Thread Is Now 5 Years Running.....PART I
I would be greatly remiss if I didn't acknowledge that on this date 5 years ago I first posted here about the
Restored 1930's Auto Shop. So much has happened here in those intervening years. Events that happen this year alone, in no particular order...
Dad's original 1946 South Bend lathe came to the shop which meant I needed to sell this one. It was sold to a very good home which resulted in...
...the lathe bench he made for it being empty for a time. That will give me time to freshen the bench up and refinish it for use in the next 60+ years.
The lathe itself is in perfect condition and needs nothing except re-installation on the refinished bench. That's one of this winter's projects. Last winter saw the construction of...
...new shelving for the shop.
The new shelves over the solvent tank have been put to good use while the one over the air compressor is still waiting for me to utilize it better. I've been just a little busy but I'll get it loaded up, no worries.
Then there was racing, lots of racing this year. Besides drag racing Chris and I helped with crew duties starting with the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational...
It was the first year for this event and our team managed a podium finish with the Lola...
...so Chris and I got experience drinking the traditional Indy milk. The Formula Fords finished 1st and 2nd so it was a very successful week. From Indy the team went to...
...Mont-Tremblant in Québec, Canada. It was a 2,500 miles round trip but worth it.
A gorgeous course...
...set in a remote, mountainous area. I got to practice my French since no one else spoke it.
Danny driving the Lola had a fantastic race in the finals. He pressed the 1st place car hard for the whole race but couldn't get a long enough run on him to pass. All very exciting and enjoyable for all concerned. The Formula Fords again finished 1st and 2nd just as they had at Indy. Next up...
...was Road America.
Another weeks worth of racing with perfect weather.
Chris assisted with keeping the drivers cool and hydrated on the pre-grid and Lou and I helped out in the paddock. No accidents and all the cars were running well at the end so another highly satisfying racing week.
As August rolled around Lou and I trekked out to Bonneville again but as you recall it was rained out this year so it was a long drive back home. Racing this year involved over 7,000 miles driven to and from and several weeks away from the shop. Such are the benefits of retirement!
About that time I got back from the salt flats I did my largest powder coating project to date. 2 new sets of metal stairways were fabricated...
...for one of our buildings, front and rear stairs...
...resulting in lots of welding.
Rather than paint them I decided to powder coat them. Rick's oven can accommodate items that large and as always his crew did a fantastic job. Stainless steel hardware was everywhere so they should look good and last for a very long time to come.
To end this year in review, Part 1, I decided to "spider proof" the ECO Air Meter and repaired a small air leak while I was at it. You'll hear more at this later.
Check back for Part II won't you?
Thomas
and thanks for documenting your endeavours the past year it was a pleasure.
(if you'll have us..)
So many cars, so little time! 
