Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BB767]

Thomas,
I wanted to drop in and say a quick thank you for sharing your restoration and build projects with us, it has been a very enjoyable and entertaining read so far and I look forward to your future posts, especially reading about your new property and future drag strip, runway, road course, and of course the gear head motel so all of us can come visit. .......


.......Thanks again Thomas and Chris for all that you have shared with us. Sorry for my long-winded post.


Gordon

Hello there Gordon and thanks for stopping by and sharing those wonderful memories. From your background and for fellow readers of this thread who perhaps grew up in the 60's to the early 70's I'd like to humbly suggest you read a short book, based on true life entitled:

BELTSVILLE SHELL: You Are What You Drive (ISBN 0-9745757-0-4)

Here's a short note sent to the author:

"About five minutes ago I finished reading BELTSVILLE SHELL ... I do an enormous amount of reading and I am rarely moved. Right now, right at this moment, I am moved. This thing that we do, this relationship with cars, our cars, runs so deep in us that it lasts a lifetime. What are you doing now that you were doing as a teen-ager? What interests did you have as a young man that is as strong or stronger today as back then? This car thing can really get a grip on you. I wanted to send this note of thanks for sending me back over thirty years to such a wonderfully rich time in our lives.”

I read that book several years ago and have been meaning to bring it to everyone's attention here and Gordon's post reminded me. If you can't find it at a library, it can be found at:

http://www.beltsvilleshell.com/buynow.html

Full disclosure, I have no connections what-so-ever with this book other than I greatly enjoyed it and am sure others here will too. I borrowed the copy I read.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

The man can build a PDR and grow grass from seed too! Now that's one Bad *** dude!! and he is a Drag racer !!

Ah yes, the big three: building a PDR, grass growing and drag racing, what else is there? The true essence of life! Oh, and being in love with your wife of course.........did I mention that one too?

Thomas

 

[gfc62]

I'd like to humbly suggest you read a short book, based on true life entitled:

BELTSVILLE SHELL: You Are What You Drive (ISBN 0-9745757-0-4)

Thanks for the suggestion, that book is new to me. I'll have to order a copy.

It's a bit funny hearing about it via the center of the universe since one of the stations I worked at was 10 miles away from Beltsville! It's so close that I had to look it up on Google maps.

In fact, based on the photos and address on his website, I was across the street from it at Costco just last weekend:

Though it looked much cooler when he worked there:

 

[markviii]

Cost? (sometimes somebody has to think about it and be the party pooper)

The grass thing - I guess we're on a roll having done this twice now with great success. I just raked, helped water and went out daily to watch for blades poking up. Three days ago, nothing. Then the next day he comes home all smiles with pictures. Next thing you know, it'll have to be mowed before winter!

The test is coming along nicely! You're all helping soooo much. Just trying to get things organized around the homestead and frame shop before I finish it up. Keep up with the reading and you'll have no problems. Promise.

Chris

 

[stidham]

Boy I hate to have to ask you to go back and read that missed post. Go to page 24, post # 468 and read it. Then you'll understand. You'll thank me when the test finally arrives.

Thomas

Wow, I'd forgotten about that. I remember reading it the first time and it made me think about when my dad passed. He was a career railroad man, on our way to the cemetary the processional got held up by a train. A long one. My sister and I just smiled at each other. It was Dad's sense of humor.

 

[hobbitss]

Jeff, you are very privileged (and lucky to be alive!) I hope you know. They didn't make all that many 3000 GT VR-4's. There is a picture floating around the internet that shows a VR-4 speedometer pointing at about 175 mph with a few hundred rpm still left before the red line on the tach. The comment was much like yours, they became "uncomfortable" when they realized it probably wasn't the brightest thing they had ever done on a public road.



Mine is a 1999, the last year of production...



... the only year the factory made them with the oversized rear spoiler. They only made a handful that year, 287 total, before they stopped production. It is indeed............wicked fast...........

Thomas

Hmmmmmm... It does 175MPH with a couple hundred RPM in reserve...
More than a bit to fast for the street and maybe also for the track...
Where could you safely let it rip and see what the true top end really is???
Hmmmm, a vast, flat, wide open space... The salty remains of a primordial inland sea, Some where out west near the Rockies in Utah I think....

Man and Machine at the Ultimate Drag Race....

What is in the Bucket List??

Gentlemen farmer.. Check
Jet Pilot.. Check
Vintage Car Collector & Mechanic.. Check
Drag Racer... Check
Road Racer... Check
Owner & Restorer of Classic Structures... Check
Bonneville Salt Flat Race Crew & Chase Car Driver... Check

Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car Driver???

Hmmmmmmm.....

 

[BB767]

Thanks for the suggestion, that book is new to me. I'll have to order a copy.

It's a bit funny hearing about it via the center of the universe since one of the stations I worked at was 10 miles away from Beltsville! It's so close that I had to look it up on Google maps.

In fact, based on the photos and address on his website, I was across the street from it at Costco just last weekend:

Though it looked much cooler when he worked there:

Well what are the odds, huh? gfc62 since you live right where this story took place back in the 60's I'd be very interested in your opinion of the book. I think it's a great read and accurately depicts teenagers, their cars and America in general during that time period. Let me know, OK?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Wow, I'd forgotten about that. I remember reading it the first time and it made me think about when my dad passed. He was a career railroad man, on our way to the cemetary the processional got held up by a train. A long one. My sister and I just smiled at each other. It was Dad's sense of humor.

Wouldn't we all like to have our Dad's back, especially now that we're a bit older and thank them for all the things they did for us, said and unsaid. Yes, Dad's are pretty special all right.

Even though he wasn't my father, Mr Johnson still had quite an impact on my life, and he never knew it. I think he does now though.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hmmmmmm...

.....Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car Driver???

Hmmmmmmm.....

Joe, last August at Bonneville it was discussed. Too early to say if anything might come of it at this point but there was a discussion on the subject. Stand by on that one.


Oh, here are a few, better pictures of the VR-4 for you. Think of it with allllll that salt clinging to it!

While that's all well and good..... take a look under the hood...

... it's a good thing Mitsubishi uses such solid engineering. My GSX has over 187,000 miles now with not a hint of a problem. I'm going to bet this is the only shop that has a VR-4 in it...

...with a 1962 Ramber lurking in the background.

Thomas

 

[MetalMangler]

...with a 1962 Ramber lurking in the background.

Thomas

Does the horn go "Beep, Beep, Beep"?

MM

 

[csp]

That brings back a few memories. My mom's first new car was a '62 Rambler. I never saw it as it was gone before I was born, but there are lots of pictures with that car in it.

I was brought home from the hospital in a month old '66 Rambler Ambassador that my dad still owns. My dad held on to cars that had some kind of special meaning to him. He also has a '67 Corvette with the L89 427 that he bought new and a '70 LS6 Chevelle (4spd w/vinyl top) that he bought in '71 with 2800 miles on it. Both of these still have fewer than 30k miles on each of them.

 

[Bob Heine]

In the mid-'50s my parents towed a travel trailer across North America behind a 1953 Olds 98. It was a great car but my father hated its poor fuel mileage. Instead of buying a second car for his 80-mile commute, he traded the Olds for a 1958 Rambler station wagon. Its low compression engine was perfect for a trip through Mexico (upper lube was our friend). When he traded it in for a 1961 Rambler station wagon, the salesman asked which one he wanted. My father said he didn't care -- anything but the pink and white one. When he went to pick up his new car, it was the pink and white one, which the salesman swore he heard my father say he wanted. That was the only car my father kept for less than a year. The 1962 Rambler was gold and when he bought a new Buick in 1965, he was going to sell the Rambler privately.

After visiting me in the hospital, my wife gave my father a ride home in our wreck of a '56 Chevy, he decided to give the Rambler to us. Apparently having to hold the floor shift lever so it wouldn't pop out of third gear and my wife's warning him not to press too hard on the rubber floor mat on his side of the car (it was covering a large hole) frightened him. The real reason he gave us the car is pictured here. Actually, it was two reasons. This Rambler left us for good when we traded it in for our new '68 GTO.

 

[ironmutt]

Wow, I'd forgotten about that. I remember reading it the first time and it made me think about when my dad passed. He was a career railroad man, on our way to the cemetary the processional got held up by a train. A long one. My sister and I just smiled at each other. It was Dad's sense of humor.

my father was a railroader too when he passed we got stuck by a train also must be gods way of saying hey they got up here .

 

[stidham]

Wouldn't we all like to have our Dad's back, especially now that we're a bit older and thank them for all the things they did for us, said and unsaid. Yes, Dad's are pretty special all right.

Even though he wasn't my father, Mr Johnson still had quite an impact on my life, and he never knew it. I think he does now though.

Thomas

From reading this thread Mr. Johnson seems like a helluva guy. I would have liked to have met him.

my father was a railroader too when he passed we got stuck by a train also must be gods way of saying hey they got up here .

My Dad got struck by a train in '81. He was hanging off a boxcar going one way, the tracks dipped and a boxcar going the other way clipped him. All he got was a few bruises and broke his false teeth. Tough old dude. Here's a shot of him during the war.

 

[MG30]

Thanks Thomas.

Jorge

 

[BB767]

Does the horn go "Beep, Beep, Beep"?

MM

Ya know, interestingly enough it does, just like in the song.......sort of.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

That brings back a few memories. My mom's first new car was a '62 Rambler. I never saw it as it was gone before I was born, but there are lots of pictures with that car in it.

I was brought home from the hospital in a month old '66 Rambler Ambassador that my dad still owns. My dad held on to cars that had some kind of special meaning to him. He also has a '67 Corvette with the L89 427 that he bought new and a '70 LS6 Chevelle (4spd w/vinyl top) that he bought in '71 with 2800 miles on it. Both of these still have fewer than 30k miles on each of them.

What a wonderful legacy to have a father who not only knew and appreciated fine machinery, but had the foresight to keep them all these years. My hope is that they're driven regularly and enjoyed. Anytime you want to drive over to the shop in one of them you'd be more than welcome, the Rambler included.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

In the mid-'50s........ When he traded it in for a 1961 Rambler station wagon, the salesman asked which one he wanted. My father said he didn't care -- anything but the pink and white one. When he went to pick up his new car, it was the pink and white one, which the salesman swore he heard my father say he wanted. That was the only car my father kept for less than a year. The 1962 Rambler was gold and when he bought a new Buick in 1965, he was going to sell the Rambler privately.

After visiting me in the hospital, my wife gave my father a ride home in our wreck of a '56 Chevy, he decided to give the Rambler to us. Apparently having to hold the floor shift lever so it wouldn't pop out of third gear and my wife's warning him not to press too hard on the rubber floor mat on his side of the car (it was covering a large hole) frightened him. The real reason he gave us the car is pictured here. Actually, it was two reasons. This Rambler left us for good when we traded it in for our new '68 GTO.

Bob that's a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I well remember those pink Ramblers. Frankly I'd really like to find a nice '62 wagon like yours. Great old cars and tough as nails. Did I mention that the '62 is an all original car, paint, interior, engine the whole shooting match?

Not in the same league as the Corvette or VR-4 but it's a gem in it's own right and it gets 25-26 mpg. Looks good sitting on the lift too don't you think?

Just a wee bit...

...different design philosophy going here and I appreciate each on it's own level and they're RED! I'm non discriminatory, just an auto enthusiast.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Yes, please!!!!!

I'll get some more Stingray pictures on here bhawley, I haven't forgotten. I need to shuffle some cars around so I can get some decent pictures. Stand by.

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

Bob that's a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I well remember those pink Ramblers. Frankly I'd really like to find a nice '62 wagon like yours. Great old cars and tough as nails. Did I mention that the '62 is an all original car, paint, interior, engine the whole shooting match?

Not in the same league as the Corvette or VR-4 but it's a gem in it's own right and it gets 25-26 mpg. Looks good sitting on the lift too don't you think?

Just a wee bit...

...different design philosophy going here and I appreciate each on it's own level and they're RED! I'm non discriminatory, just an auto enthusiast.

Thomas

Simpler times...
Is that an aftermarket Oil Filter relocation kit on there???

I remember sitting in one that a had push button auto trans...

 

[dsquire]

Ya know, interestingly enough it does, just like in the song.......sort of.

Thomas

Thomas

Just so that you have something to compare the sound of that horn I found this. The Beep Beep song.

Turn up your speakers and enjoy.

That little turquoise and white Metropolitan sure was a cute little car.

Cheers

Don

 

[type47fan]

Hello there Gordon and thanks for stopping by and sharing those wonderful memories. From your background and for fellow readers of this thread who perhaps grew up in the 60's to the early 70's I'd like to humbly suggest you read a short book, based on true life entitled:

BELTSVILLE SHELL: You Are What You Drive (ISBN 0-9745757-0-4)

Here's a short note sent to the author:

"About five minutes ago I finished reading BELTSVILLE SHELL ... I do an enormous amount of reading and I am rarely moved. Right now, right at this moment, I am moved. This thing that we do, this relationship with cars, our cars, runs so deep in us that it lasts a lifetime. What are you doing now that you were doing as a teen-ager? What interests did you have as a young man that is as strong or stronger today as back then? This car thing can really get a grip on you. I wanted to send this note of thanks for sending me back over thirty years to such a wonderfully rich time in our lives.”

I read that book several years ago and have been meaning to bring it to everyone's attention here and Gordon's post reminded me. If you can't find it at a library, it can be found at:

http://www.beltsvilleshell.com/buynow.html

Full disclosure, I have no connections what-so-ever with this book other than I greatly enjoyed it and am sure others here will too. I borrowed the copy I read.

Thomas

Wow, Thomas! It's been awhile since I posted, but I've been enjoying your continuing story, along with everyone else, since my wife Linda (exCON FA) first told me about your interests and gave me the reference to this thread. You haven't flown with her recently as she's been bidding China (she says "Hi!").

Anyway, your reference to Beltsville Shell just startled me, in a good way. I've been friends with the author, Cary Thomas, for about 12 years. We live in the same neighborhood. My oldest daughter used to babysit for the family. I've assisted him over the years in the rebuilding of his 1956 Corvette and he's helped me with my car projects.

After I started following your story, it didn't take me long to see so many similarities between Cary Thomas and Thomas Payne. You guys could be twin brothers in terms of your interests, accomplishments, life philosophies, skills, degrees of motivation, generosity, and on and on.

I think it would be great to be able to get together during your next trip to the San Diego area. Can you pencil us in?

Here are shots of the back of his garage with his '62, '56, and '67 (427) Corvettes .

 

[BB767]

Simpler times...
Is that an aftermarket Oil Filter relocation kit on there???

I remember sitting in one that a had push button auto trans...

Joe, I had a 2 door '64 Rambler American in college and after I graduated I bought another one just like it but one year newer, a '65. They both had oil filters located exactly like the '62s.

To the best of my knowledge that's how Rambler installed them.

Since my other Ramblers oil filters were just like this one I never gave it a thought. It's always easy to access it during oil changes.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas

Just so that you have something to compare the sound of that horn I found this. The Beep Beep song.

Turn up your speakers and enjoy.

That little turquoise and white Metropolitan sure was a cute little car.

Cheers

Don

Great link Don thanks. Yup, that's exactly the song I was referring to and I think MetalMangler was also. Even in 1958 Ramblers didn't get any respect! They are starting to finally be recognized for their legendary toughness and simplicity. Rambler fans are a pretty devoted group.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Wow, Thomas! It's been awhile since I posted, but I've been enjoying your continuing story, along with everyone else, since my wife Linda (exCON FA) first told me about your interests and gave me the reference to this thread. You haven't flown with her recently as she's been bidding China (she says "Hi!").

Anyway, your reference to Beltsville Shell just startled me, in a good way. I've been friends with the author, Cary Thomas, for about 12 years. We live in the same neighborhood. My oldest daughter used to babysit for the family. I've assisted him over the years in the rebuilding of his 1956 Corvette and he's helped me with my car projects.

After I started following your story, it didn't take me long to see so many similarities between Cary Thomas and Thomas Payne. You guys could be twin brothers in terms of your interests, accomplishments, life philosophies, skills, degrees of motivation, generosity, and on and on.

I think it would be great to be able to get together during your next trip to the San Diego area. Can you pencil us in?

Here are shots of the back of his garage with his '62, '56, and '67 (427) Corvettes .

Wayne, I've missed flying with Linda. Since we changed to the 767-400 many of our regular cabin crew has changed. Most of them didn't like the new interior configuration so I figured she had started flying somewhere else.

Now about you being a neighbor and friends with Cary Thomas, holy smoke!! It would seem we truly do all know each other or have mutual friends. This idea of six degrees of separation may have something to it after all. First Randy's Bonneville story and now this. Wow, what are the odds? Without question next trip to San Diego we'll make a point of seeing you and if you can arrange a visit with Cary that would be fantastic. His book was recommended to me several years ago and I was just struck by it. He did such a super job of conveying the essence of that era. Please pass on my regards and admiration of him for me please.

I think the thread that connects all of us here at the Restored 1930's Auto Shop is an enthusiasm for all things automotive related on many levels. I find the time I spend on this thread is so amply rewarded over and over again. It's been's a pleasure!

Thanks Wayne for checking in here.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

So here I am working in the tool shed this afternoon, slowly sorting out the treasure hidden within. I've been looking at the old bench sitting back in the corner for some time now and decided to do a little investigating.

That bench has 4 drawers that are (were) stuck shut. The top left one was a little loose so I managed to get it open a little bit.

Not a very remarkable picture, the light is poor in there, no electrical lighting.

With a flashlight I saw something shinny, gleaming back at me.

Once I cleaned some leaves that mice had made a bed out of guess what I found?

Then I saw this swell...

...Minneapolis-Moline shop manual sitting on top of the bench. It's an awfully nice manual BTW, in terrific condition. There also happen to be a Massey-Fergason manual there too. Score, two great tractor manuals in super condition. I'll be the envy of the neighborhood once this gets out. Everyone's gonna want see those manuals I bet!

Oh, also there was this...

...Gold Bar.

I figured if I looked long enough I'd find some Gold Bars on the property.

It was getting dark so I'll have to look in the other drawers another time. Can you believe the luck finding those tractor manuals? Wow! You've heard it before, I'd rather be lucky than good!

As for the Gold Bar it's pretty heavy, it might make a sturdy wheel chock.

Probably worth "about a hundred dollars."

Thomas

 

[american3.14guy]

Seriously???

 

[Tjc]

Are you ******* with us right now?

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Thomas, isn't it a bit early to go 'Trick-or-Treatin' in the GJ neighborhood? lol

I'll bet a dollar to a donut that Thomas had the 'bar of gold' powder-coated that color!

 

[Bob Heine]

Thomas,
You are right about those Ramblers being solid cars. In their day they were economical to run and easy to work on. They were also pretty innovative. The dual brake system was standard on the '62 Ramblers. Years ahead of Ford and Chevy. My Classic 400 had the 80-pound lighter aluminum block 6 and push-button automatic. That engine had the integrated oil filter housing, like this one:

AMC was proud enough of its coated exhaust system to give a lifetime guarantee. The original system was still in the car when I traded it in (six years old with 140k miles).

My mother-in-law drove her gold '62 American convertible for mostly short trips so the dealer replaced her exhaust system three times in the 25 years she owned it. With a white top and gold interior it was a neat little car. She traded it in when AMC went under and the dealership changed to Chrysler in 1987.

(not her car)

 

[Homebody]

OK, I started reading this thread post for post and I'm only on page 25 and can't imagine it getting any better!!
Please stop posting until I catch up!

Great thread.
Great job on the restoration.
Great cars.
Great occupation. ( My son has his Private and basically wants your job. lol)
Great location. (I'm near Rockford so I plan on visiting some time!)

 

[hobbitss]

So here I am working in the tool shed this afternoon, slowly sorting out the treasure hidden within. I've been looking at the old bench sitting back in the corner for some time now and decided to do a little investigating.

That bench has 4 drawers that are (were) stuck shut. The top left one was a little loose so I managed to get it open a little bit.

Not a very remarkable picture, the light is poor in there, no electrical lighting.

With a flashlight I saw something shinny, gleaming back at me.

Once I cleaned some leaves that mice had made a bed out of guess what I found?

Then I saw this swell...

...Minneapolis-Moline shop manual sitting on top of the bench. It's an awfully nice manual BTW, in terrific condition. There also happen to be a Massey-Fergason manual there too. Score, two great tractor manuals in super condition. I'll be the envy of the neighborhood once this gets out. Everyone's gonna want see those manuals I bet!

Oh, also there was this...

...Gold Bar.

I figured if I looked long enough I'd find some Gold Bars on the property.

It was getting dark so I'll have to look in the other drawers another time. Can you believe the luck finding those tractor manuals? Wow! You've heard it before, I'd rather be lucky than good!

As for the Gold Bar it's pretty heavy, it might make a sturdy wheel chock.

Probably worth "about a hundred dollars."

Thomas

Figures... I don't see any new posts and go to work...
Come home and what do I find but photos of the TOOL SHED!!!!

I really like that adjustable wrench... Any tools hiding under the scrap metal in the drawer??. Nice Battery Charger....

Is that a Triumph in the background of the second to last photo of the paper weight???

 

[HOTFR8]

Thomas, isn't it a bit early to go 'Trick-or-Treatin' in the GJ neighborhood? lol

I'll bet a dollar to a donut that Thomas had the 'bar of gold' powder-coated that color!

Lead bar and a tin of gold spray paint.

 

[CrustyD3mon]

AHAH same opinion that Omphaloskeptic .......this can't be real...and with all that dust and **** in the drawner...why the bar looks so clean? ahah

 

[markviii]

Good eye, seeing the needle in the haystack, Joe.
Ding, ding, ding, HOTFR8.
Tom has entirely too much time on his hands!

We're off for an all-car-club picnic at Fox Ridge (IL, down by Charleston). Last year, 7 clubs showed up. I'm sure there will be pictures. I won the Trivia Contest last year (who knew I knew so much!?). Perfect day today - low 70s, no rain!

Chris

 

[realvc]

One of the things I remember about Ramblers was the closed drive line. I don't when they changed to an open drive shaft but I do remember changing the clutch in a 60 something Rambler with a closed drive line. At the car lot and wrecking yard that I used to hang out we sold several Ramblers in the late 60s and early 70s.
A man once told me driving a Rambler was like kissing your sister, it got the job done but you were not proud of it.

 

[oberst]

More pix of the TR4!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

markviii, have fun at the picnic and take LOTS of pictures!

I feel sure Thomas has a purpose for that 'bar of gold' other than fun'n with us gullible guys. It could be destined to be a portable welding 'hold-down' weight, a door stop, barter for a full tank of gas, or maybe just 'ballast' for his flight bag now that he doesn't have to carry the weight of all those Jeppesen charts.

 

[HOTFR8]

Ding, ding, ding, HOTFR8.
Tom has entirely too much time on his hands!


Chris

Given that I must be correct.

 

[Mavawreck]

I'd like to hear more about the Triumph as well.