My Garage Upgrade

[Turbojunky]

So I purchased my first house about 2 years ago. It was a perfect spot for me to have my own shop!

I have never really done any home improvement type work. Everything that I have learned about this kind of stuff either came from friends or the internet. I am upgrading my garage specifically to work on my project car. It's a 1973 Datsun 240Z getting a full frame, LS1/T56 swap and MUCH more. Should be fun.

Sorry for the quality of some of the pictures as they all were taken with a cell phone.

Front yard



The back "yard". Big concrete pad with 2 buildings. One for storage and the shop with large overhang!







Here is the garage before I moved in (previous owners stuff). About 20' x 20', non-insulated.





I built some simple but strong shelves in the storage shed.





Had a garage door installed on the storage shed.



Now on to the garage upgrades!

First I built a mobile workbench. I built it to hold a good amount of weight with metal gussets on basically all of the joints. I am NOT a woodworker but I think it turned out alright! I used 6 swiveling casters with locks at all 4 corners and 3/4" thick wood for the top and the lower self.





I also built a more permanent 8' x 26" workbench against the back wall. The bench utilizes the concrete wall for support. Again I am NOT a woodworker but I was really happy with the end result!





Building the lower shelf.



I also fastened the bench to the wall with some 3/8" anchors.



Lower shelf installed.



All finished up!



Here is what the breaker box looked like when I moved in. There were 2 incandescent lights in the shop and also some outside under the overhang.



I'm not sure what happened to the first terminal but everything else looked ok.



I basically gutted all of the wiring out of the shop leaving only the wires going to the outside lights. I then wired all new outlets and also 6 - 4' LED lights and all new outlets!

The switches control the lights and the 240v air compressor plug (more on that later). I plan on adding a 3rd switch for the lights outside.





Took a picture from the outside at night. There are 2 lights that are covered by the garage door when it is open but it is still nice & bright in there!



I also needed a way to mount my belt sander/grinder. I didn't want to use a traditional stand because they just don't seem that sturdy unless you get crazy with floor mounting or a lot of weight. I decided to build a wall mount that can swivel with a pull pin to lock it in place. It mounts right to the wall with 3/8" anchors. It is also nice for cleanup since there is nothing on the floor!



Purchased a decent drill press from Amazon for the new work bench.



This tool has been one of the best purchases I have made. It's just a portable Milwaukee bandsaw with a table and foot pedal. I have used the **** out of this thing! Got the table and the pedal from trick tools

 

[Turbojunky]

I picked up a 3.1hp 60 gallon Craftsman Professional air compressor on sale years ago. I decided to mount it outside of the garage using 3/8" anchors and some left over 3/4" thick plywood.



Then it was time to start the compressor plumbing. I started with the fittings on the compressor itself.



I picked up a Rapidair 3/4" regulator/filter from Amazon. I used 3/4" "pushlock" hose from the compressor to the regulator. I also installed a drain valve at the bottom of the tank.



I decided to go with 3/4" copper tubing which may be a little overkill for this little compressor but I wanted minimal pressure drop and also something that could handle a larger compressor down the road. I started by modifying some 1/2" plumbing flanges for a more finished look on the outside wall.

Drilling the flanges out



Before & after drilling



Perfect fit!



Painted then test fit



Copper tubing from the regulator to the wall. This is right before soldering the joints.



Now onto the inside plumbing. I made a block to secure the tubing where it comes through the wall. I located the tubing so that it does not stick out from the concrete at all. I also took into account that I would be putting up drywall at some point so I mounted the tubing on some spacers that will be replaced by the drywall.



The tubing runs along the back wall to the center of the shop where it routes up to my hose reel. You can also see that I was playing with some different configurations at the lower joint.



I ended up going with a drain valve and another outlet right above that. both are tucked against the wall as tight as possible.



I also insulated the garage door. I took this picture with the door closed and the lights off. It was in the afternoon with the sun pointing directly at the door. Thought it was worth taking a picture!



I still need to insulate all of the walls and the ceiling but I have to save up some funds first. The shop is now fairly well equipped so I can get some work done on the Datsun!

Frame rails, custom front crossmember, LS1 & T56 on the table!





Here is the car as it sits now.



Thanks for checking out my thread! Hopefully I will have an update soon!

 

[mrzoop]

Great shop. Look forward to seeing the rest of your projects!

 

[breeaad]

Nice garage and storage!!! I like how you located the compressor outside.

Keep us updated on the Datsun build also, or let us know if there is a build thread on a different site. I love the LS engines. My Silverado has the L9H, and it surprises me every time I get on it.

 

[Turbojunky]

Nice garage and storage!!! I like how you located the compressor outside.

Keep us updated on the Datsun build also, or let us know if there is a build thread on a different site. I love the LS engines. My Silverado has the L9H, and it surprises me every time I get on it.

Thanks!

I plan on doing a build thread for that Datsun on a different site once I get a LOT farther. I will make sure to post a link on here!

 

[HSpencer]

Totally supercool in every way. Lots of initiative on your shop set up. Your entire place rocks!! I am in love with the house too!! Keep up the good work and we will certainly enjoy all your projects here!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[yellowz03]

Nice work! Great idea moving the compressor outside and mounting the grinder on the block to save some extra floor space. Your work benches look rock solid as well. What a great piece of property for a car guy. Plenty of room to work outside when the weathers nice. I'll be following along for sure, both for the car and garage!

 

[zkling]

Awesome piece of property, lots of concrete. And you have a Z car.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I have; what I ASSUME is, the same compressor sold by Harbor Freight.

Any concern with the direct contact between the differing metals - the steel pipe flanges and the copper? With the vibration of the compressor turning on and off won't it eventually wear a hole in the softer copper?

 

[Zeke]

I have; what I ASSUME is, the same compressor sold by Harbor Freight.

Any concern with the direct contact between the differing metals - the steel pipe flanges and the copper? With the vibration of the compressor turning on and off won't it eventually wear a hole in the softer copper?

Dan, I think the fact that the regulator is bolted to the wall and the hook up from there to compressor is a flex line that it won't be a problem. If it does wear through in a few years, he solders in a new section. At least it's not PVC which would explode.

@turbojunky, you do nice work.

 

[Turbojunky]

I have; what I ASSUME is, the same compressor sold by Harbor Freight.

Any concern with the direct contact between the differing metals - the steel pipe flanges and the copper? With the vibration of the compressor turning on and off won't it eventually wear a hole in the softer copper?

I don't know anything about the harbor freight compressors but this one has run flawless so far!

I didn't really think about the different metals causing a problem. The tube is mounted solidly and I would think that a lot of the vibration is absorbed by the rubber hose between the compressor and the regulator.

Would you suggest another support/mount right where the tube goes through the wall?

 

[Turbojunky]

Thanks Zeke!

 

[sbhockey]

I'm for sure subscribed. Awesome set up and love the 240. I've been wanting one for a while now. Not sure if I'd go as far as you are with yours.

 

[Turbojunky]

I'm for sure subscribed. Awesome set up and love the 240. I've been wanting one for a while now. Not sure if I'd go as far as you are with yours.

Thanks!

Honestly the Z kind of spiraled out of control. I think I have a handle on it now with a clear plan to get it finished. It has been a great platform to work with and there are a LOT of people out there modifying these things!

 

[1/2 Cup]

You have a great set up and its coming together nicely, well done..

Regards

 

[SpyderGiant]

I miss having a Z. I want another S30 real bad, but life and priorities keep getting in the way. Lol. I see you already moved that heavy L motor into the storage shed.

Those Rota wheels on the Z?

I like the garage too.

 

[Turbojunky]

I miss having a Z. I want another S30 real bad, but life and priorities keep getting in the way. Lol. I see you already moved that heavy L motor into the storage shed.

Those Rota wheels on the Z?

I like the garage too.

Yeah the car came with 2 - 2.4L sixes but they were never in the plan.

Those are the Rota RB-R wheels or at least that's what they were called when I ordered them. Now I think Rota calls them the RB-X. Either way they actually are a really common wheel to use with the common bolt on fender flares since the offset makes the wheels stick way outside the fenders.

Wheels are 17 x 9.5 with -19mm offset and tires are 275-40-17 all around if anyone is wondering.

 

[chevy454hp]

Looking forward to following your build. I just finished a 280Z v8 swap myself I built it for a buddy of mine. We went with the usual small block chevy and a 700r4 trans. Pretty mild, but a lot of fun. I might have to pm you with questions on your turbo truck, my current project is my 77 c10 with a lQ4. Was toying with the idea of a turbo.

Who makes the belt attachment on your grinder?

 

[Turbojunky]

Looking forward to following your build. I just finished a 280Z v8 swap myself I built it for a buddy of mine. We went with the usual small block chevy and a 700r4 trans. Pretty mild, but a lot of fun. I might have to pm you with questions on your turbo truck, my current project is my 77 c10 with a lQ4. Was toying with the idea of a turbo.

Who makes the belt attachment on your grinder?

77 C10 with LS & turbo sounds like a cool project! Let me know how I can help!

I bought the grinder and attachment from trick tools...

http://www.trick-tools.com/Multitoo...der_Bundle_MT484_100_Bundle_4313#.VMW-CDHF8nU

 

[jeffgbook]

Awesome setup man! I can really appreciate the thought going into it seeing as I just started to plan for my shop redo. I actually just priced everything I need to set up my compressor. I'm doing it VERY similar to what you have done except I'm using the Rapid air kit and keeping my compressor inside in a sound board box (but I must say you've got me reconsidering putting it outside).

One question: I'm planning to run all my air line in the studs (behind the drywall) before I put up drywall. I know you used copper so that's probably why you ran it on the outside, but just wondering what you thought about running it behind. I may have just actually answered my own question duh

 

[dubber]

Very unique back "yard" love the set-up.

 

[Turbojunky]

Awesome setup man! I can really appreciate the thought going into it seeing as I just started to plan for my shop redo. I actually just priced everything I need to set up my compressor. I'm doing it VERY similar to what you have done except I'm using the Rapid air kit and keeping my compressor inside in a sound board box (but I must say you've got me reconsidering putting it outside).

One question: I'm planning to run all my air line in the studs (behind the drywall) before I put up drywall. I know you used copper so that's probably why you ran it on the outside, but just wondering what you thought about running it behind. I may have just actually answered my own question duh

I tried to set up the shop so that there was nothing inside that didn't do a job or wasn't a part that I was working on at the time. Putting the air compressor outside was a "no brainier" for me. I also plan on building a shed for the compressor this summer.

I have heard of air lines being routed through the studs but I don't really know what that entails. I imagine its the same as running wiring where you drill all of the holes through the studs and then run the tubing!

There must be a LOT of guys here that are far more knowledgeable than I am on all of this stuff. It sounds like it would be really cool though! It kind of makes me wish I would have thought of that before installing mine!

 

[kansei]

Very jealous of the "concrete backyard". Several years ago, I toyed with the idea of building a new shop off the back of the house in an "L" so the house and shop would look like a "U" when viewed from the top. Plan was to have a very large concrete pad within the "U". Was getting excited about the concept until I got some rough estimates- on just the concrete involved. I think I literally got light-headed when I heard the figures.

I am curious no one else has asked about it yet- what is the wood planking/cover on the floor in front of the workbench? Is it possible you are lucky enough to have a pit for working under cars built into that garage... ? If so, lucky you. It is illegal to install one here now on residential property.

Good luck with the Z project- sounds very interesting. Have a friend from my college days that everyone he had working for him at his shop was into Zs, primarily 240s and 260s. They were turbocharging them and doing all sorts of upgrades to them- back in the early 1990s (and even earlier). He still has a few to my knowledge.


Neal.

 

[Turbojunky]

Very jealous of the "concrete backyard". Several years ago, I toyed with the idea of building a new shop off the back of the house in an "L" so the house and shop would look like a "U" when viewed from the top. Plan was to have a very large concrete pad within the "U". Was getting excited about the concept until I got some rough estimates- on just the concrete involved. I think I literally got light-headed when I heard the figures.

I am curious no one else has asked about it yet- what is the wood planking/cover on the floor in front of the workbench? Is it possible you are lucky enough to have a pit for working under cars built into that garage... ? If so, lucky you. It is illegal to install one here now on residential property.

Good luck with the Z project- sounds very interesting. Have a friend from my college days that everyone he had working for him at his shop was into Zs, primarily 240s and 260s. They were turbocharging them and doing all sorts of upgrades to them- back in the early 1990s (and even earlier). He still has a few to my knowledge.


Neal.

I was lucky enough that the concrete was already there when I bought the house! There are no cracks either! I do need to get my driveway along side the house done but I'm sure I would also be shocked by the price.

Anybody on here do concrete work that would be willing to give me a quote? I can provide accurate dimensions and pictures if needed.

That is a pit in the shop! I haven't used it as of yet but the previous owner built some really strong grates to cover it and I just added the wood to keep anything from falling through. It is about 3' wide by 10' long and I would say 4' deep. I am not a huge fan of spiders so I emptied a gallon (or so) of repellent down there before sealing it up.

I was very lucky with my Z purchase. There was minimal rust and the body was very straight. If your buddy has any good bodies or parts that he would like to sell let me know!

 

[kansei]

Okay... I don't like you anymore...

Not sure what my buddy has left, but it may not hurt to ask him. I'll PM you his info.


Neal.

 

[Turbojunky]

Haha, yeah like I said I was really lucky getting this house.

I will try to get some pictures of the pit and post at some point.

 

[edcantu9]

those stands for your grinders are awesome! never seen that before!

 

[Turbojunky]

Thanks edcantu9!

Here are a few pictures of the stand right after I painted it.





I built the base plate out of 1/4" thick plate and then found some pipe that fit together tightly. If you look closely on the base plate there is a small piece of the larger pipe welded at the base of the smaller tube. This is the surface that rides on the stand arm.

I also slotted the holes on the vertical part of the mounting pads so that the stand can be removed and remounted if needed. Finally I used some liquid nails to attached some 3/4" thick wood pads between the stand and the concrete.

No problems so far!