Salt Life Hideout
- Thread starter Wingnut65
- Start date
jbmatth
Well-known member
Wingnut,
You haven't been on in a while, hope all is well with you and yours.
JB
You haven't been on in a while, hope all is well with you and yours.
JB
don long
Well-known member
I just jumped on in hope to find you too
You are being missed
You are being missed
IGO2XS
Well-known member
Jeff, please everyone is waiting for you....a project.......some organizational tips......some clever new idea you have.
Wow. I agree completely! It’s been way too long since I've been out playing in the garage or even surfing around here. I miss my friends here and I am glad you are here to kick me to wake me up. It seems like I’ve been ******* in another galaxy for the past year, or maybe just on another planet. And that it isn’t too far from the truth!
UPDATE:
The Salt Life Twins graduated from high school this year! This senior year has been very trying with lots of drama, lots of activities and lots of AP Classes (Advanced Placement courses, which can give college credits). Both girls passed with straight A's.
510
The terms 'Senior Year' and 'High School Graduation' also includes all the testing they had to take (multiple times), submitting all the college applications, parent's senior yearbook ad, senior banners, chorus concerts, school musical practices and performances, piano recital #8, graduation ceremony with relatives in town and a big graduation party with 150 guests at our home! And after all that, some time needed to plan and book our big vacation...
Daughter 'J' took AP European History and passed with flying colors. On top of that, she never missed a day of school in Twelve years! So, for a vacation, we took the girls on a three week trip across Europe - London, Paris, Germany, Prague, Austria and Italy.
We got home with enough time to complete all the shopping needed to prepare a couple dorm rooms for two girls. In different rooms, in different universities! And then move them in this past week. Now, both girls started college classes today! Luckily, both girls are still in Florida - UF and USF!
So, hopefully this will free up some time that I can get out into the shop and be creative, organize something, make a mess just so I can clean it up, anything!!! BTW, will this heat ever go away??
I can post one new addition to the Salt Life Hideout... I found this at the Plant City Strawberry Festival. It has been hung on the wall, but now I need to get a picture of that...
511
Hopefully the VW can now get some long deserved attention!
UPDATE:
The Salt Life Twins graduated from high school this year! This senior year has been very trying with lots of drama, lots of activities and lots of AP Classes (Advanced Placement courses, which can give college credits). Both girls passed with straight A's.
510
The terms 'Senior Year' and 'High School Graduation' also includes all the testing they had to take (multiple times), submitting all the college applications, parent's senior yearbook ad, senior banners, chorus concerts, school musical practices and performances, piano recital #8, graduation ceremony with relatives in town and a big graduation party with 150 guests at our home! And after all that, some time needed to plan and book our big vacation...
Daughter 'J' took AP European History and passed with flying colors. On top of that, she never missed a day of school in Twelve years! So, for a vacation, we took the girls on a three week trip across Europe - London, Paris, Germany, Prague, Austria and Italy.
We got home with enough time to complete all the shopping needed to prepare a couple dorm rooms for two girls. In different rooms, in different universities! And then move them in this past week. Now, both girls started college classes today! Luckily, both girls are still in Florida - UF and USF!
So, hopefully this will free up some time that I can get out into the shop and be creative, organize something, make a mess just so I can clean it up, anything!!! BTW, will this heat ever go away??
I can post one new addition to the Salt Life Hideout... I found this at the Plant City Strawberry Festival. It has been hung on the wall, but now I need to get a picture of that...
511
Hopefully the VW can now get some long deserved attention!
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HOTFR8
Banned
Proud of your two girls no doubt.
taumac
Well-known member
Wow, we had your picture on a milk carton for alittle bit just waiting on the call. LOL. Sounds like you had a lot going on with your girls. Congrats to your girls. You must be one proud papa.
don long
Well-known member
Way too go buddy
In my book family is what it is all about
And it looks like you have a very nice and successful one
In my book family is what it is all about
And it looks like you have a very nice and successful one
jbmatth
Well-known member
Congratulations to the twins on their awesome achievements in school! Another congratulations to you for now having some more free time but I suspect you will spend many weekend visiting them or them visiting you. If you don't mind me asking what have they decided to major in? That sign is great and will fit in with your garage perfectly.
JB
JB
I think I saw that milk carton. I didn't realize I was lost until my GJ family started checking in. Thanks for rattling my cage!
Thanks all for the congrats on the girls. Yes, we are very proud of them and know they will do well in whatever they choose to do.
Daughter 'J' up at UF has narrowed her field down to 10 majors. She is taking most of the required courses this semester, and a couple to test the waters in a couple majors. This is a big step from her earlier list of 35 majors. Daughter 'D' at USF is going into Mass Communications and wants to get into audio and video productions.
The big surprise to us was that 'D' failed the dorm life already. Either it was the wrong dorm atmosphere, or the roommates didn't work out, but we have now moved her back home, but she will be spending quite a bit time at the school. At least I will have a couple spare hands around the garage when I need them!
Thanks all for the congrats on the girls. Yes, we are very proud of them and know they will do well in whatever they choose to do.
Daughter 'J' up at UF has narrowed her field down to 10 majors. She is taking most of the required courses this semester, and a couple to test the waters in a couple majors. This is a big step from her earlier list of 35 majors. Daughter 'D' at USF is going into Mass Communications and wants to get into audio and video productions.
The big surprise to us was that 'D' failed the dorm life already. Either it was the wrong dorm atmosphere, or the roommates didn't work out, but we have now moved her back home, but she will be spending quite a bit time at the school. At least I will have a couple spare hands around the garage when I need them!
jbmatth
Well-known member
I wouldn't be too worried about dorm life not working, it doesn't work for everyone. I spent two years living at "home" while in junior college before transferring to university then spent those years in a fraternity. We had guys join the house just to get out of the dorms for a variety of reasons. I wish her the best and am sure if she is anything like her father she will make it work out in the end.
JB
JB
It was a 2012 Lexus IS 250. I love the car, except that it now has almost 60,000 miles on it with plenty more to go! Thanks for following along, walt!
Quick Update: I am getting close to finishing another project build and then I will be able to post some of the details. I'll also tell about the force that has drawn me in and sucked so much time from my life this year and some of the shady characters I've been hanging around with. It's not a pretty sight, but it's all for good!
Quick Update: I am getting close to finishing another project build and then I will be able to post some of the details. I'll also tell about the force that has drawn me in and sucked so much time from my life this year and some of the shady characters I've been hanging around with. It's not a pretty sight, but it's all for good!
Awesome project, Jarms! Glad you are going to revive it. Yes, there is work that needs to be done, but all those parts and pieces are available. If you haven't already, be sure to get in touch with Gerson (Gershon) at KlassicFab He makes and sells all the Funky Green parts that are needed to build a brand new bus, single or double cab. He's actually going to be in town this weekend for our annual Florida Bug Jam!
Thanks, Crown. I will be back! (Said in an Arnold voice!)
Thanks, Crown. I will be back! (Said in an Arnold voice!)
tinbender 66
Well-known member
Wow! Wingnut and Red Leader on the same day! Maybe I'll get off my **** and get going on projects awaiting. Thanks for stoppin' in.
dittle fart around
Well-known member
Great project! My bus project needs a bit more than most people would tackle.. I hope i can get it drivable before i die! Pic as found
Finally sold my single cab. I don't have the money or time to complete the project and decided to let someone else finish up.
View media item 10295
Wow, DFA, that is a tough one. I can't wait to get my bus to be where your SC is. It looks like another couple weeks and I will be able to jump on my bus.
Yesterday, I did make it up to the Florida Bug Jam and had a nice talk with JCQuick. I look forward to using some of his VW experience and expertise to get my bus back in service.
Here are a couple shots from yesterday...
And for DFA, here is one of my favorites of the day
TB66, whatever it takes to get us moving again, lets go for it!
Yesterday, I did make it up to the Florida Bug Jam and had a nice talk with JCQuick. I look forward to using some of his VW experience and expertise to get my bus back in service.
Here are a couple shots from yesterday...
And for DFA, here is one of my favorites of the day
TB66, whatever it takes to get us moving again, lets go for it!
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dittle fart around
Well-known member
Here's a single cab for ya. Looks a little overpriced at $30,000, sold mine for 11k.
View media item 54711
Click on the picture for more information.
dittle fart around
Well-known member
The side gates were in need of work, the rear gate is complete. The whole thing needed painting. Check out TheSamba.com and search for single cabs.
Salt Life Hideout Update – Another Place, Another Time…
I’ve been gone way too long and I’d like to explain... As other GJ’ers have had major changes in their lives, I must come out of the closet and confess mine, which will explain where I’ve been for the past year. I went somewhere that I should not have gone and I got caught up with a bunch of shady characters that have cost me money and almost a year of my life. They have taken me places I never would have gone and allowed me to do things I never thought I would. Some of the ones I hang around with have been called a wretched hive of scum and villainy. And I’d do it all again!
So what is the lure that has drawn me to this dark side of life? Drugs? Money? Power? Nope!
It’s kids! And smiles! Having a 4 year old walk up and give you a hug and telling you they love you! Having a grandma take a selfie with you to share with her grandkids! Allowing a child to forget about their illness for a little while as they spend time with you for just a little while!
The funny thing is that these characters look so menacing on the outside, their love and compassion for others just dragged me in. I was seduced by the Dark Side!
I’ve joined The 501st Legion, an International costuming organization that uses the Star Wars theme to perform community service by supporting charity organizations perform their missions and helping them raise funds.
After my first encounter with the 501st, I was so impressed with the quality of the costumes and the charity work they were doing that I had to find out more about this organization. The 501st Legion has over 14,000 members in 59 countries. The 501st represents the Dark Side of the Force, which are considered the bad guys. Our motto is “Bad Guys Doing Good”. In 2014, the 501st itself, directly raised over $205,000 for charity. We also participated in other charity events worldwide that raised over $17 million. We support other organizations who are hosting Star Wars themed events, like the Tampa Bay Rays other MLB Team’s Star Wars nights, anti-bullying campaigns, Star Wars Reads Day at local libraries and many different walk-a-thons. We also use Star Wars to help people to forget about their problems, health issues or other issues, for just a little while. Also, those are our members on stage during the Weird Al Yankovic concerts when he sings ‘The Saga’ and ‘Yoda’.
So, Where Have I Been?
This past year that I have been away from GJ, I have gotten active in costuming and prop building. I’ve been researching and building from kits, two screen accurate costumes that have both been approved by the 501st Legion. I created a Tusken Raider (a Sandperson from Episode 4, A New Hope) and I just finished the iconic white armor of classic Stormtrooper from the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment. This week, I will be trooping in my Trooper costume for the first time at a local Pediatric Rehab Hospital’s Holiday Reunion and Saturday afternoon I will wear it in a Christmas Parade in Clermont, in Central Florida.
Did I mention that some of my friends were shaggy! BTW, this is the Wookiee, Tarfful, not Chewie!
I am also approved as a Stormtooper!
Since I received approval from my Tusken, I have been able to troop at a couple children’s museums, Tampa Bay History Museum’s Halloween event, two baseball games, 4th of July Parade, Tampa Bay Comic Con, Walk to End Alzheimers and a couple charity fundraisers. Besides the two troops this week and a big Toys-For-Tots collection drive next week, we will be very busy the week of December 18th when Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens premiers.
Trying to explain why I decided to turn to the Dark Side in a couple paragraphs is tough. Here is a link to a little video that shows Why We Do This!
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Well. that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! This Saturday, the Florida GJ’ers are getting together and I am looking forward to getting back in touch with my GJ friends and making new ones. I will be wearing a new Florida Garage Life T-shirt, not one of these costumes!
See ya soon!
I’ve been gone way too long and I’d like to explain... As other GJ’ers have had major changes in their lives, I must come out of the closet and confess mine, which will explain where I’ve been for the past year. I went somewhere that I should not have gone and I got caught up with a bunch of shady characters that have cost me money and almost a year of my life. They have taken me places I never would have gone and allowed me to do things I never thought I would. Some of the ones I hang around with have been called a wretched hive of scum and villainy. And I’d do it all again!
So what is the lure that has drawn me to this dark side of life? Drugs? Money? Power? Nope!
It’s kids! And smiles! Having a 4 year old walk up and give you a hug and telling you they love you! Having a grandma take a selfie with you to share with her grandkids! Allowing a child to forget about their illness for a little while as they spend time with you for just a little while!
The funny thing is that these characters look so menacing on the outside, their love and compassion for others just dragged me in. I was seduced by the Dark Side!
I’ve joined The 501st Legion, an International costuming organization that uses the Star Wars theme to perform community service by supporting charity organizations perform their missions and helping them raise funds.
After my first encounter with the 501st, I was so impressed with the quality of the costumes and the charity work they were doing that I had to find out more about this organization. The 501st Legion has over 14,000 members in 59 countries. The 501st represents the Dark Side of the Force, which are considered the bad guys. Our motto is “Bad Guys Doing Good”. In 2014, the 501st itself, directly raised over $205,000 for charity. We also participated in other charity events worldwide that raised over $17 million. We support other organizations who are hosting Star Wars themed events, like the Tampa Bay Rays other MLB Team’s Star Wars nights, anti-bullying campaigns, Star Wars Reads Day at local libraries and many different walk-a-thons. We also use Star Wars to help people to forget about their problems, health issues or other issues, for just a little while. Also, those are our members on stage during the Weird Al Yankovic concerts when he sings ‘The Saga’ and ‘Yoda’.
So, Where Have I Been?
This past year that I have been away from GJ, I have gotten active in costuming and prop building. I’ve been researching and building from kits, two screen accurate costumes that have both been approved by the 501st Legion. I created a Tusken Raider (a Sandperson from Episode 4, A New Hope) and I just finished the iconic white armor of classic Stormtrooper from the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment. This week, I will be trooping in my Trooper costume for the first time at a local Pediatric Rehab Hospital’s Holiday Reunion and Saturday afternoon I will wear it in a Christmas Parade in Clermont, in Central Florida.
Did I mention that some of my friends were shaggy! BTW, this is the Wookiee, Tarfful, not Chewie!
I am also approved as a Stormtooper!
Since I received approval from my Tusken, I have been able to troop at a couple children’s museums, Tampa Bay History Museum’s Halloween event, two baseball games, 4th of July Parade, Tampa Bay Comic Con, Walk to End Alzheimers and a couple charity fundraisers. Besides the two troops this week and a big Toys-For-Tots collection drive next week, we will be very busy the week of December 18th when Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens premiers.
Trying to explain why I decided to turn to the Dark Side in a couple paragraphs is tough. Here is a link to a little video that shows Why We Do This!
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Well. that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! This Saturday, the Florida GJ’ers are getting together and I am looking forward to getting back in touch with my GJ friends and making new ones. I will be wearing a new Florida Garage Life T-shirt, not one of these costumes!
See ya soon!
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Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
That's very commendable work you are doing for charity and the kids!
People don't realize the skill that goes into creating those costumes. It isn't an old lady and her sewing machine anymore. Huge shops devote large amounts of man hours to create a single costume. Props are much the same way.
People don't realize the skill that goes into creating those costumes. It isn't an old lady and her sewing machine anymore. Huge shops devote large amounts of man hours to create a single costume. Props are much the same way.
xtremek
Well-known member
I think it's not what you do (within reason), or why you do it that matters in the long run. It's that you are out there trying to give back to world and make it a better place for everyone. Please keep up the good work
and share a pic and story every once in a while. And if you make the costumes in the garage, I would think that should be in your thread as well
Thanks for making life better for someone outside your friends and family.
Please keep up the good work and share a pic and story every once in a while. And if you make the costumes in the garage, I would think that should be in your thread as well Thanks for making life better for someone outside your friends and family.
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akdiesel
Well-known member
Jeff
Way to go. Lots of time spent for the right reason. Certainly worth being away and we will not hold it against you for being away.
Way to go. Lots of time spent for the right reason. Certainly worth being away and we will not hold it against you for being away.
Thanks for all the support on this unusual adventure. It makes me feel great to hear positive comments.
The first time I met any 501st member in costume, I was so impressed with the quality of the costume and how accurate they looked. Then I found out about the mission they do and I realized that my girls would be going away to college and, besides the Bus, the garage and other honey-do projects, I would probably need something to fill my spare time while they are away at school. So, I took the plunge. I would be glad to post periodic updates of events I attend.
Since this new adventure was not in any family budget, I did have to self-finance it. A good portion was raised by cleaning up and selling three vintage 1960's bicycles, which I will post an update about that process and some nice before and after pix.
Yes, all the building took place in the Salt Life Hideout and I had to use plenty of tools. I'll work on a post to give a highlight of the build process for each. Each costume took me about 3 months to complete
But for starters, these both can be labeled...
Some Assembly Required!
The first time I met any 501st member in costume, I was so impressed with the quality of the costume and how accurate they looked. Then I found out about the mission they do and I realized that my girls would be going away to college and, besides the Bus, the garage and other honey-do projects, I would probably need something to fill my spare time while they are away at school. So, I took the plunge. I would be glad to post periodic updates of events I attend.
Since this new adventure was not in any family budget, I did have to self-finance it. A good portion was raised by cleaning up and selling three vintage 1960's bicycles, which I will post an update about that process and some nice before and after pix.
Yes, all the building took place in the Salt Life Hideout and I had to use plenty of tools. I'll work on a post to give a highlight of the build process for each. Each costume took me about 3 months to complete
But for starters, these both can be labeled...
Some Assembly Required!
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taumac
Well-known member
Jeff, that is a great thing your doing there. I applaud you on doing such a charitable act. Yes sir we will be getting our shirts this weekend and glad your able to spare some time to come to the meet up. It will be good to see you again.
dittle fart around
Well-known member
It's amazing how life's little connections can change your direction. To find a project that combines the satisfaction of building and giving to charity, almost offsets the fact that the bus lost some of your attention.
The good news is your bus is gaining value even if you never touch it again. Finally came to my senses and decided to sell my single cab. I would never have the money to complete it. Time to move on to my next project.
The good news is your bus is gaining value even if you never touch it again. Finally came to my senses and decided to sell my single cab. I would never have the money to complete it. Time to move on to my next project.
Thanks, taumac! I appreciate the support. I am looking forward to eth FL get together! I couldn't say before that I would be there, but have to leave early for a Christmas parade without going into more detail. Now, you can see what I mean.
I agree, dfa! I had no idea that when my daughter's best friend invited her to come to her church to see some Star Wars characters and I insisted on tagging along, that my life would be changing this much. It truly is amazing how little connections and spontaneous decisions can make such an impact on oneself and others.
Besides, with all the extra bicycles and tools I had in the garage, I could not get to the Bus. This time-out for these two projects also included the motivation to clean up and get rid of the bikes to help finance my costume kits, which has also helped clean out the garage to allow me space to get back to the Bus. So, its all good!
But I still can't help think that I wish I had the finances to take your single cab off your hands since it was much further along than mine currently is. Oh, well...
I agree, dfa! I had no idea that when my daughter's best friend invited her to come to her church to see some Star Wars characters and I insisted on tagging along, that my life would be changing this much. It truly is amazing how little connections and spontaneous decisions can make such an impact on oneself and others.
Besides, with all the extra bicycles and tools I had in the garage, I could not get to the Bus. This time-out for these two projects also included the motivation to clean up and get rid of the bikes to help finance my costume kits, which has also helped clean out the garage to allow me space to get back to the Bus. So, its all good!
But I still can't help think that I wish I had the finances to take your single cab off your hands since it was much further along than mine currently is. Oh, well...
jbmatth
Well-known member
That is a great cause and I'm sure seeing the smile on a sick child's face is more than enough to make you smile or tear up at times. The bus will still be there when you are ready to get back to it. However, now that the costumes are done and in action I expect you to get back to the bus by this time next week. JK Enjoy the FL GJ get together it ought to be a good time for all of ya'll.
JB
Enjoy the FL GJ get together it ought to be a good time for all of ya'll.JB
Guster
Well-known member
Great cause! Got a few locals who do the kids hospital circuit. Mostly DC hero characters to keep it bright and colourful. Some get sent over for bits and repairs from time to time like patching a tear in Batman's ear or something.
You'd get a kick out of watching Tested.com's shadowtrooper build series then: http://www.tested.com/art/makers/533980-building-anovos-star-wars-shadowtrooper-kit-part-1/ The Rancor build was interesting too. Now is a good time to stock up on Star Wars Nerf blasters too. Good to have a backup or two - even to give away rather than your prop model. Kids always want to touch and play with the blasters.
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Jeff - great seeing you again. I'm glad I got to take a look at the helmet of your suit... quite a lot of detail has gone into it, and I'm sure the rest of the suit. Well done!!!
Hope you had a great time at the parade after you parted ways with the GJ clan. Keep on creating them smiles!!!
Hope you had a great time at the parade after you parted ways with the GJ clan. Keep on creating them smiles!!!
Jeff - great seeing you again. I'm glad I got to take a look at the helmet of your suit... quite a lot of detail has gone into it, and I'm sure the rest of the suit. Well done!!!
Hope you had a great time at the parade after you parted ways with the GJ clan. Keep on creating them smiles!!!
Thanks shopnut! It is always good to get together with old friends, let's make that long time friends... I hope the rest of the time at the car show went well. Didn't hear if y'all made it into the museum or not. Now that I will be back on GJ and busy in my shop, I need to come by and see some of your details in person. If not just to make sure the Chevelle and Vette are being well taken care of. Or to lend a hand on teardown... Hint...
Yes, the parade went well. This was my first time walking any length in the suit and had no issues at all. This will be fun to Troop in.
We had a great turnout for this parade. We were allowed to have fun with our costumes and so we even had a Minion and a Frosty the Stormtrooper. I'm between the Minion and Darth Maul, with the Santa hat.
I'm just to the right of center, with the candy cane...
BTW, the Sandtrooper on the left is also a GJ member - Edit: it's joe.gravelle. I mentioned that I had just rolled in from the Florida GJ Get Together and he mentioned that he was at the first one, down at IGO2XS's Monster Garage. He introduced himself, but I was still processing it that there is another GJ member in the 501st...
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JMcFly
Well-known member
It was so cool running into you at the clermont parade. When I saw you I thought to myself, that guy looks very familiar.
You can clearly see me in the second photo, sand trooper in front with the small blaster.
Hope to troop with you again sometime soon or at a GJ gtg
TD-50415
You can clearly see me in the second photo, sand trooper in front with the small blaster.
Hope to troop with you again sometime soon or at a GJ gtg
TD-50415
JCQuick
Well-known member
That's cool Joe I've meet Jeff a few times even helped him make his first sky craft trip lol and now this That's just cool both are great guys IMO
It was great to have the chance to troop with you, Joe. I look forward to many more chances to hang out with the Makaze's. I've also been cleared for GKTW, so you never know when I'll show up.
It was a nice surprise when I told the others that I had just driven in from a Garage Journal get together at Don Garlits' and you popped in saying that you had come to the last one at the Monster Garage.
Since our hobby is new territory for GJ, I'm working on an abbreviated build process to show how a Tusken and Stormtrooper are put together.
Hang tight, JCQ, I have just finished helping Mrs. W clean out the office so I can now focus on the garage. Christmas decorations come down tomorrow and up to the attic and then I think I should be able to see the Bus again. Oh, and Santa brought a 40-incher that needs to be hung...