Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

We won't hold that against ya Bud!

Rich

Rich, as you can tell, for all my life it's been very, very, very, very, very helpful to have an understanding partner, and that Chris is! She's the real secret to my success.


BTW way guys, speaking of Chris. She has been working on that open thread test. A comment I hear from her is that the material here is multiplying faster than she can put it together so, way to go keeping her busy.

Thomas

 

[markviii]

I just returned from a long day at the film festival (one more day to go) and caught up with a bit of reading/posting on GJ. I kept watching for any nice garages in the films, but I can't remember seeing even one. Very few car sightings either. There weren't even many tools. But I made a valiant effort to watch out for them and report back. Oh, well...

I can't begrudge Tom his love for cars; it was an addiction before I came on the scene in 9th grade. I knew what I was getting into, though, way before we got married. And Tom and I shared a love for that GLH. It was my latest favorite car until I got my Mark VIII (most cars I've owned were my favorite during the time I owned them!). From '78-'98 we probably owned 6 (?) Omni/Horizons, putting around 120K on each one until they discontinued making them. I wish I had a new one now! Then I moved on to Taurus wagons. When my current one (at 100,000 miles) is used up and I don't have a need for a station wagon, I'll probably get an AWD Taurus (or whatever the heck they name it - was Ford 500 when Ford lost its way, then back to Taurus ). It seems that every car I loved was discontinued!

We've always had what some people say is an overabundance of cars, but then we have enough garage space to keep them now, don't we? I saw this really nice Mark VIII the other day with low mileage....

Chris

 

[Kevin54]

Your pics of the car parts with the tree taking them back over remind me of other pictures that I have seen in different magazines and on the web. Pretty cool stuff what Mother Nature does.

Here is a site with a few more pics of trees taking back what is theirs. http://us2.ixquick-proxy.com/do/sho...gby1905_3i-tree-grow-around-light_s4x3_lg.jpg

 

[BB767]

Your pics of the car parts with the tree taking them back over remind me of other pictures that I have seen in different magazines and on the web. Pretty cool stuff what Mother Nature does.


Here is a site with a few more pics of trees taking back what is theirs. http://us2.ixquick-proxy.com/do/sho...gby1905_3i-tree-grow-around-light_s4x3_lg.jpg

It is amazing what nature will do having seen it up close and personal.....multiple times.

Thanks Kevin.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

The area in the barn where I store my car trailer is a rather tight fit to say the least.

I have about 9" (23 cm) on either side of the door opening which is 10' (3 m) wide and the trailer is 8 1/2' wide.

I couldn't make the barn any wider without removing more, very nice mature Walnut trees and as it was I already took out more trees than I wanted so I had to leave the barn at 60' (18 m) wide overall, leaving the trailer room at 12' wide.

I only use the trailer a dozen times or so a year so cutting a nice tree just to make it easier to move the trailer didn't make sense to me. Instead, I just have to be careful backing it in. Still, as tight as it is, there's always a chance I could tag the wall so...

...I thought it would be prudent to install "bumper boards" along the sides. If they get "nudged" backing the trailer in they would just get a little patina on them and could be replaced if they get too much patina.

Nothing is as easy as it seems, on the wall with FRP installed where there was surface trim, it had to be removed so the boards would install flat on the wall.

This is with the board installed and the trim removed. The boards are some Poplar I had.

I used scarf joints on the boards which were 12' long.

Even with the scarf joint glued if it got hit with the trailer it might pop open so I made this backing plate to mechanically help hold the joint closed.

The resulting joint is pretty tight and just fine for a barn.

On the opposing wall which has raised ribs, spacers were placed behind the board to move it even with the top of the rib.

I used some scrap walnut for the spacers.

With the trailer loaded (as shown) it rides a little lower than is empty. Most of the time it is empty. Still the side of the trailer will contact the bumper boards first leaving the barn walls untouched...at least in theory.

So I'm done with that little project and the barn is slowly taking shape. Next up for the barn is construction of a nice, 3" thick maple, butcher block top work bench. The plans have been drawn and construction starts very shortly. I think you'll find it's going to be an interesting and informative project and something a little different.

Thomas

 

[tdkkart]

The area in the barn where I store my car trailer is a rather tight fit to say the least.

I have about 9" (23 cm) on either side of the door opening which is 10' (3 m) wide and the trailer is 8 1/2' wide.

You've got a foot and a half of clearance, I don't see the problem??

I know, the first time I backed a trailer through one of my 10' doors I had to get the tape measure out to verify the door width. I THOUGHT the door was 10' wide,and it was. I KNEW the trailer was 8-1/2' wide so there should have been plenty of space, but sure disappeared in a hurry when you tried to fit the 2 pieces together??

It looks like you're trying to back the trailer down a gopher hole........

 

[hobbitss]

Why not put a garage door at both ends??...

 

[BB767]

Why not put a garage door at both ends??...

Joe, a couple of reason come quickly to mind. That room is 70' long and at the other end...

...you'll find an air compressor that weights about 1,200 pounds pretty permanently installed, some shelving, lumber storage and on the outside...

...the place where the door would go (at the far end of this side) it's about 15' from some very nice, old, vintage hedge trees. Not that I didn't first consider that mind you when siting the barn, but I'd have to keep the whole 70' span clear just to move the trailer through. Kind of a waste of space really. Good thought and would certainly make it easier, but not realistic I'm afraid. Thanks though.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

You've got a foot and a half of clearance, I don't see the problem??

I know, the first time I backed a trailer through one of my 10' doors I had to get the tape measure out to verify the door width. I THOUGHT the door was 10' wide,and it was. I KNEW the trailer was 8-1/2' wide so there should have been plenty of space, but sure disappeared in a hurry when you tried to fit the 2 pieces together??

It looks like you're trying to back the trailer down a gopher hole........

Said the man who has done this before. Isn't that the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet the first time I did it, it took me an easy hour, back and forth, in and out etc, etc. But once it's been done and you just KNOW it'll fit, it's not too bad now, but still........

Good thing I only have to do it a few times a year. To make it a little more challenging, I can't quite get everything straight before backing it up because of another pair of trees out front that I refuse to cut down are slightly in the way. As we say in aviation, "if it was easy, anyone could do it."

Thomas

 

[OldMechanik]

Aaa, the Red Ranger's "Buck Tweed two-speed star-hopper crime-stopper " bicycle from old Sander Close lore!

http://www.journal-newspapers.com/a...e/entertainment/doc4cf7de6ce4bc3583852473.txt

 

[MetalMangler]

A couple of thoughts:

1) If your tractor can handle the tongue weight on the bucket, a ball attached on the bucket would allow you to use the tractor to move the trailer in and out. At least on the putting the trailer in evolution you'll be driving forward and it should be easier.

2) This might be a bit too "industrial", but painting lines on the pavement showing wheel and tongue placement would allow you to simply follow the lines. I know our local firehouse uses that to guide the drivers into the bays.

MM

 

[tdkkart]

Said the man who has done this before. Isn't that the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet the first time I did it, it took me an easy hour, back and forth, in and out etc, etc. But once it's been done and you just KNOW it'll fit, it's not too bad now, but still........

You KNOW you have 9" on each side, which means if you clear one side by 4" you've surely gotta have WAY more than enough on the other side, but you'll still find yourself constantly checking.

At my first house the spot that I had to park the trailer was between the fence and the side of the garage, but straight ahead of the parking area was the raised(24") patio on the back of the house. There was JUST enough room to back the trailer in IF I used my Cub Cadet to back it in with. Even at that you had to hit it just right the first time or you pulled all the way out and started from scratch.

 

[GTAHVIT]

It is amazing what nature will do having seen it up close and personal.....multiple times.

Thanks Kevin.

Thomas

Off topic:

And from an aviators perspective at that...

As a former Navy Helo Aircrewman/Rescue Swimmer... you get a very unique and unforgiving view if mother nature from the air...

On topic:

Thanks again for this awesome thread. I showed it to my Step Dad who worked at gas stations and garages while in high school in the 50's... he recognized a ton of stuff from the pics. Said it brought back a ton of memories.

 

[Bob Telep]

Hi all,
You've may have come across the picture of Thomas' Sun distributor tester earlier in the thread. I have been asked to perform a full mechanical restoration of this machine. The original finish will be preserved as much as possible in order to maintain the 'patina' of the era.

As you can see, this machine is complete with lower cabinet. It has a nice touch -a scroll at the top showing distributor specifications.


This particular model is a 600, circa 1960. It features a tachometer, dwell meter, condenser tester, and an electric vacuum pump and gauge.


A cursory look at the tester showed that the motor and turnable rotates and the vacuum pump turns on. However, there is no strobe flash.
The order of work will begin with the center unit, which consists of the motor, turntable, and strobe. The meters and vacuum pump can then be attended to afterwards.

The center unit was removed and inspection begun.
It wasn't too long before the sights and smells (smoke) pointed to a bad choke in the power supply. The infrared temp gun points to the culprit. Look closely for the red dot.

The chuck cover was removed for a look at the strobe on the left. It would be hard to expect even a good strobe to penetrate the gunk there. Fortunately, the strobe itself appear to be OK in preliminary testing. It is an expensive part to replace. Hopefully, it will pass final muster once the power supply is refurbished.

We'll continue with disassembly and cleanup at the next post. Stay tuned.

 

[BigAl62]

Hey Tom that was an ingenious solution to a possible problem. The only time I ever had anything close to that kind of problem was when my dad and I moved my sister-in-law out of her apartment in Chicago and I had to back a cube van over a 1/4 mile down a very narrow alley, so I can appreciate your concern for your trailer and your barn.

 

[BigAl62]

Hey I almost forgot... if you need parts for your Sun distributer tester you can get them from Paramount Distributer Company - www.paramountd.com - I read about them a few months ago, but don't remember in which magazine. They seem to have all kinds of parts for these. Hope this is of some help.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thomas,
In regard to the barn/trailer situation, may I suggest you go IFR rather than VFR. Paint a 'center stripe' on top of the trailer, hang a string of LED 'rope' lights on each side of your florescent lights, and a target on the rear wall. Then mount a RV rear view camera atop the front wall of the trailer and install a HUD in the cab. Backing in would then be like sighting down a rifle barrel or in your case lining up between the strobes on approach.

 

[BB767]

A couple of thoughts:

1) If your tractor can handle the tongue weight on the bucket, a ball attached on the bucket would allow you to use the tractor to move the trailer in and out. At least on the putting the trailer in evolution you'll be driving forward and it should be easier.

2) This might be a bit too "industrial", but painting lines on the pavement showing wheel and tongue placement would allow you to simply follow the lines. I know our local firehouse uses that to guide the drivers into the bays.

MM

When I first started to form the idea of a barn in the back of the property I thought I wanted to site it so I could drive straight through as Joe had suggested. Besides having to keep the whole "aisle" clear where the truck and trailer would be, in the winter the prevailing wind is from the west, northwest around here. Note that the only openings on the barn are on the east side. That is more energy efficient and it keeps leaves and lawn debris from blowing in every time I open the overhead door.

MM we really do think so much alike. My first thought when I set up the barn dimensions and sited it was how am I going to successfully get that trailer in that narrow space with the truck. Solution, make a rig on my tractor bucket to install a ball and then I can drive forward with the tractor putting the trailer away. Much like a tug moving an aircraft. Down side to that was I'd have to offset the rig on the bucket to line the tractor with the side of the trailer. The trailer is so wide I wouldn't be able to see the back end of the trailer otherwise. Designing that rig to resist side loads and still be heavy duty enough and other factors- while it could be done with the tractor, I decided to wait and see how much of a problem doing it with the truck was before I committed to pursuing the tractor idea.

Next thought was a simple line(s) on the concrete to help with the alinement. I suspect I might eventually do such a thing. Simple and pretty fool proof.

It turns out there is one primary problem that is handicapping me and a second that is a byproduct of the first.

#1 The truck mirrors are not wide enough for me to see the end of the trailer. So I move a couple of feet, get out - look back, get back in, make a correction, repeat as necessary. Wide enough mirrors would vibrate like mad while driving so I might find some that I could temporarily install while parking the rig.

#2 Since I can't see the rear of the trailer at all while moving backward, if the trailer end starts an unwanted drift toward the wall I have trouble detecting that in a timely manner. If I could see that drift just as it starts, I could correct faster and I suspect make the whole process easier. Lines would clearly help that.

I only recently found out about small, inexpensive, back up cameras. That would be quite helpful also, but I love, simple low tech solutions, so I bet I pursue other ideas before I do that. I've had the present set up (minus the bumper boards) for a full racing season and have "managed". It's just a little stressful putting it away in the middle of the night after driving for 8-10 hours, ya know? And I like to get everything inside and secured from weather as soon as possible, but there have been times I'll just wait till the next morning. That seems to work pretty well. The more I do it, the better I get at it also. Thanks everyone.

To be continued......

Thomas

 

[tdkkart]

The area in the barn where I store my car trailer is a rather tight fit to say the least.

Looks to me like you've already got a guide line on the concrete apron, the seam in the concrete looks like it's gotta be pretty close to where the left side tires need to be when going in.

I too thought about your little John Deere and then also realized the inability to see around it.

And yes, you need some real mirrors on your truck..........even some of the slip on ones just for when you're backing.

 

[BB767]

Off topic:

And from an aviators perspective at that...

As a former Navy Helo Aircrewman/Rescue Swimmer... you get a very unique and unforgiving view if mother nature from the air...

On topic:

Thanks again for this awesome thread. I showed it to my Step Dad who worked at gas stations and garages while in high school in the 50's... he recognized a ton of stuff from the pics. Said it brought back a ton of memories.

GTAHVIT, sir - first off topic:

All of you fellows (and gals) who risk life and limb to save fellow aviators and others have my highest respect. Honest and truly!!! As Roger Ebert the film critic would put it, "Two Big Thumbs Up"

On topic:

You are most welcome here and thanks for sharing this with your Step Dad. I trust they were good memories for him as well. As you know I've got more in the works for the thread, but my day job slows me down at times (I just happen to be out of the country at the moment in fact), but it's all good. Check back evey so often and keep sharing with your Step Dad, he'll be glad you did.

Thomas

 

[Motown 454]

Thomas I don't envy you backing that trailer in there. Even though you know it fits sometime it feels like it shrunk from the last time you did it. As always Nice job on the bumpers.

 

[3bay]

Bigger mirrors and practice and you should be alright.

I have to back a 42' bottom hopper grain trailer into some tight places...it will come to ya!

 

[BB767]

Hi all,
You've may have come across the picture of Thomas' Sun distributor tester earlier in the thread. I have been asked to perform a full mechanical restoration of this machine. The original finish will be preserved as much as possible in order to maintain the 'patina' of the era...

This particular model is a 600, circa 1960. It features a tachometer, dwell meter, condenser tester, and an electric vacuum pump and gauge...

We'll continue with disassembly and cleanup at the next post. Stay tuned.

Everyone, meet Bob Telep, Sun distributor machine refurbishment/restoration expert! Here's the machine that Bob is bringing into the 21st century.

It is 1960's technology that he will update the internals to 2011 technology. Tubes vrs solid state, modern power supply vrs batteries, etc. It's all internal updates and he'll explain what he's doing to make it more user friendly and reliable as he updates us with it's progress.

Bob just happens to be a PureStockMuscleCarDragRace guy like myself. That's his red Camero, 3 cars behind my Chevy II at Stanton, MI race track, getting ready for tech inspection.

I believe Bob told me he's the original owner of this 1969, 396, 4 speed Camero. It's an example of his great attention to detail. The car is beautiful. He's a great resource besides being a terrific fellow. I feel very fortunate he agreed to tend to my Sun's needs. Welcome Bob.

Thomas

 

[GTAHVIT]

GTAHVIT, sir - first off topic:

All of you fellows (and gals) who risk life and limb to save fellow aviators and others have my highest respect. Honest and truly!!! As Roger Ebert the film critic would put it, "Two Big Thumbs Up"

On topic:

You are most welcome here and thanks for sharing this with your Step Dad. I trust they were good memories for him as well. As you know I've got more in the works for the thread, but my day job slows me down at times (I just happen to be out of the country at the moment in fact), but it's all good. Check back evey so often and keep sharing with your Step Dad, he'll be glad you did.

Thomas

Thank you, Sir!

I truly do miss flying... Lots of cool memories.


And yes, my Step Dad went on an on about the different displays and signs that he had to stock and setup around the gas stations... He got a kick out of the glass jars for washer fluid... All good stuff.

 

[HOTFR8]

+ One on the push trailer idea as I have both my trucks with tow balls mounted on the front to move trailers about this way. On a tractor front end bucket would be a great idea.

 

[dladcock]

Thomas,

I just received the latest issue of IMPALA NEWS. I believe congratulations are in order. Nice story!

I knew there was something "special" about you, your efforts and accomplishments. Of course the company you keep says alot about you also.

Vern, Jody, and probably even Ron Mroz to drop a few names. Good people indeed. I met these guys at the NIA Convention in Charlotte in '09, as a matter of fact, my avatar was taken at the convention.

I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised to see your car and story in the NIA NEWS. I realize it is a small world, but forget just how small sometimes.

Sweet cars BTW. I'm sure you've had help from time to time from DOCTOR 64. Good man there, an inspiration ,also!

Lynn Adcock
NIA Member #15009

 

[Stuart in MN]

The house next door is a rental, and some new tenants are apparently moving in tonight. Just a little while ago I watched them trying to back a small utility trailer into the single car garage...apparently they've never backed up a trailer before, it took them nearly 20 minute to get it in. It was pretty funny to watch.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Watching the rebuild of the Sun equipment will be very interesting!
I must also say that some more pics of Bobs Camaro would be very nice.

 

[Kevin54]

When I first started to form the idea of a barn in the back of the property I thought I wanted to site it so I could drive straight through as Joe had suggested. Besides having to keep the whole "aisle" clear where the truck and trailer would be, in the winter the prevailing wind is from the west, northwest around here. Note that the only openings on the barn are on the east side. That is more energy efficient and it keeps leaves and lawn debris from blowing in every time I open the overhead door.

MM we really do think so much alike. My first thought when I set up the barn dimensions and sited it was how am I going to successfully get that trailer in that narrow space with the truck. Solution, make a rig on my tractor bucket to install a ball and then I can drive forward with the tractor putting the trailer away. Much like a tug moving an aircraft. Down side to that was I'd have to offset the rig on the bucket to line the tractor with the side of the trailer. The trailer is so wide I wouldn't be able to see the back end of the trailer otherwise. Designing that rig to resist side loads and still be heavy duty enough and other factors- while it could be done with the tractor, I decided to wait and see how much of a problem doing it with the truck was before I committed to pursuing the tractor idea.

Next thought was a simple line(s) on the concrete to help with the alinement. I suspect I might eventually do such a thing. Simple and pretty fool proof.

It turns out there is one primary problem that is handicapping me and a second that is a byproduct of the first.

#1 The truck mirrors are not wide enough for me to see the end of the trailer. So I move a couple of feet, get out - look back, get back in, make a correction, repeat as necessary. Wide enough mirrors would vibrate like mad while driving so I might find some that I could temporarily install while parking the rig.

#2 Since I can't see the rear of the trailer at all while moving backward, if the trailer end starts an unwanted drift toward the wall I have trouble detecting that in a timely manner. If I could see that drift just as it starts, I could correct faster and I suspect make the whole process easier. Lines would clearly help that.

I only recently found out about small, inexpensive, back up cameras. That would be quite helpful also, but I love, simple low tech solutions, so I bet I pursue other ideas before I do that. I've had the present set up (minus the bumper boards) for a full racing season and have "managed". It's just a little stressful putting it away in the middle of the night after driving for 8-10 hours, ya know? And I like to get everything inside and secured from weather as soon as possible, but there have been times I'll just wait till the next morning. That seems to work pretty well. The more I do it, the better I get at it also. Thanks everyone.

To be continued......

Thomas

What about tire rails like they have at the automatic carwashes. That way when you back in the rails will keep the trailer tires centered in the opening. The only downside is that you would have to fasten them to the floor.

 

[DZL JIM]

Thomas,
I know you mentioned low tech is your preference, but what about a wireless video baby monitor? You could set the camera on the floor pointed at the trailer, and have the monitor in the cab and view exactly where the back of the trailer is.
They aren't terrible expensive and you can adjust it (move it around) to get the best view that you need instead of a hardmounted traditional back-up camera.
Just another thought.

 

[ScottS]

I have heard from people that drive trucks for delivery, semi sized, Try never to back in on the blind side. Pull up and have a good look at where you are going to go. Line up best you can pick one side to look down in the mirror and let the other side take care of itself. You know it fits. I hear it makes you wander around looking from side to side. I do not know this first hand, just heard it a time or 20.

Well done again Sir.

Scott

 

[Flexin]

I have heard from people that drive trucks for delivery, semi sized, Try never to back in on the blind side. Pull up and have a good look at where you are going to go. Line up best you can pick one side to look down in the mirror and let the other side take care of itself. You know it fits. I hear it makes you wander around looking from side to side. I do not know this first hand, just heard it a time or 20.

Well done again Sir.

Scott

They are right. When ever possible you want to back to your strong side (drivers side). Backing into that spot I would always want to back into the strong side. That way you won't lose site of the opening other then when your straight which is cause by your mirrors like you said. I would look for the slip on mirrors.

As far as looking side to side. You always want to check both mirrors. You don't want to have someone walk in behind the trailer on the passenger side. Never trust that people are smart enough to walk behind you.

I know he shouldn't have that problem on his property but its would be a bad habit to pick up.

With the wider mirrors you should be able to get in there no problem as long as you don't have a problem with sun in your mirrors.

James

 

[Flexin]

What about these extendable mirrors?

James

 

[BB767]

Hey I almost forgot... if you need parts for your Sun distributer tester you can get them from Paramount Distributer Company - www.paramountd.com - I read about them a few months ago, but don't remember in which magazine. They seem to have all kinds of parts for these. Hope this is of some help.

Thank you BigAl for that additional contact. You can never have too many resources when working with older equipment like that. I'm sure Bob will bring it up at some point, but he has some proprietary parts for these machines specially made just for him. If you need it and nobody has one.......who ya gonna call, Ghost Busters?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

+ One on the push trailer idea as I have both my trucks with tow balls mounted on the front to move trailers about this way. On a tractor front end bucket would be a great idea.

HOTFR8, I see you're still lurking about...using the front of the truck is something that had never occurred to me, but I'd still have the same problem of not being to see the back of the trailer. The John Deere front bucket ball installation (say that fast three times ) would be the best if only it off set enough, which it doesn't without some kind of rig to move it out to the side more. Sad but true.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas,

I just received the latest issue of IMPALA NEWS. I believe congratulations are in order. Nice story!

I knew there was something "special" about you, your efforts and accomplishments. Of course the company you keep says alot about you also.

Vern, Jody, and probably even Ron Mroz to drop a few names. Good people indeed. I met these guys at the NIA Convention in Charlotte in '09, as a matter of fact, my avatar was taken at the convention.

I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised to see your car and story in the NIA NEWS. I realize it is a small world, but forget just how small sometimes.

Sweet cars BTW. I'm sure you've had help from time to time from DOCTOR 64. Good man there, an inspiration ,also!

Lynn Adcock
NIA Member #15009

Hi there Lynn, I just got home after 8 days on the road, oops sorry, I mean in the air and haven't seen the latest from the NIA, National Impala Association. Guess I'll have to go through the pile of mail and see if my issue is here.

I see you call it something "special" about me, Vern and a few others just calls me crazy sometimes...but I am having a good time. Jody asked me to do the article on rather short notice so I was hoping it would present itself OK. I was wondering if we had any fellow NIA members lurking about the thread, but you're to first to check in. Most of the NIA people I know are as great as the terrific folks here at Garage Journal are.

Many thanks for all your very kind words and for showing us a bit of your rare Impala also. You need to bring it to the shop sometime; maybe on your way to the Michigan meet in July?

Thomas

 

[dladcock]

Hi there Lynn, I just got home after 8 days on the road, oops sorry, I mean in the air and haven't seen the latest from the NIA, National Impala Association. Guess I'll have to go through the pile of mail and see if my issue is here.

I see you call it something "special" about me, Vern and a few others just calls me crazy sometimes...but I am having a good time. Jody asked me to do the article on rather short notice so I was hoping it would present itself OK. I was wondering if we had any fellow NIA members lurking about the thread, but you're to first to check in. Most of the NIA people I know are as great as the terrific folks here at Garage Journal are.

Many thanks for all your very kind words and for showing us a bit of your rare Impala also. You need to bring it to the shop sometime;maybe on your way to the Michigan meet in July?

Thomas

Thomas,

I certainly don't wish to hi-jack the "Restored 1930's Auto Shop" thread.

Essentially you own the credit for my addiction to the GJ. In Winter of 2009 I was searching for ideas for my home shop and having trouble finding the direction I wanted to go. I mentioned that fact on another forum I frequent, ImpalaSS427.com, to which Don Bock linked me to your thread here. I understand you and Donnie had met and he had many good things to say about you and your work here.

Alas, I was smitten. I have read your threads until my eyes bled..... well, maybe just turned red. Truly admire your family's work, ambition and stamina. When I feel like things are not going smoothly or quickly enough, I look at your thread............. and realize I have nothing to complain about.

As for the NIA convention in July, we're still up in the air, fuel prices will be weighting in also as we will be driving the '69 from N.C. 427's like fuel you know.

If the Stars will allow the trip, we may try to make the connection with you.

Lynn

 

[willy3486]

Everyone, meet Bob Telep, Sun distributor machine refurbishment/restoration expert! Here's the machine that Bob is bringing into the 21st century

Thomas or Bob, does Bob have a website or a link we can see his work on old machines? I worked on electronics and old tube stuff for years and like to see that type of stuff redone. I have restored old test stuff and love to see other test stuff. My stuff is the old TV/radio test stuff but I have been in a few auto testers as well.

 

[Alan T in DE]

Hello all.

I've been lurking here since the CC article was published. I love this thread & I'm glad I bought that copy of CC on a whim! I've been amazed at some of the things I've read. My "mentor" in all things mechanical is now well into his 80s & owns a property similar to the one Thomas & Chris bought. Tons of scrap metal, aging equipment, etc, etc, etc.

willy3486's question resonated w/ me. I have an old Sun VAT-36 battery/alternator tester. It was purchased new by an airline & traded to my former MAC Tools distributor about 15 years ago. I bought it for $40 & invested another $180 for a new inductive ammeter pickup shortly thereafter. It has served me well for many years, but the rheostat that calibrates the ammeter is now failing intermittently. I've already invested far more in this machine than it is worth, but I LIKE it & a comparable replacement costs $1200 or so. I'd gladly pay Bob to repair my old machine.

 

[Bob Telep]

Here are some pictures of interest. This is from last year. The tester is a Sun 500 from around 1965 or so. It was purchased from a university and fortunately, did not get the amount of use (and abuse) a shop might inflict on it. As a result, it is still wearing its original paint and lettering.




This particular tester and lower cabinet was sold to a gentleman in the UK.
Hopefully, it is hard at work spinning Lucas distributors and the like

All troublesome and suspect parts, such as capacitors and other components, as well as the bearings, drive belt, etc. were replaced. I had a new drive wheel custom manufactured for me. This is the rubber tire that drives the turntable and develops the dreaded flat spot and subsequent thump-thump when the user does not heed Sun's advice to return the wheel to the low stop after use!!
Also, a power supply was added to eliminate the need to periodically change batteries which power the tach and dwell meters.
Note to Sun users: the original battery for the tach was a 1.35V mercury battery, which had the virtue of maintaining a near constant voltage throughout its life. If you use a standard AA 1.5V (closer to 1.6V), your tach will read too high, and will drift lower as the battery gets exhausted. So, your other options are to find a 1.35V battery, or purchase a power supply. I am working on a simple drop in. Hopefully, it will be available later this year.