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

[04fivefour]

I wanted to show you guys the next project. We have been pretty lucky to get new and interesting projects. Here is a 67 International Harvester we will be restoring. We are heading toward installing a duramax and possibly a whole new frame Right now it is in the design stages. Anyone out there have a 3/4 ton chevy pickup with a duramax they want to get rid of!!

Gotta do a powerstoke since its an IH! or Do one one the Vt-365's that are international branded instead of powerstroke.

 

[Fastphil]

Gotta do a powerstoke since its an IH! or Do one one the Vt-365's that are international branded instead of powerstroke.

Exactly what I was thinking. Keep it in the family!

 

[WarrenJ]

Corvette look great!

 

[ChevyShop]

Whoops.......sorry. I will tell you it seems like I get up and go to work and come home and go to bed. Dang what have I got myself into!!! Mission accomplished......the Monster Garage is now at full capacity!! I have the Chevelle we restored back to do a little service to. I decided it would be cool to take a few pics of the 454 big block chevelle (1970) and the 455 big block 442 (1971). Its funny they both are automatic, both have white tops, and both have the pearl interiors.

I finally got my 86 chevy pickup truck painted. We painted it the same color as the Chevelle. We have had this truck since 1988. It has spent most of its life in our barn in Indiana as our farm truck. It has kind of lost its way now that it lives in Florida. I am going to be putting it on eBay because it no longer serves a purpose.

The camo blazer has been a fun little project. Now we have the Banks Turbo Charger kit installed the owner is going to pick it up. We will soon be putting custom seats in the truck and some other goodies.

We have run out of room at GodSpeed so I have found myself bringing cars to the monster garage. A man never has enough garages space.

Mark,

I've been a "lurker" for over a year now. I've been tempted to post SO MANY TIMES as your shop / projects have been amazing!!!! I can no longer sit on the side lines and not pay tribute to the amazing work you have been performing over the last 12 months that I have been following the progress of your work. I am a Chevy man at heart even though the 1st car I laid rubber in was a 67 Mustang fastback. Between the C10, 68 Sub, Camaro's, Chevelle's and all the Corvette's, I am in awe of what you have pulled off. Starting as what looks like a hobby to a full blown business is inspirational.

Its nice to see your personal garage back in order even though you have to use it for over flow.

Good job!

Dean

 

[IGO2XS]

Mark,

Okay, I'm checking in on this one! The GM cars are fine and all, and you guys do amazing work, but I'm really looking forward to seeing this '67 IH, very cool!

If you're discussing a modern drive train and suspension, now you're in resto-mod territory obviously. Unless that truck has some cancer or damaged areas I can't see, wouldn't it be the perfect candidate to leave the body alone? Just matte clear it to protect and preserve the patina.
I don't know man, just a few thoughts - you guys are the experts.

Following your progress on here and FB every week! So thanks!

Tyler

Tyler, I like your thoughts. The body is definitely staying stock and so is the interior. The owner of this truck is in a marine business that is prototyping Duramax motors in marine applications on a very high level......like military applications and even putting diesel in Fountain boats. This is why the pitch was made to put a duramax in it. There has been no final decision made yet but will keep you posted.

Hey Mark I spent the last two nightshifts at work reading every post . Inspirational to say the least , I recently built my dream shop over the last few years, its 28 x 38 .

I just wanted to say your team is banging out some incredible pieces and it was fun watching the whole thing come together . I am a long ways away up in British Columbia Canada but if I am ever in Florida I will be knocking on your door for a tour

Ken

Ken, your garage sounds really nice and the perfect size. The bigger garage the more we seem to collect. I am glad you are enjoying the thread and you would be welcome to visit anytime. Thanks for posting.

I've just read through all 118 pages, and I can't thank you enough for sharing this part of you life with us. I know you love the resto-mods, and I do to, BUT that IH needs to be left alone. It is perfect as it sits, and true survivor. Such a rare beast to find in such good shape with perfect patina. I know the customer is always right, but man to see an orignal truck survive like that is a rare feat.

We wont get to far off the beam on this truck. The body is timeless and I cant see how any body mods would even be considered on this build. I am glad you enjoyed the reading and I am glad you have chosen to share. I hope you feel free to comment anytime you feel the need as we are one big family here at the Monster Garage.

Gotta do a powerstoke since its an IH! or Do one one the Vt-365's that are international branded instead of powerstroke.

We will toss this idea in the hat. I appreciate your input.

Mark,

I've been a "lurker" for over a year now. I've been tempted to post SO MANY TIMES as your shop / projects have been amazing!!!! I can no longer sit on the side lines and not pay tribute to the amazing work you have been performing over the last 12 months that I have been following the progress of your work. Starting as what looks like a hobby to a full blown business is inspirational.

Its nice to see your personal garage back in order even though you have to use it for over flow.

Good job!

Dean

Dean, what took you so long man?? I hope you will find time to be apart of this thread. I do like my chevy's so looks like we have a lot in common. I am glad to have my garage back too. Its really nice walking in there and it being clean all of the time. Its funny though I prefer my garage empty than full of cars. I know that seems kind of wierd but I like a big open space.

 

[IGO2XS]

Corvette look great!

Thank you very much. Guess what........I put the 61 Corvette on ebay last tuesday and it sold on Friday. A guy from California bought it from me and had the check to me 10am Saturday morning. I sold it for $76,000. Needed money for the shop!!

 

[IGO2XS]

I am not sure how exciting you guys will find bumpers but we are working on the bumpers on the 63 Corvette. We are going to "tuck" the bumpers so they fit closer to the body. Its alot of work for a modification that few people might notice.

Here we are trimming the rear bumper. With the widened rear quarters we had to removed some metal on the inside. We will be making new brackets.




We cut the front bumper to narrow it and we have moved it back about 1.5 inches. We might squeeze a little more after checking the headlight bucket fitment.






Stock location on the right bumper and the recessed bumper on the left.

 

[IGO2XS]

I looked back over my posts and it seem I have forgotten to keep you guys posted on recent updates on the 58 Corvette project. I decided about 3 weeks ago it was way too cool of a project and I wanted to finish it right. Not only do I want this car done right for GodSpeed but more importantly for our customer. We had the exterior nailed but the interior was not were I wanted it. I decided to enlist the help of one of the best automotive designers in the U.S. Yes, I know that is a big claim but for the Corvette and hotrod world Eric Brockmyer in my book is the best. I was quite lucky and was able to get him on board with our project......big score!!! Here are the first drawings for you guys to check out and follow as we complete the design work over the next few weeks.

 

[don long]

Thanks Mark
Keep those drawings comming You have my undivided attention for some strange reason lol


The interior is a very important part for the overall looks of the car

 

[Bob Heine]

I am not sure how exciting you guys will find bumpers but we are working on the bumpers on the 63 Corvette.

Mark,

I hesitate to say I find bumper modifications exciting but it's where I spent quite a few hours on my '72. Have you thought of removing the down-legs on those front bumpers -- you would have something like the '58 bumpers -- returning into the grille instead of turning down:

Of course, then you'd have to modify the rear bumpers....

 

[IGO2XS]

Thanks Mark
Keep those drawings comming You have my undivided attention for some strange reason lol


The interior is a very important part for the overall looks of the car

I have been watching your build Don as well. As you can see we are trying to eliminate the big round speedo on top of the dash. With the window frameless everything on the dash is very visible and it looked out of place. Wish me luck!!

Mark,

I hesitate to say I find bumper modifications exciting but it's where I spent quite a few hours on my '72. Have you thought of removing the down-legs on those front bumpers -- you would have something like the '58 bumpers -- returning into the grille instead of turning down:
Of course, then you'd have to modify the rear bumpers....

We talked about that Bob but felt we needed to keep the down legs to keep some of the traditional look. Appreciate the input as we move along on this one. Hey, would you still be able to come to the Car Show if it was on December 6th?


We have been working on the side rockers and have them mocked up on the 63. I am pretty happy with them. We tried to keep the body line as small as possible so not to be too dramatic but at the same time add a little detail on the rocker so it wasnt completely smooth. They are bolt on and can be removed with a little effort. There have been no modifications to the body that would prevent taking these off and installing the factory rockers.......or removing them if they were damaged for repair.

I wanted to follow though with this concept to see how it played out. When the car is sitting on the ground painted with tires and wheels we will know!

 

[Bob Heine]

Hey, would you still be able to come to the Car Show if it was on December 6th?

For some reason, I marked the 13th on my calendar but didn't mark the "Master" calendar. Long as you don't move it to Thanksgiving day, I'll be there.

 

[IGO2XS]

Here is our cardboard and tape mockup for the inner fenders on the 63 corvette split window coupe. We will be covering up the upper control arms on the SRIII frame and from there will hug the top tube of the frame frame back to the firewall with 1/2" of space between frame and inner fender. The pump for the ABS power brake unit will be hidden behind the fender on the drivers side and a Odyssey AGM battery hidden behind the inner fender on the passenger side. Both will be accessed via removable panels at the back of the fenders.




Here is a nice piece of 3/8" aluminum which is the beginning of a custom fabricated exhaust tip we will be making. It is about 12" wide and 5 inches tall. I think it will be really cool when we get done with it.

 

[Audicon]

Did you ever think this "hobby" of yours would turn into something this large?

Can we expect many pics from SEMA? I hope so. I haven't been able to get there for a few years.

 

[IGO2XS]

No not in a million years did I think this would happen. I just got an estimate to add on to the building so I guess I am looking to see where we can go. I dont want to get too big though.......just have enough room. As a garage guy I dont think there is ever enough room!!

I am going to add a few sema pics tonight.

Did you ever think this "hobby" of yours would turn into something this large?

Can we expect many pics from SEMA? I hope so. I haven't been able to get there for a few years.

 

[IGO2XS]

This was my first SEMA so I was not sure what to expect. They said if you walked it all you would travel 26 miles and there was 1 million square feet. We got there Tuesday afternoon about 1:00 so we took to the show and after 5 hours of walking I decided my flat soled shows would not work. The first thing I did the next morning was to buy more comfortable shoes.

Every vender you can think of was there and every product imaginable. The best part was meeting some of the sales people I have buying from this past year. I cant say I saw any product that is going to change the way I buy but it was interesting to see some of the new things available.

If you like "tuners" and jeeps this was the place for you. For me there were way too many tuners but i guess this is where most of the money is being spent. Lots of 4wd stuff and some really cool lifted trucks. I love trucks so I enjoyed this part. Hot Rod stuff was scarce and a fair amount of restoration parts.

Our first night we headed to the House of Blues to get up and personal with Carlos Santana. We were about 15 feet from the stage and they rocked. It was an incredible show......





Here are some of the people I met......

Glenn Grozich, owner of Billet Specialties. I was talking to him for about about some wheels and he handed me his card. To my surprise I was talking to the owner.



Tom Nelson owner of Nelson Racing Engines (NRE). The innovator if the mirror image turbo's. This guy builds some of the baddest motors around.



Barry Meguiar President of Meguiars Wax.




Some of the guys from Miranda Built. Their 66 Nova was a Ridler great 8 winner and the Good Guys street machine of the year.



And my favorite was Dave Kindig from Kingdigit who is on the show Bitchin Rides on the Velocity channel. I think this is the only real show out there for reality Tv. These guys build real cars and are at the top of the game. I spent 10 minutes one on one with Dave and got some good advise. He is a real nice guy!!




Our last night in Vegas was at the HardRock Cafe with 5th row center seats for Kiss. I was not a Kiss fan but didnt want to miss a chance to see these guys. The production show was unbelieveable. Gene Simmons was on a flying platform right above me and dropped this microphone cover on my shoulder. Some chick had to have the slobbery piece of memorabilia.

 

[Rocket]

WoW!!
You have certainly picked some talented people to have your pic taken with
To have some one on one time with them is incredible, what I'd give to have moments like that, let alone through the legends of music in there (my other great love....... as a drummer )
After running a shop for quite a few years it is extremely taxing, so to have some of the long term guys to bounce off would be unreal. To have any advice at an early stage, that I could only dream of.
Great stuff!!

 

[Boosted1]

Cool SEMA pics / story.

 

[Toolfool]

Looks like you did a great job of mixing business with pleasure. Wait.... Oh yeah, that's what you do every day. Bravo.

 

[IGO2XS]

WoW!!
You have certainly picked some talented people to have your pic taken with...
After running a shop for quite a few years it is extremely taxing, so to have some of the long term guys to bounce off would be unreal. To have any advice at an early stage, that I could only dream of.

I was just lucky walking by and seeing these people and I had no problem asking for photos or talking to them. I am a drummer as well and have been playing for 40 years....I still play on a regular basis. No matter how much fun cars are it is alot of work to have a shop. The main ingredient is have a contract.....this is per Dave Kindig. I already have one but you have to have make them sign it and spell out what they are getting. Do good work and hiring competent people is very important. Of course, having customers willing to pay for all this comes in handy.

Cool SEMA pics / story.

thank you.

Looks like you did a great job of mixing business with pleasure. Wait.... Oh yeah, that's what you do every day. Bravo.

Yep, try to have a much fun as possible and I try not to take things too seriously.

 

[Rocket]

I was just lucky walking by and seeing these people and I had no problem asking for photos or talking to them. I am a drummer as well and have been playing for 40 years....I still play on a regular basis. No matter how much fun cars are it is alot of work to have a shop. The main ingredient is have a contract.....this is per Dave Kindig. I already have one but you have to have make them sign it and spell out what they are getting. Do good work and hiring competent people is very important. Of course, having customers willing to pay for all this comes in handy.



thank you.



Yep, try to have a much fun as possible and I try not to take things too seriously.

Some great ideas there
Our problem is firstly finding workers with any idea & then getting them to stay. it seems just all too hard for guys these days
I have basically written a contract, even showing it to new customers, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. I wonder if getting them to sign something will actually change their attitudes

Anyway, still loving your work mate (& what your workers do) I could only dream to find a bunch of guys so willing to not just have a go, but to do good work & stay!!
keep it up

 

[IGO2XS]

Some great ideas there
Our problem is firstly finding workers with any idea & then getting them to stay. it seems just all too hard for guys these days
I have basically written a contract, even showing it to new customers, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. I wonder if getting them to sign something will actually change their attitudes

keep it up

First, you have to have the customers sign the agreement. On the guys to get the right guys you have to pay them. I have only tried out a few guys who were average guys. Yes they had a lower wage but very quickly I found I couldnt afford underpaid guys. You have to pay the good guys to come and to stay.


We got a new project in today Yep that's right we have a Lamborghini in the house! I brought this down from Heffner Performance today. This Lambo Galardo LP540 is going to get some wider rear quarters, and some custom side rockers. Right now the plan is to hand build all of the modifications.

 

[383]

Wow, I can't imagine cutting into a Lambo! That has to make you nervous......

 

[JCQuick]

A lambo on an open trailer Oh my

 

[Audicon]

We got a new project in today Yep that's right we have a Lamborghini in the house! I brought this down from Heffner Performance today. This Lambo Galardo LP540 is going to get some wider rear quarters, and some custom side rockers. Right now the plan is to hand build all of the modifications.

This is going to be good

Seems a little out of your comfort zone, but I am sure it will be amazing. Everything else has been.

I'm hoping to get down by you in the next few months. Worst case, I will be down for FLIBS next year and will make a detour. Only a few hours out of the way They just got 24" of snow a couple hours north of me.

 

[Rocket]

First, you have to have the customers sign the agreement. On the guys to get the right guys you have to pay them. I have only tried out a few guys who were average guys. Yes they had a lower wage but very quickly I found I couldnt afford underpaid guys. You have to pay the good guys to come and to stay.

Well paid workers has not been a problem. some who have had to travel have even been provided with a company fuel card.
I have always taken the time to train & cater for each employees needs (some have brought luggage with them & some have just needed a place to live)

Employees are always an interesting challenge

I would certainly be game to cut into a Lambo!!

 

[Crown]

It just keeps getting better!
Those rear tires on the Gallardo tell me it isn't just built for show.

 

[Rocket]

It just keeps getting better!
Those rear tires on the Gallardo tell me it isn't just built for show.

Hmmmmm?? Good point

 

[Todd.Brock]

A lambo on an open trailer Oh my

This is one time when you don't have to worry about smacking the doors on the trailer fenders!!!!!

 

[bashr52]

It just keeps getting better!
Those rear tires on the Gallardo tell me it isn't just built for show.

I remember seeing a posting from Mark on here a couple months ago where he toured a performance shop and there was a twin turbo Lambo sitting there with something like 1200 HP? Perhaps that was the same place he got this car from?

 

[woody 73]

Wish I could spend even an hour touring your man cave alas my small abode will have to suffice...Thank you for the great pictures.

 

[IGO2XS]

A lambo on an open trailer Oh my

I am a high tech redneck. I have an nice enclosed trailer but I didnt feel like getting it out of the monster garage.

This is going to be good

Damn I hope so. I was looking at buying a wide body "kit" but most have to be shipped from Germany at a cost up to $20K. Looks like we are back to custom fabrication.

Seems a little out of your comfort zone, but I am sure it will be amazing. Everything else has been.

I was telling the guys yesterday it has big rear tires, dual exhaust, and a nice body so it might as well be a 69 Camaro so no problem!!

It just keeps getting better!
Those rear tires on the Gallardo tell me it isn't just built for show.

Those are racing tires. If you want to see what Heffners cars are capable of watch this......

This is one time when you don't have to worry about smacking the doors on the trailer fenders!!!!!

I know but man you just have to be careful with a car like this.......that is until you get the cutoff saw out!!

I remember seeing a posting from Mark on here a couple months ago where he toured a performance shop and there was a twin turbo Lambo sitting there with something like 1200 HP? Perhaps that was the same place he got this car from?

Yep your right, same guy. He is the king of the lambo's. Everytime I go to his shop there are 5 or 6 cars laying around.

Wish I could spend even an hour touring your man cave alas my small abode will have to suffice...Thank you for the great pictures.

Come by anytime we would love to have you!

 

[IGO2XS]

I had a special guest at GodSpeed today. Our very own GJ member kered aka Derek and his wife Deirdre traveled to Florida all the way from Ireland for a vacation. Derek talked his wife into coming to Sarasota "to meet a guy he met on the internet". This is a true quote. We got to spend some time together and talk about cars and take a tour of the shop.

 

[IGO2XS]

We made pretty good progress on the exhaust. I say good progress but it takes a tremendous amount of time to do this custom work. This exhaust tip will be powder coated black and have the stainless rivits around the outside.

 

[motofool33]

nice trip!

 

[kered]

As Mark has posted above, "Mrs Kered" & I had the pleasure of visiting God Speed Rides today

Thank you Mark for the very warm welcome you gave us & for the time you took to show us around. It was absolutely super to get to see the G.S.R. shop for real & to get to meet yourself, Bob & of course, "HotRod"

There sure are some very nice projects in progress at the shop & I (we) look forward to seeing the updates here on GJ.

After leaving the shop, we took your recommendation & had lunch at Daiquiri Deck's

We're back now in our hotel in Orlando having had a great day meeting "a guy from the internet".

Thank you once again for showing us around

 

[Skyline]

You won't be the first to do a wide body Gallardo, so there are plenty out there. Some racing in GT3, others just street cars. I'm sure there are a number of high quality body kits or flares "on the shelf" that could be grafted on without the trouble of making custom flares.

 

[56vette461]

As Mark has posted above, "Mrs Kered" & I had the pleasure of visiting God Speed Rides today


We're back now in our hotel in Orlando having had a great day meeting "a guy from the internet".

Thank you once again for showing us around

To all who travel, I must tell you that "Kered" is a first class travel agent of all things Irland. Derek, my family and I planned our recent trip to Ireland around many of your must see points of interest. What a blast. My only regret is that time got away from me and I could not contact you for a visit. Thank you so very much. If you hit northern California on your travels let me know. It would be great to meet you. aj

 

[kered]

Thank you for the kind words 56vette461 & I'm delighted that my tips worked for you & were a help on your family's Irish adventure

I hope the weather was kind to you in Ireland & that you benefited from the "good summer" we had this year.

I'll be sure to let you know if we hit Northern Cali on our travels. We visit the U.S. on a regular basis, with California being high on our list of favourites

 

[Madhatter10-6]

can't wait to see progress on the lambo! Please post lots of pics