Mark's Monster Garage....3800 sq ft

[Terry454]

Wow - what a mess! And I thought it was bad when my car battery was leaking on my driveway. I wonder what would cause one to blow like that.

Good luck getting her back rolling again.

I can not tell you what causes it, but it happens more often than most folks realize. My employer (electric utility) has a bunch of stationary batteries and those of us who work around them are believers in wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). All it takes is to be near one when it goes to make you a believer.

Terry

 

[smsteve]

I wonder what would cause one to blow like that.

I'm thinking the Forklift finally got pissed off enough seeing all the work done to the other vehicles. New motor here, nice paint there, beautiful frame hiding all the wiring, so that's how it is? Bam, there now get me some new batteries!

 

[IGO2XS]

I can not tell you what causes it, but it happens more often than most folks realize. My employer (electric utility) has a bunch of stationary batteries and those of us who work around them are believers in wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). All it takes is to be near one when it goes to make you a believer.

Terry

Your right Terry and this is something I think alot of us garage guys forget about........safety goggles. I really never even considered it happening but it did in a second. Its like picking up a grinder and thinking.....I just have a little bit to grind and not slip on protection.

I'm thinking the Forklift finally got pissed off enough seeing all the work done to the other vehicles. New motor here, nice paint there, beautiful frame hiding all the wiring, so that's how it is? Bam, there now get me some new batteries!

Too bad the forklift wasn't listening when my wife put me on an allowance

Wow - what a mess! And I thought it was bad when my car battery was leaking on my driveway. I wonder what would cause one to blow like that.

The batteries were old enough they were just seeping acid goo. You could smell rotten eggs around the forklift here lately. There was a bad connection on this battery and I really think it got hot enough it just exploded.

 

[IGO2XS]

A little update on the Camaro. Bob has been working on the body the last few days. Most of the repairs were done the old fashion way by hammering, bending, and shaping. Bob did order a floor pan and a few patch panels from Rick's Camaro...........not pictured are the 5 boxes of parts ordered for the project. Today most of these repairs were welded and bondo applied. i am taking quite a few pictures and won't bore you guys with too many photos. By the end of next week the underbody, inner fenders, frame, and suspension parts should be painted black. Once the assembly starts I will show more photos.

A common area on these convertibles is around the back of the window. There is a plastic drip tray that slips up around the back(you can see it laying in the upper right hand side of the photo). Bob says they get clogged up with dirt and hold water therefor causing rust.

 

[Shoottx]

i am taking quite a few pictures and won't bore you guys with too many photos.

Uhm, how spread that bit of gossip around? We need to find them and

 

[duggie]

I'm thinking the Forklift finally got pissed off enough seeing all the work done to the other vehicles. New motor here, nice paint there, beautiful frame hiding all the wiring, so that's how it is? Bam, there now get me some new batteries!

you owe me a new keyboard !!!!!

 

[rwhite692]

Mark the progress on the Camaro looks great. Would highly recommend installing a set of DSE subframe connectors, if you have not already planned to do so. Even if you are just doing a stock, near-stock, or mild resto-mod type build, these cars, and the convertibles especially, really benefit from the added rigidity. It's an easy job, esp with the car up on the rotiss. -Rob

 

[kool55]

Hi Mark, I just finished reading your garage build. Truly fantastic. Could you elaborate on the pavers. Manufacturer and type of grout . I am starting my driveway paver project.
thanks

 

[Wilbur]

Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences! I know that while your property is out of my price range currently I LOVE seeing how different people approach different things- that's why I come to forums like this. Just because someone (myself included) might not have the cash to do all of it exactly the same way it doesn't preclude someone from incorporating some of the features you have in a Butler building or some less expensive garage!

And it's pretty clear that this is not a property that is never used. You're willing to get your fingernails dirty and that should be appreciated by someone whether they are doing it in a beautiful garage like yours or under a tree or in a gravel driveway. I wonder how many of the armchair quarterbacks throwing stones (granted there have been fortunately very few) ran their own utilities or some of the other items you described in your build. Just my $0.02

Thanks again!

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark the progress on the Camaro looks great. Would highly recommend installing a set of DSE subframe connectors, if you have not already planned to do so. Even if you are just doing a stock, near-stock, or mild resto-mod type build, these cars, and the convertibles especially, really benefit from the added rigidity. It's an easy job, esp with the car up on the rotiss. -Rob

thank you so much for the heads up Rob.

 

[IGO2XS]

Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences! I know that while your property is out of my price range currently I LOVE seeing how different people approach different things- that's why I come to forums like this. Just because someone (myself included) might not have the cash to do all of it exactly the same way it doesn't preclude someone from incorporating some of the features you have in a Butler building or some less expensive garage!


Thanks again!

thanks so much for the good words. we do work pretty hard around here and I love to do as much of the work as possible. it is just a great feeling of accomplishment when looking at completed projects knowing you did all of the work yourself.

Hi Mark, I just finished reading your garage build. Truly fantastic. Could you elaborate on the pavers. Manufacturer and type of grout . I am starting my driveway paver project.
thanks

The pavers we used on our project were made by Tremron (http://www.tremron.com) These guys manufacture pavers primarily in the state of Florida. My pavers are called Vienna and they are BIG.......a little over 3" thick and the three sizes are 9x9, 9x12, and 9x15. They have a unique shape as the top almost looks like cobblestone. With the old world look we wanted a old world looking paver. They literally put these pavers in a large mixer and tumble them so small pieces of the edges break off even making them look more weathered. The most important part of our install was the proper base material. Here in Florida we have crushed concrete (just like it sounds they recycle concrete and crush it up like rock) I spread about 6 to 8 inches of crushed concrete to give us the proper base. When that stuff gets wet and compacted it is hard as rock. The second most important part was the use of polymeric sand and I highly recommend it. Polymeric Sand is used to "grout" the joints (http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/pavers/polymeric_sand.htm) It has has polymers in it so it gets hard. Keeps grass from growing through and locks the pavers together.

If you want to check out some really bad@@s pavers check out Belgard Pavers. They have an awesome collection of unique pavers. I wanted Belgard pavers real bad but I came across Tremron. I had a connection there and they had a similar product at a lower price. I think we did about 40,000 sq ft of pavers between both homes here so we got a pretty good deal.

Shop around and get at least 3 bids. Check out there work as well as you should be able to get addresses of jobs they did. I did all of my grading and base material myself. I have a buddy of mine in the paver business so I had him do the work. I did the paver driveway at our last house and I decided I wasnt going to lay pavers again.

Here is a picture of my pavers. We did a grey boarder around the outside.

 

[oldschoolguy]

What a great shop you have built

 

[e-tek]

ha ha, we did a tire change right after this photo!! Guess we'll do a patch panel.......I will show some photos when we get to that....probably this week.

I just checked out your website and I am very impressed. Very well thought out and enjoyable to read.

Well thanks - much appreciated. I'm a total fan of your shop work too - looks like you're running a full on custom rod and bodyshop there!

 

[waterlogged]

All you need is a blown alcohol dragboat behind one of those trucks you have. THAT WOULD BE SICK!! By the way, love your pad!!

 

[IGO2XS]

What a great shop you have built

thanks and welcome to the GJ

Well thanks - much appreciated. I'm a total fan of your shop work too - looks like you're running a full on custom rod and bodyshop there!

I keep watching your threads to learn more eTek. You are the master!!

All you need is a blown alcohol dragboat behind one of those trucks you have. THAT WOULD BE SICK!! By the way, love your pad!!

That would be cool. thanks for the compliment.

 

[IGO2XS]

If you look back at post 556 I posted a picture of the frame for the 1969 C10 pickup. Since it has the Corvette Zo6 brakes on it we decided to paint the motor and transmission Inferno Orange. The truck will follow in the same color.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Love that color.
What do you use to clean up the engine before painting it?

 

[Wingnut65]

That Burb is coming out Awesome. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it a little before allowing it to move on to the next caretaker.

One thought on the door for the Garage-In-A-Garage, what about a roll-up on the outside. That would leave the ceiling inside clear and not restrict your head clearance.

Seeing your work on that Camero is really starting to kick me in gear. Finding a place to blast my bus will be coming up fairly soon. I might have to have my accountant talk to your office manager.

Thanks for posting the info on the pavers. The are unique products that put the icing on your compound. And I agree, the proper preparation for the paver base is the secret to a lasting driveway.

 

[IGO2XS]

Love that color.
What do you use to clean up the engine before painting it?

We used Roloc discs on our air angle die grinder to clean up the block. The main object is to get all the loose paint off and clean the block thourally of oil before painting. We used a thin coat of high quality primer, a base and clear coat to give it a good hard finish.

That Burb is coming out Awesome. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it a little before allowing it to move on to the next caretaker.

One thought on the door for the Garage-In-A-Garage, what about a roll-up on the outside. That would leave the ceiling inside clear and not restrict your head clearance.

Seeing your work on that Camero is really starting to kick me in gear. Finding a place to blast my bus will be coming up fairly soon. I might have to have my accountant talk to your office manager.

Thanks for posting the info on the pavers. The are unique products that put the icing on your compound. And I agree, the proper preparation for the paver base is the secret to a lasting driveway.

I hope to take the Burb to a few shows but I have pretty much told my wife I would sell it. I am actually considering selling the 41 Willys too. That may be a tuff job considering what I would like to get out of it but I really want to keep building. I really want to do a C1 or C2 Corvette resto mod.

I need to get back on my inner garage but right now it is on hold. One day I will get a wild hair and I will knock it out. Guess I will have to wait until that happens.

Let me know if you want a little work done on that bus. Bob does one heck of a job and maybe he could at least get the prep/ priming done for you. Or we can set you up and you can do the dirty work

 

[vr4joe]

This thread is just unreal! What do you do for a living?

 

[BarnFab]

sweet builds looks like you have some fun

 

[lcfman]

That's a good looking trailer. Who is the maker? I have a 48 ft trailer that's just to long
to get around and I am wanting to trade or sell mine and get a shorter one.

thanks

 

[IGO2XS]

This thread is just unreal! What do you do for a living?

male prostitute and I am starving I am glad you like the thread. thanks for you compliment.

sweet builds looks like you have some fun

I really do and spend at least 4 hours in the garage each day minimum. I think they call it garage therapy.

That's a good looking trailer. Who is the maker? I have a 48 ft trailer that's just to long
to get around and I am wanting to trade or sell mine and get a shorter one.

thanks

It is an ATC trailer and I really like it. It is all aluminum and pulls like a dream. I would love to have a 48' so I could haul 2 cars but like you said it is a pain in the **** to maneuver plus I am sure it takes a powerful truck to pull it. Mine is 38 feet and I can get in and out of gas stations, parking lots, even had it in a few convention centers for the indoor car shows. I have pulled it with my dually and because it is all aluminum you don't hardly know its back there. I had to have the spread axle because I thought it looked cool.....not a good reason to order an option but I do love the look. The extra height was really unnecessary but I wanted it at least as tall as the Freightliner. I did get the .40 exterior skin because it is much more rigid and doesnt look wavy like the .30.

You can go to ATC website and speck one out at retail price. I got mine in 2009 and got 14% off of list. I do keep my trailer in the RV bay and it still looks new.

 

[ugly kustom]

I really like your garage not because of the big $$ but its whats in it. this is mine so far lol

 

[Xicaque]

Very nice! Wished I was your neighbor. Would love to trade my help for some training...

 

[Wingnut65]

male prostitute and I am starving I am glad you like the thread. thanks for you compliment.

I had never heard Manuel Labor called that, but it it's not far off.

 

[Camero68]

You are a king living in a garage castle! This is beyond magnificent and amazing !!!

 

[HOTFR8]

where are the pictures?

Looks like spam in many other posts.

??? ^^^^ whacha mean?

It means nothing.

everywhere in this thread

 

[Xicaque]

heeeeeha!

 

[IGO2XS]

I really like your garage not because of the big $$ but its whats in it. this is mine so far lol

I know what you mean, I spend more time looking at the inside of the garage than the outside. By the way, how did you come up with the screen name "Ugly Kustom"

Very nice! Wished I was your neighbor. Would love to trade my help for some training...

I have to quote Wingnut65.............."We do precision guesswork" I was kind of hoping someone would come over and show us what to do!! On a serious note I would love to have you as a neighbor

 

[ugly kustom]

LOL ....ugly kustom is all rustic like me..lol read my profile here. You can also check out my 1970 suburban on 67-72chevytrucks.com aka goldenburb.

this is my daily driver 56 bug lol

 

[IGO2XS]

LOL ....ugly kustom is all rustic like me..lol read my profile here. You can also check out my 1970 suburban on 67-72chevytrucks.com aka goldenburb.

this is my daily driver 56 bug lol

Cool cars man! i will check you out on the chevy truck forum. I am on there as well.

 

[Homebody]

Dream garage, gorgeous house, pond, Hot Rods, Haulers, and now a first gen restoration? All in ONE THREAD?
I just plum died and gone to heaven!

It's refreshing to see such a beautiful place actually getting dirty from car work...definitely not something you see every day.

I noticed you said a neighbor and his wife were helping you sand the frame. Would this be the new neighbors that moved into the old neighbors house that called you a hillbilly?

Great thread, Thanks for sharing your life with us!!

 

[IGO2XS]

thank you for the compliment. Actually Bob (aka "neighbor) is the brains behind the bodywork and the restoration. He has owned his own hot rod shop and restored many Camaro's. We have been talking for a year about working together on some projects. We are currently making that dream come true.

Yep we get a little dirty around here but we clean it up and then make another mess.

Man I love working in the garage

Dream garage, gorgeous house, pond, Hot Rods, Haulers, and now a first gen restoration? All in ONE THREAD?
I just plum died and gone to heaven!

It's refreshing to see such a beautiful place actually getting dirty from car work...definitely not something you see every day.

I noticed you said a neighbor and his wife were helping you sand the frame. Would this be the new neighbors that moved into the old neighbors house that called you a hillbilly?

Great thread, Thanks for sharing your life with us!!

 

[IGO2XS]

Over the last few days we were able to get the motor and transmission installed in the C10 pickup as well as the cab installed. The motor is a 454 and the transmission is a turbo 400. The firewall is smoothed as you can tell and it will be left void of any penetrations other than the throttle cable. The brake system is mounted under the dash and the brake boosters are heavy duty truck boosters and are mounted on the frame at the rear of the truck. All hoses and wiring will be hidden. Trying to keep this built as clean as possible.

 

[tskills10]

Dream garage, gorgeous house, pond, Hot Rods, Haulers, and now a first gen restoration? All in ONE THREAD?
I just plum died and gone to heaven!

It's refreshing to see such a beautiful place actually getting dirty from car work...definitely not something you see every day.

I noticed you said a neighbor and his wife were helping you sand the frame. Would this be the new neighbors that moved into the old neighbors house that called you a hillbilly?

Great thread, Thanks for sharing your life with us!!

Homebody, Laine, I seem to recognize your avatar from another site. you have a pretty nice garage yourself along with a good looking 2nd gen Camaro.

 

[Homebody]

Homebody, Laine, I seem to recognize your avatar from another site. you have a pretty nice garage yourself along with a good looking 2nd gen Camaro.

LOL Thanks, I'll get a thread on here some day!
We now resume our current thread in progress....

 

[Wingnut65]

Mark, Nice looking C10. I like the stance and that clean look will be great. Not much engine clearance at the firewall...

Are those doors reversed?

 

[IGO2XS]

LOL Thanks, I'll get a thread on here some day!
We now resume our current thread in progress....

I am more than happy to share space

Mark, Nice looking C10. I like the stance and that clean look will be great. Not much engine clearance at the firewall...

Are those doors reversed?

Good eyes......yes it is pretty close at the firewall. The throttle cable comes in just behind the valve cover and there is only about 2 1/2 inches of clearance. The truck has suicide doors, drip rail around the top of the cab shaved, window gasket removed as window will be flush fit, and delete vent windows.

I will tell you customs are a pain in the ****. Of course I had to relocate or change most everything so you are fabricating from scratch wiring, windows, brake lines, suspension, interior, ect, ect. I have definitely taken the long road on this truck.

 

[IGO2XS]

Little update on the camaro. Bob painted the underbody and the firewall today. The body is primed and nearly ready for paint. The sub frame is painted and assembled..forgot to take a picture of it. Tomorrow the differential, driveshaft, and some other misc suspension parts get sandblasted tomorrow. By the end of the week I should be showing you guys a rolling chasis