Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The "Glendora Garage"

[Dan in Pasadena]

New subject: I know NOTHING about generators but I am going to buy one pretty soon.

The internet tells me an inverter type is preferable because it's quiet, more fuel efficient and "ideal" for powering sensitive electronics like computers and cell phone. I don't know how true that is but it sounds good.

Costco - Sold out
Harbor Freight - Sold out and none within 100 miles.
I liked the look of their Predator brand floor models but of course they're Chinese......but really? Aren't ALL the generators I'm seeing likely to be?
Amazon - "can't ship to my location".
Home Depot - 2 remaining 4000w DeWalt generators but they were not inverter type. What's the consensus here about that? At least DeWalt is a known brand and Home Depot Customer Service would hopefully be responsive(?)

We'd not be trying to power the entire house. That would require installation of a "transfer switch" and there are complications since we have solar panels now. So we'd run a heavy extension cord for the refrigerator and to maintain charge on laptops/phones.

 

[larry4406]

New subject: I know NOTHING about generators but I am going to buy one pretty soon.

The internet tells me an inverter type is preferable because it's quiet, more fuel efficient and "ideal" for powering sensitive electronics like computers and cell phone. I don't know how true that is but it sounds good.

Costco - Sold out
Harbor Freight - Sold out and none within 100 miles.
I liked the look of their Predator brand floor models but of course they're Chinese......but really? Aren't ALL the generators I'm seeing likely to be?
Amazon - "can't ship to my location".
Home Depot - 2 remaining 4000w DeWalt generators but they were not inverter type. What's the consensus here about that? At least DeWalt is a known brand and Home Depot Customer Service would hopefully be responsive(?)

We'd not be trying to power the entire house. That would require installation of a "transfer switch" and there are complications since we have solar panels now. So we'd run a heavy extension cord for the refrigerator and to maintain charge on laptops/phones.

If I were in your shoes with all the surrounding fires, I would buy anything I could get my hands on.

I have a Generac 7500W (13.5 surge) non-inverter and the house electronics are more than happy. Yes its loud.

 

[PugetDude]

Dan, if you need me to purchase a generator over here in PHX I would be happy to do it. We can probably sort out the logistics of getting it over to you with folks here on the GJ.

 

[captain14]

Dan, if you need me to purchase a generator over here in PHX I would be happy to do it. We can probably sort out the logistics of getting it over to you with folks here on the GJ.

Sounds like a roadtrip for the ‘55 Chevy. But not too far away from home.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Dan, if you need me to purchase a generator over here in PHX I would be happy to do it. We can probably sort out the logistics of getting it over to you with folks here on the GJ.

Wow, a VERY generous offer. Thank SO much for it. My nephew has a big (loud) generator he has offered us so we are ok in the short term IF we need it but I am sure we will still buy one.

SCE sent out an "All Clear" notice last night at nearly midnight here:

"SCE PS PS all clear. Due to improved weather, we did not shut off your power. We understand that planning around outages is inconvenient. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our community safe. If your power is off, please call 1-800-611-1911 or visit SCE.com/psps."

As for driving the '55 to Phoenix I feel certain it would make it fine. My only concern would be running out of gas! I put a Dakota Digital HDX gauge cluster (the black one below) when it was built but it doesn't work properly. It's capable of being programmed to several different sending units and I THINK I have it on the right setting but it always reads 3/4 tank when full. Consequently, every time I drive it any distance I fill it up. The most I've ever put in the truck at one time was a bit over 5 gallons.



And besides......use my truck AS A TRUCK??!! For shame, ha ha.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Spent the day cleaning an absolute ton of ash and debris from the back yard. We got a lot done but it kicked our butts. Using the shop vac for the mounds of ash and garden hose with high pressure head to wash rather than my blower to TRY to keep the ash from flying.

I only took a few pictures but you can easily see everything was just filthy and it was a big job. I also removed window screens - a lot of ash was on the window sills, washed windows and screens.

 

[zanyad]

Glad to see you made it through unscathed. Here's hoping that continues!

 

[M.Brane]

We bought a HF Predator 9500 in Sept. '22 as an upgrade from our Honda 3000. The only complaint I have is the starter switch is becoming flakey. Starts first pull with the cord. It'll run the house all day or night easily. It has 130 hrs on it now.

We just had our **** old breaker panel replaced, and an inlet installed with a breaker interlock so we only have one cord to run.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

We bought a HF Predator 9500 in Sept. '22 as an upgrade from our Honda 3000. The only complaint I have is the starter switch is becoming flakey. Starts first pull with the cord. It'll run the house all day or night easily. It has 130 hrs on it now.

We just had our **** old breaker panel replaced, and an inlet installed with a breaker interlock so we only have one cord to run.

Thanks for the good review. As I understand it I can't "run the [whole] house" with one without installing a "transfer switch" - I'm not too sure what that is and I'd have to get an electrician to do it. Because we now have solar panels that adds another complication to that idea. I plan to use it with a few appliances plugged in to it directly.

 

[M.Brane]

Yeah we had a few solar salespeople show up over the last year. One we were actually considering until we found the clause where we couldn't run our genny. Sorry no sale. The toyhauler holds 40 gallons. I'll be fine without the battery.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

On a completely different subject: My '55 Chevy truck.

I found a guy on Facebook that does "caricatures" of vehicles and had him do one of my truck. I think it came out great and it's accurate right down to the old style Boyds Smoothie rims. I love it and I may may have him do one of a couple vehicles I don't have anymore. The guy also threw in a handful of 3x5-ish stickers of the same art.

 

[PugetDude]

And besides......use my truck AS A TRUCK??!! For shame, ha ha.

We could swaddle the generator in HF moving blankets and lovingly strap it in the passenger seat...

 

[PugetDude]

On a completely different subject: My '55 Chevy truck.

I found a guy on Facebook that does "caricatures" of vehicles and had him do one of my truck. I think it came out great and it's accurate right down to the old style Boyds Smoothie rims. I love it and I may may have him do one of a couple vehicles I don't have anymore. The guy also threw in a handful of 3x5-ish stickers of the same art.

Needs your avatar dog with his head hanging out the passenger side window.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Needs your avatar dog with his head hanging out the passenger side window.

I never took a picture of Sooner, my avatar dog in the ‘55. But I DID take one of my little boy, Joey the toy poodle. I never expected to have or love a tiny dog. But he and his litter mate sister, Sugar were rescues and were sweet, devoted souls.
Here's Joey in 2019 at the dog park in Pasadena. He LOVED riding in "his" truck. I miss you my little Joe!

 

[Swanny1953]

Dan, the drawing is cool. How about a link to his site?
Thanks.

 

[BSAschields]

Took the '55 out to lunch alone today. My girlfriend is out of town visiting her son about 250 miles north. Fortunately I was able to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant.

Love the truck. One of my dream cars... Ive got 4 grand kids and only two cars to leave them. So far.... Trifive truck or car and a TROG style hot rod are my goals before I get to old to enjoy them myself... SInce Ive wanted those since I was a kid... It'll be like passing on a part of me...

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Dan, the drawing is cool. How about a link to his site?
Thanks.

Sorry, there's no link. He's on Facebook and his name is Craig Augustin if you want to reach him you'd have to do it there I guess. He's been very nice, very easy to deal with. Best of luck.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Love the truck. One of my dream cars... Ive got 4 grand kids and only two cars to leave them. So far.... Trifive truck or car and a TROG style hot rod are my goals before I get to old to enjoy them myself... SInce Ive wanted those since I was a kid... It'll be like passing on a part of me...

I've got six grandkids from 2-1/2 to 16 years old. I won't leave any cars for them but if I did it would not be the '55. Too fast/dangerous and I doubt they'd appreciate its, I don't know...."specialness". It'd be like a Mustang to them probably, sort of "disposable"..... especially after I'm gone. If I live long enough I'll sell it and leave them the money.

 

[BSAschields]

Valid points Dan,I have also thought of that as well... After all my first two cars were both muscle cars. I demolished the second one and the first one put me in the hospital for two weeks... I certainly would not be giving them as their first cars... Just as momentos I guess.. The 62 Vette that I have was my father's . He bought it when I was 3 years old I a lot of my childhood memories revolve around that car.. Just taking it out for ice cream or to the swimming pool in the next town over... I had to beg him to take it out of the garage on a sunny day... But what great memories... Not only would I be passing on a piece of me but a piece of his as well.... Maybe Im too sentimental . They can sell them if they want too but they will be able to say that they owned them even if briefly. BUT more importantly ... I will hopefully have time to enjoy my life long dream cars too...

These reason are also why Im not passing on my motorcycles to them directly... My son wants one of them for the same reasons I gave about the corvette. But Im not pushing any of that on anyone... Motorcycles are dangerous , Even though I ride them all of the world and I really wish they could be part of the joy I get from that experience... I still have plenty of time ... (I hope)

 

[GN4WHLN]

Hey

Thanks for the good review. As I understand it I can't "run the [whole] house" with one without installing a "transfer switch" - I'm not too sure what that is and I'd have to get an electrician to do it. Because we now have solar panels that adds another complication to that idea. I plan to use it with a few appliances plugged in to it directly.

Hey Dan,
I have a generator setup at my home which runs almost everything. My wife can put it into service if I am not home too. I live a little East of you, in Alta Loma (Rancho Cucamonga), so our power has been out a bunch of times over the past few weeks.
What I am running is an HF 4000 watt generator which connects to a plug which is wired into my panel and is on its own breaker. If the power goes off, I plug it in, switch off the main, switch on the breaker for the generator, and everything in the house is powered and there is no backfeed to the SCE line. This generator isn’t going to run our AC, but it can run the fan for our heat. Appliances have to be run selectively, but we have our fridge up, run the coffeemaker, lights, security cameras, and television at the same time with no issue. The bathroom is lit for getting ready and my wife can use the hair drier, so this covers most bases.
My son needs a generator, so I am going to give him this one and buy a new HF 13000 watt, trifuel, electric start generator to replace it. I should be able to run a microwave or the air frier after that. I’ll fuel it off our natural gas which will make the whole thing even easier.
Below are some pictures of how I set things up. When I replace the panel, I’ll get one with an interlock, so it’s compliant, but for now this works fine. It wasn’t a lot of work, or materials, but it really is good to have if the power goes out. This red flag stuff won’t be going away any time soon.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks for the info and the pictures. Because we have solar panels now I understand I would need to have an electrician install a "transfer switch". Right now I don't want to spend the money AND my experience with solar companies we had to deal with while the system was being installed was terrible so I'm not anxious to re-engage with ANY solar contractor.

 

[N2rockets]

Dont many Glendora homes have basements / bunkers? Heard that somewhere recently...

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Dont many Glendora homes have basements / bunkers? Heard that somewhere recently...

None that I know of in my neighborhood.

 

[PugetDude]

Dont many Glendora homes have basements / bunkers? Heard that somewhere recently...

None that I know of in my neighborhood.

That's because they're bunkers.

 

[M.Brane]

I think Dan's neighborhood is too new for bomb shelters. May be some in Azusa/Covina.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Got back to my older sister's "new" garage. Painting & cabinet installation was on post #1878.

Had to move around a lot of **** to prep & paint the opposite wall. The foundation stem wall is an abomination full of "bug holes" - TERRIBLY consolidated concrete. I ended up just applying more paint to cover the holes. In my sister's words, "It's just a garage". She doesn't relate to GarageJournal ideas of garage importance so doesn't know that's heresy! ha ha

Ok, here's the Before and After. The pink spots are some minor spackle I will sand & repaint tomorrow.

There is a "box" in the corner that houses the gas meter. The capped piping was for the old owner's water softener - now removed. - It leaked(?) and the drywall sides are trashed. I'll replace them tomorrow with 3/4" plywood. I'll make it as presentable as I can but again, "...just a garage!" rings in my ears.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

That bollard is ugly. No idea why it's so "lumpy" for lack of a better word. The bottom is rusty because of spilled salt used in the softener(?) I'll do what I can with it. Some Rustoleum then a final coat of..... no idea what.

 

[kaymccampbell]

That bollard is ugly. No idea why it's so "lumpy" for lack of a better word. The bottom is rusty because of spilled salt used in the softener(?) I'll do what I can with it. Some Rustoleum then a final coat of..... no idea what.

It's the concrete fill that dropped down the sides.

Rustoleum is an acceptable finish.

 

[kaymccampbell]

There is a "box" in the corner that houses the gas meter. The capped piping was for the old owner's water softener - now removed. - It leaked(?) and the drywall sides are trashed. I'll replace them tomorrow with 3/4" plywood. I'll make it as presentable as I can but again, "...just a garage!" rings in my ears.

Just tear off the drywall and call it good. Gas meters need to be accessible.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just tear off the drywall and call it good. Gas meters need to be accessible.

Agreed on the concrete spill and the jerks didn't bother to wipe it off before painting, sheesh.

The gas meter faces left toward a small door on the outside of the garage. I think that's weird but oh well. I'll just rebuild the box with some existing 3/4" plywood I already have. The 2x4 framing appears to be solid....but of course we'll see when I get elbows deep into it.

 

[M.Brane]

Gas meter inside the garage seems odd never seen that. Was it once a carport?

 

[larry4406]

Gas meter inside the garage seems odd never seen that. Was it once a carport?

My parents house built in 1959-62 time frame in Northen VA has the gas meter in the basement.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Gas meter inside the garage seems odd never seen that. Was it once a carport?

Nope.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Removed the thrashed drywall in post #1906 above and replaced with plywood. The 2x4 structural box was surprisingly in good condition. Inside was a semi disaster. Shop vac'd it clean but re-lining it with concrete board is a project for another day.

I cut the plywood to fit around the abandoned water softener lines. It would have been better to remove those lines but again - a project for another day. While I was at it I stripped the lumpy **** off the bollard. Hitting it with a hammer got 90% of it, a little scraper action and it was clean enough. I have some 10 year old Rustoleum Hammer finish paint that I used on my '55 truck frame when it was first purchased. It seems to still be good.



Also, the garage slab-to-stem-wall joint needed caulk to keep out bugs, maybe rodents. I masked it trying for a clean line. After it dries I'll re-mask and paint the bottom of the stem wall and caulk. The bollard will be painted but the Rusto is oil-based so I'll do that last - I ALWAYS get paint on my clothes. Hopefully it'll look ok but at least it'll look better! Next week we'll move out the washer & dryer, clear off that back wall and finish painting. The black vertical line had Torx screw clamps and I hadn't brought mine or I'd have painted behind it - I'll get back to that. I'll also mask and caulk the cracks radiating from the bollard.

 

[M.Brane]

Big improvement already

I have a similar thing in my garage that's like that platform for the water heater. Eventually the WH will get relocated so the ugly will just go away, and I'll have more room for tools.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Big improvement already

I have a similar thing in my garage that's like that platform for the water heater. Eventually the WH will get relocated so the ugly will just go away, and I'll have more room for tools.

Thanks!
It would be nice to have this whole corner of her garage "liberated". It's held hostage by the water heater and the builder not putting the gas meter outside of the garage. They must have done that because the wall on the left (in the photo) is the wall you walk along to the entrance to the town house. Out there it'd be in a narrow flower border - which I think would have been fine - but I guess aesthetically they didn't. There are dozens of townhomes in this development so building a little structural box with a door in the stucco seems like a pretty big unnecessary expense. Oh well. There is no place to move the water heater so as the ridiculous saying now goes, "It is what it is".

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

ALMOST done with my sister's garage. The back wall had a TON of **** on it around the washer/dryer. The small side wall had a giant, well made plywood cabinet that had never been painted so it looked bad.

I sprayed the whole thing to get the job done faster. I need to wrap it up - I have my front yard partial redo planned.
I had a very old Wagner "Heavy Duty" sprayer that literally fell apart in my hands - trash. Must have been 40+ years old! During my Home Depot supply run I bought a new Wagner Flexio 2500 Sprayer. The new one worked pretty good. NOT as fast as a full size airless sprayer - I have one that's 20 years old now - but it needs a new nozzle, is big and clunky and is a PITA to clean up. This one was very easy to use.

Blah, blah, blah - here are some pictures. I should have taken a picture before we put all her "stuff" on top of the gas meter box in the corner and the 2 carts in the middle. But her beloved treadmill is finally ready to use.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Oh and the bollard that looked like hell? I chipped off all the lumpiness and painted with Rustoleum Hammer finish paint. Did that last since it's oil based and I KNEW I'd get it all over myself. SO much better now.

 

[M.Brane]

I would have done yellow on the bollard, but it still looks way better. Your truck on the other hand is stunning. Much sanding was involved I think.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I would have done yellow on the bollard, but it still looks way better. Your truck on the other hand is stunning. Much sanding was involved I think.

Thanks for the kind words. The bollard got whatever paint I already had in my cabinet. I had half quart of this Rustoleum Hammered finish and an unused pint of Rustoleum silver.

Interestingly, that hammered finish is what I first used on my '55's frame when it was in its "shop truck" look. I'd just removed the rotten bed wood and had NO plans to do a frame off job then. I bought a quart of it, I did absolutely ZERO prep of any kind. I didn't even dust off the flange. I painted a few feet of it with a 50 cent throw away foam "brush" and that stuff got HARD! Absolutely rock hard. Years later when the frame was sandblasted and powder coated the sandblaster guy even commented about it. "What did you put on that flange? It took a long time to get it to come off!" Today I had the idea of using the little can of silver to paint stripes on it - my sister nixed that idea!