Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover
- Thread starter sakurama
- Start date
Workspaces between 485 and 705 squarefeet.
dwysywd
Well-known member
I'm with him...
On a separate note the before and after photos are really cool. Thanks for bring us all into the fold.
Toga. Toga! I hope there is a bike / motorcycle outing in conjunction with the party.
My wife found some old photos of our place from several previous real estate listings. I saved all of them off to a hard drive. They are a multi year time capsule. One pic gave me a hint where a "missing" baseboard heater wire might be.
All the best to you & your family this year and many more to come.
My wife found some old photos of our place from several previous real estate listings. I saved all of them off to a hard drive. They are a multi year time capsule. One pic gave me a hint where a "missing" baseboard heater wire might be.
All the best to you & your family this year and many more to come.
Sham
Well-known member
I unfortunately doubt I'll be able to make it to the party from France, so I won't be able to say it face to face : thank you so much for the years of inspiration!
Happy New Year to you, Gregor!
Happy New Year to you, Gregor!
Brian R
Well-known member
I don't remember seeing the Before pictures - who DID that to the house?
Anyway, fantastic job and this I know -
I wouldn't do it again. No way. But then if you knew the struggle in front of you every time would you dive in? Probably not. It takes a certain amount of stubborn optimistic delusion to believe you can do something beyond your ability. And it's important to see what you've done along the way and say, "Nice job" and give yourself a pat on the back. Without that you'd quit.
Give yourself a pat on the back from anyone that reads this thread and Happy New Year.
Anyway, fantastic job and this I know -
I wouldn't do it again. No way. But then if you knew the struggle in front of you every time would you dive in? Probably not. It takes a certain amount of stubborn optimistic delusion to believe you can do something beyond your ability. And it's important to see what you've done along the way and say, "Nice job" and give yourself a pat on the back. Without that you'd quit.
Give yourself a pat on the back from anyone that reads this thread and Happy New Year.
Has any one else noticed or been amazed that Gregor does this inside in the living area? Not that I mind but I know how this would go in my house. Or are you using some special zero VOC zero emissions coatings? Regardless your wife must be a trooper.
Yes, it does stink if we have to do coatings inside. Normally I'd do it outside in the summer which is why house projects stall in the winter. It's also the reason to start using all pre finished plywood for this project. Shellac isn't too bad smelling and it dries very fast - 10-15 minutes? The poly is worse and takes overnight but the house is porous enough that an open door and the fan take care of it pretty quick.
And for this project Judiaann just holed up in an upstairs bedroom and worked from there while we took over the downstairs.
Gregor
Wow. I’ve just read (over the last 3 days on and off) all 123 pages. Just wow. You have the right mentality, family, work ethic and priorities.
I’ve stalked this site for over 7 years, but I had to make my first post to say this:
It’s been a pleasure to read, very inspirational and certainly got me re-thinking what I want to do/achieve. I lost both ‘grandad’ and ‘grandpa’ last year so although (relatively) young, I know life is unpredictable and often too short - my very belated condolances on losing your father.
Keep making those memories for your family, and please keep us readers entertained when you have the time! Although maybe use some cheaper tools, eh!
Thanks again for your sharing your life with us,
Happy new year,
Tim
I’ve stalked this site for over 7 years, but I had to make my first post to say this:
It’s been a pleasure to read, very inspirational and certainly got me re-thinking what I want to do/achieve. I lost both ‘grandad’ and ‘grandpa’ last year so although (relatively) young, I know life is unpredictable and often too short - my very belated condolances on losing your father.
Keep making those memories for your family, and please keep us readers entertained when you have the time! Although maybe use some cheaper tools, eh!
Thanks again for your sharing your life with us,
Happy new year,
Tim
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Builder302
Well-known member
Awesome to see the before and after, great job.
I'm really flattered that people find this and are inspired enough to post or join for the first time. And of course all the people that follow and have been for 5 years now. That's just sort of crazy.
And thanks for the note about my father. Someone had messaged me a week or so ago asking where the build thread was for his bike - because of course I'd have started one. Not yet but I'll do that once I get the bike back to Portland. For some reason it doesn't seem right to ship my fathers bike. I know it's going to run rough but the only way my fathers bike will come back from Colorado is if I ride it here. I consider it our last ride together and what my father would have wanted. That build, more than anything, will be very special.
House work is stalled as I finish up a week of retouching but I also need this time to just decompress and listen to podcasts while at my computer then Lara and I will dive into the next project.
In the mean time I'll try to post up some other stuff to fill the gaps and make it interesting.
Gregor
TRS63
Well-known member
Gregor,
Given the huge amount of work I had recently, I couldn't participate as much as wanted on GJ but still followed your work and progress. As all the others said, thanks so much for documenting everything and inspires that much. Now I want to change a lot at home (what will probably makes the wife happy..), and of course buy festools tools
The before/after pictures are amazing, well done!
Happy new year to you and your family, greetings from Germany
Antoine
Given the huge amount of work I had recently, I couldn't participate as much as wanted on GJ but still followed your work and progress. As all the others said, thanks so much for documenting everything and inspires that much. Now I want to change a lot at home (what will probably makes the wife happy..), and of course buy festools tools
The before/after pictures are amazing, well done!
Happy new year to you and your family, greetings from Germany
Antoine
Too crowded. The cabinets are great but there’s too many motorcycles in the shop and it makes it difficult to... work on motorcycles. Or other things. I’m very torn about getting rid of bikes to make more room but I really want to have more space to work.
The flip side is that I’m going to try to do what I can to make the working situation better this year. And to be neater. I spent several hours cleaning the lathe to prepare for reworking my 6-jaw chuck which needs to be reground. But that means machining parts for my tool post grinder.
But you’re right - one of my goals is to spend more time in the shop. Which was the point of this whole thing. I’ll see what I can do.
Gregor
APEowner
Well-known member
When you take down the Christmas decorations move a couple of bikes into the house for display. They'd look gorgeous in there.
TahitianGreen
Well-known member
unf.
SW50th
Active member
Outstanding!
Terranova
Well-known member
Some of the most gorgeous and complex art and sculpture on the planet and I'm not even a bike guy.
Hey wait, that one runs! Put that one where you can ride it & put the Rickman in the living room. That way you’ll remember to get those engine plates cut.
wingnutthehutt
Well-known member
Thanks for digging up the old photos for comparison. There are lots of mid-mods in Sacramento, mostly Streng homes, which have received similar treatment. When we were looking for a different place this past summer it was painful for my wife and I to walk through some of them, especially knowing that the unmolested homes needed more work than we could afford to do and that they would end up being gutted and beat with the ugly stick. That you were able to persevere to this point says a lot. That your marriage was able to persevere says a bit more.
Love the Boxer in the living room!
This right here made me laugh. Footstool/chair/tool table but RARELY do they ever hold up motorcycles.
Love the Boxer in the living room!
This right here made me laugh. Footstool/chair/tool table but RARELY do they ever hold up motorcycles.
Right? That bike stool is probably the most useful thing I've ever bought. I do use it for bikes when loading and unloading but then it immediately goes back to being a step stool in the shop and a chair at the track. It's 20 years old and I've more than gotten my $50 worth out of it. I've been tempted to make one but it would be hard to improve on aside from the aesthetics.
Thanks!
Gregor
I am a fellow Moto guy. Mx mainly. I have probably 6 of those stands. Always get them at year end awards banquets. Mine do hold bikes but I do use them as step stools also. Currently 4 of them have 2 2x4s going across them to make saw horses and are supporting all my base boards in the house I'm remodeling while they get painted. Many many uses!
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riceaterSLC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2011
- Messages
- 89
I’m sure you mentioned this already but how big is your lot? Room for a second structure/garage? That would potentially solve all (some) of your motorcycle storage needs.
wingnutthehutt
Well-known member
Only you would try to improve the aesthetics of a moto stand, Gregor!
Can you imagine the detail of any shop he would build? Plus, it would take ten years to be completed!
Can you imagine the detail of any shop he would build? Plus, it would take ten years to be completed!
Only you would try to improve the aesthetics of a moto stand, Gregor!
Can you imagine the detail of any shop he would build? Plus, it would take ten years to be completed!
It's not that large - 1/3 of an acre but we have roads on three sides so the setbacks on that take up space but simultaneously give us extra room so our lot is closer to 1/2 but not useable. We have space to make something but I think the larger issue is getting rid of some bikes. My dream would be to extend the garage into the hill behind and double it's size and then make a glass box on top for a studio.
But that's expensive so not likely to happen. Selling some bikes makes money and solves the same problem. It would give me some psychic breathing room as well. I work in the shop more than I ride so...
As for improving on the esthetics of a moto stool - I'm guessing you guys have seen this thread? Aero 1946 German Workshop
Some really beautiful work.
Gregor
Sham
Well-known member
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm getting myself into yet another rabbit hole. Thanks, Gregor.
E12-535iTurbo
Well-known member
Gregor, why don't you just move all the finished bikes in the house. That should fix your garage space problem instantly.
hewey
Well-known member
Love the before and after pics, an amazing testament to the work you've done. Definitely done the mid-century style a huge favour. Bike looks great in the lounge too! But maybe you need a fully polished alloy one to match your fans
All of us can bring a shovel to the party, fill our pockets with rubble & "walk the dog" around your neighborhood Andy Dufresne style - problem solved.
Any chance for a variance on a road setback? One side of my garage is 13' from the setback line. I guess it made sense to someone to place it there 60 years ago. Just an empty strip of land now. My wife wants a garden there. I envision 500+ additional sq ft of garage with a garden on the roof.
APEowner
Well-known member
Good idea.
This spot has never had a good use - maybe it could fit two bikes. I'd just need two clean bikes. I guess I'll have to put the race gas into the generator but I like the way you think.
Gregor
Beautiful. That's what I'm talking about.
GDPossehl
Well-known member
My first thought was a 16' circular shed with a carousel inside for slotted bike storage. How cool would that be?
"The Moto Mecca Hidey Hole"??
That would be amazing. I'll help shovel.
I read that as 16 slot carousel. 16 bikes should be just about right. Anyone object?
Love the before and after. I have to do that about every 6 months on our house, as well, to remind myself of how far we've come.
Healthy outlook on the retrospection, as well. I push my students pretty hard, and sometimes they get discouraged, thinking they will never improve. I then have to remind them of where they started, how much they have improved so far, and the reason they think they have so far to go is because they've gotten good enough to see the big picture, which is in reality a good place to be. Your house is beautiful, you have come far, and I'm thankful you document it for the inspiration of others.
But I have to complain now! The long-expected party is happening next summer?!? My plan for the past few years has been to ride the Guzzi the 4k mile round trip from the Mississippi (I've been dying to visit the Pacific NW for years, anyway, so what a better excuse to finally go?), but with our first child due this spring I think I'll be WAY too busy to take a vacation! Which reminds me, I only have 20 more weeks to get the drywall finished on my house before baby shows up.... guess I'd better go get my work clothes on...
Healthy outlook on the retrospection, as well. I push my students pretty hard, and sometimes they get discouraged, thinking they will never improve. I then have to remind them of where they started, how much they have improved so far, and the reason they think they have so far to go is because they've gotten good enough to see the big picture, which is in reality a good place to be. Your house is beautiful, you have come far, and I'm thankful you document it for the inspiration of others.
But I have to complain now! The long-expected party is happening next summer?!? My plan for the past few years has been to ride the Guzzi the 4k mile round trip from the Mississippi (I've been dying to visit the Pacific NW for years, anyway, so what a better excuse to finally go?), but with our first child due this spring I think I'll be WAY too busy to take a vacation! Which reminds me, I only have 20 more weeks to get the drywall finished on my house before baby shows up.... guess I'd better go get my work clothes on...
BoilermakerFan
Well-known member
mr_magicfingers
Well-known member
Oh man, that shot of the bike in the house. Now that is a real work of art
In related news. I'm starting work this spring on a minor renovation of our living room and one of the projects is to build a set of cabinets and shelves along one wall. Naturally there's a festool tracksaw now in the workshop and I'll be going back over your cupboard build photos to figure out how I'm going to do this. I've not used the 32mm system before so it'll be a good learning process.
In related news. I'm starting work this spring on a minor renovation of our living room and one of the projects is to build a set of cabinets and shelves along one wall. Naturally there's a festool tracksaw now in the workshop and I'll be going back over your cupboard build photos to figure out how I'm going to do this. I've not used the 32mm system before so it'll be a good learning process.
Baroquenstrings
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2008
- Messages
- 15
Gregor, will you be at The One show again this year? Will you be bringing a bike or two there?