Above 1200 Sq/FT Ernie's Place

[MNMike]

Great work area.....

I'll trade you a MN License plate for a AZ plate..

Mike

 

[Crown]

Nice score! search youtube for connecting dial phones to a new phone socket and you'll find quite a few useful vids how to do so.
Good luck!

 

[AK_mopar]

I didn't see an Alaska plate on your wall

PM me and I'll send one

 

[Finallygotit]

Subscribed!

 

[west_perf]

Great projects - Looks like you need a plate from the sunshine state. I'm always happy to send some good vibes from Florida, and will send you a plate if you send an address.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Someone more savvy than me could probably convert that phone from rotary to pulse dialing...but you'll have to ask for volunteers. Lots of old telco guys out there. I don't collect license plates, but if you need one from Kansas, I can help.

Kansas is already up there, but I really appreciate the offer! Thanks for stopping by!

Great work area.....

I'll trade you a MN License plate for a AZ plate..

Mike

Deal! PM sent!

Nice score! search youtube for connecting dial phones to a new phone socket and you'll find quite a few useful vids how to do so.
Good luck!

I took your advice and did a little surfing on the web, there are quite a few hits on the subject. I’ll have to see if that line is working before I add it to the “to-do” list!

I didn't see an Alaska plate on your wall

PM me and I'll send one

Nope, no Alaska yet. PM sent, thank you!!

Subscribed!

Thanks for stopping in!

Great projects - Looks like you need a plate from the sunshine state. I'm always happy to send some good vibes from Florida, and will send you a plate if you send an address.

I think Florida is a recent addition not yet pictured. I’ll double-check and let you know for sure. Regardless…thank you, and good vibes are always definitely appreciated!

 

[turbowoodworker]

Subb'd!
Great pictures all around.
Was that Gunsite training?

 

[MNMike]

StormCrowAZ,

Received your plate yesterday, thank you!!!

I dropped yours in the mail Saturday, they say you should have it today.

Mike

 

[StormcrowAz]

Subb'd!
Great pictures all around.
Was that Gunsite training?

Thanks!! It’s actually Front Sight, just outside of Vegas/Pahrump. I’ve attended several classes now and it’s been a really good experience for me.

StormCrowAZ,

Received your plate yesterday, thank you!!!

I dropped yours in the mail Saturday, they say you should have it today.

Mike

Glad it made the trip safely. Got your plate in the mail last night, thank you in return!



Not much new for pictures, but did manage to get a little hood-time in with the new tig welder. Need to pick up some more scrap aluminum – practice, practice, practice... Also got tired of draping the torch over the vise or edge of the table, so bent up this old flat wrench, cut a notch in it, and threw a hard-drive magnet under it. Not very pretty, but marginally functional and should keep it out of the way for now.

 

[madoc1]

well good to see you back. what is the status report on the packard? i really love the pic from google in shiny black. did you get it running?

jim

 

[StormcrowAz]

well good to see you back. what is the status report on the packard? i really love the pic from google in shiny black. did you get it running?

jim

Hello Jim, the Packard is a very loooonnnng term project. I want to build the Scout first and that by itself is a ways out. I really need to get my a$$ in gear and stay motivated.


That being said, I pulled the Tacoma into the shop and started tearing into it. It’s been at least 5 years since the clutch on the A/C compressor gave up the ghost and I’ve just been living with the heat during the summer. When it gets to 120° here it’s hot. Even being an Arizona native and acclimated to heat, that’s still hot. So it would be nice to have some cool air in my daily driver. I replaced the compressor a month or so ago, but had some troubles with it pulling the refrigerant back into the system, and after reading up on it a bit I’m thinking it might be the expansion valve. So for an extra $200 or so I figured I might as well just replace the rest of the components as well.


Started with the condenser and dryer replacement


New versus old. The original was probably ok and just a bit dirty…but I like knowing it’s now new.


Removed and replaced


On a side note – I am really liking this new (to me) tool cart. I split off a set of tools and keep them here so I have a point-of-use source for working on vehicles. It’s nice to not have to keep walking back and forth to the peg-board and main boxes.

 

[j p smith]

Good to see you back, welding table looks good!
Heading up to Prescott to look at a Troy Rototiller tomorrow(our old Troy Pony died), when I get back I will be going through some extra signs I have. I will keep you in mind and send some pictures.

 

[rattle_snake]

Just found this and read through... Looks like you keep busy with plenty of projects. I may or may not have stole some ideas. Nice shop.

 

[jarhead]

I just found Ernie's place and have enjoyed every minute of it! You are quite talented.

Very cool to see the whole family out there!

 

[StormcrowAz]

Good to see you back, welding table looks good!
Heading up to Prescott to look at a Troy Rototiller tomorrow(our old Troy Pony died), when I get back I will be going through some extra signs I have. I will keep you in mind and send some pictures.

Jeff – Good to hear from you and thanks for keeping me in mind!

Just found this and read through... Looks like you keep busy with plenty of projects. I may or may not have stole some ideas. Nice shop.

Justin – Thanks for stopping in! You’ve got a really nice set-up going and looks like you’ve been pretty busy as well.

I just found Ernie's place and have enjoyed every minute of it! You are quite talented.
Very cool to see the whole family out there!

Jarhead – Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it! I think I’ve said it before, but in looking at some of what the other guys here are doing I still feel I rank somewhere in the novice category. A lot of forum reading, YouTube, and borrowing ideas with maybe a tweak or two here and there to make it my own seems to be my modus operandi.



Fairly busy weekend but managed to get a few hours of shop-time in. Continued with the A/C replacement on the Tacoma, pulling the evaporator out from under the dash. Went pretty smooth, which is kind of scary. Here’s the glovebox removed and the evaporator assembly pulled out.


Threw it on the tailgate for disassembly


Debris finds its way in somehow


Re-assembly was pretty easy as well. Something is bound to explode at some point, I’m sure. Still need to get a specific A/C line clamp from the dealer, so wasn’t able to finish with vacuuming the system and adding the refrigerant. Hopefully sometime this week.


While I was at it, I replaced the front turn signal lights.


I can live with old and faded, but not with holes in the lenses.


Shiny new

 

[madoc1]

good work. i don't think i could do the evap work. too hard for me to get under the dash. now with new head lights you will have a new truck. i have a friend who just replaced his on his 94 f250 and wow what a difference.

jim

 

[west_perf]

was the evaporator leaking? I replaced one years ago but it was in the engine compartment (chevy truck). Would not do one under the dash.

 

[StormcrowAz]

A new month, May already and how time flies. I still miss the pin-up thread, so just going to put this here, hope nobody minds.

good work. i don't think i could do the evap work. too hard for me to get under the dash. now with new head lights you will have a new truck. i have a friend who just replaced his on his 94 f250 and wow what a difference.


jim

Thanks! While creeping up there in age, I’m fortunate to still be somewhat limber. The under-dash work on this truck wasn’t too bad.

was the evaporator leaking? I replaced one years ago but it was in the engine compartment (chevy truck). Would not do one under the dash.

No, it was probably just fine but since I was already into the project I figured I might as well put all new stuff in there. For my peace of mind.

So I was able to vacuum down the system and it took the first can of R134 (system requires 21 ounces, so I got two 12 ounce cans) and when attaching the second can it wouldn’t take it. As soon as I opened up the valve the needled pegged out, but didn’t draw any into the system. Seemed like it was pressurizing the gauge lines, but not going past the Schrader valve into the vehicle A/C lines. So after tinkering with it for a bit and then sleeping on it, I decided to get a new set of gauges. The ones I had were an older set borrowed from a friend. Turns out that was the ticket and it took the second can with no problems. It’s been over a couple weeks now that the truck has cold air without complications. Yay!



Now onto other things. Have managed to get a few small things done, the next being a continuation of sorts. We have a set of French doors leading to the back yard, but didn’t have any screen doors. I really like leaving the doors open when it’s nice outside, but definitely wanted to keep the bugs out. Pricing out screen doors that would fit turned out to be incredibly expensive. Even the flimsy single doors cost $60 each at Home Depot, which I felt wouldn’t hold up well to the six dogs we have. That was also a consideration, if we wanted the dogs to have in/out access, the screen doors would need a doggy door as well. Which means custom. Which means even more $$$.

My solution was to just buy, and install, 2 security screen doors. I cut a hole in the one, built a small frame out of 1” tubing and welded it in. Purchased another doggy flap and installed it into the new framework. Capped the doorknob and deadbolt holes with some sheet stock cut into circles and then welded railroad spikes to the door as push/pull handles.

Heavy-duty screen doors:


To keep them in place I picked up a couple of these spring-loaded ball detent thingies, which worked well.


But occastionally one of the dogs ends up knocking the screen door loose, so thought I’d put a slide-bolt up there to keep it in place. I installed the metal strike plate/hole, but realized there was a pretty good offset between the screen door and that hole where the bolt goes. That was about two years ago (time flies, remember?)

So here’s where the “garage” content comes into play – I used the new tig welder for its first practical purpose job. Cut some half-inch tube and a new backing plate and welded the slide-bolt to it.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Not the prettiest, but I’m still practicing. Certainly won’t be welding on critically-stressed components any time soon, but it should hold up to the intended function. I pre-drilled the plate for mounting holes and promptly welded the assembly on upside-down. Fortunately there was room to drill more. As my brother in-law said – it’s now a “universal-fit” item. A little grinding and paint goes a ways towards it looking half-way decent



Installed


Locked in place



Added a couple more to the wall:



Oh and speaking of continuations – rolled this back into the shop


Time to actually swap this in


In place of this



The axle-swap is next on the big-project list, hopefully no emergencies come up and I can get this done soon!

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice, which engine in the scout?

 

[StormcrowAz]

Nice, which engine in the scout?

A very tired 4 cylinder, I think it's the 152. With a good wind at your back you can go from zero to fifty in about two miles or so.




Removed the front end this weekend:



Painted the replacement upgrade:



Evidently I got the wrong size u-bolts for the new axle, yay. The tube diameter is about 2.5” and bolts are for a 3”, most likely for a D44 instead of the D30 which is what I think I have. Still need to relocate the spring perches on the frame to accommodate the slightly narrower Scout 2 configuration. Also need to figure out how I want to connect the steering.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Made a little progress on the front end, went down and had a couple of u-bolts bent up at a local spring shop.


Got side-tracked and fixed this cooler. Took it camping a couple weeks ago and the cheap hinges gave out.


Scrounged up some suitable material and made replacements.




This happen on another ice chest a while back and at the time had just retired an old pair of work boots, so was able to cut some good leather out of them and that’s been working great for some time now. Not sure how long these little plastic pieces will hold up.


Doing a little more tig practice. Still nowhere near looking professional, but feeling better about it.

 

[rattle_snake]

What's the long term plan for the scout? Is the D30 just for the disc brakes, or are you going to do lift/tire/v8, etc?

 

[StormcrowAz]

What's the long term plan for the scout? Is the D30 just for the disc brakes, or are you going to do lift/tire/v8, etc?

The ‘67 is on the current to-do list (as opposed to the "I'll get to it one of these days" list, or the "I'd better do it now before she gets mad" list) because my friend that sold it to me several years back is in a better place financially and is looking to take it back. That was what I promised him when he sold it to me in the first place, as he was in need of some cash at the time. No skin off my nose, I have plenty of other projects that need attention and glad to see this one going back to its original home. But to answer your question, the original axles were D27's with closed knuckles and drum brakes. The newer D30 has discs and open knuckles which have a better turning radius. He's looking to put a small block Chevy of some variety in there. Kind of sad to see it go, but at the same time excited to be able to focus on my Scout, which is the '64. That I want to put a non-computerized 4bt with an NV4500 behind it. Good torque, decent gas mileage and durability/reliability has appeal to me here. Dual triangulated four link in the rear and 3 link up front for the suspension. Leaf springs would probably be simpler, but think the newer (in comparison) linked tech will be fun to retrofit. Still not sure if I want to run 31's or maybe go up to 33's. Not anticipating any hard-core rock crawling, but would like to do some fun trails and off-road adventure cruising.


So…here’s my latest idea. Please excuse the crude 3d modeling - similar to welding, I have the tools but still haven’t had the time, experience, or any formal education to be completely proficient with it. It does let me kick around some ideas virtually and get the point across, which is good enough for now. Anyways, since I do have this new tig welder I’m thinking of making a dedicated cart for it. Hooks for cable management, something to hang the hood and foot pedal on, tubes for filler rod, drawer (not shown here) for consumables, tank will be super-secured, and table surface up top for small/quick jobs.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Another month in the books.



Slow but steady progress on the Scout front end replacement. Larger diameter axle tubes = bigger u-bolts = different hole spacing on the u-bolt plates. I suppose buying new ones would be easier, but weld wire is relatively cheap and my time is mine to give. So I welded up the holes and re-drilled the correct pattern.

The shop supervisor making sure everything is going according to plan:



Also cut this little piece out of 3/16 material, it’s about 3” in diameter. A local band adopted this as their symbol and we go down to Mexico a couple/few times a year to see them in concert. This past January the band posted on-line about stopping by a specific mile marker after the border and checking for some souvenirs they had left there. We saw this, stopped there, and picked up some small trinket which my buddy kept. We didn’t have anything to leave in return except beer, so felt kind of bad. So I figured I’d pay it forward this time and hope whoever discovers this appreciates it.

 

[madoc1]

good move todd.

jim

 

[StormcrowAz]

It’s been a while. The Great PhotoBucket Crash of 2017 is kind of a bummer. Fortunately I keep all my data on external hard drives, so not losing anything except for the time invested in uploading/linking all of those pictures. I’m trying out Flickr now, we’ll see how that goes. I might try and edit all the old stuff so it’s visible again. Seems like a daunting task.

Anyways, managed to survive another hot summer and weather is back to being tolerable again, even downright nice right now. I finished up the front end swap in the ’67 Scout which wasn’t too bad. Also been putting the lift to good use, both for myself and friends. Oil changes, minor repairs, and installed a back-up camera on my dad’s truck. Nice not to have to crawl around on the ground to run wiring along the frame. Lots of other miscellaneous stuff – let’s see how Flickr stacks up…

Had an old water fountain that doubled as a dog waterer. Hooked it up with a swamp cooler float to keep it full. It’s lasted several years but it’s finally starting to fall apart.
20170625_123203

Got a larger fountain and built a little float support mechanism to fit inside.
20170625_122803

20170626_174226

Helped a friend build a set of gates for his side yard.
20170709_072900

He’s works for the fire department, so cut out a couple little axes from sheet stock to add a personal touch.
20170720_183015

Turned out pretty nice
2017072395125448

 

[StormcrowAz]

My neighbor’s wooden hay-net stand thingy (she has horses) started falling apart so made her a new one to last.
20170730_083154

A little off-topic, but it did require the use of tools – I took a couple of armorer’s courses for the AR-15 and 1911 platforms. Really enjoyed those classes.
20170807_114623

My 2004 Tacoma started popping out of gear in 1st, 3rd, and 5th gear. Did a bunch of reading and started with the easiest and cheapest fix. Evidently there’s a bushing/seal and cap that commonly wears out that could cause that problem. Pulled the gear shifter out from inside the cab and sure enough, toast.

The white plastic cap is supposed to stay on the end of the ball, not slip over like that.
20170909_053318

Here’s a side-by-side comparison. The only thing left of the bushing/seal is the sealing ring itself. The bushing deteriorated and was completely gone.
20170909_060322

Re-installed and she’s shifting again.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Thought it would be fun to make a copy of Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer). I wanted it to be pretty solid, so started with a “full-tang” concept.
20171010_183733

Cut up some plate. Each side of the hammer is two pieces of 1/8” plate plug welded together. It’s what I had laying around.
20171012_171556

20171022_115339

20171023_182143

20171024_171608

Welds blended down
20171024_183111

 

[StormcrowAz]

Cut another small section of larger pipe and welded it to the end of the handle. Spaced it out and added a piece of ½” stock to the top of that to create a place for the leather strap/handle to pass through.
20171026_174219

Scribed the runes on the top of the hammer
20171031_162224

I tried doing the fancy scroll-work on the handle end and looks like a 2 year-old did it. May re-think adding any more to the sides like the movie prop has.

Added leather to the handle.
20171104_093110


I saw someone else do this here on GJ, so had to try it for myself. Shortening the cords on the grinders so they don’t get tangled up. So far it’s working out fantastic. I very rarely use them without an extension cord anyways, but they ALWAYS used to end up getting tangled up.
20171104_111110

20171104_110128 by TODD W, on Flickr

 

[bj383ss]

Hi Todd,

Just read through your whole thread. Used Firefox with the plug in so I could see you images. I vaguely remember seeing your thread when you first posted but for some reason I have missed everything in between. Really like your shop size and your property layout.

I wish I could use a swamp cooler in my garage would be so much cheaper. Growing up in Amarillo as a kid our house had one in the kitchen that blew across to the living room. That's where we all stayed during the summer months.

Really like all your projects and Thor's hammer came out great. I know it will be awhile but the Packard restoration ought to be interesting along with the straight 8. I know those sound amazing with split manifolds.

Look forward to your future projects and now I am sub'd.

Bret

 

[Bronson]

Hi Todd, I just found this thread and read the whole thing.
Bummer about the PB account thing.
I am amazed and impressed by the scope and quality of your projects!

 

[StormcrowAz]

Bret – thanks for stopping in! I look at that Packard nearly every day on the way out to the shop and think how neat it would be to cruise around in that thing. It’s just a matter of time and money…

Almost done with the TIG cart. I started out using the AHP to make the frame work, but ended up disconnecting everything for fit-up tests, so switched to the Miller. MIG is sooo much quicker, maybe because I’m so inexperienced with TIG. Looking forward to doing some aluminum and stainless work after a bit more practice.

Base framework
20170923_165907

I had to cut off and re-do the rear wheels twice.  First time I forgot to take into consideration the wheel off-set so it ended up smacking into the lowered bottle-holder. The second time I realized I had set the wheels to far inward and it wasn’t steering well.
20170928_185200

On the other set-ups I used 1” strap to hold the tank in place, which worked well. Thought I’d try out some chain, looks like that’s pretty common. Welded a link to one side ran a nut/bolt combo through the frame to tighten it up. Snugs up nice and tight with the impact.
20171007_104752

20171028_133600

A little paint
20171108_175126

20171108_175137

And that’s what I’ve got so far.

 

[slodat]

I dig the TIG cart! Nice work!

 

[tdcisco1]

Not sure what you sourced for the shifter seat and tip but marlin crawler makes some great replacement pieces also. Sadley have seen any people misdiagnose the pop out issue replacing the transmission when a few simple parts and 1 hr labor was all that was needed. its unreal how the shift seat crumbles to nothing !

 

[zmotorsports]

Nice job on the TIG cart, turned out awesome.

 

[rattle_snake]

Unfortunately for me your welding cart is much nicer than mine, so you ****.
It looks like you spent some quality time with a grinder.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Not sure what you sourced for the shifter seat and tip but marlin crawler makes some great replacement pieces also. Sadley have seen any people misdiagnose the pop out issue replacing the transmission when a few simple parts and 1 hr labor was all that was needed. its unreal how the shift seat crumbles to nothing !

I read about the Marlin Crawler parts, but wanted to get it back on the road ASAP so just picked up some Toyota replacements as they were in stock locally. I got 100,000 miles on the first set, if the replacements last half as long I’ll be happy. Definitely glad I found the easy fix, I was sweating over having to pull the whole thing out. I did change out the transmission (and transfer case, while I was at it) fluid. Wasn’t sure if the crumbled up seat would affect anything, but figured even if not new fluids couldn’t hurt.

I dig the TIG cart! Nice work!

Nice job on the TIG cart, turned out awesome.

Thank you! It’s still a work in progress but should be done pretty soon.

Unfortunately for me your welding cart is much nicer than mine, so you ****.
It looks like you spent some quality time with a grinder.

I’ll take the compliment, thanks! And yes, grinder time not only on this project but in general. I started out my aerospace career in hand-finishing, working on repaired APU components. I’m looking forward to the day when my weld skills have improved enough to where I don’t feel the need to blend it down!


Had a productive weekend in the shop. Started working on a drawer for the TIG cart. Did some cardboard drafting and transferred the pattern to a piece of sheet. Cut it out and went to bend the edges for strength and got pretty frustrated with the brake.
20171110_160905

Did this modification (found on Pirate 4x4)
20171111_143902

And also added a cross-tube on the base. Bolted together from the factory the feet were about 3-4 inches further apart at the bottom from where they bolt to the base of the brake. I think the flanges were bent or welded on crooked. Either way, it’s a bit more stable now.
20171111_151649

After the modification and fiddling with adjustments it worked a lot better.
20171112_085141

Unfortunately this brake doesn’t have any fingers so couldn’t really finish the other bends. (if there is a way, I don’t know how) So off to the second tool modification. I had picked up one of the Harbor Freight 20 ton presses a while back and had already added the air/hydraulic upgrade plus casters to help move it around. I also made my own little relief valve handle.
20171111_152416

 

[StormcrowAz]

The wife got me a Grizzly 6” vise brake and a small winch for the table. Cut up a small plate and welded it to the side for the winch to mount to, welded a couple pulleys up top and ran the cables. In case anyone is wondering…the Rustoleum “Flat Metallic Antique Nickel” is an almost exact paint match for this press. Unfortunately I forgot to get pictures of that. It’s pretty much a blatant copy of what “ndnchf” did to his (thank you!). Here’s an in-process shot of the set-up for the Grizzly fixturing.
20171112_105200


Once the press was squared away, the final two bends on the drawer went well
20171112_115321

After some frustrating trial and error (and bad math on my part) I got the slides attached.
20171112_142829

Off a little bit on the angle, but good enough for government work.
20171112_142842

A little paint to match the welder
20171112_153456

Will let it cure for a few days before putting the welder in its new home.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Oh, can't forget the girls and guns...

20171111_161541