Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

Thomas, after reading your thoughts of the BB finish, I wondered how Chris would feel. She's a fine wife to state she is NOT jealous of BB, however, I don't feel 'THE ANVIL' would be as understanding... Watch your step the next time you take an evening stroll with 'THE ANVIL', you might find yourself on 'THE ANVIL' horn of a dilemma!

P.S. - You've made the Walker into a piece of 'Industrial Art', again!

At present 'THE ANVIL' is sitting in a corner of the barn quietly observing all, but who knows what thoughts go through an anvil huh? I'm sure it has nothing but the best intentions since I saved it from that mess it was lost in for decades and have brought it to the light of day with some TLC and put it to work again. I do still need to clean up the base though. Wonder how understanding an anvil is?? Mummmm, thanks for the heads up Omphaloskeptic.

The Walker always was a piece of 'Industrial Art'. When looking at it before I did a little clean up on it, you had to squint to see the art part. Now it's much easier to see that. Thanks!

Thomas

 

[flatlander42]

I'll just check in here as another person from Nebraska, and say Great Thread!

Did you keep any of those old tires/rims for decoration? Like just to sit somewhere and have them look cool?

Keep on Keepin on!

 

[hobbitss]

At present 'THE ANVIL' is sitting in a corner of the barn quietly observing all, but who knows what thoughts go through an anvil huh? I'm sure it has nothing but the best intentions since I saved it from that mess it was lost in for decades and have brought it to the light of day with some TLC and put it to work again. I do still need to clean up the base though. Wonder how understanding an anvil is?? Mummmm, thanks for the heads up Omphaloskeptic.

The Walker always was a piece of 'Industrial Art'. When looking at it before I did a little clean up on it, you had to squint to see the art part. Now it's much easier to see that. Thanks!

Thomas

I hope the Anvil hasn't observed you caressing the new work bench....
There might be an outburst of sparks and splinters....

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Tom,

Good for you that Miss Chris is way too young to remember that BB was Bridgette Bardot. You would be in serious trouble for that.

On a serious note, your post #3460, (end of p. 173), with the before & after pics of your Walker and the Walker "back in action" are great pictures. Congrats on the accomplishment of breathing life back into your Walkers.

 

[magnusk750]

I'm not dane, but swede, (expat on export to Estonia though.) Used to work at a place were we sold Watco oil. It is great stuff. We recomended polishing with Scotchbrite, you have it 'over there'? 0000 steel wool maybe works as well, I thought it might leave small sticky steel splinters? Maybe not a problem - just a thought.

 

[BB767]

I'm not dane, but swede, (expat on export to Estonia though.) Used to work at a place were we sold Watco oil. It is great stuff. We recomended polishing with Scotchbrite, you have it 'over there'? 0000 steel wool maybe works as well, I thought it might leave small sticky steel splinters? Maybe not a problem - just a thought.

Mangus we do indeed have Scotchbrite. I'm showing my old school I'm afraid. I'd forgotten completely about using it as a substitute for steel wool. I bet it would work much better, you're right. I've just been vacuuming the surface after buffing and then using a tac cloth to clean up steel wool crumbs. That works but using Scotchbrite would leave less foreign material behind I'm sure. I started using steel wool long before there was Scotchbrite and never made the mental switch. Dually noted sir, you have my thanks.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I'll just check in here as another person from Nebraska, and say Great Thread!

Did you keep any of those old tires/rims for decoration? Like just to sit somewhere and have them look cool?

Keep on Keepin on!

Hello there flatlander and thanks for checking in. If you'd seen the condition of most of both the leftover tires and rims you might agree that having them around might not be that great. That said, I did keep just a few however. At present they're keeping company in the tool shed with Joe's tools.

Check back here and you'll get to see them........at some point.

Thomas

 

[BigDaddyUSMC]

Y MANIFOLD....

The other day someone on this page suggested I start a Garage Journal thread for the Lobello / Bagnell Belly tank...


Check out LOBELLO RACING on Garage Journal for lots of photos from the last few months of the restoration on the #200 Lobello Belly Tank.
The car is being called FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

PS: Thomas & Lou , See you at bonneville

 

[markviii]

Sweet Old Bill - I'm older than Tom (well, by only 2 months) and very aware of the original BB, who was very beautiful (much more so than Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield IMO). Tom wouldn't be in trouble over that. BB retired from movies in her early 40s and started a foundation supporting animal rights. She's pretty outspoken on that subject. My political and economic stances run to the right of hers in most cases.

Joe - Tom keeps the Anvil in the 1930s shop so it doesn't get jealous watching the BB build. Can't have that! He'll have to figure out what to do if he discovers another anvil in the remaining buildings (or if someone sends him another one as had been hinted in the past). We like to keep the tools happy around here! (and the wife)

Chris

 

[BB767]

Y MANIFOLD....

The other day someone on this page suggested I start a Garage Journal thread for the Lobello / Bagnell Belly tank...


Check out LOBELLO RACING on Garage Journal for lots of photos from the last few months of the restoration on the #200 Lobello Belly Tank.
The car is being called FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

PS: Thomas & Lou , See you at bonneville

Charles I just got home from Brazil. Lou is already here and we just looked at your thread. Outstanding pictures, many thanks for that. To make it easier for everyone and help others find your thread about the LOBELLO/BAGNELL Belly Tanker, here's the link where you would find it under the Free Parking Forum:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112320

Our ETA at Wendover right now is Thur, 11th @ 0600. We shall soon complete the circle with Jacob running the tanker at Bonneville. I'm be bringing Mr Johnson's name tag that I found mysteriously in the back yard a few years ago to help channel some more good vibes, not that racers are superstious or anything (just don't wear the color green around Fred's tanker!!! ) Score a big one for Garage Journal for putting us in touch last year.

Be there or BE SQUARE!!!!!

Thomas

 

[BigAl62]

Charles I just got home from Brazil. Lou is already here and we just looked at your thread. Outstanding pictures, many thanks for that. To make it easier for everyone and help others find your thread about the LOBELLO/BAGNELL Belly Tanker, here's the link where you would find it under the Free Parking Forum:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112320

Our ETA at Wendover right now is Thur, 11th @ 0600. We shall soon complete the circle with Jacob running the tanker at Bonneville. I'm be bringing Mr Johnson's name tag that I found mysteriously in the back yard a few years ago to help channel some more good vibes, not that racers are superstious or anything (just don't wear the color green around Fred's tanker!!! ) Score a big one for Garage Journal for putting us in touch last year.

Be there or BE SQUARE!!!!!

Thomas

Also don't eat peanuts in the pits!

 

[61pv544]

Sure, there is at least one Dane here! I take it that you won't be passing Chris's test if you don't even remember post #1422!

But seriously, good job on the shop. All I have is a measly one car garage (where my car don't fit!) and a small shop in the basement.


[...and doors have been started. I'm using Watco Danish Oil (anyone from Denmark in attendance here?) on the the lower cabinetry. I love using Danish Oil, it's easy to work with and I've had excellent results with it on past work. The base has 4 coats on it right now and I expect another 4 more to go to build up the finish I want. I'm buffing between coats with 0000 steel wool. The tactile feel on the face surfaces already is quite pleasant, visually pleasing and inviting to the touch. The kind of surface where you really love running your hands alllllllllll over it. It's hard to resist with it leering at you seductively, daring you to walk by and not touch it's super smooth, velvety and creamy sides................but I digress........

 

[BB767]

Sure, there is at least one Dane here! I take it that you won't be passing Chris's test if you don't even remember post #1422!

But seriously, good job on the shop. All I have is a measly one car garage (where my car don't fit!) and a small shop in the basement

Of course I remember you 61pv544 - it was a test to see if you were still hanging around! But seriously, thanks for your continued interest here. I've got more 'in the chute' as we say here in the States including the BB.

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

You just know something is going to roll across the bench & fall down that hole...

 

[BigAl62]

You just know something is going to roll across the bench & fall down that hole...

It would if it were mine, I just have that kind of "luck"! After seeing Tom's work, I know he has something planed to prevent that from happening.

 

[mdbeck1]

You just know something is going to roll across the bench & fall down that hole...

I wouldn't be surprised if he put a pressure sensor in that popped up a barricade to keep things from falling in there....




...of course it would be easier just to stuff a greasy red rag around the air hose...

 

[markviii]

I'll bet he kept the piece of butcher-block that he cut out!

Well, Tom and Lou are off on their excellent adventure to complete the circle of the Jerrauld manifold and Chenoweth belly tanker. There are still lots of people to meet and stories to swap in the next 9 days! I'll try to keep you posted as I receive info.

Chris

 

[JC23]

I'll bet he kept the piece of butcher-block that he cut out!

Well, Tom and Lou are off on their excellent adventure to complete the circle of the Jerrauld manifold and Chenoweth belly tanker. There are still lots of people to meet and stories to swap in the next 9 days! I'll try to keep you posted as I receive info.

Chris

What??? You're not going??? You got tweezed!

I demand a recount!

 

[Vernmotor]

Tom here a pic for you two weeks ago we went to martin mich (us131 ) track hook good and we won the race.

 

[markviii]

Yep, JC23. Left behind again. I haven't seen Brazil either. (Don't feel sorry for me. I'll get my trips to Hawaii to balance things out!) I won't have time to miss him, though. I've got apartment turnover (9 units, of which 3 have already changed over) and need to finish leasing my last 2 units before next week, so I won't be home much anyway. It'll all be complete when Tom returns so he won't have to fret over it. I don't keep a "honey do" list for him - less stressful that way. I just get it done. Thanks for thinking of me, though!

Cool picture Vernmotor! Tom will be in Stanton next month with the Chevy II. Our son will probably take the '64 Impala SS like he did at Martin a couple months ago. Fun times. And, no, I don't go to the drag races either - nothing for me to do way out there in the middle of nowhere. I'm not much for just sitting around (I don't drag race).

Chris

 

[onewaydave]

Tom, on your finish techniques. I do violins and in my process, I start cutting down the finish imperfections with 0000 SW. About the 3d coat I switch to wet sanding with 400 then 600 balck paper. After about 3 coats, I switch to pumice and rotten stone in a French polish technique. The finished product is like poured glass but invisible.

Sadly, a competitor (actually I'm not too much into that competition) showed me some airbrush work out of the gun that almost looked as good. Not nearly as durable though, I think. And not nearly as much fun.

But I doubt that you will want to take the BB cabinets to that extreme (hehe, planted a little bug, did I?).

Scotchbrite pads; cost more and leaves its own detritus behind that has to be tacked. Maybe I'm just old and set in my ways but I prefer SW.

Dave.

 

[Esteban76]

Thanks for joining, William. We had an official Scotland (country #2) early on, but he actually lives there. You made the extra effort to move LOL. You have now been officially initiated because you actually took the time to read the entire thread before posting ( I have ways of knowing this - kind of like The Great Karnak). Can you believe some people actually admitted to skipping ahead in the thread just to post in? I don't think that will help them very much on the test! Omphaloskeptic calls it our "Fortress of Solitude". (Is that like Max Smart's "Cone of Silence"?) (we watched too much TV in our youth, I think, but TV shows were actually worthwhile back then) I say you've been sucked into the vortex. All in all, it's our little slice of heaven. Tom is of Scottish heritage (McMillan on his mother's side).

Oops!! I violated my self-imposed "no more posting rule". I must not be busy enough. No more hints either. (I think that there have been more than 24,000 "hits" since last Wednesday, putting us closer to 1/2 million every day. I'm working my fingers to the bone getting that test ready!)

Chris

Here's the real reason for posting:

Here's an update of the state/country list (from page 86). If I missed anyone, sorry. Just let me know. I don't want to leave anyone out of the fun!

** indicate states that are represented so far. If you've posted, but haven't identified your location, you can PM me if you want and I'll ** the state or add the country of origin. So far 35 states have posted. (4/29/10 - we now have 37 thanks to Todd and Tom in Nebraska and West Virginia)(also welcome Jay for #38)(I can't remember who was #39, but #40 on 7/3/10 is wats56 from WY)(and #41 on 9/27/10 from NH). Only 7 more states to go!
As of 11/16/10, we now have 44 states (as of 12/14/10)(I know those other 6 states are lurking!)(45 included as of 3/14/11) (46 states as of 5/4/11 with DE coming on board) 47 states accounted for 5/5/11 (Welcome Guam! 5/8/11)(48 states as of 7/21/11 with the addition of HI!)
States (& Possessions included because Tom flew there at one point in his career)
** = posted
**AL
**AK
AMERICAN SAMOA (AS)
**AZ
**AR
**CA
**CO
**CT
**DE
Wash DC
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA (FM)
**FL
**GA
**GUAM (GU)(Guam (GU)(organized, unincorporated territory of the United States)
**HI
ID
**IL
**IN
**IA
**KS
**KY
**LA
**ME
MARSHALL ISLANDS (MH)
**MD
**MA
**MI
**MN
**MS
**MO
MT
**NE
**NV
**NH
**NJ
**NM
**NY
**NC
**ND
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (MP)
**OH
**OK
**OR
PALAU (PW)
**PA
PUERTO RICO (PR)
**RI
**SC
**SD
**TN
**TX
**UT
**VT
VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI)
**VA
**WA
**WV
**WI
**WY

Countries represented so far (24 as of 12/8/10)(I know there are more!):
(26 as of 1/25/11)(27 as of 2/19/11)(28 as of 3/17/11)
France
UK (many locations)
Scotland
Switzerland
Australia (several locations)
Canada (many locations)
Sweden
Netherlands
New Zealand
Ireland
Iceland
Portugal
Hong Kong
India
South Africa
Turkey
Afghanistan
Iraq
Denmark
Philippines
Peru
Norway
Malta
Belgium
Japan
Estonia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Croatia

Hello. My name is Stephen. I'm from Argentina. I found this page at a forum here. The truth is that I was surprised by the things shown here. I hope that one day, and is soon to build my garage / workshop for my cars.
Speaking of cars, show them my car. It's a '80 Torino, Renault. This was redesigned by Pinifarina based on '66 Rambler American Rouge.
Here I give you a picture to be seen:

Greetings from Argentina

 

[markviii]

Welcome Esteban76 (Stephen)! I've added Argentina to the still-growing country list, now 29 (see page 97, post #1921).
Very nice car by the way. Either you've been able to keep it garaged or spend time keeping it clean! How common are garages/workshops in Argentina? Many places just have no space like we do in the US. We once had a Rambler American, but I think it was a '64. Loved that car (I learned how to drive a manual 3-on-the tree transmission in it).

Chris

 

[markviii]

By the way, Tom and Lou got to the Salt Flats last night - 1 day ahead of schedule. Keep checking back for updates.

 

[jamesoaustin]

Time to stop lurking and step out into the sunshine. I have been reading this thread for a year but have known Tom and Chris for a *lot* longer than that. Tom's attention to detail, Chris' support for all the things he does (and visa-verse), and the mutual bond between them has been a reality since high school. Both of them are a model and an inspiration for me every day--and clearly for others as well. Thanks to you both.

(You can mark off DC now Chris...)

-Jim

 

[markviii]

Long time no see, Mr. Master Griller (Jim)! I've duly noted DC on the list (page 97, post #1921). The Center of the Universe is always the place to be (and we welcome lurkers!). The glow of the reunion continues.

I just returned from a long but productive day of apartment cleaning/maintenance duty with help from #1 son. 10 of 27 units are turning over this year. Things are going great, not too hectic and no surprises yet. I use the garage at one of the apartment buildings as my "staging" area. I store excess furniture there (most of my units are totally furnished).

Chris

 

[markviii]

Lobello Racing Update from Bonneville Salt Flats:

Go to the Lobello Racing thread on Free Parking for an update on Fred Lobello's dream car:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1680542#post1680542

 

[flybefree]

Chris that sounds an awefully to like hard work...glad you have your son helping. I have one rental house...can not fathom dealing with that many tenants!

Shaun

 

[wingrider]

Hi Thomas & Chris, Rod here from the Central Coast of NSW Australia. I found this thread last week, have been reading through it & i am only up to page 55, i have jumped to page 176 to say hello & leave a comment before i get too old that i cant type any more. I was clean shaven when i started to read this thread, now i have a Ned Kelly beard, ( for those not familiar with Aussie history, Ned was a bush ranger from years gone by who had a beard about 10 inchs long,) my kids have suddenly grown & left home & i think i have a grandchild now. The missus says its find cause she only has to make 1 side of the bed in the mornings now.
Being a ex mechanic & now a truck driver for 20 odd years i have found this thread so informative. I pass so many old antique places when i go through old country towns, that now i,m going to stop & see what old *** bits i can pick up on travels. I will probably bring back more frieght than i started with. What you have done to the place is just unbealivable, it,s awsome.
I have recently sold my home & renting till i find the right house for us again, it has to have a big yard so i can build a nice size shed on it, problem is every time i see an idea that i like
on this journal the plans for the shed keeps getting bigger.
Anyway, keep up the great work, & thank you for allowing us down here to see a piece of American history. Have to go back to pg 55 & catch up where i left off, dont want to miss anything. Regards Rod.

 

[Wingnutz]

I'm glad that the Belly tanker was posted on the HAMB!

 

[markviii]

Well, they didn't get to start the belly tanker as I reported yesterday. They've been working out some problems today. Hopefully it can run tomorrow to allow Jacob to get his license. Tom and Lou now have a "staff" pass, so they can go anywhere. They are acting as the safety crew for one of the San Diego Roadster Club cars. Weather is great, though there's talk of some precip tomorrow - everything stops if there's rain, so don't do any rain dances to end the drought!.

The guys are Living the Dream, as Tom always says.

Chris

 

[bigblock427]

I've built and run drag cars and circle track cars my whole life, but I've never got into a car that looks half as dangerous as that belly tanker does to me.

Whoever is going to drive it has a bucket full of _____!

I'm going to say a prayer for you Guys to have good luck and safe ride.

Now...put er in the wind!

 

[markviii]

Think "World's Fastest Indian" - but it passed tech! These guys met Burt Munro back in the day at Bonneville.

Chris

 

[markviii]

Today's update:

They got the car push-started today, but it just wouldn't keep on running. They spent the day "tweeking" things and it's getting better.

Picture the original early 1950s parts (carburetor, ignition, etc), just like you were there back in the day. That's exactly what is going on! If something breaks, there are no fabrication facilities, so they will be SOL.

The good news is Jacob (the driver) was able to have the car push-started on the salt, so he got to get the feel of driving it. It just wouldn't keep going. So back to the pits for more work. Each time takes up to an hour plus waiting in line to try again.

Tom is taking lots of pictures. They would look so cool in black and white. You probably wouldn't be able to tell it was anything but the '50.

All of Fred's old Bonneville buddies are stopping, so it's a big reunion. Very fun!

Tom's going to get a GJ photo opportunity tomorrow with his t-shirt.

I'll copy/post this on the Lobello Racing thread in Free Parking (and maybe on the H.A.M.B.).

Chris

 

[Nuts]

Of course I remember you 61pv544 - it was a test to see if you were still hanging around! But seriously, thanks for your continued interest here. I've got more 'in the chute' as we say here in the States including the BB.

Thomas

You just know something is going to roll across the bench & fall down that hole...

If you look closely, the relief cutout for the air hose is not in the top, but in the back splash.

Our Thomas is indeed a sneaky individual. I like that.


Nuts

 

[markviii]

The belly tanker was put on the trailer yesterday and Tom's coming home. The goal of being able to start it and run on the Salt Flats was accomplished. No land speed record though. Too many mechanical obstacles to overcome. It was a thrill for everyone involved, especially Jacob and Fred.

Chris

 

[hobbitss]

The belly tanker was put on the trailer yesterday and Tom's coming home. The goal of being able to start it and run on the Salt Flats was accomplished. No land speed record though. Too many mechanical obstacles to overcome. It was a thrill for everyone involved, especially Jacob and Fred.

Chris

There will always be next year...

 

[ZRX61]

If you look closely, the relief cutout for the air hose is not in the top, but in the back splash.

Our Thomas is indeed a sneaky individual. I like that.


Nuts

Yup, didn't see that when I first posted.

 

[ZRX61]

The belly tanker was put on the trailer yesterday and Tom's coming home. The goal of being able to start it and run on the Salt Flats was accomplished. No land speed record though. Too many mechanical obstacles to overcome. It was a thrill for everyone involved, especially Jacob and Fred.

Chris

Time to flush the fuel lines

 

[hobbitss]

Tools!!!....

Bump up from the 3rd page...