Above 1200 Sq/FT Harley Jim's place

[harley jim]

MikeyB, welcome to the chaos. That will be one bad truck when you get it there, I never say finished because they never are really done.
I have been sitting on the 64 for about 7 years, collecting parts and trying to get to its turn. I have a couple of house projects and a couple of small car projects to get done then I will be able to get back to the shop and start on it. I'm patiently excited to get back to my trucks.
I had a 58 Apache and a 95 Silverado that I was going to frame swap but life got in the way.

 

[harley jim]

I spent the day replacing a soft floor in the bedroom of the RV, it probably would have been ok but a single lady is interested in it and I ain't that way so it got real plywood, some loctite PL3X and a bunch of large head self tappers. The framework of the body is an all aluminum fully welded structure so it's a beast. I'll let it dry tonight and tomorrow we will put the carpet and bed back in and start cleaning. Once the RV is gone I will move the carport and arrange for the cabin to be delivered.
It's about to get busy around here!

 

[xtremek]

Sounds like a good time is about to be had at your place.

 

[harley jim]

It will be a time, that's for sure.

I forgot to mention, I was having trouble with the tig welder and asked Alex to stop by and give me a refresher so I could figure out what was going on, he came in and welded a strip of aluminum without changing any settings from where I had it, so I grabbed it and did the same, I dont know what happened I'm more confused now than I was before.
Alex Owen's a fab shop and welds aluminum almost every day, I get to weld a piece about once a year.
I may get a chance to weld the golf cart back together Sunday!

 

[xtremek]

So is it the pieces you're welding?

 

[harley jim]

I cut practice pieces from some stock I have, I plan on using that same stock for my frame brackets.
I haven't tig welded any aluminum since I left my job four years ago so I wanted to practice a bit and brush up on my skills. I couldn't get anything to flow or stick, at first I thought I may have grabbed a stainless filler rod but it was aluminum. Alex came in and laid three beads only adjustment he made was one click toward clean vs penetration, I picked it up and laid three right next to his with no problems. I even got out a new stainless brush. Guess I wasnt holding my mouth right!

 

[don long]

I've never tried welding aluminum before but I do have a machine set up for it!!!

 

[harley jim]

It's really not that hard, it is a lot like gas welding/brazing, the tig torch just melts the aluminum and you dab filler rod into the puddle. Now all of you pro welders.... I realize there is more to it like walking the cup and doing a preheat on the big stuff but basically it similar to brazing.

I have been doing a little more practicing, mainly because I have been ******* with the RV and want to get it off my plate. Then I wont feel rushed.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've rediscovered the spoolgun. It pours aluminum like a toothpaste tube. I haven't been able to break anything I've welded with it yet.

 

[harley jim]

We had a spool gun at work and I loved it. I checked into getting one, that is really what I would like to have...but 1400 bucks for a setup to fit my welder stopped me. I'm still on the hunt for a cheaper setup.

Going to finish the RV today, but first I have to take Kay to work and go to the pharmacy then to tractor supply for chicken feed.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Then head on down to HF. My Titanium 200, plus spoolgun was about $1K. Half the cost of a spoolgun for my big MIG. The spoolgun itself was about $200, and could easily have been adapted to most any welder, but I also wanted the suitcase welder as well.

 

[harley jim]

I had looked at one of those and thought it might work. I may go back and take some measurements of the business end. Really should be able to adapt it. Thanks for that Kay

 

[harley jim]

Made my rounds this morning, got home and had to make a trash run. Got almost everything done to the rv, I have to convert two cabinet doors from hinge mount to track mount, like a sliding barn door thing. I had to change the toilet when I bought it and its taller in the back so the doors wont swing. I have the track finished and the paint is drying tonight.

 

[xtremek]

Sounds like you're chipping away at it pretty good.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Sounds like things are moving along.

 

[harley jim]

That's what I'm doing just trying to get the list whittled down. I think all I have to do tomorrow is a piece of trim above the slide out.
I'm setting on the lawn mower right now typing this and watching the burn barrel.

It's a rough job but one that must be done.
Tomorrow Pat and Kay are going to take all of Kay's stuff out of the RV and put it in the storage shed and finish cleaning. I'm hoping for a little shop time, I would like to get the golf cart frame sorted out and get parts cut and dry fit for welding.

 

[rmack898]

That's what I'm doing just trying to get the list whittled down.

I've been whittling on my list the last week or two but the list grows faster than I can whittle.
You're making much better progress.

 

[harley jim]

Mac isn't that the truth, the harder we go the more that seems to get added to the list.

I did get the RV finished, it is still sitting on the blocks and I will put the tires back on when it sells, a possible buyer is coming Saturday.

 

[xtremek]

I've been partially successful at maintaining my moratorium on adding to the list. Active vehicle repairs can't be included in that moratorium. Good luck at your continued chipping.

 

[harley jim]

I agree, we have to maintain the fleet.
My objective is to knock out the house projects, you know the score, but others will think I am talking about a honey do list. Just to clarify Pat and I bought this house as a repo and it was in very bad shape, we have together rebuilt almost the entire property but I have a habit of acquiring projects to enhance the property. I have to finish what I have started but I need to quit adding to that list. Talk about scope creep, I got it bad.
The good news is that the RV buyer did in fact buy the RV, she dosnt have the equipment to move it so I agreed to move it to Athens, about 20 miles no big deal. One more big chip off the block.
My goal is to retire to my shop where I can watch tv, play the radio, and work on my trucks.

 

[Kevkx125]

Hey Jim good to hear that the RV sold, bet that will free up some space. When is the big/guest shed coming?

 

[harley jim]

Kev they called me a week or so ago wanting to set up a date to deliver it and I had to tell them I wasnt ready, it requires a permit to move so it will have to be a coordinated effort. Next week I will work on moving the carport and then I will be ready and they will set the date. I'm hoping by the end of March it will be here.

 

[Kevkx125]

Sounds good Jim. What will it take to move the carport?

 

[xtremek]

I so understand "scope creep". Wife gets ducks. Ducks need a duck house. Ducks have feeder in the yard. Feeder needs cover. Ducks like to swim, kiddie pool is too small, too hard to drain. Ducks need koi pond. Koi pond needs a drain. Ducks destroy EVERYTHING. Ducks need fenced in yard. But it's just a few ducks. Anyway, congrats on getting close to having one off the list. I think you and I have a similar plan/mindset. I hope it works out for you soon.

 

[harley jim]

We keep going Kirk and we will get there

 

[harley jim]

I decided to play in the shop today, I have really wanted to get the golf cart frame started.
I took a different direction today and sat the body back on and fit the frame sections in where I wanted them, I had to do some trimming but I got them to fit perfectly.

I marked out the center and cut it out to make it easier to get in there.

Now that's better. I will cut more later, the motor will be occupying most of that hole.
I do know where there is another bodie if I need it.

I made sure things were square and then started cutting pieces to fit.


Nip a little here and there.

I'm no pro tig welder but these will hold pleanty good.

Got them both on and they do line up with the body bolts.

Now I can sit and look at it until I decide the next move.
It felt good to get back in the shop today, tomorrow I promised Pat we would get the basement cieling done so she can put the sealer on it.

 

[Kevkx125]

Nice fab work on the cart project Jim!! can't wait to see pics of the finished ceiling and pat's finishing touch's !!

 

[Ford52PU]

thats some nice welds! love watching your projects.

 

[harley jim]

Thanks Kev, it should be done tomorrow I'll have some pics,

Ford52pu, I haven't touched a tig for about four years, there is a lot of coordination that I have lost but they are strong looking.
Thanks for watching.

 

[xtremek]

Sounds like you're hitting the right balance for yourself. I'm trying to catch you. Keep up the good work.

 

[shortykorte]

That cart needs to run alcohol

 

[harley jim]

Thanks Kirk!
Dose it count if the driver is alcohol injected Shorty?

 

[Jayman17]

HJ, like always you are getting things done. Is the golf cart just for using around your property or is there some other planned use?

Jay

 

[harley jim]

Jay, it will be mainly for visiting neighbors but every year for car show season I try to have a different contraption to take with me, I'm running very late this year as car show season starts in April. I may have to start the season with the speedy cart if I dont hurry up.

Last years car show ride. It is for sale!!!

 

[harley jim]

I did get the cieling finished in the basement.

Tomorrow I will pull the can lights out and start prepping for the poly on the cieling.

 

[xtremek]

Nicely done. I see the door still needs to be finished and some wiring. What else do you need to do to finish it up? Is it close?

 

[harley jim]

Next to the door will be a closet, the light switches will be in the wall closest to the door, the freeze proof will be in the other, the closet and entry area will get drywall. Some kind of crown molding.

The north wall is going to get studs and drywall and maybe wainscoting, that will be the easiest way to take care of the coal room door. We have vinyl plank flooring to put down. Then I will need to get the table and chairs over to Dalton so he can powder coat them.
As the say in Tennessee, all I like is finishing it.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

As the say in Tennessee, all I like is finishing it.

I was literally going to comment this as I was reading.

 

[harley jim]

I dont know where they came up with that one Willie but they sure like it here.

I went to Lowes and got some 2x4s OUCH, and a bucket of mud, I'm going to start framing the north wall and trying to make a plan for the black hole, aka the coal room.

That little door over there.

It's about 8'x8' and will make a great storage room if I can get it water tight.

It still has the drop hole up on the patio which let's in a lot of water and the cieling sweats. I will take the steel sleeve out and fill the hole with concrete. I would like to seal the patio with something, (any ideas?) And I was thinking about adding 2" foam to the cieling to stop the sweating, (any ideas here would be welcome also). I will rebuild the door and frame with something insulated as it will be a cold space with no heat or a/c.

 

[drivesitfar]

I haven't needed to buy NEW LUMBER at Lowes or HD for years now and thankfully. I tend to do like you and even if it's tearing apart big pallets or hanging around old house remodels to save materials from heading to the dump i'm your guy.

I thought I'd add that if I DO NEED NEW LUMBER like cedar for fencing or beams I do tend to go to local mills and buy lumber wet and store and then plane and sand later. the hard part of this is you need to PLAN AHEAD.

looks like you are staying busy so carry on!!!