Dugan
Well-known member
did your amazing spider cam pick them up?
Pinch Me, it it real?
- Thread starter motormitch
- Start date
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
Except thieves in my driveway....
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
Ever had one of those evenings? My friend Marty did last night. I have a 2000 M Roadster that has slowly gotten to where I can't get really cold air in the summer and hot air in the 4 days of winter here in Austin TX. I read all the forums and it seemed likely that the problem was a broken ****** on the temperature control knob. A common problem. However, the cheapest price on the part was $221 bucks. One guy fixed his by removing the part and drilling out the broken ****** and using a small ball top pin from a hobby store. I mentioned this to my friends Marty (covered under an earlier story that shows his super power is that of being cheap) and Allen who is just damn good with a wrench.
Marty, who was about to go home but realized a chance to be part of someone saving money, jumped up and said, "dammit, let's do it right now." Allen agreed. They were bored and who am I to turn down free help on a repair? The temperature last night was 28 degrees which only happens once ever 1,000 years in Austin and the little Roadster was sitting outside from a test drive on one of Allen's repairs. We raised the garage door and Marty drive it in. As soon as the door was closed to keep the heated air in, Marty begin to lower the convertible top. A loud cracking sound was heard and yes you guessed it, the plastic rear window broke from being so cold and stiff. Interestingly, the price of a new one $221 bucks. No lie.
Marty had a look of dismay on his face. Was this from feeling really bad or worrying I would expect him to pry open the coffin we call his wallet to buy a new one, we'll never know because I quickly laughed it off and said, "don't worry about it Dude, I would have done the same thing since it is never cold here and on the positive side, now I will get a completely clear new one." Allen said nothing. He is the strong silent type.
Next they attacked removing the center console while I am saying to the back of their heads "wait, let's Google up the procedure so we don't mess up." They chuckled and continued. Who am I to stop free help? After much swearing and grunting, they had the part accessible and good news, the part was not broken. The ****** was fine. (don't say it, it's just too easy) The problem was that the control cable had come unhooked at the back on the air mixture box.
As they debated on how the holding clip worked, I slipped into the club room and Google whipped it. I showed them the pictures I found and they made the repair and began to re assemble everything. To say the least, they had a devil of a time and had to start over several times due to lights not being connected, shifter boot not set right, etc.. At the end of it, Marty had a metal bracket that he could not remember how it was installed and Allen had one piece of the air duct with broken clips that would need to be glued in. I gave a good smile and told Marty not to worry about the bracket and told Allen I would glue the piece in later after I got some of the right glue. Let's see. Broken window and inability to install a piece he removed. Marty is starting feel a little bad.
Next, came the test of everything and guess what didn't work now, the top. It wouldn't come up. We tried everything and I became convinced that with all of the wire pulling and grunting, something took collateral damage. I go back to the Google and look up how to override the electric drive and manually raise the top. When I go back to tell the guys not to sweat it, we can just raise it manually until later, Marty looks at me and says, Dude I'm sorry about the seat belt bracket." What about the seat belt bracket? Turns out somehow Marty while trying to manually lift the top, he broke the bottom of the plastic bracket on the seat back. Man, he is genuinely feeling bad. I laugh it off and point out that it looked like someone might have broken the one of the drivers side and glued it back together so it must happen all the time.
I now begin to start making little joking comments like, "for God's sake, don't let Marty touch that or please don't give Marty anything sharp." He takes it well but it is getting to him a little.
Suddenly Marty notices that the brake lights are not coming on when we are trying to raise the top and the brakes have to be pressed for the top to work. He is feeling a bit redeemed until I point out that he was one who was working from the driver's side on the car during the console extraction and reinsertion. "Marty, you must have pulled something loose", I say. He just stares at me with a cold look in his eyes. Allen says nothing and just checks all of the fuses. Then Allen gets under the dash and checks the brake sensor connections and fixes it. Brakes work, top works, heater works and the world is a happy place.
Marty is picking up his tools from the floor board, backs out of the car and somehow hits the side molding and knocks the molding strip off the car. He looks at me. I look at him. Allen looks at both of us back and forth and then says, "Dammmmmmnnnnn!" I told you he was a man of few words. I quickly turn around and Marty is just saying things like, "F-ing unbelieveable. I'm never touching another one of your cars again, etc.." I can't hold it in anymore and start laughing my *** off. I'm sorry, but Marty is a very cool dude, pays a lot of attention to detail and usually is the one laughing at my string of mistakes. To see him standing my usual size 15 goober shoes is just priceless. Man am I going to give him **** for weeks!
Here is the dreaded left over pile.
Ever had one of those days?
Marty, who was about to go home but realized a chance to be part of someone saving money, jumped up and said, "dammit, let's do it right now." Allen agreed. They were bored and who am I to turn down free help on a repair? The temperature last night was 28 degrees which only happens once ever 1,000 years in Austin and the little Roadster was sitting outside from a test drive on one of Allen's repairs. We raised the garage door and Marty drive it in. As soon as the door was closed to keep the heated air in, Marty begin to lower the convertible top. A loud cracking sound was heard and yes you guessed it, the plastic rear window broke from being so cold and stiff. Interestingly, the price of a new one $221 bucks. No lie.
Marty had a look of dismay on his face. Was this from feeling really bad or worrying I would expect him to pry open the coffin we call his wallet to buy a new one, we'll never know because I quickly laughed it off and said, "don't worry about it Dude, I would have done the same thing since it is never cold here and on the positive side, now I will get a completely clear new one." Allen said nothing. He is the strong silent type.
Next they attacked removing the center console while I am saying to the back of their heads "wait, let's Google up the procedure so we don't mess up." They chuckled and continued. Who am I to stop free help? After much swearing and grunting, they had the part accessible and good news, the part was not broken. The ****** was fine. (don't say it, it's just too easy) The problem was that the control cable had come unhooked at the back on the air mixture box.
As they debated on how the holding clip worked, I slipped into the club room and Google whipped it. I showed them the pictures I found and they made the repair and began to re assemble everything. To say the least, they had a devil of a time and had to start over several times due to lights not being connected, shifter boot not set right, etc.. At the end of it, Marty had a metal bracket that he could not remember how it was installed and Allen had one piece of the air duct with broken clips that would need to be glued in. I gave a good smile and told Marty not to worry about the bracket and told Allen I would glue the piece in later after I got some of the right glue. Let's see. Broken window and inability to install a piece he removed. Marty is starting feel a little bad.
Next, came the test of everything and guess what didn't work now, the top. It wouldn't come up. We tried everything and I became convinced that with all of the wire pulling and grunting, something took collateral damage. I go back to the Google and look up how to override the electric drive and manually raise the top. When I go back to tell the guys not to sweat it, we can just raise it manually until later, Marty looks at me and says, Dude I'm sorry about the seat belt bracket." What about the seat belt bracket? Turns out somehow Marty while trying to manually lift the top, he broke the bottom of the plastic bracket on the seat back. Man, he is genuinely feeling bad. I laugh it off and point out that it looked like someone might have broken the one of the drivers side and glued it back together so it must happen all the time.
I now begin to start making little joking comments like, "for God's sake, don't let Marty touch that or please don't give Marty anything sharp." He takes it well but it is getting to him a little.
Suddenly Marty notices that the brake lights are not coming on when we are trying to raise the top and the brakes have to be pressed for the top to work. He is feeling a bit redeemed until I point out that he was one who was working from the driver's side on the car during the console extraction and reinsertion. "Marty, you must have pulled something loose", I say. He just stares at me with a cold look in his eyes. Allen says nothing and just checks all of the fuses. Then Allen gets under the dash and checks the brake sensor connections and fixes it. Brakes work, top works, heater works and the world is a happy place.
Marty is picking up his tools from the floor board, backs out of the car and somehow hits the side molding and knocks the molding strip off the car. He looks at me. I look at him. Allen looks at both of us back and forth and then says, "Dammmmmmnnnnn!" I told you he was a man of few words. I quickly turn around and Marty is just saying things like, "F-ing unbelieveable. I'm never touching another one of your cars again, etc.." I can't hold it in anymore and start laughing my *** off. I'm sorry, but Marty is a very cool dude, pays a lot of attention to detail and usually is the one laughing at my string of mistakes. To see him standing my usual size 15 goober shoes is just priceless. Man am I going to give him **** for weeks!
Here is the dreaded left over pile.
Ever had one of those days?
trigd
Active member
Wow, not only are these stories hilarious, but you have an unbelievable sense of humor and cool about yourself. I wish I was that patient 
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
The whole shop is on 10 toms of cooling and heating and the living space is on a couple of Mr. Slim ductless systems. The little suckers rock!
Zengineer
Well-known member
Damn, I read "my friend Marty DIED last night" and read the whole story of his misfortune, waiting for his demise at the end. By the 3rd paragraph I figured you would be confessing to killing him, and burying the body.
When I got to the end and he lived, I had to read it over again, only then did I catch "did" instead of "died".
I'd probably ask Marty to watch from now on.
48windsor
Well-known member
nice place . Id like to do a metal building also. The only difference is mine wont have a living space but would like to have a place to wash up .
That's doing it right!
I plan to install a ~20,000 BTU minisplit this spring or early summer. That should be enough for 600 sqft (hopefully).
Are you in the city limits? If so, did you have to pull a plumbing permit for your ductless AC?
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
The shop is outside of city limits and I did not need a permit. My house is in city limits and I installed one myself to heat and cool a three car garage so I didn't even check to see if I needed one. I love them....
luke7734
Well-known member
I love this thread. You've definetly accoplished a lot of things in your life to be at this point. I do wonder however, what ever became of the old farm fridge? I too love finding old toys on CL. Your fan was sweet.
I actually just bought a 1895 Mosler suitcase safe for $50. Everything mechanical is perfect with it... just has about 4 coats of old lead paint to be removed.. hoping to get into making it shine once I finish my HARN project in a week or two. Quick pics.. whatcha think?
I actually just bought a 1895 Mosler suitcase safe for $50. Everything mechanical is perfect with it... just has about 4 coats of old lead paint to be removed.. hoping to get into making it shine once I finish my HARN project in a week or two. Quick pics.. whatcha think?
Attachments
I haven't been here in a while and I come back and see you're still hurting yourself and getting 8 legged creatures.
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
I think I must have pissed off a Gipsy lady who had a pet spider.
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
The old farm fridge is acting as a sand paper and welding supply storage unit to keep the humidity out. I have a friend who is good with compressors and such who wants to help me put in a modern system to restore it, but I've got several things ahead of it so I have no idea when.
The safe is just plain cool. How are you going to strip it?
luke7734
Well-known member
Was thinking sand blasting.. then remembered lead paint... probably going to have to look into some kind of solvent to strip the paint away.. dont really want the lead dust everywhere since I've got two little girls.
Ps.. you wanna talk about having one of those days.. I'll have to post the story of how I got that heavy ******* home... if it wasn't one thing it was another.
T.E.D. Jordan
Well-known member
I love your thread fella, some genuine lol's indeed and your shops really impressive.
I also have a pint-sized OCC bike!
Jordan
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
I love your thread fella, some genuine lol's indeed and your shops really impressive.
I also have a pint-sized OCC bike!
Jordan
Maybe we should start a pint size chopper club
I like yours better....
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
I need your opinion. My friend Allen, the strong silent type guy in one of the earlier stories, was replacing the O2 sensors on his best friend's mother's car the other night and he forgot to bring an O2 sensor socket. I didn't have one (soon rectified) and Allen lived quite a bit from the shop. He asked if I had a spare 7/8 deep well socket that I wouldn't sacrificing to the tool conversion Gods. No, get your nasty mitts off my Snap ons, but there is pawn store real close so I ran over and dug one out of the socket pile. A couple of bucks later, Allen took my plasma torch and began the conversion operation. This was the abomination that resulted.
He claims that my torch needs new consumables. (pretty sure they are new) What do you think? Torch's fault or operator error?
BTW. It didn't work. The socket was not deep enough to begin with. He ended up convincing his wife (who stopped by to drop off some unbelievably tasty cupcakes) to run to the auto parts store to get the tool. I have fun imagining asking my wife to do that after stopping by with treats....
He claims that my torch needs new consumables. (pretty sure they are new) What do you think? Torch's fault or operator error?
BTW. It didn't work. The socket was not deep enough to begin with. He ended up convincing his wife (who stopped by to drop off some unbelievably tasty cupcakes) to run to the auto parts store to get the tool. I have fun imagining asking my wife to do that after stopping by with treats....
luke7734
Well-known member
I'm not sure what the o2 sensor tool looks like... but I'm pretty sure it's not that. .. 
rixtrix1
Well-known member
One of my O2 sensor sockets looks vaguely similar to that one, except the slot appears to be cut with a 1/2" cutter in a mill. guess it depends how badly, or quickly, you need one.
Cut does really look bad for a plasma cutter; almost like it was done with a torch with too small a tip.
Cut does really look bad for a plasma cutter; almost like it was done with a torch with too small a tip.
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
All right. I have made a couple of small finishing touches on the living area of the Blood Shed that I wanted to share. First, I made a coffee table out of one of my Shelby Wheels and a piece of glass from Pottery Barn. Yes, I walked into a Pottery Barn and bought something. I am in touch with my feminine side. Actually, if I had a feminine side, I would be in touch with it every chance I got
I also installed door and draw handles that are just plain cool. Take a look.
I also installed door and draw handles that are just plain cool. Take a look.
Attachments
thetastelingers
Well-known member
You are correct. Those door handles are COOL!
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
My friend Jack bought himself an early Christmas gift in the form of a new remote control helicopter with HD video and GPS support. It is a pretty bad *** I must admit. However, true to the Gipsy curse on the Blood Shed, he decided his first test flight should be inside the shed itself. I mean it has 4 props with auto stabilization and GPS position holding support. Why not fly around indoors where all my cars are located?
Here is the video of the first flight inside the shed. Please pay close attention to the look on Jack's face as he realizes that metal buildings full of metal stuff give Mr. GPS a hard time and my best car is directly ahead. Guess the only choice is to ditch. The ending may not look bad, but he had to replace several props.
BTW, the first time I knew he had flown this in the shop was when I saw this video so I was not part of the madness. Later that day, Jack decided to see how high it could go and to hell with FAA regulations. Here is a link to the height test flight. I'm pretty sure I saw a Jet Blue go by
Here is the video of the first flight inside the shed. Please pay close attention to the look on Jack's face as he realizes that metal buildings full of metal stuff give Mr. GPS a hard time and my best car is directly ahead. Guess the only choice is to ditch. The ending may not look bad, but he had to replace several props.
BTW, the first time I knew he had flown this in the shop was when I saw this video so I was not part of the madness. Later that day, Jack decided to see how high it could go and to hell with FAA regulations. Here is a link to the height test flight. I'm pretty sure I saw a Jet Blue go by
Dugan
Well-known member
No FAA phone call saying your gonna be shot down? Haha, thats awesome. If i had one of these id be exploring my neighborhood all day with it and scaring people to death. A group of local gun owners were saying they cant wait till amazon starts using them to deliver... free ***** for ***** shooting.... and you get a free gift for a bullseye!
jimmie jam
Well-known member
I tried the second trick with my heli a couple of years ago. I'm STILL looking for it, seriously. I live 3 miles from FLL, maybe they "shot" it down.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
That thing is freakin sweet!!! I imagine you don't buy one of those puppies at Tower Hobbies!!
jimmie jam
Well-known member
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
I'll get the model and price from my friend and post here. One thing that is really cool is that if he loses signal or hits a come home button, It will use the GPS and recorded flight path to automatically return and land within 1 foot of the take of spot.
Here is another video from the copter where he flys over the Blood Shed and then go up for a nice high shot.
CodeRedZ
Well-known member
Wow, I must say this thread made my work day go by with such ease.
Thank you so much for your stories. Also you have a great looking "Blood Shed"
Though I am a bit surprised. I was sure if you were going to do a auto part table it would of been one of these
Thank you so much for your stories. Also you have a great looking "Blood Shed"
Though I am a bit surprised. I was sure if you were going to do a auto part table it would of been one of these
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
Wow, I must say this thread made my work day go by with such ease.
Thank you so much for your stories. Also you have a great looking "Blood Shed"
Though I am a bit surprised. I was sure if you were going to do a auto part table it would of been one of these
I do love it, but the Blood Shed had sucked the money out of me so I am trying to be creative in a budget minded way. I had a second set of Shelby rims and glass was $80. Instant table! Down side is when I need the wheel, there goes the table.....
CodeRedZ
Well-known member
Funny enough I have a GM 3400 V6 that I was going to use for a old project, but then decided to sell that car and still have the motor. I've had it on craigslist for awhile for $125 bucks and no hits. I finally dropped it to $100 and some guy asked if I'd part with the intake manifold for $50 so I said sure. So I'll probably end up parting it out and if I can't sell the block I just might turn it into a table.
Btw my work keeps telling me they are going to put me on a project who's corp office is in Austin. (Though I keep waiting for them to pull the trigger, for now). I would love the opportunity to see your shop in person.
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
You and any other GJ members are always welcome to come by and hurt yourself in some way. Just remember, it's called the blood shed for a reason
Just PM me if you so make a trip this way.
Last edited:
CodeRedZ
Well-known member
You and any other GJ members are always welcome to come by and hurt yourself in some way. Just remember, it's called the blood shed for a reason
Oh I will
Here is a motto
"Shed some blood, at the blood shed"
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
Yesterday my friend Jack bought a new paint gun for the shop that uses the new 3M Accuspray system. Everything we have heard about it is great and we tried it out on a bunch of lower body trim from a 65 Rivera we are working on. We shot Hot Rod black and I really liked the gun. The big test of course will be a car. Right now, Jack's 96' Impala SS is first up next week sometime. Of course it is black so it will be a good test of the gun. Base coat/clear coat. Here is a pic of the gun and the disposable tips.
Attachments
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
CodeRedZ
Well-known member
nicely done
OP
motormitch
Well-known member
A Blood Shed Poem in honor of Christmas. I wish everyone at GJ a merry merry Christmas and I hope everyone got a cool tool.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the night before Christmas and at the Blood Shed
No one was bleeding and no one was dead
All the sockets were placed in the toolbox with care
In hopes that the Snap on truck soon would be there
The shop guys were nestled all snug in their beds
with visions of superchargers dancing in their heads
When out in the driveway there arose such a clatter
The best mechanic yelled what the hell is the matter
It sounds like a motor about to throw a rod
It's over souped-up with one too many a mod
We ran out the door to where we heard that sound
It was the Snap on truck, it had just broke down
We couldn't believe it, it just couldn't be right
No tools would be delivered, what a sad sad night
We had to do something, this just couldn't abide
The motor heads of the world would not be denied
Get the mig welder, the torch and some steel
We have a date with destiny and that's for real
With logging chains and hooks and massive steel bars
We fabricated a harness made for seven cars
I yelled to crew let's hurry, we all have to hustle
Go grab all the keys and let's unleash the muscle
We fired up the monsters and then chained them to the truck
We yelled to the driver, get rolling and we wish you good luck
Go Charger, go Cuda, so Judge and Corvette
Go TransAm, go Cutless and wait for the the best yet
We chained up the Shelby and let them all roar
With tires all screaming and pedals to the floor
The truck took off and the tools would be delivered
The Blood Shed saved the day, now who would have figured
As the truck roared away pulled by Detroit might
The driver yelled to all a Merry Christmas and to all a Snappy night
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the night before Christmas and at the Blood Shed
No one was bleeding and no one was dead
All the sockets were placed in the toolbox with care
In hopes that the Snap on truck soon would be there
The shop guys were nestled all snug in their beds
with visions of superchargers dancing in their heads
When out in the driveway there arose such a clatter
The best mechanic yelled what the hell is the matter
It sounds like a motor about to throw a rod
It's over souped-up with one too many a mod
We ran out the door to where we heard that sound
It was the Snap on truck, it had just broke down
We couldn't believe it, it just couldn't be right
No tools would be delivered, what a sad sad night
We had to do something, this just couldn't abide
The motor heads of the world would not be denied
Get the mig welder, the torch and some steel
We have a date with destiny and that's for real
With logging chains and hooks and massive steel bars
We fabricated a harness made for seven cars
I yelled to crew let's hurry, we all have to hustle
Go grab all the keys and let's unleash the muscle
We fired up the monsters and then chained them to the truck
We yelled to the driver, get rolling and we wish you good luck
Go Charger, go Cuda, so Judge and Corvette
Go TransAm, go Cutless and wait for the the best yet
We chained up the Shelby and let them all roar
With tires all screaming and pedals to the floor
The truck took off and the tools would be delivered
The Blood Shed saved the day, now who would have figured
As the truck roared away pulled by Detroit might
The driver yelled to all a Merry Christmas and to all a Snappy night
Last edited:
luke7734
Well-known member
Awesome. Merry snappymas 
CodeRedZ
Well-known member
love it, I'm sharing on facebook