RAD Garage

[jvitez]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Spectacular job on.....everything! What an inspiration.

I see Griots, Autoglym, Zaino, Chemical Guys, Stoner, Meguiars, Mothers, even some Armour All (!.....). Do you have any worries about freezing even with your radiant heater? I'm thinking of the rapid blast of cold air as you move cars in and out during the dead of winter. Also, just curious: do you have a dual action polisher? Are you getting your supplies from Auto Obsessed?

 

[MG30]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Weel done. Some good ideas for my garage.

Jorge

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I see Griots, Autoglym, Zaino, Chemical Guys, Stoner, Meguiars, Mothers, even some Armour All (!.....). Do you have any worries about freezing even with your radiant heater? I'm thinking of the rapid blast of cold air as you move cars in and out during the dead of winter. Also, just curious: do you have a dual action polisher? Are you getting your supplies from Auto Obsessed?

Yup, I can't seem to get enough detailing products. I don't have a favorite brand per se, but I am quite partial to the Griot's stuff. I don't have any concerns about freezing after this winter, but I did have a bit of a worry at first since I relocated the products very close to the car door. But, the infrared does an amazing job of bringing the temp back once the big door is closed. All my walls are well insulated and there is virtually no drafts around the car door. It's a good question though.

I have a 3" and 6" GG orbital. Yes, I seem to be addicted to the AutoObsessed website and put in a pretty substantial order 3 or 4 times per year. I'm waiting on a few items that are currently out of stock, but I hope to make my Spring order very soon.

Weel done. Some good ideas for my garage.

Thanks for visiting and commenting. I've been checking out your underground lair for a while now. I'm happy to hear there are some ideas you see working in your space.

 

[jvitez]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I have a 3" and 6" GG orbital. Yes, I seem to be addicted to the AutoObsessed website and put in a pretty substantial order 3 or 4 times per year.

I'm expectantly waiting for the weather to get above freezing so I too can put in a detailing products order. I've done what I can by hand only, but I've now decided to get a DA. I'm vacillating between a Porter-Cable and the Griot's. The Auto-Obsessed site is bewilderingly cool! A Flex or Rupes perhaps?

 

[KPSquared]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

It's all looking so good. I'm glad there's someone else on here who is getting sick of Alberta winter as well. Although, I'm willing to bet you lose your snow two weeks before I do . . .

Hey, we almost got above 0*C today! (that's 32*F for you 'Mericans)

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I'm vacillating between a Porter-Cable and the Griot's

I've heard only good things about either of them. I ended up going with the Griot's because they just released a newer version of the 6" and I liked the reviews I read on it. Those Flex and Rupes look pretty sweet (and expensive!) too, but I'm just a weekend warrior so I'm sure the GG will be more than enough for me. Good luck with your choice.

It's all looking so good. I'm glad there's someone else on here who is getting sick of Alberta winter as well. Although, I'm willing to bet you lose your snow two weeks before I do . . .

Hey, we almost got above 0*C today! (that's 32*F for you 'Mericans)

We are in the high-single-digits right now, and I hope it stays that way. I don't really mind winter, but by April, I'm pretty much over it. Have you begun laying that tile yet?

 

[aps63]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Garage is looking great, where did you get the extension cord reel?

 

[EMC2]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Yup, I can't seem to get enough detailing products. I don't have a favorite brand per se, but I am quite partial to the Griot's stuff. I don't have any concerns about freezing after this winter, but I did have a bit of a worry at first since I relocated the products very close to the car door. But, the infrared does an amazing job of bringing the temp back once the big door is closed. All my walls are well insulated and there is virtually no drafts around the car door. It's a good question though.

I have a 3" and 6" GG orbital. Yes, I seem to be addicted to the AutoObsessed website and put in a pretty substantial order 3 or 4 times per year. I'm waiting on a few items that are currently out of stock, but I hope to make my Spring order very soon.



Thanks for visiting and commenting. I've been checking out your underground lair for a while now. I'm happy to hear there are some ideas you see working in your space.

Time to add some Blackfire products Rick.

 

[PhantomEB]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Happy happy happy that its warm enough to tinker on a diesel ram thats quit on me a couple weeks ago! Hope I can figure it out or its goin to the shop to get a bunch of **** buttoned up before I start workin again.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Garage is looking great, where did you get the extension cord reel?

This is a 40' reel by Alemite. I got it online at Hardware Sales Inc. They do a brisk eBay business and I am very happy with it so far. I had a Bayco but it blew up the second I plugged my vacuum cleaner into it. I believe it was 10 amps. This new one is 15 amps.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alemite-40-...780?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec5b223f4


IMG_8043 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Time to add some Blackfire products Rick.

It's a start?


IMG_8037 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Happy happy happy that its warm enough to tinker on a diesel ram thats quit on me a couple weeks ago! Hope I can figure it out or its goin to the shop to get a bunch of **** buttoned up before I start workin again.

I'm with ya. It has been great to get stuff done without having to account for freezing temps. Good luck with your truck issues!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Some minor updates

I picked up a retractable water hose and installed it tonight. Wasn't cheap, but I have never been good at coiling a hose so this should help me calm my nerves. It's made by Retracta, but I got it through Griot's Garage.


IMG_8046 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I put up a shelf:


IMG_8052 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Someone was inquiring about my hidden storage for all my little bits, so I thought I'd post up some shots of my main storage drawers. I'm sure a few of you will get a chuckle out this, but here's my 55' Craftsman, shelf by shelf starting from the top:

Dremel kit, nuts & bolts, odds & ends, breaker bar, torque wrench, jack extension bar, vacuum extension...


IMG_8061 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Some detailing stuff


IMG_8059 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My Audi 'summer' mats and a few license plate frames I don't know what to do with


IMG_8058 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My Kia 'summer' mats


IMG_8057 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My paint supplies


IMG_8056 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My "construction" supplies


IMG_8055 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Moving over to the right side of the box:

My nails, staples, and lugs


IMG_8062 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My remotes (how sad)


IMG_8063 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

An extra 'dry' bag for the shop vac and the 'wet' vac filter


IMG_8064 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Some paint and supplies


IMG_8065 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

My 5-drawer workbench, from top to bottom:

Drivers, wrenches, plyers, etc.


IMG_8070 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Sockets and bits


IMG_8069 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Nailer, stapler, impact, drill, and carpet attachment


IMG_8068 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Polishers and pads


IMG_8067 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Paint


IMG_8066 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Here's how I set up my 4-drawer rolling cabinet:

Starting with the junk drawer. A collection of misfit, yet useful tools


IMG_8071 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I bought a big Craftsman kit and just split the case in half. Here's the top half.


IMG_8072 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

And, the bottom


IMG_8073 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

The bottom drawer is a catch all for tape, hooks, glue, vacuum accessories, etc.


IMG_8074 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[dubber]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Nice job on the Hose Reel Rick. Had two fights this weekend with my hose, probably gonna bite the bullet this summer.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

UPS hit me with $71 in import charges. That was on top of the $45 shipping charges. I don't even want to add it all up.

 

[dubber]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

UPS hit me with $71 in import charges. That was on top of the $45 shipping charges. I don't even want to add it all up.

On top of the $229, i know we definitely get the **** end of that stick. That's why my somewhat recent search ended in dismay.

But hey on the positive side you have a nice looking, quality built and enjoyable piece that doesn't lead to a hole in the wall (result of frustration, fist to wall) every time you need to coil the hose.

Even with the tally I'm still jelly.

 

[WarrenJ]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Like the idea of splitting the plastic case. Room in the drawers, as well as keeping the tools organized.

 

[Sludge Puppy]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I am disappointed there is no foam to keep them exactly where they need to be and can ensure nothing is missing ha !! looks awesome

 

[RSV4R]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Your garage is amazing.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

But hey on the positive side you have a nice looking, quality built and enjoyable piece that doesn't lead to a hole in the wall (result of frustration, fist to wall) every time you need to coil the hose.

I agree, short term financial pain for long term psychological gain! I used it a lot today. Very convenient. I just wish the hose was a cooler colour than green and yellow. Black and red would have rocked!

Like the idea of splitting the plastic case. Room in the drawers, as well as keeping the tools organized.

Not the fanciest, but it works!

I am disappointed there is no foam to keep them exactly where they need to be and can ensure nothing is missing ha !! looks awesome

Give me a couple of years!

Your garage is amazing.

Thanks very much.

 

[winnipegtibook]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Well, you have once again exceeded our every expectation. Even the "junk drawer" is nice and tidy. And the paint cans? Over the top. We are humbled.

 

[UN4GTBL]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

55cadillacking - what I always do when having things shipped to me from the USA is to ask for USPS or bite the bullet and get the more expensive shipping. Neither will help you with the customs duties, but the brokerage amount is reduced. Also, some sellers even do a group brokerage service, where they ship a bunch of things with UPS Standard World Ease and you don't get stuck with the brokerage either.

Anyways...

The garage looks great! Really inspiring me to get back out to mine and "finish" up some things that I have been meaning to, but didn't do over the winter.

 

[aps63]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks for the info on the cord reel Rick.
Nicely organized drawers, I hope to be there soon.

 

[aps63]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I forgot to mention the water hose reel, very cool.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Well, you have once again exceeded our every expectation. Even the "junk drawer" is nice and tidy. And the paint cans? Over the top. We are humbled.

Well, I don't know about exceeding expectations. I hope to fill up more of my space with useful tools over the next few years.

55cadillacking - what I always do when having things shipped to me from the USA is to ask for USPS or bite the bullet and get the more expensive shipping. Neither will help you with the customs duties, but the brokerage amount is reduced. Also, some sellers even do a group brokerage service, where they ship a bunch of things with UPS Standard World Ease and you don't get stuck with the brokerage either.

Anyways...

The garage looks great! Really inspiring me to get back out to mine and "finish" up some things that I have been meaning to, but didn't do over the winter.

Sometimes I win with UPS, but most times I lose. I definitely prefer USPS but most places I deal with use the big 3 (UPS, FedEX, or DHL). I will agree with you about paying a bit more for the better option because you pay a little bit more, but you usually do get less of a hit with regard to brokerage fees.

I'm glad to hear you are inspired to tackle your 'to do' list. Get at it!

Thanks for the info on the cord reel Rick.
Nicely organized drawers, I hope to be there soon. I forgot to mention the water hose reel, very cool.

No problem. Thanks for the feedback. Having a retractable extension cord, air hose, and water hose has made all the difference in terms of efficiency and convenience. Just need to get this darn sink installed.

 

[marty_p]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Rick,

As a fellow auto detailing enthusiast, I totally applaud your garage. I appreciate your attention to detail, superb design skills, and continuous drive for perfection.

From all of us dreamers, thank you for your continued inspiration!

-Marty

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

That's very nice of you to say, Marty. The encouragement received from forum members, such as yourself, keeps me motivated to improve my space.

 

[handyvorb]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

As a Master Audi Technician I approve of your garage and choice of vehicle

I just purchased a newly built home. I have a clean slate for a garage, and you have given me some ideas.

Prost!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

That's high praise coming from a Master Audi Technician. Thanks for the compliment. I wish you all the best in your new home. I'm glad to hear there's elements in my garage that caught your eye. Get that build thread started so we can see your progress! Good luck.

 

[Scottishross]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

nice garage mate

 

[c0r3y.af]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

My parents are looking at a new house with a similarly-sized garage space, so I started looking at 2-car builds and stumbled across yours, and man am I glad I did. Your garage looks amazing, and your house is stunning. You're a very lucky man! Tons of inspiration for my future build. I read all 24 pages lol.

Great job with the painting and use of decals. Love how you organized your detailing supplies. I enjoy detailing quite a bit myself and spend quite a bit of time on my Audi but every now and then I'll do a friend's car in exchange for beer or other work. I have the same Griot's polisher that I use with 5.5" pads and I love it. Griot's makes great products.

Question: Where'd you get the really low rolling detailing seat? I've been looking for something like that to use for cleaning wheels and side skirts and other low areas, and that looks like the perfect tool for the job.

Looking forward to more updates!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

My parents are looking at a new house with a similarly-sized garage space, so I started looking at 2-car builds and stumbled across yours, and man am I glad I did. Your garage looks amazing, and your house is stunning. You're a very lucky man! Tons of inspiration for my future build. I read all 24 pages lol.

Great job with the painting and use of decals. Love how you organized your detailing supplies. I enjoy detailing quite a bit myself and spend quite a bit of time on my Audi but every now and then I'll do a friend's car in exchange for beer or other work. I have the same Griot's polisher that I use with 5.5" pads and I love it. Griot's makes great products.

Question: Where'd you get the really low rolling detailing seat? I've been looking for something like that to use for cleaning wheels and side skirts and other low areas, and that looks like the perfect tool for the job.

Looking forward to more updates!

Thanks for the compliments. I like hearing that people find some inspiration in my pride and joy double garage.

Since we are on the verge of Spring here, I stocked up a bit on detailing supplies. I'm trying out a variety of new products including some pneumatic foaming and cleaning guns from a company called Tornador. Should make for some fun. I detail friends' cars when I have the time. I used to swap my services for food/beer, but now I take cold hard cash from them. I do something close to 10 cars per season. I'll be starting a few weeks from now with my buddy's Altima.


IMG_8185 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_8186 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I can't recall where I picked up the detailing stool. I remember picking it up online. Here's a link for the one I have, but this wasn't the retailer I used. I think the place I got it isn't around any more.

http://www.toolfetch.com/Category--Automotive--Shop_Tools--Creepers--Creeper_Seats--WHIDTS.shtml

It's a quality rolling stool, but I'm finding it's a bit too low for my purposes. If you were in town, I'd give it to you. I need something about 4-6 inches taller to work on the body panels. I end up sitting on the floor when doing my wheels (part of the benefit of a RaceDeck Free Flow tile floor) so I find I'm not using it often.

Recently, we've been having snow so the roads have been pretty awful. I went a whole week (gasp!) without cleaning my garage floor so today I had to deal with it. I snapped some pics of the process. The entire clean took me 12 minutes. This is what I do between thorough 1-hour cleans like the one I documented a few months ago.

As you can see in this photo, the majority of debris builds up under the wheel wells.

IMG_8164 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

The debris that is left behind after the snow melts and water evaporates.

IMG_8170 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Since my garage is quite toasty in the winter, the melting and evaporation takes a few hours and I'm left with this caked on mud.

IMG_8174 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

More muck.

IMG_8175 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I have a short-bristle stiff broom for the really hard stuff, but for the most part, my long-bristle broom does a great job of cleaning the tiles. It really takes minimal physical effort.

IMG_8177 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I don't really "sweep", it's more of an "agitate" method.

IMG_8178 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Once the caked on **** is broken up it pretty much becomes dust so the next step is to run a mop over the floor a few times using Pine Sol.

IMG_8180 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Not a bad result for 10 minutes of work!

IMG_8181 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_8183 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

In a few years, I will be watching this guy do it for me!

IMG_8187 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

So, there you have it, a play by play tutorial of how one man maintains his RaceDeck Free Flow floor in a city plagued by dirty winter road conditions!

 

[aps63]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Looks like a great helper you have there.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Since I angled the tube heater a few months ago, I've been meaning to clean up the underside of the deflector. I tried to find a photo of the "before", but can't seem to find one since it used to be pointing directly downwards. Two years of use had caused a light coating of buildup on the underside. I used a metal polish and it looks a lot better now.


IMG_8191 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

The manufacturer makes an emitter guard for my tube, but I'm not sure it's necessary. I think it's a few hundred bucks, but the only reason I'm mulling it over is because I think it would look better.


Guard by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

My little guy's stuff is starting to compile so I'm going to have to get a little creative with the storage soon. I'm probably going to buy a Suncast shed just for his various "rides" and clear out that back corner where my future sink will be going.


IMG_8189 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[dubber]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Gotta love the quick clean up on that flooring. I do a quick shop vac, then mop and in no time at all its back to show quality

EDIT: I just noticed your little guy was actually amongst his "stuff" haha. Where's waldo lol..

 

[odie]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Love this garage!
It helps that I'm a Audi/VW guy.

 

[Sludge Puppy]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I actually prefer the look without the emitter guard. It is more of a clean streamlined look that fits the garage without it.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

What I want to know is if you have already starting fitting out your little guy with his own detailing station for his rides? lol

 

[FltEngCPO]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Nice work!

 

[Derrickwade]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Cook pic of your son mopping. I laughed, because I was mopping my floor the other day when my son wanted to help me. I snapped a picture of him as well.