Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[csp]

Love the work light. I'll be watching with interest to see how you incorporated that Benjamin lamp.

I have 30+ of those that were taken out of a livestock auction yard in Cheyenne Wyoming. Their location is right next to the train yards and the vibration from trains was constantly breaking the filaments in the cheap incandescents you get these days, even rough service bulbs, so they switched to LED.

 

[tj675]

Love the light! I have 3 similar reproduction green lights on the front of my barn. I need to know more about that arm though.

 

[xtremek]

The welding corner looks great. The Carbon Tet fire extinguisher looks sweet, but aren't they outlawed for use? I have one that is non functional and hope to get mounted someday in the future.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

Jeff Ivers, I haven't heard from you in years!! Glad to see you'er still poking around these parts. Yeah, one of, if not the first things checked, was all the grounds. The gauge and sending unit all check fine separately, and they check and work correctly together with the sending unit not installed in the tank, but put it all together and it's not an accurate reading. It's an extremely simple system. I have replaced several of these type of sending units over the years with never a problem and presently own 4 other vehicles with essentially the same system and they all operate just fine. Like I said, I'm confident I'll get it corrected in time, I just haven't done so yet. I'm a stubborn but patient guy after all! Thanks for the thought.

Thomas

I never miss checking in to see what is going on in the COTU. I have always been amazed at your projects. A few years ago, I found myself near the COTU and paused long enough to snap a pic in front of the old restored shop. You seemed to be busy with the chainsaw at the time and since I had not arranged for a visit, I moved on after the pic.

With your attention to detail, I was pretty certain that you had checked all the electrical issues with respect to the gas gauge but couldn't help thinking of the typical British car malady. I am assuming then, that if the problem is not electrical, it is the angle of the dangle?

 

[stillp]

The Carbon Tet fire extinguisher looks sweet, but aren't they outlawed for use?

Yes, carbon tet is nasty stuff, particularly if it gets hot.

if the problem is not electrical, it is the angle of the dangle?

That's what I was wondering - something stopping the float from floating high enough?
Pete

 

[csp]

If the gas sending unit is from Omix/Crown, which is a major supplier or reproduction Jeep parts that aren't available from anyone else, it's probably just junk. I see in many examples online of CJ owners struggling to get a sending unit that works, sometimes sending back 3-4 before they get one that functions like it should.

I have a bad sending unit in my 75 CJ5 and despite it being easy just to go online and order a new one, I scrounged through my own parts pile as well as a friends to find a used one that works.

 

[MG David]

Well I have been wondering for many months why I wasn't receiving emails about updates on this thread. To be honest its the only thread on GJ I have been following in recent years.
I was delighted to discover that it was a function of the software update and not anything worse.
Great thread Thomas
Stay well everyone,
David

 

[BB767]

Regarding the fuel sending unit in Gus, not sure what's going on. The fuel tank is new and there's nothing to prevent full movement of float arm. We fussed mightily with the angle of the dangle and never could get satisfactory results. This is the second sending unit I've tried. The first didn't work at all. I'm aware these components are made offshore and have very spotty quality control. I expect I'll return it and try a 3rd one.



Now let's discuss my work light. I have been looking for a suitable articulating mechanism that I could attach a light fixture to. I found an articulating dental arm like the one pictured above that one of our local car club members had and wasn't using. Fortunately he agreed to sell it to me!



It was manufactured by the S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company as seen in this medallion set in one of the arms. It shows patent dates of January 4, 1876 and May 20, 1879. For more information on the S.S. White Dental Company, here's a link to its history: https://www.sswhite.net/history

This arm originally was designed to hold a water basin that the dental patient could spit into.



On the end of the arm was this handy attachment that had a hole in it. Taking a threaded lamp ****** and inserting it that hole and securing one end with a finial and the other end was threaded onto an extension for a lamp socket. The extension brought the light bulb down further in the fixture, to give the bulb and pull chain mechanism a little more room from the side of the porcelain shade.



I threaded a simple pull chain lamp socket into that extension. Then a 200 watt LED bulb was installed in the bulb socket.



The green porcelain shade was attached to the lamp base using some metal fixtures inside that I fashioned and these large headed screws.

Next step was to attach it to the wall.



There was a wall stud located in about the perfect spot. Only trouble was...



...each end of the arm mounting bracket has 3 screws to attach it to the wall. Because the outer screws are set apart so far, only the center screw would actually hit the stud. I needed to fabricate a wood block that would be lag screwed to the wall stud and wide and thick enough that the arm bracket could be screwed to the block.



I had a slab of close grain maple that would work nicely.



I have an industrial Saw Stop table saw that replaced the old Delta Unisaw and it handled the cutting easily. Note the slab is slightly cupped.



The Yates American 16" jointer was used to remove the cupping...



... and clean up all the surfaces of the block.



I beveled the edges and counter-bored the holes that the lag screws would go through. The center lag screw would be hidden from sight by the bracket so a hex headed lag bolt was used there. That's why that hole is deeper. The top and bottom lag screws are visible so I used polished acorn nuts on those.



I also decided to counter-bore those 2 top and bottom holes just enough...



...so that the stainless steel washers were flush with the surface of the block.



With all the machining on the block done, it was stained and sealed with polyurethane.



Here's a good look at the acorn nuts...



...and the flush mounted washers. Yes, I'm Paynefully aware the Philips screws are not clocked!! Sometimes you can clock Philips.......and sometimes you just can't.




With the arm moved all the way to one side, the center lag bolt can be seen. However...




...from most angles, that bolt head is normally hidden by the bracket. You might also note I used a cloth covered cord on the light for a more period look. I couldn't find an all black cloth cord so this was my compromise. The electrical outlet cover is brushed stainless steel to match the wall. I might point out those cover screws are clocked!!



With all original paint and pin stripping...





...it fits in so well out there I think. Another little project completed that I'm happy with. Hope you found it helpful for some of your own projects. In a few months time you'll be able to see it in person. Thanks once more everyone.

Thomas

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Won't that pull chain get a bit warm sitting on the bulb like that. Light looks great though.

 

[jbmatth]

That AutoZone bucket looks awfully familiar, I have a couple of those as well from the HRPT. That lamp is oozing with character, well done as usual Thomas.

JB

 

[Boosted1]

Wow! I love the detail, care and thought put into that light and the mount.
That level of detail really makes it inviting IMO.
Thanks for taking the time to share your steps.

 

[BB767]

Won't that pull chain get a bit warm sitting on the bulb like that. Light looks great though.

If it were an incandescent bulb, you bet it would get hot!! But it's an LED bulb and as such, doesn't generate much heat. If it were to become an issue, I'm prepared to lengthen the chain, but so far that hasn't been necessary. Thanks for the thought however!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thanks JB, Boosted1 and others for your kind words of support. To do it well, there is usually more to it than it would appear for a little project like that. But I love working through the details to come up with a satisfactory outcome. Sometimes I think I frustrated Lou when we were doing projects, but he's always been a good sport about it and shown great restraint and tolerance, right Lou?!

Thomas

 

[mybigwarwagon]

If it were an incandescent bulb, you bet it would get hot!! But it's an LED bulb and as such, doesn't generate much heat. If it were to become an issue, I'm prepared to lengthen the chain, but so far that hasn't been necessary. Thanks for the thought however!

Thomas

I didn't even think about a led bulb. I need more coffee, or less, or something.

 

[old salt racer]

I have learned a lot working with Thomas, patience? is only one of them.

 

[cool50]

The lamp project is such a cool project! thanks for sharing it, and as always very inspiring.

 

[PugetDude]

Thanks for the update. always good to see what's going on in the new old shop.

 

[ZRX61]

That stainless wall just screams for more fasteners

 

[Jayman17]

Hi, love your shop! Nice job on the worklight. I have severe jealousy over that 16” jointer,
I’ll bet that comes in real handy.

Jay

 

[wrigh003]

Thomas- man. Back when I made the 1.0 version of the index of this thread, seems a billion years ago, I thought you just HAD to be close to done with the shop and whatnot. How wrong I was. I was working in one of those office gigs where there was a lot of downtime and not a whole lot of work sometimes, and so, just entertained myself reading back through and cataloging/ giving shortcuts to what you'd been up to. A lot of that was done like 5-7 years ago, I think and so... there's WAY more content now. I'll literally never catch it up- my job and stuff has all changed and I'd never get there. I surfed back through GJ to get some ideas for my own new place and re-found this thread. Wow.

Really just checking in to say hey and that I'm glad to see you and C.H.R.I.S. 1.0 (again: ) are still doing well up there in the center of the universe. My wife and I celebrate 19yrs tomorrow and we're still having fun too. Your continued attention to detail on such a wide variety of stuff, and willingness to document and share with all of us- totally inspiring. Since last time I checked in/ on brief review- congrats on the "new" house, looks great. All vehicles are doing good too. Your wood shop and the machines, whoa, I could use all that but would probably never get the time to keep it anywhere close to as clean as you. The hedge apple/ osage orange tree cleanup between one parcel and the next- fantastic. Just on and on. Same as there's no rust on your woodshop stuff, I don't see any forming on you either. Do you use paste wax on yourself as well?

Everything looks great, and I wish you two the very, very best of health and happiness for many more years.

 

[csp]

This company may be able to supply a higher quality sending unit for Gus. Ordering is via telephone.

MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Plastic fuel tanks for Jeep, Ford, Chevy, Scout, Willys, and Toyota

Plastic fuel tanks for Jeep, Ford, Chevy, Scout, Willys, steel body wagon, and Toyota.

www.mtscompany.com

 

[BB767]

Thomas- man. Back when I made the 1.0 version of the index of this thread, seems a billion years ago, I thought you just HAD to be close to done with the shop and whatnot. How wrong I was. I was working in one of those office gigs where there was a lot of downtime and not a whole lot of work sometimes, and so, just entertained myself reading back through and cataloging/ giving shortcuts to what you'd been up to. A lot of that was done like 5-7 years ago, I think and so... there's WAY more content now. I'll literally never catch it up- my job and stuff has all changed and I'd never get there. I surfed back through GJ to get some ideas for my own new place and re-found this thread. Wow.

Really just checking in to say hey and that I'm glad to see you and C.H.R.I.S. 1.0 (again: ) are still doing well up there in the center of the universe. My wife and I celebrate 19yrs tomorrow and we're still having fun too. Your continued attention to detail on such a wide variety of stuff, and willingness to document and share with all of us- totally inspiring. Since last time I checked in/ on brief review- congrats on the "new" house, looks great. All vehicles are doing good too. Your wood shop and the machines, whoa, I could use all that but would probably never get the time to keep it anywhere close to as clean as you. The hedge apple/ osage orange tree cleanup between one parcel and the next- fantastic. Just on and on. Same as there's no rust on your woodshop stuff, I don't see any forming on you either. Do you use paste wax on yourself as well?

Everything looks great, and I wish you two the very, very best of health and happiness for many more years.

Hello there Jake. Wow, I haven't heard from you in a long, long time! For relatively new readers here, Jake is the kind gentleman who volunteered to produce and write an index for this thread. That index can be found at the bottom of post #1. That was back in 2012 so, yeah, there's lots more content in here now and the index is way out of date, but no worries!

So much has happened while you were away and there's much more coming here. I just need to post about it all. For example there's this...



...8" (20 cm), Oliver jointer I've acquired. Seen here in the shop I helped clean out, it was manufactured in 1948. It's a...



...model 144-BD. More about how I restored it as I have time to post. Also there's a...



...1970 VW Beetle in the fleet. We've had it for about a year now.



Largely all original, it was from a local, dear friend who bought it new in 1970. At age 92, she finally decided to sell it to me. More about this later as well and that's just scratching the surface of what's been going on around here. Too much to take time to post about it......but I will, rest assured.

So Jake, I hope you'll check back in from time to time. Never a dull moment in the COTU!

Thomas

 

[BB767]

This company may be able to supply a higher quality sending unit for Gus. Ordering is via telephone.

MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Plastic fuel tanks for Jeep, Ford, Chevy, Scout, Willys, and Toyota

Plastic fuel tanks for Jeep, Ford, Chevy, Scout, Willys, steel body wagon, and Toyota.

www.mtscompany.com

Many thanks for that csp. I'll have to look into that. I appreciate it!

Thomas

 

[tj675]

Love the Oliver jointer! I picked up an 8” Northfield recently. It just seems easier to use the smaller machine for edge jointing than my bigger Porter.

 

[oldschoolbob]

That Oliver jointer brings back memories. I had an Oliver table saw.

 

[bugnut]

the Oliver jointer is nice , but I'm really liking the Beetle!

 

[BB767]

Here's a more detailed look at the process of creating the new signs, outside of the shop.



Originally there were 3 separate sign panels, 2 rectangle and on top, one in the shape of a handsaw. I removed the bottom panel a few years back. I had decided that was too much signage for what I was doing out there. I only kept the center panel seen above and the handsaw on top. Those 2 signs in turn were then removed...



...leaving just the post and supporting brackets. Since I was going to reuse the post and supporting brackets, those items were wire brushed and I painted them with rust converter. The rust converter dried to a nice black finish so that's all I did to them. The old, rectangular center panel was replaced with a slightly larger panel that was made of stainless steel for durability.

The old, upper SAWS FILED sign was an actual handsaw that the handle had rotted away decades ago. I decided to fabricate a larger saw to provide more surface area for the letters. Also I decided to make it out of aluminum so it wouldn't rust away like the old one did.

To begin, I needed a handsaw to get the correct shape.




As you might remember, I have my great, great grandfathers old tool box. Among other tools inside the tool box....




...is a selection of various handsaws.



I selected a large saw...



...with a fancy handle. This saw was manufactured by...







...by Henry Disston & Sons. I was able to date the manufacture of this saw to 1888. I suspect my great, great, grandfather bought it new. Disston saw works at one time, was the largest saw maker in the world. More interesting reading about Disston can be found here: https://www.workshopoftheworld.com/tacony/disston.html

The saw was placed on an aluminum sheet and outlined on the sheet. The outline was increased in size to create a larger saw.



Oversized, exaggerated "teeth" were created to make them more visible from the street and to emphasize that this was a "handsaw". Once the teeth were drawn, a hole was drilled by each tooth that was large enough for a jig saw blade to be inserted to cut out each tooth. Completed teeth are seen on the left, above.



The cut lines were small and faint so I wore a head lamp to better light them up while I cut them and I always try to protect my hearing and wear safety glasses. (Hey I'm really getting bald aren't I?!!) Good thing Chris has a fondness for this older, balding man!



It was cumbersome and repetitive but patience wins the day. The space on the bottom of the teeth is where the saw will be supported by a bracket on the sign post. That's why I couldn't cut the teeth to a sharp point. It'll make sense when you see it mounted.



Next I had to make the handle. The Disston saw handle was outlined on a piece of paper that was used as a pattern. I then scanned the shape into my computer and increased the size of the outline using my computer until it was scaled to approximate the size of the saw body.

I used redwood for the handle because of it's resistance to decay from moisture. I have a small stash of redwood that I got from my father and found a small board about 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) thick.



The pattern was cut out and the shape was traced onto the board.



I first drilled out the bulk of the finger cutouts with a Fostner bit. Then using a jig saw, I cut the remaining waste out as well as the outline of the handle. Using the table saw with the blade raised, I was able to cut a slot into the handle for the the body of the saw to slide into. The edges were eased over using a wood rasp and various grades of sandpaper.



The handle was then test fitted and mounted on the post. I used polished stainless steel acorn nuts to secure the handle to the saw body.



With this closeup you can see why that material was left on the bottom of the teeth to provide a place to secure the bottom of the saw. I did extend the end 2 teeth to a sharp point to trick the eye into thinking they were all sharp. All the fastening hardware is stainless steel.



With a good test fit, the redwood was sealed to promote longevity.




I used this product, One Time, which I was not familiar with until last summer. Most polyurethane and other finishes break down fairly quickly when used outside, but this one promises to be better. After all it uses "NEW 21st Century Advanced Technology"! We'll see. Full disclosure, I paid full retail price and have no financial connection or benefit from this company.

With the saw and rectangular panel ready for lettering paint, they were taken to my sign painter, Dave Anderson.



He's local and the same gentleman who lettered Gus, the shop truck about 10 years ago.



He's one of the last sign painters who still hand letters signs.



This is the design we finally came up with. Since I didn't want folks to think it was an actual repair shop open for business, that's why it's only open by appointment. Note the shop phone number, 82R4.



That's the correct phone number for the shop...



...from the 1930's, 40's and early 50's. This is a pad of blank shop invoices from that time period. It was a party line back then and so the R4 indicated if it rang 4 times, the call was for the shop.



With the signs completed they were installed out front. As a final detail...



...once they were installed, the screw heads of the mounting hardware were all painted black so your eye isn't drawn to them. Note how the saw seems to float and balance on the top supporting bracket.

So as you've seen, there is more than you'd think to the creation and implementation of these signs. I've been thinking about how I was going to do this for several years and I am more than satisfied with the end result. With any luck they should be there for decades.

Hope you found this interesting and for those who have been following this thread for several years, that you like it as well. Come see it in person next June. I've got more coming this way, please check back. Thanks everyone.

Thomas

 

[Boosted1]

Always interesting to see the care and craftsmanship put into your projects.
I just hung a saw I've had from my Grandad's tool shed in my shop last weekend.
I noticed the circular emblem on it is the same as the one on yours

 

[BB767]

Very nice saw there Boosted1 and well displayed.

Medallions...











...were commonly used in the 19th century as a way manufacturers were branding their various products. Today, observing medallions is an extremely useful way to date and get background information about a certain item. I will use a magnifying glass to help read them or sometimes I will take a close up picture, download it to my computer and then zoom in to better read a medallion. As you know, I'm an aficionado of history and I love knowing as much as I can about the tools or items I use.

Here is a link to the history of Disston medallions: http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/medallionpage.html that you might find interesting and helpful, especially if your saw is a Disston. Disston saws were and still are, widely regarded as the best of their kind and are highly collectable today.

Thank you for posting those pictures and to all the others who have "Liked/Love" my sign posting.

Thomas

 

[Boosted1]

Thanks for the link
My saw appears to be 1953-1955 using that guide.
Need to clean it up.

 

[BB767]

Thanks for the link
My saw appears to be 1953-1955 using that guide.
Need to clean it up.

Excellent Boosted1. Actually if you study your medallion and the one in the link just above the one you think is yours...



...you'll see it's almost exactly like the one pictured stating those medallions and your saw, were from the late 1940's to early 1950's. The width of the outer bezel and height, which appears to be 5/32" is the tell-tale mark. I'm very sure that's when your saw was made. Even so, it still has to be one of the last of the hand logging saws made. It was about this time, late 1940's, that gas power chain saws were starting to be more widely used, Poulan and McCulloch among them.

So, congratulations on a nice and somewhat rare Disston logging saw. Many thanks for the follow up and picture.

Thomas

 

[stillp]

I grew up with Spear & Jackson saws, and knew nothing of Disston until the college where I worked in the 70s bought a Disston handsaw when we were remodelling some classrooms. It was a revelation - it cut dead straight, fast, and with little effort. My boss referred to it as my "two-stroke saw", because as he said "two strokes and you're through"!
A few years ago (OK, maybe 20) I bought an oldish carpenter's toolbox, which included a Disston panel saw, which had the 'nib' on the topedge near the tip, and also a Disston back saw that was nearly twice as long as most back saws. I presume that was for use in a mitre box, since mitre boxes limit the length of the cutting stroke so a longer saw would be an advantage. I sold both those saws to a guy who collects antique tools and, I'm pleased to say, uses them to make traditional furniture.
Pete

 

[BB767]

Thanks Pete for posting in. I'm glad to hear those saws are still being used. With proper use and care, they will last almost indefinitely. Folks who have never used old, high quality hand tools, don't realize how well they worked. They were designed to make work go quickly with minimal effort and maximum good results.

As you've seen here before, I have several drawers full...



...and a large tool box...







...filled with my grandfather and my father's hand tools that are used on a regular basis. Some are well over 100 years old and they are a joy to use.

Thomas

 

[MG David]

Thomas, what are the row of similar but not identical items in the picture?
Perhaps they are moulding shapers?

 

[BB767]

Right you are David, only we refer to them as moulding planes over here in the States.



In the back of the tool box are a fairly complete set of 28 of them.



They range from several sizes...








... for doing coves or beads...






...or specialty profiles.

Additionally, besides the moulding planes, there are several planes for various other shaping tasks...













...or rabbiting.

Before I use them, if they need cleaning up, I remove the knife(s) and buff the soles lightly with 0000 stainless steel wool and then wax the sole with Johnson paste wax. With sharp knifes and set shallow, they just glide over the board. Light in weight and comfortable to the hand.

Most, if not all these wood bodied planes are well over 100 years old and still in use. I'm the 4th generation in our family to use them and feel extremely blessed to do so. With care, who knows how much longer they will be producing items. My great grandfather, who they use to belong to, passed away in the 1920's. I'm sure he had no idea they would still be treasured and used by a family member nearly 100 years after his passing.

Thomas

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Thomas,

Have you put any of the moulding planes to use on Chis' Grand House?

 

[BB767]

Bill I did use one of them to clean up some parts...



... of the walnut cabinets I built for my office and ...





...the fireplace mantle.

You get a lot more control doing light, delicate work with hand tools than power tools if you're not in a hurry. I've got an upcoming house project this winter that I expect they will see some use, if for no other reason than because I want to use them.

Thomas

 

[TR6SR650]

Somehow I became logged off and didn't realize it until this evening. But, imagine my excitement to find out you were still posting and you had posted pictures of your Great Grandfather's tool box. A long time ago I requested some pictures of those old tools. I have several old planes and used them. Never-the-less I broke down and bought a power plane. Sort of sad to say it, but I'm glad I bought that electric wonder! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Thomas.

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Thomas,

Thanks for sharing the pictures of the mantle & support. I am certain that Chris appreciates all of your work on the house.

 

[BB767]

Somehow I became logged off and didn't realize it until this evening. But, imagine my excitement to find out you were still posting and you had posted pictures of your Great Grandfather's tool box. A long time ago I requested some pictures of those old tools. I have several old planes and used them. Never-the-less I broke down and bought a power plane. Sort of sad to say it, but I'm glad I bought that electric wonder! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Thomas.

Well welcome back TRSR650. I'm still struggling with the new GJ format myself and at times things just seem to happen on here but I'm getting better at it. I vaguely recall being asked for additional tool box hand tool pictures. If it was you I apologize if I didn't get any on here. It might have been during the house construction period and I was pretty swamped so I know I missed some requests at that time. If you'd like some pictures of additional tools, let me know and I'll get some on here.

I've tried to slack off posting, figuring folks were kinda done reading about my exploits in TCOTU but there seems to be a ********* group here, so if they can put up with me, I'll still post away! We're coming up on 12 years for this thread and a bunch of "stuff" has happened during that time!

I also own and use a hand power plane. Huge time saver depending on the project. I'm certainly not above using power tools. Best wishes to you as well.

Thomas

PS, thanks Sweet Old Bill!