I had to go wayyyyyy back and dig around to find these images...
While doing some digging around the internet looking for manufacturing sources for the various 4 post lifts available these days, I found the following page which states that Rotary (now owned by Dover) first invented the automotive hydraulic lift in 1925... You would think that they would be extremely interested in documenting one of their earliest products in full working order...
For some reason this sounds familiar, so if some one else mentioned it I didn't see the post to reread it..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joe thank you very much for taking the effort to go back and recover that post and to supply this information about Rotary. Wow it was a ways back now wasn't it? I didn't realize that Rotary was now a part of Dover. I'd guess they'd like to know about my little lift which is not all that far from Madison, about a 4-5 hours drive. Especially since I also have their most modern 2 post asymmetric lifts a few feet away in the barn.
It does make for an interesting contrast. Those lifts are separated by 81 years! The original I have now dated to mid 1928 and the one in the barn was made for me in Dec 2009 and installed Jan 2010.
I probably should contact them and at least see if they have any interest...........when I get a little spare time!
Thanks again Joe for the information and links.
A little update on my progress on the property. The tool shed and buildings have started giving up their contents. I'll photograph items of interest and post them. The grade work around the barn is largely done now. As soon as it dries out I'll do the final. September is a great time to plant grass seed so that'll have to wait a bit.
The Chevy II also has some more racing to do!!!!!!!!!!
Thomas
Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
I've been watching this thread since the beginning. All I can say is WOW. I love to see old things reused in this throw away world we live in. This whole shop is amazing! I know you've probably mentioned it before but what brand of floor tiles are those?
Steve
Steve, those are Armstrong VCT (vinyl composite tile). They are the same as used in warehouses, grocery stores etc. Complete information is in the thread.....somewhere
. I have started an index for the thread as it's grown a little over the past few months.......but need to get it posted. Let me know if you need more information but there is a lengthy post buried in there on the floor and the materials.Thomas
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Thomas , your work continues to amaze me. You have buildings that have YET to be emptied out ?! All the years I drove by the place when Johnsons was there , and then sat empty , I thought the property consisted of the shop and the open faced shed just to the east of it.
hobbitss
Well-known member
ZRX61
Well-known member
I think I would have pulled the engine off that dual ****** tractor & resto'd it.... 
markviii
Well-known member
ZRX61,
Tom gives himself enough work without any prompting! But, thanks for the thought. All the "stuff" still in outbuildings contain some "treasures" for someone. Timing is everything. But, yeah, there are probably some interesting things left to discover.
Amitygravel,
The property was not really vacant during all those years - it just looked like it. When we bought it in Nov 2005, Mrs. Johnson was still living in the house and occupied it until May of 2008 ( she lived to be 98 years old). We had the house occupied by August 2008. Now, the shop and outbuildings are a different matter. Mr. Johnson worked out in the shop until the early 90s (I think he passed in '92). It's just amazing to me that 1990 was 20 years ago! How does that happen?! Now we're out there every day and the neighbors (and Tom) can't wait for the permanent house to be built.
The weather is very hot these days, but the shade trees keep the place cool and breezy. Natural air conditioning!
Chris
Tom gives himself enough work without any prompting! But, thanks for the thought. All the "stuff" still in outbuildings contain some "treasures" for someone. Timing is everything. But, yeah, there are probably some interesting things left to discover.
Amitygravel,
The property was not really vacant during all those years - it just looked like it. When we bought it in Nov 2005, Mrs. Johnson was still living in the house and occupied it until May of 2008 ( she lived to be 98 years old). We had the house occupied by August 2008. Now, the shop and outbuildings are a different matter. Mr. Johnson worked out in the shop until the early 90s (I think he passed in '92). It's just amazing to me that 1990 was 20 years ago! How does that happen?! Now we're out there every day and the neighbors (and Tom) can't wait for the permanent house to be built.
The weather is very hot these days, but the shade trees keep the place cool and breezy. Natural air conditioning!
Chris
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Chris , I came through your area last Sunday and did a quick drive by the shop. The property is absolutly gorgeous! I hope the town has reconized all the hard work that you have done there! For that matter the county needs to as well! Can't wait to see more photos of the place as it was being cleaned up.
Amitygravel- thank you for the compliment. Those who remember it as it was are the ones who really appreciate the transformation. I suspect the town will recognize our clean up efforts in the form of higher property taxes.
In the future when you drive by, stop in if we're around.Thomas
I think I would have pulled the engine off that dual ****** tractor & resto'd it....
And as fast as you work you'd probably have it done in a weekend! You do nice work and sure don't waste anytime doing it!
If you're flying to Oshkosh drop by CMI to refuel and give us a shout, it's about 7 miles from the shop.
Thomas
Here's a quick update on the ongoing Walker floor jack repair.
Here it is with the nose piece fitted on. (the jack on the left)
I managed to find one from another Walker of the same vintage.
You'll also note the holes that were torched out in the saddle have been repaired as well. (sorry Elroy, I'm confident you'll understand, even if you don't agree)
I'll get more detail in another post along with the differences between the two, and the handle repairs.
Before and.........
....after.
Thomas
Here it is with the nose piece fitted on. (the jack on the left)
I managed to find one from another Walker of the same vintage.
You'll also note the holes that were torched out in the saddle have been repaired as well. (sorry Elroy, I'm confident you'll understand, even if you don't agree)
I'll get more detail in another post along with the differences between the two, and the handle repairs.
Before and.........
....after.
Thomas
Call me the Breeze
Well-known member
Hey Thomas... I was wondering what you've been up to this week. The jacks new nose piece is cool.
Elroy understands fully and thanks you for considering the merits of the modification.
Haven forbid you ever getting in a bind and wishing those tie down holes were still present. Maybe in 20 odd years you'll fondly recall that clown who calls himself Elroy.
ZRX61
Well-known member
And as fast as you work you'd probably have it done in a weekend! You do nice work and sure don't waste anytime doing it!
If you're flying to Oshkosh drop by CMI to refuel and give us a shout, it's about 7 miles from the shop.
Thomas
This guy did a nice job:
http://www.therevcounter.com/trc-shed/46309-stationary-engine-re-build.html
Not going to Osh.....
e-tek
Well-known member
Tim.
Member
Hi Thomas and Chris...
Just to let you know I'm still hovering, and keeping an eye on the workshop.
(I first checked in about 25 pages ago)
There's probably lots of people like me out here in internet-land that just watch and don't comment too much, or not at all.
But don't think we're not keeping up, and very much enjoying the ride...
Thanks for your updates.....Tim.
Just to let you know I'm still hovering, and keeping an eye on the workshop.
(I first checked in about 25 pages ago)
There's probably lots of people like me out here in internet-land that just watch and don't comment too much, or not at all.
But don't think we're not keeping up, and very much enjoying the ride...
Thanks for your updates.....Tim.
jaso
Member
hey Thomas
I know this is a bit off topic kind of but i thought you might be interested in this
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11303582&page=1&pp=30
that is some follow up from a drag meet that i attended last week
I wish that my car was in the pics that you will see but we get cars doing 8 sec 1/4 miles some of the 9 and 10 second cars are driven every day
hope you enjoy and look at the vid of clinics run it has great driving in it
oh i ran a 15.4 with my 6cylinder car
Jason
I know this is a bit off topic kind of but i thought you might be interested in this
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11303582&page=1&pp=30
that is some follow up from a drag meet that i attended last week
I wish that my car was in the pics that you will see but we get cars doing 8 sec 1/4 miles some of the 9 and 10 second cars are driven every day
hope you enjoy and look at the vid of clinics run it has great driving in it
oh i ran a 15.4 with my 6cylinder car
Jason
Elroy understands fully and thanks you for considering the merits of the modification.
Haven forbid you ever getting in a bind and wishing those tie down holes were still present. Maybe in 20 odd years you'll fondly recall that clown who calls himself Elroy.
A clown......hardly, Elroy has my utmost respect and esteem.
He is correct of course that 20 years from now if I do need them I will be thinking back to..........I told you so........but you wouldn't listen.......would you........Thomas
You weren't kidding, nice job indeed. Thanks for the link!
I just got back from Osh last night........drove up though.....
Thomas
I sure did Steve, thanks.
Just needed to remove a taper pin in the knob. ( small black hole see above)
With the knob inverted, you can see the pin here, bottom right.
That will release the knob and give you access to all the inside pieces-parts, seen on the left.
Here's a better look at the inside parts of the handle.
Thomas
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Still cleaning up I see - what a hole!!!!
Boy, everyone's a critic aren't they........................
Thomas
Tim I well you remember you and your hovering, not to worry. Thank you for checking in and reminding us to stay sharp here........we're being watched!
You may very well be correct that others are out there.........waiting.... There is more information and pictures yet to be posted here, please stick with me.
Thomas
Jason,
Looks like I need to sigh up to view items on that forum so I haven't watched them as yet but yes I'm sure I'll be interested in seeing them.
A 15.4 with a 6 cylinder is excellent time, nice going.
Thomas
jaso
Member
that time is actually slow compared to what one of the guys there ran
we saw an ea falcon (1987-1990) run a 12.89 na
we have a great amount of cars there that are everyday drivers as mine is and to be honest i was a bit disapointed with the tim
hope to see you sign up there
Jason
64dragnwagon
Well-known member
Well I have spent most of last weekend reading this thread (all 68 pages). What an interesting story and you have done an exceptional job of telling it. I have been a member of several forums over the years and I have to agree with many others that this is the best thread I have ever read. Among the many reasons that I think myself and so many others have enjoyed it is that it is told with such passion and attention to detail and you have the communication skills to do it well. I know how much time it takes to photograph a project as you go but I AM SURE GLAD YOU DID! I have always loved old buildings (especially businesses). The stories that these type of places generate are very interesting.
I recently leased, and I am in the process of trying to purchase an old 2 bay service station built in the 40's. I opened a used car lot there about a year ago and did a lot of rehab to the building before I opened up for business. My favorite part of inhabiting the old building is the stories "old timers" tell me after I prod them about the history of the building. It started life as a Shell station and sold several brands of gas over the years until they stopped selling gas in the early 80's. Then it served as a repair shop for several years and then a used car lot for 15 years before it became vacant for a couple years. My favorite story is how the local men would hold poker games up in the very low ceiling second floor above the office on Sat. nights, the ceiling is only about 4' high but if the men sat on chairs around table they could clear the ceiling. The small town mayor wanted it torn down and I knew the landlord and asked him if I could rent it and fix it up to save it from demolition and he agreed to lease it to me for the tax and insurance cost for five years. I sometimes just sit in the front waiting area which is now my office and daydream about what it was like when it was a bustling local business employing several people. I have had several guys stop by and tell me they worked as a mechanic or pump jockey there "back in the day". It has an old I beam lift in it that was working when the last tenant left. I have not tried to use it and do not intend to. I will get some pics up of the old station if anybody is interested (don't expect a building with as much character as the old Johnson place) And finally, thank you Thomas, Chris and your sons for saving this piece of history!
I recently leased, and I am in the process of trying to purchase an old 2 bay service station built in the 40's. I opened a used car lot there about a year ago and did a lot of rehab to the building before I opened up for business. My favorite part of inhabiting the old building is the stories "old timers" tell me after I prod them about the history of the building. It started life as a Shell station and sold several brands of gas over the years until they stopped selling gas in the early 80's. Then it served as a repair shop for several years and then a used car lot for 15 years before it became vacant for a couple years. My favorite story is how the local men would hold poker games up in the very low ceiling second floor above the office on Sat. nights, the ceiling is only about 4' high but if the men sat on chairs around table they could clear the ceiling. The small town mayor wanted it torn down and I knew the landlord and asked him if I could rent it and fix it up to save it from demolition and he agreed to lease it to me for the tax and insurance cost for five years. I sometimes just sit in the front waiting area which is now my office and daydream about what it was like when it was a bustling local business employing several people. I have had several guys stop by and tell me they worked as a mechanic or pump jockey there "back in the day". It has an old I beam lift in it that was working when the last tenant left. I have not tried to use it and do not intend to. I will get some pics up of the old station if anybody is interested (don't expect a building with as much character as the old Johnson place) And finally, thank you Thomas, Chris and your sons for saving this piece of history!
Well I have spent most of last weekend reading this thread (all 68 pages). What an interesting story and you have done an exceptional job of telling it. I have been a member of several forums over the years and I have to agree with many others that this is the best thread I have ever read. Among the many reasons that I think myself and so many others have enjoyed it is that it is told with such passion and attention to detail and you have the communication skills to do it well. I know how much time it takes to photograph a project as you go but I AM SURE GLAD YOU DID! I have always loved old buildings (especially businesses). The stories that these type of places generate are very interesting....
.
..........I will get some pics up of the old station if anybody is interested (don't expect a building with as much character as the old Johnson place) And finally, thank you Thomas, Chris and your sons for saving this piece of history!
When I first started this thread it was simply just to show what had been done in a small town in the midwest to an old piece of property and to perhaps make people aware of what possibilities can be achieved with some effort. Our society is now so quick to just throw away and replace an item. At the time of my first post I hadn't the faintest idea this project would touch peoples lives the way it has, all over the world. It has been my utmost pleasure sharing the tale here with everyone. It is all the sincere, thoughtful replies that convinced me to keep adding more background material here and tell the whole story through my eyes.
I too absolutely love the "old hands" that stop by the shop to see what it has turned into and invariably to recall stories of events gone by in there. As it turns out, Chris and I have begun many new friendships that are the result of restoring the shop and from this thread. That may be the best part of the whole enterprise.
64dragnwagon you are very kind with your remarks and I wonder if my sophomore English teacher would agree?
Frankly I'm somewhat relieved that after 68 pages of reading you didn't reply with.........."what, that's all.....you mean I just spent untold hours reading this and that's all there was to it, shesh what a waste of my time!" Thanks for taking a moment to comment and yes please do post those pictures. I know there are many who would be interested.
Thomas
lambdacars
New member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 1
Without words...
awesome!!!
awesome!!!
It would seem we have another new member of the "family" here.
Welcome lambdacars. There is more material to be posted but with the weather so nice I'm fairly busy.........
...........some recent activity in the barn...... but still manage to get some updates posted. Check back here when you get a chance.
Thomas
Grizz1963
Well-known member
Continue to be amazed.
This has to be a best thread ever.
This has to be a best thread ever.
jaso
Member
here you go
that guy drove his car 1000 miles ( there abouts ) 1600klm to the drag meet and run those times
and that is fron an aus made designed manufactured turbo 6 cyl
oh and it is a straight 6 rear wheel drive
and i think one of the runs you might see my car ( i think it is the first run you see )
another one i hate say to say a ford powered by a chev engine
can give you more vid if you want
Jason
that guy drove his car 1000 miles ( there abouts ) 1600klm to the drag meet and run those times
and that is fron an aus made designed manufactured turbo 6 cyl
oh and it is a straight 6 rear wheel drive
and i think one of the runs you might see my car ( i think it is the first run you see )
another one i hate say to say a ford powered by a chev engine
can give you more vid if you want
Jason
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jaso
Member
and thought id add this one
http://www.vimeo.com/13618571
2 aussie classics running low 11s 1/4 miles
ill add 3 pics shortly 1 is my car 2 others are cars of my dreams ( aussie cars )
http://www.vimeo.com/13618571
2 aussie classics running low 11s 1/4 miles
ill add 3 pics shortly 1 is my car 2 others are cars of my dreams ( aussie cars )
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jaso
Member
here are the pics
mine
and the dream cars
this one is a modern 2006+ car/ute
this one goes back to the late 60's early 70s
hope you enjoy them thomas
Jason
mine
and the dream cars
this one is a modern 2006+ car/ute
this one goes back to the late 60's early 70s
hope you enjoy them thomas
Jason
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
It would seem we have another new member of the "family" here.
Welcome lambdacars. There is more material to be posted but with the weather so nice I'm fairly busy.........
...........some recent activity in the barn...... but still manage to get some updates posted. Check back here when you get a chance.
Thomas
If I could find a tenth of the energy that you and Chris have, I would be one happy camper. It seems like lately, with work during the day, and dealing with my parents briefly in the evening, I don't have time to think, let alone get anything done. Then when the weekend comes, my wife and I have to rush just to get little things done like mow the yard and some quick house cleaning. Hopefully things will slow down here shortly
And as always, I am amazed as to what you have done or are working on when I come back to this thread. I like to go a week or so between reading it so I get a good dose of what has been going on lately
hobbitss
Well-known member
I've been waiting for someone else to ask, but no luck...It would seem we have another new member of the "family" here.
Welcome lambdacars. There is more material to be posted but with the weather so nice I'm fairly busy.........
...........some recent activity in the barn...... but still manage to get some updates posted. Check back here when you get a chance.
Thomas
Those don't look like classic drag racing or touring street cars....... What'cha got there and do you race em'???
I've been waiting for someone else to ask, but no luck...
Those don't look like classic drag racing or touring street cars....... What'cha got there and do you race em'???
Joe, fair enough........hold that thought.
I found about 20 more pictures from around 2006 I think so the restoration work inside was in full swing.. They're from a point and shoot camera so not the best quality but some interesting images. Here are a few....
This is early springish 2006. The lift was being prepped for paint here. I spent 3 days grinding on it to remove rust and to even out all the bumps and bruises it had received over the years. I doubt that this had ever been done to it before. It was easier to work with it in the up position so I could get all around it. I used visqueen (sheet plastic) under it to catch all the crude that I scraped off. I also wrapped the lift cylinder to protect it when grinding.
The step wall over the original shop roof is in now insulated in the background above and behind the lift can be seen the clapboard of the original shop outside wall as well as 1 window. The lift control cabinet is open and the new electrical control switch is seen.
This looks to be a few weeks later. Note the wall to the right of the ladder. That's where my tool box now resides but I still put several electrical outlet there, even though they are blocked by my box. Now in the future if I change things around I have power already to go. It cost very little to install then initially. The lift has now been painted with rust converter, the step wall mostly paneled, and the clapboard primed. If you look closely above the lift control cabinet you'll see a dark area 3 clapboards down from the roof, right of the pipe. That innocent looking spot was the future space that would house the individual volume controls for the sound system.
Remember the one that I COULD NOT get the trim plate to fit square?!#*
Yea that one, but I don't let it bother me in the slightest, nope not at all. I've put it almost completely out of my mind and moved on, yes siree bob. No worries about that one.
This is what it looked like on the other side of the lift room at that time.To the left of the front door is where the welding area was going to be located. Since stainless steel was going on the walls there, I used normal plywood paneling as underlayment. On the floor cracks were repaired with epoxy as seen.
I've got several more from this roll of film that I'll get scanned and posted. Thanks everyone for your patience.
Thomas
Amitygravel
Well-known member
Thomas , thanks for taking the time to put up photos of the the reconstruction ! I'm working for a small renovation company in Champaign that specializes in that type of work. Isn't it amazing how a simple little off kilter plate cover can drive you nuts?
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Zengineer
Well-known member
I've been waiting for someone else to ask, but no luck...
Those don't look like classic drag racing or touring street cars....... What'cha got there and do you race em'???
The one on the left looks FSAE-ish to me, and the one on the right could be an older version of an FSAE car... but I'm thinking perhaps it's a formula V?
This might help some......
The new shelves are working out.
.....I'm trying to get the barn grading finished so I'll have to get back to this at a later date, thanks.
Thomas
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Zengineer
Well-known member
OK, so not FSAE... (main hoop has too many bends to pass spec, side Z-bars aren't present, etc.) All I can think of is A-mod now...
Jason, it's always impressive when someone drives his car to the strip and competes with quick times, but to do it after a 1,000 mile trip is quite impressive! It's very interesting to see different types of cars running on the strip that you never see state side. You guys down there have always embraced quick machinery and we've always felt a kinship with you because of it.
Thomas