Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Quonset Hut Garage Build

[dwysywd]

Feels good to finally be doing little projects. I am working on a new motive to just complete projects as they come along and know when I’m over my head vs getting analysis paralysis and never finishing.

Over the past few week I have been throwing out stuff that was mainly just junk. I’m a big upcycler and I love to find new uses for old items. So I’m not one to toss a “useful” item. But a lot of the **** I tossed was garbage, really, just old work binders, old office ****, maybe things that didn’t work or were out of date.

Today and most of the past two weeks ive been selling all kinds of **** that I have had laying around for years, computer parts, Motorhome parts, an old garage door, a Cummins programmer, old set of H2 wheels from an old project I sold and many other stupid little items. It just feels good to get rid of things.

Tonight I built a Crossfit plyometric box for jumps. It’s 20”-24”-30”. It’s not completed but I will finish it tomorrow.

Yesterday I got my powdercoating oven mounted in the rack. And I need a few more items to finish but I got the gas line all together. And while doing all this I realized powder coating the wheels was a bit much for me right now. I need to start smaller. So a local guy gave me a heck of a deal to PC the 8 wheels I need to get done.

I’m feeling great about some of these things. I will post a few more pics tomorrow.




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[dwysywd]

Well here is the “finished” box. I handed a few handles. Also below are before and after photos of my van. I changed nothing about the van except the wheels and tires. Even the size 235/85R16 is the same. Just new Cooper Discover STT Pro and the wheels are powdercoated bronze by Eastwood. It is sort of a satin finish. The wheels used to be black...blah. So I changed it up. I also put tan leather seats in it from a conversion van from the same model year. They bolted into the fronts and my buddy is fabbing up the brackets so I can use the factory floor cleats with the rear seats. This will allow them to be quick released in the pinch when I need a cargo van still. Adding insulation under the plastic next. Adding a snap lock floor over the carpet to facilitate hunting gear and dirty, muddy boots. And then adding a 1000w inverter and a solar 100w panel and deep cycle battery for a house battery.







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[dwysywd]

Worked on my XJ Squarokee today in the hut. Actually installed an AC unit in the Hut as well. Got my WiFi fixed and working. Got my computer station set up. And things are going well as I try to get things put away and organized. Here are a few pictures.
I decided to mount the rack offset and make some room on one side for a chainsaw. They are handy when on the trail. It fits into that slot nicely and the strap holds it in place. The unit on the left is a fridge/freezer by webasto and the unit on the right is my recovery kit.











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[jbmatth]

I like the recovery storage in the XJ, the old trunk is pretty cool.

JB

 

[dwysywd]

I like the recovery storage in the XJ, the old trunk is pretty cool.

JB

Thanks JB. It was part of a galvanized set. I have 2 others that are smaller. They hold Ammo and hunting gear. But I was having an issue with the larger one being too heavy with Ammo. So what do you do with it? Figured this was a perfect opportunity to do something fun and custom.


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[dwysywd]

Got some new flat work being poured Wednesday. Pouring 13x27 pad plus a small 6x6 pad off back of the barn. The larger pad will be the cement for my new 12x26 carport storage shed. Details to come. Here is a photo.




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[bdbecker]

Homer's voice:

Mmmm... Fresh concrete...

 

[Finallygotit]

Did someone mention CONCRETE?!?!

 

[speedoo51]

24'w x 20'D. Carefree..Base 20 x 20 two 8' doors, erected, on sale $11,500 plus $2000 for the extra 4'. Traded the doors for 9' openings and four windows. Had them make a base with 3/4" plywood floors for $3000 [concrete foundation and floor would have been 7500]. I made the stone base and frame for $1200. $17,700 total. I had the doors from my old cellar garage.. Two trucks, long trailer, four guys and two days done. Wood floor and the airflow under keep moister real low.

 

[dwysywd]

Poured Wednesday 0800 EDT and cut tonight 2000 EDT. 36 hours. And I was able to keep it wet all day today every hour on the hour. I am hoping for the best with this. Building goes up Friday afternoon about 1500. 12wX26dX12h





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[dwysywd]

Gonna call this one mini hut. LOL. It will be galvanized and white like the bigger Quanset hut.


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[dwysywd]

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[dwysywd]

I plan to put the sides on it and frame in the end walls. They wanted another $1750 for sides and ends. I can build it for about $500 with steel sheeting and stick built ends. It is a little taller than I initially planned but that was an unexpected surprise. When I ordered 12’, I thought that was the peak height not the side wall edge height. But this allows me to build a nice loft section for storage on both ends.


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[jbmatth]

That will be a nice extra bit of storage space, it should work out well for you. So what is the little pad for, air compressor?

JB

 

[dwysywd]

So what is the little pad for, air compressor?

JB

Actually, it’s just part of a larger pad. Never before in have I poured concrete and got exactly what I ordered, usually it’s a 1/4-1/2 yard extra. But this time it was exactly 5 yards and I didn’t have enough to go all the way to the other barn. Nbd. I will pour it this fall when I have some more flat work done by the barns.

Now, I do think I’m gonna put my air compressor in this shed and pipe over air to the barn. It will be nice to get that noise completely out of my barn.


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[dwysywd]

wow, I almost not believe it has been 5 months since I posted last time! Time flies. Life has been crazy. I was laid off from my job, started a business, my daughter moved b/c her senior yr in college is all virtual, my son started college and then had to leave for medical reasons, we had to go to PA for his treatments, we have been in and out of "state controlled" lock downs, went hunting in WY, and now...finally, I am back in the swing.

I did finish the mini-hut. I will post some pics later today. I was able to fit a 5' tall attic inside with a 9' ceiling on the lower level. This allowed me to open the garage door and still build a hefty floor up top. I also cut a nice hole in my ceiling/floor for an eventual stairs.

The concrete turned out... meh. I do not want to do anymore concrete work. I don't like it. Dang, I don't even want to pour a few little cement pads.

 

[jbmatth]

Sorry to hear of the layoff, but it sounds like you have kept busy either way. Also hopefully your son is doing better and will be able to get this behind him. I wish you and yours the best of luck.

JB

 

[Finallygotit]

Sorry to hear of the layoff. I hope things turn around for you soon.

 

[dwysywd]

@jbmatth and @finallygotit
Guys thinks couldnt be better on the work front, finally doin my own thing and a great company to back me. As for my son, slow and steady, he is enrolled back in school for Jan. He will be a freshman still. Taking online classes he can stay home till he makes a full recovery. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes.

 

[bdbecker]

Man, you've had a hell of a year. Glad to hear things are going better for you.

 

[hsu75082]

How do you connect wood end wall to metal building?

 

[dwysywd]

@hsu75082 So i use wood mounted flush to the steel upper using a 2.75” steel sheet metal screw. Basically its like attaching sheet metal to it but one piece is wood.


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[dwysywd]

Guys! How have things been? I have been checked out for exactly 1 year today! I miss hanging out on this forum. I miss a lot of the cool projects and people. I fired up the heated floor last weekend and it got me thinking I hadn't been on the forum in a while, I guess it was a lot longer than I realized.

Couple of updates:
Kid - doing better. Completed his first semester on campus. He did some online classes in the spring and summer. We helped get him setup with classes on campus this fall and get an apartment. He is looking for some kind of robotics job right now for spring. Anyone know any openings in Kalamazoo, MI area?

Company - well my company has been growing steadily for the past year. I literally have been able to best each month almost every month for the past 13 months. That has been amazing. I also was able to expand my business into the commercial space, insuring businesses and their needs now as well.

Family - Wife and I celebrate 25 years this month. So that has been a year of celebration. We literally decided in Dec 2020 that every month this year we would find a special night and do date night to celebrate 25 years. We have hit something special every month except Nov due to a family emergency that took my wife out of the country for the last have of Nov.

Hunting - I was able to get back to MT to hunt this fall the first 2 weeks of Nov. It was great. We had a great hunt and I bagged a nice 3 year old 3x3 Mule Deer.

Garage Projects
>> Motorcycle - Well I haven't made any "Significant" progress BUT I have purchased some new parts and am getting things put together to start working on it. I have a new battery, computer, GPS Speedo, removed the electric starter to use only kick start, my exhaust is done, the bike is almost completely mocked up. I just really need to start final assembly.

>> My floor has not leaked yet this year. Not sure if it will still leach or did the stress fractures in the pex seal themselves? I asked the plumber and he said that can happen. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

>> General Barn **** - Hoping to throw some **** out this winter. I need a ********* purge. I need to get this settled and cleaned up. I purchased a rifle round reloader. I have a shot shell reloader. I need to get that station set up. I plan to build a few ARs. So we have that build day scheduled. And I have a small trailer resto project I am starting. Hoping to get the wood restored and the fenders reinstalled with new aluminum fenders. Also needs a new 2" hitch coupler.

>> Bought a new truck to put in the garage too: 2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman with 6.7L Cummins, 4WD. Here is a few pics. I have added a move bumper that I build and installed. I have added a contractor cap and decked bed. And I have added saddle leather seats front and rear. Plus a few mud flaps and Cooper Discoverer STT Pro 295/70R18s.

So that is pretty much the state of things. Looking forward to plugging back in.

 

[Pressingonward]

Just found your thread. It's interesting learning about a style of building that I haven't really seen much about before. Nice work getting it closed in, heated,and functional!

Was helping a friend put together his AR today - it's a lot of fun. Was a bit disappointed in his Ballistic Advantage barrel though; it chambered the no-go headspace gauge (barely) with a couple different bolts we tried. Still below the field (safety) limit, and he's not after a precision rifle, so he's going to run with it. I would have sent it back myself.

What caliber ARs are you building?

 

[dwysywd]

Just found your thread. It's interesting learning about a style of building that I haven't really seen much about before. Nice work getting it closed in, heated,and functional!

Was helping a friend put together his AR today - it's a lot of fun. Was a bit disappointed in his Ballistic Advantage barrel though; it chambered the no-go headspace gauge (barely) with a couple different bolts we tried. Still below the field (safety) limit, and he's not after a precision rifle, so he's going to run with it. I would have sent it back myself.

What caliber ARs are you building?

.223 and maybe a 300 blackout. You can buy a 350 Legend setup now too. might build one of those b/c I can hunt with it here in lower MI

 

[dwysywd]

Finally feel like I’m making some progress in the the hut. Bought a welding cart to finally get the welder all sorted and put together. Assembled that yesterday and installed everything on it today. Got the shop vac working again. Something got packed in the hose. Used a fish to get it unstuck. And cleaned up one of my work stations. See attached photos.

 

[dwysywd]

Wow, It’s been another year. I have a lot to catch up and the barn is not the least of story. LoL. So im chiming in to ask a question: if you’ve read my thread, you know I’ve had some issues with my floor leaking. Anyone heard about this product, https://www.fixaleak.com/radiant-floor-heat

 

[dwysywd]

As for updates,

Family: doing well. My kid moved home. I’m ok with that. No point In Racking up school debt if he doesn’t know what to do. So he’s working full time. That has led to him making a mess in my barn. That cool desk above, yeah lost to the abyss that teenagers create when they are slobs.

Business: doing fantastic. Hired someone. Then she quit 4 months later for a job that didn’t work out for her…Karma is a *****. Took 4 months to recover from that mistake and just hired 2 new people that strt next month after the holiday. Commercial business is booming as well.

Barn: haven’t touched it much since my kid moved back Mar 1. This has sucked being an empty nester and then him moving back. But I guess we do what we can to support our kids. He blew a huge mess up in my barn with several of his projects. I want his **** gone. We are finally addressing this. He can stay, his **** has to go. I had spent a huge amount of time in Sept clearing out a portion of the barn and it’s just full of junk again. Also started my floor and it started leaking a little again. See post above.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone and their projects. Been a crazy, crazy year.

 

[jbmatth]

Sorry to hear about the kid moving back, but just as you said, no reason to pile on debt for no reason. Glad to hear your business is going well, keep at it, don't be a stranger.

JB

 

[dwysywd]

Sorry to hear about the kid moving back, but just as you said, no reason to pile on debt for no reason. Glad to hear your business is going well, keep at it, don't be a stranger.

JB

Thanks JB. It’s great coming back and seeing familiar names. I just wish I had not taken a 2 year hiatus. The kid, well… he goes to work everyday. Eventually he will mature and hopefully be ready to move out in a year or so. It is just hard having to share space that was exclusively mine. LoL. I know. Sounds pretty selfish!

 

[Finallygotit]

Well, I don't have any experience with the sealant you suggested but is sounds like there is a pretty good chance it might work.

Another way I saw to correct this issue may be a little time consuming but usually works. It involves pressurizing the offending zone with air (and only air) and using a stethoscope to trace down the air leak. Since air has smaller molecules, it should raise some noise to help find the leak. Now you cut out a small portion (rather than the whole slab) and repair.

YMMV

 

[dwysywd]

Well, it is funny how life just sort of flies by... 2 more years since my last check in. @Finallygotit and @jbmatth hope you are both doing well! I am trying to get back to a life of normal. I was laid off in 2020 and started a business... and then life just imploded and sort of settled this fall with my dad passing away Aug 30. It sucked but he was in a lot of pain and frankly, I believe in Jesus Christ and my faith in him clearly states this is not the end. So, I miss him, but I know we will see each other again.

Business is going great. I managed to grow my business to $4m yr in sales in 4 years then merged with a group and we are going on $40m this coming year!. Sold the 2020 Ram 2500, just didn't want the payment anymore. I purchased 2003 Ford F350 with 50k miles on the chassis and drive train (less engine), and it has a 2006 Diesel 6.0L which fixed most of the Ford head issues without head stud upgrade. It drives really nice. I got it for a steal. I have been working in it for about 3 mo now.

Family is doing well. Daughter got a job with a non-profit. My son left college early and started a business about 8 mo after leaving school. We are going to look at a commercial building for him tomorrow. My wife and I are starting to look at the next 5 years and figure out, how do we retire, what does that look like and what does selling my business look like. I have some partners and we are exploring what we have to accomplish to take the company IPO in 5 years. So very exciting stuff.

The Quonset hut barn got a new window this fall. My old one was a really cool 14 window. But I had an issue and the mutton bars rotting out anyhow, It because a disaster. So I was putting new windows in my office and I saved 2 old windows. So, they are double
pained and will work.

As for the projects: Mainly the following big ones
1) 1973 Honda CB550K in an accelerated state of rebuild... LOL, my wife named it Lazarus.
2) my son has 2003 Lexus IS300 with the 2JZ motor we are fixing up for a fun hobby car for him
3) wrap up my window before things get too cold
4) reorganizing my barn to better suit my needs

 

[Finallygotit]

Glad to hear you landed on your feet and it sounds like you and the family are doing great!

 

[dwysywd]

Glad to hear you landed on your feet and it sounds like you and the family are doing great!

We are getting there! I am looking forward to finding my way towards normal. I haven't seen it since before 2020. And I think I have finally figured out how to do that. You know that old adage, you don't make any money until year 5! So here I am,.. starting year 5

 

[jbmatth]

I'm sorry to hear about your father passing but it sounds like you understand it was probably for the best for him. Congratulations on your business kicking ****, keep after it and I'm sure it'll be a very nice IPO and payday for all involved. If you don't mind me asking what type of business is it?

JB

 

[dwysywd]

I'm sorry to hear about your father passing but it sounds like you understand it was probably for the best for him. Congratulations on your business kicking ****, keep after it and I'm sure it'll be a very nice IPO and payday for all involved. If you don't mind me asking what type of business is it?

JB

@jbmatth I own an insurance agency. But I am an independent broker. I am merging with 4 other agencies in the US. It will make us the 3rd largest agency in the country. The best part is my role for the next few years is doing something I am really good at doing, business development. Thanks for the condolences regarding my dad.

 

[dwysywd]

FWIW, I am still having issues with my heated floor in my barn. I am tearing it apart tomorrow and putting 4 pressure gauges on the 4 floor lead lines. I am going to see which one is leaking, if any. And hopefully I can get it working this week soon. It is getting cold up here, I really like keeping the barn about 55 in the winter. It is just cool enough that you can layer up and work and take the layers off as you get comfortable. Too warm and you have to start out in a t-shirt and that can be an issue when working on stuff in the winter.

The new window will be nice once it is complete. My buddy, who owns the construction company, that is helping me with it, had his alum break stolen. So that is part of the reason it isn't completed yet. The double paned windows will be nice once I put some window tint on them. That will help reduce the thermal transfer. I put mirrored film inside and it gets full evening sun year round. It also helps cut down the UV fade on everything.

I have kept up with my mantra I learned from on of the forum guys, "LET GO OF THE BANANA" as my purging method. So far, I have thrown 4 large 75 gallon bins up with junk. Ok, NOT junk, it was "stuff" I was going to "reappropriate". But as I am learning, I don't have unlimited space, or time to sort, so I had to dispose of things that were either of no value, broken "waiting on repair", or just "had to keep" stuff. I swear I lived through the depression in a former life! LOL

Once the window is completed, I will be ready to finish the tidy up. I have started to set up a Crossfit gym in the corner of the barn. I have every I need, most of it is set up, I just need it a little warmer and the space to be a little less cluttered. I have goals at least. I coach at a gym in town, about 15 min away and I can use it whenever I want, but sometimes, when I am not running a class, I just don't want to drive down there.

Feels good to plug in and reconnect with some old online friends. Good to be back!