the "about time" garage 36x56 clear span

[mike93lx]

Wow. Thats amazing that local zoning permitted such a monstrous structure in a pure residential area and small lot.

Congrats on getting your dream building, but man. I'd prepare for some push back from the neighborhood, as you legitimately substantially decreased everyone else property values. Interesting stuff tho, thanks for sharing.

I agree. Looks like a quality, commercial/industrial building. Completely out of place in a tight, residential neighborhood. I'd be less than happy if that popped up in my neighbor's backyard.

 

[barrysuperhawk]

I agree. Looks like a quality, commercial/industrial building. Completely out of place in a tight, residential neighborhood. I'd be less than happy if that popped up in my neighbor's backyard.

...Says the guy from MA....I guess that explains this:

Friends:
mike93lx has not made any friends yet
Befriend mike93lx

Just kidding...
but Mike does make an interesting point. I have been in my house for 2 years, and when I was looking, one of the absolute rules I gave my Realtor was NO HOA. He showed me some houses in neighborhoods with HOA anyway, mostly because the listing did not include the information, but I made sure to talk to (prospective) neighbors and the second that word was mentioned, I literally shut my mouth and walked away.

Personally, I wanted (and got) the neighborhood where half of my neighbors would help or at least cheer if I did something like that.

Back on topic, that is an awesome garage, I am just waiting to see the 20 layer, mirror polished floor and the disco ball...

 

[Alain V.]

I haven't really done much "in" my shop in the last few weeks, because I've been busy prepping a vintage Mercedes I'll be selling soon.

Hoping to free up a little $$$$4 so I can proceed on my shop.

I did manage to acquire a couple of cool items while "wheelin' & dealin'".
Got this cool Bosch cabinet and pop machine.

 

[Alain V.]

I picked up 12 high bay T5HO light assemblies yesterday.

They were made in Santa Ana,CA and came out of an aerospace manufacturer's building in Wichita KS.

Each unit holds 8 bulbs and is 8 feet long.
I got them for $50 each. Still need to clean them up and take out a few dings/dents before installing.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Alain V., I'm also from KS. About an hour to the northeast of you, more north than east.

I understand the area you're in and am sure none of the neighbors care, as stated above, you'll probably see more 12-packs and "can I use your lift", than anything. I find it comical when someone from 1500+ miles away tells you about property values in YOUR neighborhood.

For those concerned with property values and policing the neighbors, do yourself a favor and stay in the neighborhoods with the HOA's. In my opinion that is where dreams go to die, haha!

Someone offends easily. You wouldn't catch me dead in a neighborhood that small, for the record.

 

[stereosteveo]

Very Nice! Can't wait to see it fully stocked.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Someone offends easily. You wouldn't catch me dead in a neighborhood that small, for the record.

Not at all.



Back to topic. Those lights should be a nice addition.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

I can see what is being said about the neighbors. KS or no, eventually someone will move in as a neighbor and it will likely become an issue. It maybe minor complaining, or full blown fight. Who knows. Not everyone in your area will share your feelings. It is a nice looking building, and it would be great to have, no doubt, but reality is what it is. Since the city approved, I doubt they will have legal recourse.

 

[Alain V.]

My neighbor gave me these two cabinets today for my shop

I'll be cleaning them up and painting them.

Also, finally added "armor" to the entry door hinges, jamb,etc.
Yes, I know someone who wants in could just cut a hole into the siding,,,,,but a secure entry door should deter any low IQ meth heads looking for an easy target.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Super cool shop and nice job documenting the build! I love the super tall door and clear span setup!

 

[Alain V.]

Well,it's been a while since any updates......
I work on the shop when I can,,,,but sometimes,,,,,,life-work-etc kind of slow me down.

I finally managed to build a small landing & steps at the entry,,,and run power into the building.

 

[Alain V.]

I've also started framing the bathroom, and parts/storage room.

(bear with me, I'm trying to get used to posting pics without using photobucket.)

Bathroom will have a pocket door, and storage room will have a roll up door.
I also started installing my 2 post lift.

Frantically trying to get all of this & wiring & lights done before cold weather gets here.

 

[Alain V.]

Finally got time to start the wiring for my high bay lights today.

 

[Alain V.]

Bought a used 110btu furnace, "N" coil, and A/C unit for the garage.
We don't have gas service here so I got a propane conversion kit for it and will be getting a tank (probably 500gal) installed ASAP.

It's 8 below zero outside right now (New Years day) with a projected high of 13!!!!! Which means I'm not even going in there today

 

[Alain V.]

It's been a while since I've posted any updates.Progress has been slow.
I did discover that natural gas service is now available on my street, so I'm getting a gas meter installed to feed my shop.
I finally finished wiring my lift & an outlet for my welder on one of the posts.
Also started mounting my furnace & sheeting the utility/bathroom.

 

[Alain V.]

Also been working on the roll up and pocket doors

 

[Alain V.]

Got the gas line run.

Finally managed to finish outside sheeting of utility/bathroom.
....also connected power to furnace.

One of my neighbors made me a really cool personalized trash can for my birthday,too.

 

[slik560]

Great progress. I really like that trash drum

 

[1973UFO]

Great progress Alain! I'm gonna have to plan on cruising over to see you on the East side of town some weekend when the weather warms up a bit. Hopefully, will have my Pantera out of the body shop by that time & test your cool lift to make sure it works good. :<) I'm thinking it's about time to head over to your business with some more of Bev's homemade cinnamon rolls & bench race awhile.......whadda you think???

 

[davo727]

The little white car in the corner... 1977 Capri ??

 

[Alain V.]

Davo727: Yup, the white car is a 77 capri. It currently has front coil overs and will be getting a mild V8 in the future. (father/daughter project)


Hey 1973UFO, you are always welcome to stop by (with or without treats).
We have some catching up to do.
Sadly, I haven't made much progress on the home shop lately.
There have been some health issues in my family that have kept me very stressed and busy the last few months.

 

[Alain V.]

here is an update on the finished heater/heat pump/AC system

Also installed 4 industrial ceiling fans.

 

[1slow62]

Nice quality work.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

How big is your heat pump? I definitely need to out some ceiling fans up in my shop. Push some of that warm air back down!

 

[Alain V.]

The compressor is a Bryant 225ana model, I think it is a 16 seer unit if I remember right. (got the whole system used for $700 from a guy who did a whole house remodel)

I can tell you that I was in the garage on the coldest days in January this year and the heat pump worked fine. (I even questioned myself as to why I bothered going to the trouble of hooking up the gas for the furnace)

The only time I ever used the "gas" furnace, was just to test it.


I got the fans from "fleet farm" supply for about 65.00each.
I read about them on this site and they are great.

 

[Alain V.]

Well it’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to do much in my garage.
Multiple family members with health issues and work have kept me pretty busy,but I did make a little progress on my bathroom.
It’s not done yet,still have trim to install, but it’s functional.

That little first aid box is dated 1967
Vanity/sink was a Craigslist find, $20 and the cabinet was a $10 habitat store find&#55357;&#56397;

 

[Alain V.]

Wow, been a longtime since I’ve updated this thread.
Although my garage isn’t 100% finished (are they ever),,,,,I have been working “in” it on a few projects.
Rebuilt the transmission in a 74 914, and am now helping my friend convert it to mega squirt Efi.
I’ve also started on my 72 914 “resto mod”, it’s getting a complete build and is getting a 6 cylinder Subaru conversion. Goal is to have a 1800-1900 pound street car with around 300 hp.

 

[Alain V.]

I built a support cart,to hold the 914 shell stable while I do rust and body repair.
It bolts to the front and rear suspension mounting points on the car, and I also made door opening braces

 

[Alain V.]

It has the typical rust issues that plague all 914s. I plan to cut all of it out and weld in new metal, then do some proper rust preventative treatment throughout. I did purchase a few new repair panels.

 

[Alain V.]

I’m going to install carbon fiber front and rear lids, along with bumpers, as part of my “ lightening “ process. I’m also going to use a lightweight engine cover, and am installing a 5 lug 911 hub conversion for 5 spoke 7 & 8 inch wide wheels.
I also have lightweight brembo calipers from an 80s Alfa.

 

[Alain V.]

I picked up a used 80 gallon 5 hp San born compressor for a few hundred bucks, and plumbed my air system with 3/4” black pipe.

 

[Alain V.]

I built a pipe anvil out of a few pieces of scrap I had laying around. This will be a big help in making some of my rust repair panels the have curves in them.

Just need to shoot a little paint on it.

 

[skully67]

I built a support cart,to hold the 914 shell stable while I do rust and body repair.
It bolts to the front and rear suspension mounting points on the car, and I also made door opening braces

Great shop!!!!! Looks like a great size. Was there a significant cost difference/reasoning with going with a taller footing/shorter shop instead of just a taller shop wall height?

Color matching the interior braces on the 914-Classy!!!!
What's up withe Vette, Firebird and Cutlass?

 

[Alain V.]

Thanks, the reason I have tall stem walls is because my yard was very sloped, so we cut into the high side to get a level spot to put the shop.
I only really needed the concrete wall to be 3 feet tall on one side& one corner....but when checking with the city regulations, the "finished" part of my building could only measure 15 feet from the beginning of the siding to the peak of the roof,,,,,
sooooo, I stuck my 15 "foot tall" building on a 3 foot tall "foundation" and they were happy with that.

The 67 vette is the "gem" of my little collection. It's a true survivor car, never modified or restored. I'm the 3rd owner. I have all records.books/everything back to day one on the car. Never seen rain,snow, or even spent a night outside.

The Trans Am is a 78 WS6 car with a 400 pontiac. Solar gold, also unrestored original with legit 32k miles. Paint is real rough & it has a little rust on the rear quarters. I've just not had time to get to it yet. Have owned it a little over ten years now.

The olds is going to be a full frame off resto-mod, no expense spared project.
It's the one that I'm emotionally invested in since I had an orange 442 in high school. I plan to start on it once I finish the yellow 914.

 

[Alain V.]

the Trans Am,,,,,needs paint but still wears all of it's original sheet metal.
Just one more, of many projects I need to get to.

 

[Alain V.]

Being self employed, and working alone,,,,,,,,,gives me very little “spare time” to work on my own projects.
The 914 project progress has been pretty slow for the last few months.
I did manage to get an auto twirler pro rotisserie to make it a little easier to get to hard to reach areas. I have been strategically cutting out rust here and there, and now need to do some prep work before welding in some new patches.

 

[Alain V.]

I also picked up this 1982 Mercedes 230ce a few months ago from one of my longtime customers. It is a “euro” model with a manual transmission and I’ve taken care of this car for the previous owner since the late 1980s. I performed a minor restoration/ mechanical refurbish on it and it’s now nearly perfect. Everything works like new & it doesn’t have a scratch, dent, or nick in it...... not bad for 40 years old.

I just did, upper control arms,lower ball joints, a/c compressor-drier-ex valve, and rebuilt the brake system with all new one parts,,,,,, and new tires. Its hard to describe just how solid this car is. Just a wonderful driver.

 

[Alain V.]

Front view.

 

[ned911]

My wife's 914 was that same color until it's recent repaint

I'm looking for a 914 to race, replacing my '72 911 which is being converted back to a street car.

 

[Alain V.]

Was going to do some rust repair on the rear firewal/floor area on then914, but need to do some blasting in a couple of hard to reach areas first. I started putting up a makeshift “enclosure “ so I can contain the mess. I’m using an old canopy for the framework, and am going to wrap the whole thing up in plastic sheeting.