Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Roboto's Garage

[Mr. Roboto]

Tackled a bunch of small projects out in the garage today. Great way to spend the day, since it poured all day long.

Installed the tonneau cover on the Tundra:

Installed a homelink auto dimming mirror with homelink garage door openers and compass:

Converted all the interior lights to LEDs:

I also changed the bulbs in my openers to LED bulbs to match the color temperature of the rest of the shop lights, but it seems to have really screwed with the garage door opener range. It looks great, but I think the PWM circuitry in the bulb must operate on a similar frequency, causing the interference. Need to research it some more.

And, I did it all while watching the Patriots game I just realized that I can stream live TV to any computer with my xfinity login. It was awesome, but now I have the urge to get an actual TV for out there.

And that was my day

 

[Prometheus]

I also changed the bulbs in my openers to LED bulbs to match the color temperature of the rest of the shop lights, but it seems to have really screwed with the garage door opener range. It looks great, but I think the PWM circuitry in the bulb must operate on a similar frequency, causing the interference. Need to research it some more.

Yeah, LED lights really mess with garage door openers and other wireless signals. I installed some LED lights in the remote mount light for my Liftmaster 8500, but the interference was so bad that when the lights were maybe 1 time in 10 could you shut them off using the opener button and the range was greatly diminished. Afterward I found out that the electrical interference the LEDs put out really mess with all kinds of wireless signals, including WiFi, garage door openers, bluetooth, and lots of other things. Some of the more expensive bulbs are supposed to have less interference, but it was easier for me to just get some halogen bulbs instead. Maybe someday I'll try the LEDs again, but not anytime soon.

 

[hnsy]

Great garage build!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Yeah, LED lights really mess with garage door openers and other wireless signals. I installed some LED lights in the remote mount light for my Liftmaster 8500, but the interference was so bad that when the lights were maybe 1 time in 10 could you shut them off using the opener button and the range was greatly diminished. Afterward I found out that the electrical interference the LEDs put out really mess with all kinds of wireless signals, including WiFi, garage door openers, bluetooth, and lots of other things. Some of the more expensive bulbs are supposed to have less interference, but it was easier for me to just get some halogen bulbs instead. Maybe someday I'll try the LEDs again, but not anytime soon.

Cool, thanks for the info there. I have a whole bunch of 4 foot LED shop lights in there now, and thankfully, none of them cause any interference. Maybe they're far enough away from the opener to not cause this?

I'll be popping those LED bulbs out tonight. Maybe I can get some CFL bulbs that more closely match the color temperature of the rest of my shop lights. Otherwise, it's back to the incandescent bulbs. The range is unbearable.

Great garage build!

Thank you!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Quick update with my LED opener issue...I switched them out to some CFL "Daylight" bulbs. They still match the color temp of my led shop lights, yet do not cause any of the interference. Problem solved.

I took the day off from work yesterday, and it ended up being a gorgeous New England fall day. Got to try out my new Foam Cannon, which was spectacular. It's hard to believe there's a green truck under all that white foam. Then I clayed, buffed, and waxed the truck. Well, I waxed half of it, I called it a day at that point. It came out awesome, 90% of the scratches are gone, and what's left looks way better than before. I only did one step of compounding. When I get real particular, there's 3 different compound/pad combinations I use, but in this case, it's just a truck...

I also got my old truck ready for sale. She cleaned up good...

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice work on the trucks!

 

[CodeRedZ]

Very nicely done, and congrats on the baby!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Nice work on the trucks!

Thanks! I'll be sad to see my Sierra go, great truck, but I don't have to tell you that!

Very nicely done, and congrats on the baby!

Thank you very much!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

I posted about this in another thread, but I got this 2003 Tahoe for the price of the tow to get it to my house. It needed a ton of work, the biggest job being that it needs all new brake lines. I've already done all the work, except for the lines. I spent the day yesterday installing the pre bent and flared line kit yesterday. Having the lift made it 100x easier for sure. I thankfully was able to free up all the bleeders yesterday, and I'll bleed all the new lines today. Then, it will be going up for sale. This will be my first car "flip"

 

[M-technik-3]

Sold my Tahoe before we needed to do the brake lines. Thankfully. Just got a new F150 last month.

Did it snow your way on Thursday? We had 5 inches here in the hills of Western Mass.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Sold my Tahoe before we needed to do the brake lines. Thankfully. Just got a new F150 last month.

Did it snow your way on Thursday? We had 5 inches here in the hills of Western Mass.

Yeah, I never actually realized how widespread the issue was on that generation of GM trucks, but there are so many people online that have had to do it. GM states that it's "routine maintenance" though, and won't recall anything... I had to get them done on my 03 Sierra as well, which I have up for sale now. I didn't have a lift back then, so I farmed the job out.

Nope, no snow here. They were talking about a chance of it, but we just got rain. That's crazy you got that much though! Has it all melted already?

 

[M-technik-3]

Yeah it melted Friday and was gone by Saturday am I didn't mind my Tahoe but it was starting to nickel and dime me. It was a great dependable vehicle though.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

A couple people sent me PMs asking about finished pictures of the deck. I never realized I never took any. I snapped a few quick ones today. Excuse the scraps under/around the deck, I still need to clean up. I have a bad habit of moving on to the next project before fully cleaning up from the last one! I'm planning on laying gravel under it in the spring. We'll probably replace that crappy patio set as well.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Quick life update for anyone following along, but we found out the gender this weekend...we're having a Girl!

 

[HCNDM]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Congrats on the girl!

We didn't know until the delivery. Let me tell you first hand having a daughter is great! Mine isn't quite two yet but already takes great interest in daddy's tools.

Your deck railing turned out awesome btw!

Niels


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[Mr. Roboto]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Congrats on the girl!

We didn't know until the delivery. Let me tell you first hand having a daughter is great! Mine isn't quite two yet but already takes great interest in daddy's tools.

Your deck railing turned out awesome btw!

Niels


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks man, we were shocked, we actually both felt really strongly that we were having a boy. Just want a happy and healthy baby, of course!

Thanks for the comment on the railings, too. Funny story is we had a gender reveal party on Saturday involving a confetti cannon that was going to explode blue or pink depending on the gender. We weren't sure how big of a mess it would make, so we did it outside on the deck. When that thing went off, we had about 12 family members jumping up and down concentrated in one area of the deck, and it felt rock solid, so I'd say it passed the test!

 

[bj383ss]

Deck looks fantastic. And congrats on the little one.

Bret

 

[Bob Heine]

The deck looks so inviting. Not surprised that 12 family members didn't shake it but they probably scared the elephants huddled at the other end of the deck.

A daughter is a wonderful addition to your life. There's a good chance she'll grow up to be a girly girl like mine; her masters dissertation "Stress Analysis of Titanium Alloys" was sooo cute.

 

[rharman]

Congrats on the baby girl.

Your post finish is just what I was picturing when I made the comment a while back. The short horizontals look good - turned out nice.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Deck looks fantastic. And congrats on the little one.

Bret

Thank you!

The deck looks so inviting. Not surprised that 12 family members didn't shake it but they probably scared the elephants huddled at the other end of the deck.

A daughter is a wonderful addition to your life. There's a good chance she'll grow up to be a girly girl like mine; her masters dissertation "Stress Analysis of Titanium Alloys" was sooo cute.

Thank you! And that's a riot You never know, she would be a 3rd generation engineer if she does go that route!

Congrats on the baby girl.

Your post finish is just what I was picturing when I made the comment a while back. The short horizontals look good - turned out nice.

Thank you very much. I thought it was going to look too busy with all the posts in that area, but I am happy with it how it turned out.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Congratulations and gone well.

Regards

 

[NedNorton]

Sir,

Jen and I are psyched to hear about the pending new arrival! Hold on tight! Relish every moment!

Folks don't say, thank you anymore. Anyway... I'm going to try to change that... So...

I know that I haven't been posting lately but I wanted to let you know that during the time we were in the ICU your thread, among others, help pass the time. Just thought a thank you was in order.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Sir,

Jen and I are psyched to hear about the pending new arrival! Hold on tight! Relish every moment!

Folks don't say, thank you anymore. Anyway... I'm going to try to change that... So...

I know that I haven't been posting lately but I wanted to let you know that during the time we were in the ICU your thread, among others, help pass the time. Just thought a thank you was in order.

Cheers,
Chris

Well in that case, you are more than welcome! It's nice to know that there are people out there who enjoy reading the random BS I post Sorry I myself haven't been posting more as well in recent weeks.

Thanks for the kind words about our baby on the way as well. a little over 12 weeks to go!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Since the beginning, my goal has always been to be able to keep the ability to fit all 3 cars in the garage, mainly for when it's going to snow. Usually my truck sits outside, but I hate cleaning snow off of cars and snow blowing around them. This meant keeping the rear wall of the right bay relatively clear so that I can pull one car all the way against the back wall and park the 2 smaller SUVs tandem. I do keep some things against the wall, but they are all mobile (my table saw, compressor, shop vac, and a few other smaller misc things.

Well, I finally got the chance to try it out on Sunday night, as we were expecting snow overnight, and much to my satisfaction, everything fit! Kind of a crappy picture., but it was tough to capture everything in one shot.

 

[BIG-BRO]

Looks great !!
Much better than having to clean that **** off the cars !
I'll just have to look forward to NEXT winter, but for this week I was cleaning that New Hampshire snow/slush off four cars in the driveway.

If I recall some of your posts, I think I may just be in the next town over from you.

I have not commented, but have been following your thread and have wanted to say "Thanks" for your detail on the interior finish work, and the heater. I will certainly be referring to some of your posts as I get to that stage on my new build. I got the foundation in for a large detached garage this fall, and will start framing in the spring.
Over the winter I need to start a build thread and get up to speed on getting pictures to show "nicely" here on the forum.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Next town over huh? Small world! Thanks for following along with my thread, and I'm glad it was able to help you out. Are you going to start a thread for your build?

 

[M-technik-3]

Awesome, might be time to relocate your compressor to a permanent home to free up some space and then add line drops.

Your garage keeps me going I just need to finish Mother in Law space and sell her house.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Awesome, might be time to relocate your compressor to a permanent home to free up some space and then add line drops.

Your garage keeps me going I just need to finish Mother in Law space and sell her house.

Funny you should mention that, as it's been in my head as the next garage related project for the last few weeks. I really want to upgrade to a 60 gallon compressor and plum all the lines in with a few key drops around the garage at the same time. I've been debating weather or not to go with copper lines, or to get one of the rapidair kits. I've actually never soldered copper before, but it seems like a good time to learn that skill.

 

[Bob Heine]

Sweating copper pipe is not too difficult if you do 4 things:

1. Clean the outside ends of the copper pipe and the inside ends of the fittings thoroughly. I use use steel wool but fine sandpaper or Scotchbrite works just fine.
2. Apply flux to the inside of the fittings and outside of the pipe pipe ends before you put them together.
3. Use 60/40 Tin/Lead solder. They used to sell 50/50 solder but that has pretty much disappeared. Because you are not using the pipes for drinking water, you don't have to use "lead-free" solder, which is a bit harder to use. Just be sure the solder is clearly marked to remind you not to use it on fresh water plumbing.
4. Heat the fitting, not the pipe. The pipe and fitting are hot enough when you touch the solder to the junction and it disappears into the joint.

If you want to make the joints look pretty, have a steel wool pad handy. When the solder gets sucked into the joint, you'll want to keep feeding it until it forms a pool on the outside of the joint. Remove the heat and gently wipe the excess off with the steel wool -- just be careful not to flip a blob of solder into the air or your face. When the joint cools, you can use the steel wool to clean off any flux residue.

 

[xjjeepman]

Sweating copper pipe is not too difficult if you do 4 things:

1. Clean the outside ends of the copper pipe and the inside ends of the fittings thoroughly. I use use steel wool but fine sandpaper or Scotchbrite works just fine.
2. Apply flux to the inside of the fittings and outside of the pipe pipe ends before you put them together.
3. Use 60/40 Tin/Lead solder. They used to sell 50/50 solder but that has pretty much disappeared. Because you are not using the pipes for drinking water, you don't have to use "lead-free" solder, which is a bit harder to use. Just be sure the solder is clearly marked to remind you not to use it on fresh water plumbing.
4. Heat the fitting, not the pipe. The pipe and fitting are hot enough when you touch the solder to the junction and it disappears into the joint.

If you want to make the joints look pretty, have a steel wool pad handy. When the solder gets sucked into the joint, you'll want to keep feeding it until it forms a pool on the outside of the joint. Remove the heat and gently wipe the excess off with the steel wool -- just be careful not to flip a blob of solder into the air or your face. When the joint cools, you can use the steel wool to clean off any flux residue.

Great tips!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Sweating copper pipe is not too difficult if you do 4 things:

1. Clean the outside ends of the copper pipe and the inside ends of the fittings thoroughly. I use use steel wool but fine sandpaper or Scotchbrite works just fine.
2. Apply flux to the inside of the fittings and outside of the pipe pipe ends before you put them together.
3. Use 60/40 Tin/Lead solder. They used to sell 50/50 solder but that has pretty much disappeared. Because you are not using the pipes for drinking water, you don't have to use "lead-free" solder, which is a bit harder to use. Just be sure the solder is clearly marked to remind you not to use it on fresh water plumbing.
4. Heat the fitting, not the pipe. The pipe and fitting are hot enough when you touch the solder to the junction and it disappears into the joint.

If you want to make the joints look pretty, have a steel wool pad handy. When the solder gets sucked into the joint, you'll want to keep feeding it until it forms a pool on the outside of the joint. Remove the heat and gently wipe the excess off with the steel wool -- just be careful not to flip a blob of solder into the air or your face. When the joint cools, you can use the steel wool to clean off any flux residue.

Thanks for taking the time to write up those tips Bob! I really appreciate it. The process sounds pretty simple when you lay it all out like that. Pretty sure I'm going to take the plunge and outfit the shop! Just a matter of planning the layout now.

 

[NedNorton]

Mr. Roboto,
Just stopping in to wish you guys happy holidays! Next year is going to be a big one, for sure. Get on building the nursery... Like Sam Maloof said when folks would order a cradle, "All other work stops because babies don't wait!" Congratulations again!

Cheers,
Chris

 

[HCNDM]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Mr Roboto,

Just wanted to say merry Christmas and a great 2017!

Exiting times ahead but trust me when I say it's all worth it!

Niels


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jawn]

Recently found this thread, heck of a nice shop you've got there.

I've been debating weather or not to go with copper lines, or to get one of the rapidair kits. I've actually never soldered copper before, but it seems like a good time to learn that skill.

FWIW, I've been pleased with the Rapidair system. Super easy to install and looks good (especially if you tuck the lines behind walls, although it's a bit late for that for you).

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Mr. Roboto,
Just stopping in to wish you guys happy holidays! Next year is going to be a big one, for sure. Get on building the nursery... Like Sam Maloof said when folks would order a cradle, "All other work stops because babies don't wait!" Congratulations again!

Cheers,
Chris

Thanks buddy, same to your and your family as well. Next year is a big one for us for sure, but we're very excited!

Mr Roboto,

Just wanted to say merry Christmas and a great 2017!

Exiting times ahead but trust me when I say it's all worth it!

Niels


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Niels, thank you! Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Recently found this thread, heck of a nice shop you've got there.




FWIW, I've been pleased with the Rapidair system. Super easy to install and looks good (especially if you tuck the lines behind walls, although it's a bit late for that for you).

Ah, now I know why you happened to stumble across my thread Thanks again for the awesome gifts and Merry Christmas!

 

[KiltLifter]

Finally reached the (current) end. Nice job, it has come a LONG way! Keeps us dreamers inspired.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Finally reached the (current) end. Nice job, it has come a LONG way! Keeps us dreamers inspired.

Thank you for taking the time to read through! Being around this place went a long way in keeping me inspired and motivated as well. Lots of great people with some phenomenal garages.

 

[BigNuge]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Roboto, just wanted to say congrats on the impending baby! The place looks killer as always.

Ironically I have begun flipping cars as well. I picked up a 2000 Maxima a couple weeks ago, almost ready to sell it now. Just a hobby type thing.

Oh, and as fate would have it my wife and I are expecting a little one in March!!

Hope you had a good Christmas, Happy New Year!


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[Mr. Roboto]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Roboto, just wanted to say congrats on the impending baby! The place looks killer as always.

Ironically I have begun flipping cars as well. I picked up a 2000 Maxima a couple weeks ago, almost ready to sell it now. Just a hobby type thing.

Oh, and as fate would have it my wife and I are expecting a little one in March!!

Hope you had a good Christmas, Happy New Year!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks brother, same to you, congrats on the little one on the way! Will he/she be your first child? We're due March 25th.

Nice, good luck with the Maxima, what did it need? I unloaded the Tahoe a few days ago actually, felt good to finally get the cash for it and get it out of my hair. I spent way more time working on it than I had anticipated, but it was worth it in the end.

 

[BigNuge]

Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover

Thanks brother, same to you, congrats on the little one on the way! Will he/she be your first child? We're due March 25th.

Nice, good luck with the Maxima, what did it need? I unloaded the Tahoe a few days ago actually, felt good to finally get the cash for it and get it out of my hair. I spent way more time working on it than I had anticipated, but it was worth it in the end.

Wow, too funny....my wife is due March 28th!! This will be our second, our first is 6 now...the time really does fly by!! It's a boy, my wife was adamant about finding out for both kids. So this will make 2 boys for us!

The Maxima has been a lot more work than I had hoped as well. I got it for $200

So far I have done:
Pass. side rear wheel bearing
Pass. side rear caliper
Master Cylinder
Driver side CV axle
Battery
Thorough Throttle body/IAC/MAF cleaning
Front set of coil packs (to eliminate a P1320 code)....and it didn't eliminate it. So now I have to disassemble the intake ducting to get to the rear set of coil packs done.

I really hope to have that done ASAP to move this thing along. I've learned a lot as far as what to look for when I'm picking up the next car!



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