Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT HEEP’s New Garage

[HEEP]

So. Thought I would start a thread on the New Garage. Many things have changed in the last 19 months. Starting back in April 2020, we got hit by a tornado and lost out house. The 24’x30’ shop lived except for the shingles, but it managed to protect my tools and equipment, along with my 70’ Chevelle and my son’s K10.
So, we built a new house in a different area of town and so I had to downsize the garage area. I moved into a 3 car which is about a total of 1000 sqft. For shop and work area, I’m ending up with about 15x26. This means downsizing some things and everything being on wheels. There are many here working with less and many here working with more. These are the cards I’m felt and will figure it all out. Here are a few pictures.

 

[HEEP]

Now to show the New Garage area. Built a dividing wall to separate the last bay which also gave more hanging storage for yard tools and bikes. Also set up a car washing station. Will finish that later with the electric pressure washer piping and hose real.

 

[HEEP]

Looks like I need to count pictures. Here is the side of the wall for yard tool storage.

 

[HEEP]

Next up was moving day for tool boxes and compressor and tables.

 

[HEEP]

Another picture

 

[HEEP]

I’ll get more pictures when I get everything into the cabinets and put away.
Thanks for looking.

 

[j p smith]

Curious about your move, were you not able to rebuild at your home that was damaged. Did you have insurance to help with the damages?

 

[HEEP]

House was totaled. We tore it down and sold the property.
There were memories that I just knew my wife couldn’t handle. Once we got everything out, she didn’t go back for almost a year.
I decided the new place was best, even though I was losing garage space. Some things are more important.

 

[jbrentd]

Sorry the hear about the damage to old house...that would be tough. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the new space.

 

[HEEP]

Thought I would give an update. Got boxes situated in the bay. One of the handles had to be removed to make it all fit. Then worked on the wall cabinets placement. There is a little conjestion in the corner, but I'll make it storage for things not uses everyday.

 

[HEEP]

After the cabinets, started working on the air system.

 

[HEEP]

More of the system.

 

[HEEP]

So then, last Saturday, i was ready to bring home the Heep from my friends place that has been storing it, and another friend calls to say that he bought too much epoxy for his shop and has enough to do my work bay. So Sunday, I remove all the boxes and everything else to start that process. Free is always good, although it did cost some for some supplies I needed to complete this task.

Last night I completed the etching process, now waiting on it to dry to install the coating. Should be ready by Friday.

 

[jeepster1407]

Nice work! Looking forward to seeing the "Heep"

 

[HEEP]

So I finished the floor last night. One point I will make so that others don't make the same mistake I made. Read the directions. At first I was concerned that it wasn't going to cover well. Called the friend who gave me the epoxy, and he said, it will probably look better on the second coat. Second Coat? When there is a minimum re-coat time of 4-6 hours, don't start this at 6:30 in the evening. Was up pretty late getting the second coat on. Yes, I'm a smart one.

All in all, very pleased with the process. Ended up using a light gray color due to the concrete turning brownish color after etching.

Here is a picture.

 

[HEEP]

So it has been a while since I updated. That doesn't mean nothing has been going on. got the WeldTables.com table put together. This was easier than I thought, and gave me enjoyment of putting something together. Also, I got a couple of my son's friends to help get the mill in the garage. Needed some strong backs. Enjoyed listening to them lake bets on lifting it. HAHA

 

[HEEP]

Then had a little trouble out of the truck and needed to change a coolant hose to the recovery tank. A new type of seal that automakers are using doesn't seem to be long lasting.

 

[HEEP]

Then, this past weekend, the HEEP made it to the garage. This was a happy occasion, however, there is much work to do to get it back in shape.

 

[HEEP]

Didn't realize how long it has been since I posted on this. So the HEEP got to the garage and I worked on different issues it had. Radio was fixed, a few loose bolts, some cleanup on the interior and exterior. A new soft top was installed and I also upgraded the cooling system with an electric fan. Finally, I actually did some buffing on the paint.

 

[HEEP]

All this was completed along with a townhouse my daughter and her fiance' purchased. Basically, they bought me another project. However, that project is coming to an end, and the wedding is getting close, so I decided to get the Chevelle and bring it to the shop. It was an exciting day.

 

[HEEP]

These two pictures are when we had to move out of the old shop at the old house.

 

[HEEP]

Here is me bringing it home to the new house.

 

[HEEP]

I'll update more later. There is much work already completed, and I'll get to that soon.

 

[HEEP]

So I realized it has been a while since I posted. I have completed a little work on the Chevelle, so I thought I would load up some pictures here.
First, I got the door aligned and set for the quarter panel replacement.

 

[HEEP]

Then started the rebuild of the LQ9. I found that there were some wear on the cam bearings, so I decided to go ahead and tear it down.

 

[HEEP]

Cutting out the quarter.

 

[HEEP]

Got the old quarter off.

 

[HEEP]

Nice amount of metal removed. Kept some to use as filler around the inner fender. Test fitting the widened inner fender, or mini-tub.

 

[HEEP]

Picked up some new parts. This is the Dakota Digital gauge set for the new SS dash.

 

[HEEP]

Welding the inner and outer inner fender, and getting it installed in the body.

 

[HEEP]

Changing the 24T reluctor wheel to a 58T reluctor wheel so that I can use GEN IV computer to manage the engine.

 

[HEEP]

Son was home for Christmas on leave from the Army. Taught him how to install piston rings and also installing crank and pistons into the engine.

 

[HEEP]

Bought a new piston ring compressor due to my Matco band style not working properly. Got everything installed and torqued to spec.

 

[HEEP]

And just like that, had to pull it apart. The #4 cam bearing would not allow the cam to go in. HAd to pull it back apart so that the bearing could be replaced. Got it fixed today, and will be back at it this weekend.

 

[HEEP]

A little more to update. Finally made progress on the engine. Yes, I need to become more familiar with these LS type engines. Missed a couple of steps and also had decided to change from GEN III to GEN IV type of engine for the computer management system. Ended up replacing the cam gear with the correct one, and also added the timing chain guide from the LS2 series engine. This required drilling two holes in the front of the block. First hole went great, no metal in the engine. Second hole, drilled through and had metal go into the engine. Therefore, apart again to clean everything out. Engine is now 85% complete and ready to torque the heads down.

Thanks for looking.

Bill

 

[HEEP]

So, I have had a little more progress on this project. Engine is painted, and a few accessories are going on.