Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[BigDaddyUSMC]

HAY THOMAS...
You ready to go play in the SALT.....Talked to Lou the other day & he was about to head your way....He is most likely there by now...

Jacob & I think we are about ready for Bonneville. Here is what the bikes looking like now
Here is aa link to our website http://baggoracing.weebly.com/

 

[markviii]

Hey, Craig (aka Amitygravel). Thanks for the pic! I don't know how we managed to be the only corvette in sight around the square at that time. Very lucky timing to allow you to get that picture! (you'd think we had planned it out, right?) I was having fun taking pictures of all the spectators taking pictures and video of all the cars - got some good ones (they're trapped in my smartphone, you know the one that makes me feel so dumb - I'll try to figure out how to post from my phone one of these days). There were lots of corvettes parked around the square and all along the tour route, not taking part in the tour. The number of cars in the tour was counted from the starting point. We weren't one of those because we and the 8 other cars with us jumped into line about 4 miles from the start when we saw a gap in the line of cars. When we were entering Monticello, the lead motorcycle cop was heading back out of town for the return leg, so from that point on, the road was corvettes coming and going all the way back to Champaign. Very cool. Everyone was having such a great time, waving, cheering, holding up signs, taking pictures/movies.

BigDaddyUSMC - bike looks great (tent looks good, too)! Tom's looking forward to his third trip to Bonneville with Lou who we will probably see very soon here at home. Less than three weeks before Bonneville, we'll be up at Road America (with Lou and the San Diego vintage race team). Busy summer around here!

Chris

 

[Swanny66]

It was a strange feeling today, I clicked on the next page, and there was only two posts on the page, and they were dated today!

Thomas, what you've done is awe-inspiring. I started reading at page one, I think I joined Garage Journal as a member when I was partway through (the only way to see some of the photos added by some members!) and now I've caught up with the present on page 349.

I love the work you've done with both the buildings, landscaping and the machinery!

Down here in Oz (G'day HotFr8!), I managed to get my hands on a Euro-American car to play with - it started off as a Merkur XR4Ti, but was rebadged as a Ford Sierra to meet the market (albeit a limited market!) in the '80s. That little rocket has kept me busy for the last four years, after it had been hidden in a shed for 12 years, everything rubber needing replacing, plus the rusted fuel tank. There are minimal parts available in Australia, so I'm kept honest by fixing, rather than replacing. One of the more interesting faults I found was a build up of verde gris inside the ignition switch! That stopped me from starting the engine below 15 degrees Celcius! Some parts I have ordered from the states... the last shipment of parts I ordered were from Illinois and Ohio! (Control arms and ball joints) I managed to build a carport to rebuild the XR4... not quite a garage...

Anyway, thanks for showing such an entertaining glimpse into your life across the ocean - I've enjoyed it so far, and will keep an eye on your shenanigans in the future!

Darrell.

 

[p_mori7]

"BELTSVILLE SHELL" is once again up for grabs !

I did get a PM some time ago requesting that I keep the book in Canada when I was done reading it, but I don't think the intent was preselecting the next reader(s)...so I leave it to chamce once again.

First PM to me with all of your proper mailing information (USA / CANADA) will have the book sent along for your enjoyment!



EDIT: The book is now headed towards LOTUSNUT in Ontario, Canada.

 

[hafi]

Dear Chris,
dear Thomas,
fellow readers,

my name is Jan, I am also new to this forum.

I stumbled in an metall working tool and shop related forum about your thread. As soon as I saw the first images of your beautiful restored garage, I had to dig in the whole thread. This was two weeks ago. I have read most of the replies and especially enjoyed your images and different stories about tools, drag races and so on.

My congratulations, to both of you. You have done a lot of great jobs to your garage, cars, tools, and so on. I am deeply impressed and enjoyed reading this thread a lot.

I own a small shop with lots of metal related machines. I got most of them for free, as they were to be scraped. I collected a Fischer Lathe from around 1940 (I guess), a Meuser M0L with 2 m (6.5') between centers (1965), a Kunzmann Mill from 1962, a Klopp shaper with 550 (20') stroke from 1962 and a Flott drill press (age unknown).

I am also interested in blacksmithing, as Mr Johnson was. I do have an movable forge, an old anvil (heavily worn) as well as tongs, pliers, hammers, chisels, ... even this peculiar hammer, that looks like an butcher hammer (I forgot the correct english expression, sorry).

All these tools and machines are stored in a normal two car garage, which of course can't be used to park our car in there.

Besides that, I do own a Steyr Puch Haflinger from 1961 (MK I, Austrian Army version). It is a small 4WD truck with some remarkable design features. While your cars are designed to go as fast, as you can, mine is designed to go literally everywhere. Maybe you know this car as "Pathfinder" (thats was the name given to those handfull cars, that where exported into the US)?

My father also used to own a Haflinger (1962, MK I but Swiss Army version) and that car was our wedding vehicle. As far as I know, there is only one other couple in Australia, that used a Haflinger as wedding vehicle. This car is now owned by my younger brother.

When I bought my Haflinger, I drove it occasionally one summer. I had to refill nearly 15 litres (approx. 4 gallons) of oil in that short time. Hence I thought, it would be a good idea, to replace all sealings on that car. While trying to reach all sealings, I found several other rusty or otherwise damaged zones and decided to do a full restauration.

I am proceeding very slowly due to different circumstances. Until today, I managed to strip the complete drive line. All parts where sandblasted. A friend of mine painted them professionally. The body was slightly sandblasted -- just enough to find all rotten places and to be able to weld them. This is what I am actually doing. It will be sandblasted, when I am finished with that job and immediately painted afterwards. (Maybe I should powdercoat it?) I am looking very much forward to that point.

Last weekend, I was watching the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes". Some scenes reminded me directly to your garage. On the other hand: your reports from Bonneville Speed Week reminded me to the movie "Worlds Fastest Indian", presenting Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munroe from New Zealand, who raced in the 60-ies at Bonneville, to find out how fast his 1920 Indian Scout could run.

Have a fine time.

Jan

 

[BB767]

So the 1st annual Pre-Bloomington Gold Corvette Cook-Out at the shop was great fun for all of those who came.



These Corvettes...



...are parked roughly ...



...where a short few years ago it was a mess! To give you an idea, 8 years ago in this same area it looked like...




...this. In the background behind the Case tractor, circled is my neighbors house and last week...



...it looked like this, that's his house, circled again for reference. Quite a change for the better I'd say.



It's also the site where our new house will be built. A year from now this 1963 split window Corvette Sting Ray would be parked in our great room and beyond it the other cars will be in the kitchen.



The '62 in the foreground is parked almost exactly in what will be our breakfast nook. We had C1's, C2's, C3's C5's and C'6's. There was suppose to be a C4 but he couldn't make it. Next year.



One of the neatest Corvettes was this completely all original, paint and everything else, '62 owned by a good friend for the last 34 years.



The car was originally from San Diego and thus no rust. Under the drivers door you could clearly make out the red paint stenciling the factory applied on the frame 51 years ago. The red object is a light used to help illuminate the stenciling which is written upside down BTW.

So you can see the shop and grounds are being used for what I had envisioned many years ago. I find it all very rewarding.

More is on the way, just check back.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

And that is exactly what makes it so cool to me....


I just may have to take you up on that in the future. I take 74 west to Peoria from Indy, so I usually pass right through Bloomington. Pretty familiar with the area actually....

zkling, the shop is 9 miles south of I 74, just beyond Ubana,IL a mere 3 turns away. It's really pretty easy to get to if the mood ever strikes you to stop by.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thank you Chris & Thomas for a great relaxing tour of the shop and the chance to share some time together. I so enjoyed talking about children, teaching, cars, and life in general --Oh, and Hans Norberg also. It was so great to meet friends of his. I also appreciated chatting about the old days of GM with John. What a hoot. Today Corvette blogs are buzzing about how warm and friendly your neighbors were to us Corvette owners, and not just on the road tour. Thanks to y'all.

Life is good

Terry

Terry the cars bring us together initially but it's the people that make us stay in contact with one another don't you think. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we had with you and look forward to the next time. It's all good! John couldn't stop talking about your Z06. You just might have corrupted him!

Shinny side up, rubber side down...

Thomas

 

[BB767]

No, any Porsche will do!

Perhaps I've been negligent depriving Chris of the joy to be found in a 356. I must give that some thought oberst.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Wow, I thought I had this thread finished, then all of a sudden 20 more pages appeared as if by magic. S.....


........ I am never going to get done.

Remember it's the journey not the destination hippie2cams.

Thanks anyway for your interest, that's what keeps me/us posting here.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Hello Thomas ! Hi Chris !
Apologies for not getting in touch with you Saturday , a certain 8yr old wasn't quite up to being focused on the show and I was too focused on the admission at the gate either !
We wandered a bit around the outlying lots and then went to do a quick side job.
Made it back to Monticello for the cruise through.
Managed to get London to sit through that with a Dairy Queen bribe !
Here they are folks !

Craig, great picture!



Many, many thanks for that! There were close to 900 Corvettes on that cruise that night and how you managed to get our car all by its lonesome I'll never know! The cruise was exceptionally fun for Chris and myself. We were giggling like little kids at the fantastic reception the Corvettes received all along the way. We're doing it next year for sure! From the angle of the picture I'd say you were near the Dairy Queen and no doubt London was tugging on your sleeve for 2nds.

Cheers, Thomas

 

[BB767]

HAY THOMAS...
You ready to go play in the SALT.....Talked to Lou the other day & he was about to head your way....He is most likely there by now...

Jacob & I think we are about ready for Bonneville. Here is what the bikes looking like now
Here is aa link to our website http://baggoracing.weebly.com/

Randy, Lou and I are already laying out the route out West. Wouldn't miss it for anything. I'm expecting nothing less than a new speed record from you guys this year. The bike looks just superb, nice work. Thanks for posting a picture of it. The spirit of Mr Johnson and Al Jerauld ride with you. See you on the salt.

Thomas

 

[rick8928]

Thomas and Chris,
Thanks for the hospitality during my 3 hour stop-and-go the other evening. This was one of the highlights of my "Tour de USA" circumnavigation of the states adventure!

 

[markviii]

Hi Rick. We were so happy you were able to extend your stay for dinner and hope you were able to dodge the raindrops before your next stop that night. Your visit was a fun conclusion to our "all things cars" weekend.

Safe travels,

Chris

 

[rustandrelicstrading]

Hello Thomas, I really enjoy the thread. I have been reading it for a while. You mentioned it to me when you bought my '64 Bonneville. I have seen a few pictures of it in the background. Any time frame on when you might start it? I wanted to say after meeting you, you inspired me to find old items and clean them up and enjoy them, tools mostly. Just wanted to say great thread and thanks for the inspiration.

Matt

 

[Vernmotor]

Yea Love the Mopars ! very cool

 

[Ferrari-lover]

I have successfully read the whole thread, in all its 349 pages of awesomeness. Love the shop and your story, I hope you will get around to telling us the story of your Triumph sometime in the near future.

 

[BB767]

It was a strange feeling today, I clicked on the next page, and there was only two posts on the page, and they were dated today!

Thomas, what you've done is awe-inspiring. I started reading at page one, I think I joined Garage Journal as a member when I was partway through (the only way to see some of the photos added by some members!) and now I've caught up with the present on page 349.

I love the work you've done with both the buildings, landscaping and the machinery!

Down here in Oz (G'day HotFr8!), I managed to get my hands on a Euro-American car to play with - it started off as a Merkur XR4Ti, but was rebadged as a Ford Sierra to meet the market (albeit a limited market!) in the '80s. That little rocket has kept me busy for the last four years, after it had been hidden in a shed for 12 years, everything rubber needing replacing, plus the rusted fuel tank. There are minimal parts available in Australia, so I'm kept honest by fixing, rather than replacing. One of the more interesting faults I found was a build up of verde gris inside the ignition switch! That stopped me from starting the engine below 15 degrees Celcius! Some parts I have ordered from the states... the last shipment of parts I ordered were from Illinois and Ohio! (Control arms and ball joints) I managed to build a carport to rebuild the XR4... not quite a garage...

Anyway, thanks for showing such an entertaining glimpse into your life across the ocean - I've enjoyed it so far, and will keep an eye on your shenanigans in the future!

Darrell.

Greetings to you Darrell. I've been flying about so I'm a little behind but after reading all the posts you must know that at times I'm gone but I try to always get back to folks here. Thanks for your nice informative post. Pictures of your Merkur XR4Ti are always a plus. It sounds like an interesting project.

For cleaning any electrical connections or components such as the verde gris in your ignition switch, may I humbly suggest...



....DeoxIT D5. http://store.caig.com/

Jerry, who refurbished the radio in my Corvette highly recommends this stuff. It is by far the best material of its kind that he has used. I've tried it and I have to agree it works quite well. it's a little pricey so use it sparingly. He recommends using it with a Q-Tip where possible to avoid using too much.

I've more shenanigans (great description of my work around the shop!) in the works so keep in touch. Look forward to a "down under" visit one these days. Should you find yourself in the States, drop by.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

"BELTSVILLE SHELL" is once again up for grabs !

I did get a PM some time ago requesting that I keep the book in Canada when I was done reading it, but I don't think the intent was preselecting the next reader(s)...so I leave it to chamce once again.

First PM to me with all of your proper mailing information (USA / CANADA) will have the book sent along for your enjoyment!



EDIT: The book is now headed towards LOTUSNUT in Ontario, Canada.

I'm curious p_mori7 for a Canadian perspective on the book. If you are of that era are the times and activities described something you could identify with or is it too uniquely American? For those of us in the States and who grew up in the late 1950's and 1960's and were car geeks it was extremely familiar. Just wondering?

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Dear Chris,
dear Thomas,
fellow readers,

my name is Jan, I am also new to this forum.

I stumbled in an metall working tool and shop related forum about your thread. As soon as I saw the first images of your beautiful restored garage, I had to dig in the whole thread. This was two weeks ago. I have read most of the replies and especially enjoyed your images and different stories about tools, drag races and so on.

My congratulations, to both of you. You have done a lot of great jobs to your garage, cars, tools, and so on. I am deeply impressed and enjoyed reading this thread a lot.

I own a small shop with lots of metal related machines. I got most of them for free, as they were to be scraped. I collected a Fischer Lathe from around 1940 (I guess), a Meuser M0L with 2 m (6.5') between centers (1965), a Kunzmann Mill from 1962, a Klopp shaper with 550 (20') stroke from 1962 and a Flott drill press (age unknown).

I am also interested in blacksmithing, as Mr Johnson was. I do have an movable forge, an old anvil (heavily worn) as well as tongs, pliers, hammers, chisels, ... even this peculiar hammer, that looks like an butcher hammer (I forgot the correct english expression, sorry).

All these tools and machines are stored in a normal two car garage, which of course can't be used to park our car in there.

Besides that, I do own a Steyr Puch Haflinger from 1961 (MK I, Austrian Army version). It is a small 4WD truck with some remarkable design features. While your cars are designed to go as fast, as you can, mine is designed to go literally everywhere. Maybe you know this car as "Pathfinder" (thats was the name given to those handfull cars, that where exported into the US)?

My father also used to own a Haflinger (1962, MK I but Swiss Army version) and that car was our wedding vehicle. As far as I know, there is only one other couple in Australia, that used a Haflinger as wedding vehicle. This car is now owned by my younger brother.

When I bought my Haflinger, I drove it occasionally one summer. I had to refill nearly 15 litres (approx. 4 gallons) of oil in that short time. Hence I thought, it would be a good idea, to replace all sealings on that car. While trying to reach all sealings, I found several other rusty or otherwise damaged zones and decided to do a full restauration.

I am proceeding very slowly due to different circumstances. Until today, I managed to strip the complete drive line. All parts where sandblasted. A friend of mine painted them professionally. The body was slightly sandblasted -- just enough to find all rotten places and to be able to weld them. This is what I am actually doing. It will be sandblasted, when I am finished with that job and immediately painted afterwards. (Maybe I should powdercoat it?) I am looking very much forward to that point.

Last weekend, I was watching the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes". Some scenes reminded me directly to your garage. On the other hand: your reports from Bonneville Speed Week reminded me to the movie "Worlds Fastest Indian", presenting Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munroe from New Zealand, who raced in the 60-ies at Bonneville, to find out how fast his 1920 Indian Scout could run.

Have a fine time.

Jan

Jan, I wish you a warm welcome to the forum and our growing circle of family and friends here at the Restored 1930's Auto Shop. Thank you so much for the nice introduction. I'm not familiar with the metal working machines you mention but I'm very familiar with the Steyr Puch Haflinger. We almost never see them over here but are quite envious of those who have the good fortune to own one. Well done!

I'll have to watch "Green Fried Tomatoes" again to see those garage scenes you mention. I'm curious about them now. I'll be going to the Bonneville Salt Flats again this year in a few weeks with my good friend Lou Bingham. He was there when Burt Monroe first came to Bonneville and well remembers when the hat was passed around to help fund Burt's first year efforts. He's got a couple of pictures of Burt and his bike out there from the early 1960's. Good Stuff!

I've much more material to post here when I'm not flying or cleaning out the Tool Shed so you've reached the "Temporary Pause" in the thread. I've more coming this way, stick with me.

Thomas

 

[Swanny66]

Thanks for the info on DeoxItD5, I see there is a supplier in Australia, but they don't show it on their website! I used CRC White Lithium Grease. I discovered this product when I bought a 1996 Ford Telstar from a work colleague, who couldn't get it started. He'd spent about a grand on auto electrics trying to fix the problem, and gave up. It kept burning out the fuel injector relay.

I bought his non starting car (I was down and busted then) for $600, and found Verdi-gris on the fuel injector connectors. The white Lithium Grease seemed to work till I sold that car! It cost me maybe $14? There was no more stress on the fuel injector relay!

Anyway, since you welcome pics (I've got 144 and rising..) I'll share a few of my Ford/Merkur pride of joy...

When I first saw her... 12 years sitting in a shed.






Fuel pump...


Draining the fuel...




Biopsy of the fuel filter...



Rejuvenating products...


I mentioned Verdi-Gris?



Which was inside this assembly in the steering column...



That was fun to diagnose! Honestly, it was! I felt good when I found the problem.

Time for a engine refresh!


From this...


To this..


To this...





And on the way for the new stainless exhaust and induction systems...




And how she looks now? Why are our cars females!!!




And Chris, I forgot to acknowledge your input and influence to Thomas (Tom's) efforts. I know he has gained strength and support and lots more from your devotion. I envy you both!

 

[hafi]

Hi Thomas,

Jan, I wish you a warm welcome to the forum and our growing circle of family and friends here at the Restored 1930's Auto Shop.

Thank you very much.

I'll have to watch "Green Fried Tomatoes" again to see those garage scenes you mention. I'm curious about them now.

As to "Fried Green Tomatoes" I am sure, there is no garage to see in that movie. But every time I see those scenes of the good old days (tm), when they jump back into the 1930s when the Whistle Stop Cafe was opened, I could easily image, that Mr Johnson had its shop just around the corner of that cafe.

So many things of the scenes from 1930 reminded me of your (now restored) shop. The tiles on the floor, the furniture in the cafe, ...

I'll be going to the Bonneville Salt Flats again this year in a few weeks with my good friend Lou Bingham. He was there when Burt Monroe first came to Bonneville and well remembers when the hat was passed around to help fund Burt's first year efforts. He's got a couple of pictures of Burt and his bike out there from the early 1960's. Good Stuff!

The scene in the movie, when Burt finally was allowed to do a test run and managed to escape from the following officials, when they were already driving 90 mph, is one of my absolute favorites. I'd love to be there and seeing his final triumph.

I've much more material to post here when I'm not flying or cleaning out the Tool Shed so you've reached the "Temporary Pause" in the thread. I've more coming this way, stick with me.

I'll surely do and looking very much foreward to see further pictures. I am very curious, how your new home will look like.

Bye

Jan

 

[markviii]

Jan,
Welcome! We're also curious as to the final "look" of our retirement home. We're still "tweeking" the architectural drawings, but it's getting closer to what we think we want (lots of compromises from what we imagine to make things work in real life). Send good vibes this way for a quick sale of our current residence/property so we can break ground in the spring. That will be real progress!

Chris

 

[BB767]

Hello Thomas, I really enjoy the thread. I have been reading it for a while. You mentioned it to me when you bought my '64 Bonneville. I have seen a few pictures of it in the background. Any time frame on when you might start it? I wanted to say after meeting you, you inspired me to find old items and clean them up and enjoy them, tools mostly. Just wanted to say great thread and thanks for the inspiration.

Matt

Well hello there Matt. I'm glad you are enjoying reading the thread. I hope you're finding it as rewarding as I do to "rescue" old tools and equipment and give them a second chance at being useful. Yes, the Bonneville is undercover in the barn and being well cared for at present. I don't have a time frame in mind for it at present. I've done a cursory inspection of it and I'm afraid it's not good. It's very possible it may turn into a donor/parts car. From the rocker panels and up it's a very nice car but below that it is something awful. Rust has taken a terrible toll and it might not be cost effective to save it. Time will tell what fate eventually awaits it. If it only was as nice below as it is above! Thank you for checking up on it and checking in here. I do appreciate the interest and support in my work.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I have successfully read the whole thread, in all its 349 pages of awesomeness. Love the shop and your story, I hope you will get around to telling us the story of your Triumph sometime in the near future.

Greetings to you Ferrari-lover and congratulations on successfully reading the whole thread. That's no simple accomplishment any more I'm afraid. Thank you for your kind words of support. I promise to do the follow up on the TR 4 story and had planned on doing so long before now but various projects and events have conspired against that sad to say. It's an interesting story and one you wouldn't really expect so please stick with me here, I'll get it posted.

BTW, the vintage Ferrari Testarossa in your avatar is awesome. I bet it would look right at home sitting on the old Rotary lift!

Thomas

 

[p_mori7]

I'm curious p_mori7 for a Canadian perspective on the book. If you are of that era are the times and activities described something you could identify with or is it too uniquely American? For those of us in the States and who grew up in the late 1950's and 1960's and were car geeks it was extremely familiar. Just wondering?

Thomas

Actually, I am from Los Angeles originally...while the timeframe of the book was a bit before my 'coming of age' (born in '64) automotive wise, It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I do recollect clearly my Dad's '69 Firebird with the hood scoops and the 400 with 2 4BBL carbs...every other Saturday we'd head over to the drag strip for a few passes to 'decarbonize' the engine...

We moved back to Montreal in 1972...travelling cross country in a '72 Suburban 4wd towing a 32' Golden Falcon...and I discovered my Grandpa's '68 Chevy Impala fastback with a 327...he was the head mechanic a GM dealer in Northern Montreal, he was the only one allowed to touch Corvette engines...

 

[Montysmith]

wow what you have done .. made nothing to be all the worth of everything .. i appreciate your courage and hard work for such a transformation

 

[hippie2cams]

this thread is one of the first that I stumbles upon while searching for garage related item on the internet and as I read along as a lurker, soon decided to join because there is just too much information on this forum not to join. Thomas, you and chris have a beautiful place and a cult following that you well deserve. I have learned a lot in the last few years because of the different threads in the journal. Keep up the good work! When I first retired I could remember people saying they didn't have anything to do. They just need to build or renovate a garage then they won't have enough time to get everything done

 

[hobbitss]

I've much more material to post here when I'm not flying or cleaning out the Tool Shed so you've reached the "Temporary Pause" in the thread. I've more coming this way, stick with me.

Thomas

Hmmm... We haven't seen any Tool Shed Archeological Dig Reports or Photos!!!

I hope you are properly Documenting all of the excavation work and treasures uncovered...

 

[charlief1]

Hmmm... We haven't seen any Tool Shed Archeological Dig Reports or Photos!!!

I hope you are properly Documenting all of the excavation work and treasures uncovered...

And you said you were on the wagon Joe. I really think you need to get into some sort of program. Since there's AA maybe there should be TAA (Tools Anonymous America) just for people like you?

 

[BB767]

Hmmm... We haven't seen any Tool Shed Archeological Dig Reports or Photos!!!

I hope you are properly Documenting all of the excavation work and treasures uncovered...

Well of course I am Joe. But have you already forgotten the recent post# 6915 and those items? Or is 3 weeks too long an interval for you.

There is more in store, hang in there.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thanks for the info on DeoxItD5, I see there is a supplier in Australia, but they don't show it on their website! .....

I bought his non starting car (I was down and busted then) for $600, and found Verdi-gris on the fuel injector connectors. The white Lithium Grease seemed to work till I sold that car! It cost me maybe $14? There was no more stress on the fuel injector relay!

Anyway, since you welcome pics (I've got 144 and rising..) I'll share a few of my Ford/Merkur pride of joy...


And Chris, I forgot to acknowledge your input and influence to Thomas (Tom's) efforts. I know he has gained strength and support and lots more from your devotion. I envy you both!

Wow, nice find and great pictures. Your pride in workmanship and great attention to detail really shows through. Thanks for posting them Swanny66. Those cars just never caught on with the mainstream buyers here in the States, but enthusiasts really embraced them. As for my charming and delightful partner Chris, I've always said she is the true secret to my success, no question. The young lady has the patience of a Saint and the enthusiasm of a UK football fan.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

wow what you have done .. made nothing to be all the worth of everything .. i appreciate your courage and hard work for such a transformation

Hello Montysmith and I appreciate you taking the time to post those kind words. I have done this thread to show others what is possible with a bit of stubbornness.........and a very understanding wife!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

........ Thomas, you and Chris have a beautiful place and a cult following .......

Hey Chris, it's official now, we have a cult following here. I always suspected as much.

Thomas

 

[Builderrhys]

Thanks for the help with my 784 Thomas, I managed to get it all apart without any damage and ready for sandblasting, much appreciated, Rhys.

 

[hobbitss]

Well of course I am Joe. But have you already forgotten the recent post# 6915 and those items? Or is 3 weeks too long an interval for you.

There is more in store, hang in there.

Thomas

3 weeks is a very long time for someone who visits everyday...
Well maybe a few times a day... Anticipation!!

 

[BigAl62]

Swanny66 - GREAT CAR! I always liked those (but never owned one). I remember reading back when Ford (Mercury) started selling those in the US they were also selling a version in the South African market that had a 5.0 liter High Output Mustang engine in it (for spec racing), that's the one I'd REALLY love to have!!!!!!

 

[Finallygotit]

OK, I can't stand it any longer so I have to post. I belong to another forum and one of the members there decided to post a link to this thread as he had recently paid you visit on his cross country trip. OH MY GOSH!!! I'm only at page #80 and I'm starting to look like this guy . I cannot put this down! Thomas, what you have done (at least as far as I've read) is most impressive. I thank you for sharing your trip through this transformation. I recently told my wife about this thread and remarked about the one post where you found Mr. Johnson's name tag on the lawn. She immediately choked up, as did I. This thread is one of the best reads I have ever had the pleasure of.......well, reading.......and continue to do so.

Ms. Chris, I have one more country to add to your list. Since I am "working" here right now, you can place Taiwan on your country list. I'm in Taipei but can't wait to get back to the states in a few days. As one person remarked about earlier, the camaraderie and helpfulness in this thread is second to none.

I truly look forward to reading more. Although it may be time to get a stonger pair of readers.

Take care

EDIT: I have read over twenty more pages.......words fail me. The Al Jerauld manifold.......

 

[Kevin54]

OK, I can't stand it any longer so I have to post. I belong to another forum and one of the members there decided to post a link to this thread as he had recently paid you visit on his cross country trip. OH MY GOSH!!! I'm only at page #80 and I'm starting to look like this guy . I cannot put this down! Thomas, what you have done (at least as far as I've read) is most impressive. I thank you for sharing your trip through this transformation. I recently told my wife about this thread and remarked about the one post where you found Mr. Johnson's name tag on the lawn. She immediately choked up, as did I. This thread is one of the best reads I have ever had the pleasure of.......well, reading.......and continue to do so.

Ms. Chris, I have one more country to add to your list. Since I am "working" here right now, you can place Taiwan on your country list. I'm in Taipei but can't wait to get back to the states in a few days. As one person remarked about earlier, the camaraderie and helpfulness in this thread is second to none.

I truly look forward to reading more. Although it may be time to get a stonger pair of readers.

Take care

I think this thread in the internet world is what they call an "Epic Thread".

Chris......You and Thomas may just have to start thinking about writing a book about the life and times of the Johnson Family business and the rebirth of what was left, along with Thomas's travels in the automotive world. I think it would go over well with a lot of auto enthusiast

Chris....BTW....How many Countries and States are you guys now up to on your list? Or better yet, how many left to go? I imagine it would be way shorter to list who HASN'T checked in verses who HAS checked in. The thread read around the World !!!!!!! And almost 2 1/2 million views. Very impressive numbers.

 

[BB767]

Thomas and Chris,
Thanks for the hospitality during my 3 hour stop-and-go the other evening. This was one of the highlights of my "Tour de USA" circumnavigation of the states adventure!

So this is the sort of "serendipity" that I love. I got an email from a fellow who said he was on a cross-country cruise and having read about the shop wanted to stop by for a visit...



...so he did. This is Rick Soloway standing with Chris in front of the shop....



...with the car he built for the trip. Rick's on a coast-to-coast trip visiting fellow auto enthusiasts. He's blogging about the journey here:

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/333913-about-embark-tour-de-usa.html

It's an interesting read. He had already driven 3,500 miles (5,632 km) on the trip when he stopped. He originally was planning on a quick 20 minute stop but was particularly taken with our waterfalls and Koi pond at the house...



...and wound up staying for dinner 3 hours later.




The car he built is Factory Five Mk4 roadster.



I heard him coming 1/4 mile away in it. He built the car for himself...



...and as such it has very few creature comforts, not even a soft convertible top. He's an extremely interesting fellow to talk with and his journey is the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. Good stuff! Here's another fine fellow I would never have met but for the old restored shop. It does just keep getting better and better.

Thomas