks.

My garage queen is a special edition mk4 GLI which came with Recaro sport seats, full OEM body kit, Audi TT brakes, and pedals, full aluminum interior trim, sport suspension (upgraded now), sport exhaust (upgraded now) 18" BBS RC wheels, and most other options available for a Jetta of the year. Its the 1.8T with 6-speed manual. Stock with 180HP but I've since added the Giac X+ chip, Bailey Diverter Valve, Carbonio Cold air intake, 3" 42DD Down pipe, and full 3" turbo back exhaust system. Put in ST Coils with spacers this past summer as well as several small cosmetic changes.

 

[dubber]

Got some garage art up on the wall. Been wanting one of these for awhile and this just arrived last night. Love it!

 

[UN4GTBL]

Great start!

It's amazing how even white paint can make a garage look so much better!

Nice to see another Ontario & Single Car Garage member

 

[dubber]

Thanks, yea not much to work with at this point, just trying to make it as nice as possible while I'm here.

 

[steam_mill]

As a canadian, single car garage guy, I enjoyed looking at your garage.

Here's mine:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99061

Now, I'm really curious about your beagle!

I'm a beagle lover. Wrinkles was my best friend for 14 years. He passed almost 13 year ago and I still miss him.

Tell us about your beagle!

 

[e30bradley]

Haha, is that right, oh well to each their own. The black mk6 is a daily and pretty stock minus some esthetic tweaks.

My garage queen is a special edition mk4 GLI which came with Recaro sport seats, full OEM body kit, Audi TT brakes, and pedals, full aluminum interior trim, sport suspension (upgraded now), sport exhaust (upgraded now) 18" BBS RC wheels, and most other options available for a Jetta of the year. Its the 1.8T with 6-speed manual. Stock with 180HP but I've since added the Giac X+ chip, Bailey Diverter Valve, Carbonio Cold air intake, 3" 42DD Down pipe, and full 3" turbo back exhaust system. Put in ST Coils with spacers this past summer as well as several small cosmetic changes.

sounds good. I'm more into the older v dubs but I can appreciate any nice car. Check out the build I have going on. mk2 jetta, link is in my signature.

 

[dubber]

HAha, yea she's a real cutie, the apple of my wife's eye lol... Sasha is 4 years old and we have had her for about 4 years now. We rescued her when she was 6 months old and she has been great ever since. She definitely is true to the breed but particularly with snuggling, contact, and needing to be super comfortable. She loves changing the bed sheet day as well.

 

[dubber]

sounds good. I'm more into the older v dubs but I can appreciate any nice car. Check out the build I have going on. mk2 jetta, link is in my signature.

Sweet. An mk2 Jetta is what first got me into Euro cars, and especially VW's. I had an 88 Silver Slalom edition which was a real beaut and it was a family hand me down. From there i went to a mk3 GTI Vr6, mk4 jetta, MINI Cooper, mk5 Jetta, B5 A4 2.8, mk6 Golf and my mk4 GLI.

I'm looking forward to seeing your results with your build.

 

[e30bradley]

Sweet. An mk2 Jetta is what first got me into Euro cars, and especially VW's. I had an 88 Silver Slalom edition which was a real beaut and it was a family hand me down. From there i went to a mk3 GTI Vr6, mk4 jetta, MINI Cooper, mk5 Jetta, B5 A4 2.8, mk6 Golf and my mk4 GLI.

I'm looking forward to seeing your results with your build.

I've never heard of that nor your special mk4.. I'll have to look it up. It won't be finished for years due to a lack of money I had a 97 jetta gt that I wrecked then this mk2.

 

[steam_mill]

HAha, yea she's a real cutie, the apple of my wife's eye lol... Sasha is 4 years old and we have had her for about 4 years now. We rescued her when she was 6 months old and she has been great ever since. She definitely is true to the breed but particularly with snuggling, contact, and needing to be super comfortable. She loves changing the bed sheet day as well.

My beagle was bottle raised by me from the age of 2 weeks. I was mom LOL. Was your typical beagle and always got into all kinds of trouble!

He was a wonderful dog. When my wife married me, I came with a beagle.

We now have Max, he's almost 13 and he's a spaniel/poodle cross. He's an amazing dog too, but doesn't have the inquisitive, get into trouble personality of a beagle!

Sasha is beautiful!

 

[dubber]

I've never heard of that nor your special mk4.. I'll have to look it up. It won't be finished for years due to a lack of money I had a 97 jetta gt that I wrecked then this mk2.

Here are some pics of the brochures.

 

[dubber]

My beagle was bottle raised by me from the age of 2 weeks. I was mom LOL. Was your typical beagle and always got into all kinds of trouble!

He was a wonderful dog. When my wife married me, I came with a beagle.

We now have Max, he's almost 13 and he's a spaniel/poodle cross. He's an amazing dog too, but doesn't have the inquisitive, get into trouble personality of a beagle!

Sasha is beautiful!

OMG i wish we would have had her since young. They are unbelievably cute when they are puppies. Good for you as I'm sure that was a handful.