Sunbimmer
Well-known member
In its own way yours is probably nicer than most in that magazine! If you wanted a condo you'd buy one, If you want a nice garage just walk out to yours..
here, I love the certain conviviality of your place 
Small Two Car Operation
- Thread starter HSpencer
- Start date
here, I love the certain conviviality of your place In its own way yours is probably nicer than most in that magazine! If you wanted a condo you'd buy one, If you want a nice garage just walk out to yours..
Thanks, those are really nice comments! I appreciate them. The magazine seems to be focused on things like mega garages full of Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. These are nice, but not something I am interested in and will most likely never own. I will just stick with Garage Journal where I can see a guy take a run down garage and turn it into something really nice with a limited budget and using his own skills.
Thanks again for your uplifting comments!!
Thank you for your thumbs up and comment! I have to admit I had to pull the Oxford on the word "conviviality", as that did not seem to be a familiar word to me. Now that I have the meaning, I thank you again! As an old First Sergeant, who used to pitch out military letters and memorandums for record at light speed, that one just never popped up!
Cheers
Herb Spencer
Sunbimmer
Well-known member
I used the Bing translator you know, I had never heard of the word too
.The Dutch word "gezelligheid" comes up in my head if I look at the pics of your place and Bing came up with this
Again, I like it a lot especially with the TEXACO signs
Thanks Sunbimmer. I am getting up on the old gas station theme in my shop, but it will be nothing akin to the fine job your doing in yours. Most of my signs and things I have done are just for feel good and nostalgia. I am 68, looking back on a very blessed life and while I do not have a detailed plan, I do know what I want to arrive at. I want a place where here in my retirement years, I can go and find solitude, sit and watch the rain fall, or even tackle a huge project. I am a restoration nut. My all time favorite thing is to find something old, re- do it, and put it back to life.
Thanks for your interest and kind comments. I am enjoying your thread a lot.
Herb Spencer
Thanks for your interest and kind comments. I am enjoying your thread a lot.
Herb Spencer
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
" I want a place where here in my retirement years, I can go and find solitude, sit and watch the rain fall, or even tackle a huge project. I am a restoration nut. My all time favorite thing is to find something old, re- do it, and put it back to life."
Sounds to me like your head is in a very good place! Your garage just happens to be a fine reflection of your state of mind; I envy both the condition of your garage and your attitude.
Sounds to me like your head is in a very good place! Your garage just happens to be a fine reflection of your state of mind; I envy both the condition of your garage and your attitude.
NEXT UP PROJECT: Total rehab of back office/toolroom. This was my hang out this last winter and it is a nightmare on Elm St! It is getting a full rip out and re-do. A few new outlets in some better places first up. My wife says: "Give it to someone who needs it, or throw it away, or eat it". So sorting will take a few days.
I had almost forgotten I had some golf clubs. I need to go out and see if they still work.
Not sure of go forward plan, but will formulate one as I go!!
This was the original 10'X20' shop. When I add this space to my total garage I have a 20X30' building, with the garage bays being 20'X20'. I have to GIT RIT of a lotta stuff!! We have about 30 years of US Army and 10 years of Property Management records stored in files in here.
Anyway, for another day!!! (as they say).
I had almost forgotten I had some golf clubs. I need to go out and see if they still work.
Not sure of go forward plan, but will formulate one as I go!!
This was the original 10'X20' shop. When I add this space to my total garage I have a 20X30' building, with the garage bays being 20'X20'. I have to GIT RIT of a lotta stuff!! We have about 30 years of US Army and 10 years of Property Management records stored in files in here.
Anyway, for another day!!! (as they say).
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My Son In Law (tile and flooring contractor) gave me a load of tongue and groove 3/4" solid oak cut offs for work bench tops. This stuff is great!! There are various length pieces and should do all the benches I need done. I will use a flooring stapler to nail down and then all I will need is stain and seal, and a little neat perimeter trimmings.
Also showing a pic of my truck while I am at it. It seems everyone likes seeing what we drive as well as where we work.
Also showing a pic of my truck while I am at it. It seems everyone likes seeing what we drive as well as where we work.
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Here is the finished art deco Texaco topping over my back shop doors. I was pleased with the look and it matches the window deco treatment pretty well. Showing a photo of my "shop cat". He is a pretty good mouser when he feels the urge. Also he patrols for the occasional copperhead snake which I do appreciate that. Finally, todays work consisted of getting in a little bit of raised bed garden.
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Wife in mode of kindness and interest, decided to view my thread. I had left it open on the computer so she ran through it for the first time, and asked about the site, and believe this or not, she was pretty impressed with The Garage Journal web site. She liked my avatar and trotted herself to the store and bought a picture frame, printed out my avatar and gave it to me to hang in my shop. Hummm, whodathoughtit?
Edit: Now, how am I going to tell her you guys are probably not going to be interested in her
posting her latest "hanging flower basket" creations?
Edit: Now, how am I going to tell her you guys are probably not going to be interested in her
posting her latest "hanging flower basket" creations?
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Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You and I are the same age. My wife introduces me as her first husband and I introduce her as my last wife. We're past our 51st anniversary and I would welcome having her post anything she wants -- under my user name...
...I assume you have not mentioned the ability to delete one's own postings....
Congratulations on 51+ years of marriage. We are at 48+, and thinking we each probably married the right people. Wife is too into "pinarest" or "printtarest" or something like that, so she probably will post her Strawberry Cream Pies and Floral presentations there!!!
Just Kidding!!!
Just Kidding!!!
This afternoon I got out and cleaned up my old brief case tool set. When we ran the apartment complexes, I used this for everything from toilets to telephone jacks. Everything from receptacles to refrigerators. Everything from gas ranges to garbage disposals. Everything--well you get the idea.
My wife never liked it, as she says the vinyl on the inside of the case smells like puke. She finally convinced me to get a canvas tool bag and put this case away.
Getting it out again, well the vinyl STILL smells like throw up. I cleaned the tools and looked through them, adding some and taking some for my canvas tool bag. It has to do with the vinyl.
My wife never liked it, as she says the vinyl on the inside of the case smells like puke. She finally convinced me to get a canvas tool bag and put this case away.
Getting it out again, well the vinyl STILL smells like throw up. I cleaned the tools and looked through them, adding some and taking some for my canvas tool bag. It has to do with the vinyl.
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Also today I began to figure out how I can put my carpenter tool set on a slide under my bench. This puppy is heavy!! It is up to about 60 pounds, guessing.
I am trying to think up or devise a set of drawer type rails and a board for it. The board would allow me to pull out the tool box, open it up and not have to bend over so much to get to the tools.
I am pretty sure I can buy some heavy duty rails, mount the sized board and simply pull the box outward and open it up. Probably a simple trick but I am going to sleep on it. Suggestions welcome!!!
Decided I can either mount the rails bottom or sides of opening. And can make the board deep enough to sit at least one of the two removable tool trays on.
I am trying to think up or devise a set of drawer type rails and a board for it. The board would allow me to pull out the tool box, open it up and not have to bend over so much to get to the tools.
I am pretty sure I can buy some heavy duty rails, mount the sized board and simply pull the box outward and open it up. Probably a simple trick but I am going to sleep on it. Suggestions welcome!!!
Decided I can either mount the rails bottom or sides of opening. And can make the board deep enough to sit at least one of the two removable tool trays on.
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jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I love the tool set in post 95!
This little nailer has become one of my best friends. I like it better than any of my air nailers, and I have several of them. NO compressor. It is 18 gauge and shoots 3/4" to 2" all day long. I find at every project, this will be in my hand sooner or later.
I danced around it for about 6 months not thinking I could justify it's cost. Not True!! If I were a finish carpenter, I am sure this would be my tool of choice.
I have dropped it twice from standing on a ladder. All that happens is the battery flies off and it bounces. Re install the battery and bang, your going again. It has an electric motor that sounds like a helicopter taking off when you push down to shoot. It also has a built in light and a rubber bumper on the nose to protect the material your nailing. I think it is ok to talk about this as I am not mentioning any particular brand names, duh!
I danced around it for about 6 months not thinking I could justify it's cost. Not True!! If I were a finish carpenter, I am sure this would be my tool of choice.
I have dropped it twice from standing on a ladder. All that happens is the battery flies off and it bounces. Re install the battery and bang, your going again. It has an electric motor that sounds like a helicopter taking off when you push down to shoot. It also has a built in light and a rubber bumper on the nose to protect the material your nailing. I think it is ok to talk about this as I am not mentioning any particular brand names, duh!
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Hey Jeff. Actually that tool set is not a bad idea. I eventually found it to be too heavy to lug into and out of apartments. If you walked out of the shop at the complex and walked down a couple buildings carrying it, and then your call was an upstairs apartment, you were ready to sit it down ASAP when you got there.
What you did was resort to a two wheeler for it, which kind of defeated the purpose. Then when you got in the apartment, you realized you needed a sawzall, a pipe wrench, a bigger hammer, a drain auger, or whatever. So then you wised up and put all this in the back of your truck, and kind of forgot the "keen briefcase effect".
But doing all your work in the shop, you just flipped the lid and took out the lower pallet of tools and your good to go. In my time, I have found out a lot of this tool set up stuff amounts to how much of it you really want to tote around. I have a real good friend who is a plumber. This guy has got to have the worst looking tool box I have ever seen. Looks like a batch of junk and the hinge is nearly broken off of it. BUT, somehow this guy seems to be able to work for hours in a house and never has to go to the truck. How he pulls this off, I will never know.
Cheers
Herb Spencer
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Last post of the weekend. This shows my avatar and my truck photo that my wife did up for me. She even supervised my hanging them, making me measure them out and level them just so so. So the contrasting idea of the photos is the gas station circa 1950, and my garage and truck circa now. Do you think, I think, this is a good idea? Well if my wife likes it, then I can't get enough of it!
The added clock, Simmons First Bank, was my idea. I was in the bank one day and one of the loan officers a good friend, called me in to his office sort of in a hush hush manner. After I got a cup of coffee and sat down, he reaches under his desk and gives me a flat box. "I knew you would want one of these" he says. We talk and I go home. A "clock"? OK.
I grew to like the clock, and it was in our office for a long time, and upon retiring, it came to the shop to live. After a new battery and a little windex, it looks ok!!!
The added clock, Simmons First Bank, was my idea. I was in the bank one day and one of the loan officers a good friend, called me in to his office sort of in a hush hush manner. After I got a cup of coffee and sat down, he reaches under his desk and gives me a flat box. "I knew you would want one of these" he says. We talk and I go home. A "clock"? OK.
I grew to like the clock, and it was in our office for a long time, and upon retiring, it came to the shop to live. After a new battery and a little windex, it looks ok!!!
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Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Being a 'handyman' apartment manager in a former life, you could probably fab up a pair of these for yourself.
http://www.adaptmy.com/kitchen/cabinets/heavy-duty-mixer-lift-for-base-cabinets/#clear
Tell the Mrs. she is welcome to post her hanging baskets on GJ as long as the baskets are made from old hubcaps, oil pans, inverted valve covers, .... Just be prepared for a 'dope slap'! LOL
You like to restore 'old stuff'? Well, take that briefcase toolbox out to the woodshed, hang it on a rafter and skin it of its' vinyl. Then, take in back into the shop, put on your taxidermist's hat and give it a 'new' coat of genuine hand sown calf skin or the more rare hide of the wild 'Nauga'!
Being a 'handyman' apartment manager in a former life, you could probably fab up a pair of these for yourself.
http://www.adaptmy.com/kitchen/cabinets/heavy-duty-mixer-lift-for-base-cabinets/#clear
Tell the Mrs. she is welcome to post her hanging baskets on GJ as long as the baskets are made from old hubcaps, oil pans, inverted valve covers, .... Just be prepared for a 'dope slap'! LOL
You like to restore 'old stuff'? Well, take that briefcase toolbox out to the woodshed, hang it on a rafter and skin it of its' vinyl. Then, take in back into the shop, put on your taxidermist's hat and give it a 'new' coat of genuine hand sown calf skin or the more rare hide of the wild 'Nauga'!
Hey thanks for the link!! That is on the order of what I need. Going to visit a Lowes and HD to see what may be in stock I could use as is or modify.
If not, will use that link to order something.
Grand daughter came by today and painted the raised graphics on the front of my Coca Cola machine. Before and after pics and pic of machine on two wheeler ready to go to it's place in the shop. All I need do now is plug it in and fill it with products! I am still researching the net to try and find a water fountain of the type it supports. So far I have found the faucet (bubbler) but not a tray for it to mount on with drain. I am going tomorrow to a local Locke Supply who says they either have it, can get it, or can fabricate it.
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Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Well, after zooming in on the CC machine, I can see that your Granddaughter did an absolutely GRAND job on the lettering; A+!
When do we get to see one of the wife's 'hubcap' hanging baskets? lol
When do we get to see one of the wife's 'hubcap' hanging baskets? lol
dubber
Well-known member
She did a great job. Also handy to have an artist on retainer who you can pay with food and Cokes i assume ha ha ha.
Thanks guys. Granddaughter is starting college next fall and is going to major in Digital/Graphic Art. Since I have the chance "right here", she graduated high school this month well up high in her class, with many National Honor Society awards. (And some pretty healthy scholarships). Of course, (and you would/will do this to), be pretty damn proud!!!! I will forward your very kind remarks to her---thank you!!
End of Phase One.
I have: A one bay shop, and a one bay garage. Next up is to reconboomerate my back shop and office.
Since I have saved one bay to park in I need a NEW mid sized SUV. Currently have a Tahoe which is a tad large for the space.
GMC Acadia? Too expensive for what they are.
Ford Explorer? Trouble with Ford "My Ford" Touchscreen.
Subaru Tribeca? Insufficient Data
Chevrolet Traverse? Looks like a jellybean.
Honda Pilot? Nice, but too boxy looking.
Dodge Durango? Don't think so Tim.
Jeep Cherokee? Too "off road" Too stiff ride.
Subaru OUtback? Fits the moment, but maybe too small.
Trouble is I like what I am driving more than what's out there. My Tahoe does not ride, it floats on a cloud. (Too big and poor milage, but everything else is cool).
What to do, What to do?
I have: A one bay shop, and a one bay garage. Next up is to reconboomerate my back shop and office.
Since I have saved one bay to park in I need a NEW mid sized SUV. Currently have a Tahoe which is a tad large for the space.
GMC Acadia? Too expensive for what they are.
Ford Explorer? Trouble with Ford "My Ford" Touchscreen.
Subaru Tribeca? Insufficient Data
Chevrolet Traverse? Looks like a jellybean.
Honda Pilot? Nice, but too boxy looking.
Dodge Durango? Don't think so Tim.
Jeep Cherokee? Too "off road" Too stiff ride.
Subaru OUtback? Fits the moment, but maybe too small.
Trouble is I like what I am driving more than what's out there. My Tahoe does not ride, it floats on a cloud. (Too big and poor milage, but everything else is cool).
What to do, What to do?
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Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
"Currently have a Tahoe which is a tad large for the space."
Depending on where your Granddaughter is going this fall, you might want to hang onto the Tahoe; it may get 'borrowed' to move all her 'stuff' to the dorm. lol
Depending on where your Granddaughter is going this fall, you might want to hang onto the Tahoe; it may get 'borrowed' to move all her 'stuff' to the dorm. lol
"Depending on where your Granddaughter is going this fall, you might want to hang onto the Tahoe; it may get 'borrowed' to move all her 'stuff' to the dorm. lol"
This Silverado or her daddy's big honkin' Ford F250 might get her and her stuff over there. And, she has her own Honda Accord.
This Silverado or her daddy's big honkin' Ford F250 might get her and her stuff over there. And, she has her own Honda Accord.
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Sunbimmer
Well-known member
Sunbimmer
Well-known member
aps63
Well-known member
That picture of the make shift lift is AWESOME!!!!!!
The chair is a great touch.
You know things like that go on all the time all around the world.
The cooler will be a great piece for your garage.
The chair is a great touch.
You know things like that go on all the time all around the world.
The cooler will be a great piece for your garage.
Hi Paul and thanks for visiting!! I am always impressed and enjoy reading your thread. You have done a lot to bring your garage to a very nice shop. I am liking your new items and it will be quite awesome when your done. Thanks again for the visit!!
Best Regards
Herb Spencer
The first thing you learn about a spa is that you can't afford the $125.00 an hour plus parts to have it worked on. You learn to do it yourself. Drained and filled mine, and no heat!! Using the error codes from the control center, you can track it down usually. I found a bad flo switch. The flo switch proves to the heater that water is going through it. Then the heater will heat. Also in other work I am putting some new cedar trim and blinds in the tub house. The chemicals (good ones) for a spa are pretty costly, but I have found a website that treats me pretty well. I have had my Sundance Spa since 1998. The control center says "No User Repairable Items". Well sorry but I had to get in there a few times and jump switches to diagnose things. Inside the box it looks like a chinese fire drill, but not as difficult as it looks. Sundance will just have to sue me!! On the right inside the box, you can notice the red and black 240V wires goiing to the heater. My photos and comments are continued in the next frame below.
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Other pics including the pumps, one of which I have had rebuilt. Not too bad, you just get new spring seals for the shaft, and send the motor to a shop and have it rebuilt. New pump motors go for around $250.00 each. Picture in this section shows the flo switch in it position in the spa. The heater is the black tank to the right of the control center (240V).
So we are good to go now!!! Actually since 1998 the spa has held up well and only one motor and a few smaller repairs have been needed. I got tired of the mini blinds blowing in the breeze so I sandwiched them in between the window jamb trim. Not sure how that will work out but ok so far.
So we are good to go now!!! Actually since 1998 the spa has held up well and only one motor and a few smaller repairs have been needed. I got tired of the mini blinds blowing in the breeze so I sandwiched them in between the window jamb trim. Not sure how that will work out but ok so far.
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BigSteve63
Well-known member
Coke machine looks great! Really brings back some memories - my grandparents had one like that in the service station they ran for 40+ years.
Hi BigSteve63 and thanks for stopping by!! The coca cola machine is one of my favourite possessions in the shop. I have not gotten around to filling it yet, but I plugged it in Friday, and in 15 minutes the insides of the machine was ice cold.
I am wondering how this coke machine, with old technology and old style freon, can run for 60+ years with no repairs and whisper quiet, and my 2012 Whirlpool stainless steel side by side refrigerator has already had two service calls and sounds like it is remodeling the kitchen when it vomits out a few ice cubes?
Well we have lost a lot over the years, and I can prove it with my "Ideal-55".
Thanks again for your comments
Best Regards
Herb Spencer