This Falcon 36x48 garage project . . . . .

[big_dan]

So, broke ground a few weeks ago on my shop after years of threatening. Raining here in SE TN, so I can't accomplish anything, so let's get this build thread started. My wife told me I'd better get started before I turn 40, but I think her goal was to keep me building and out of the woods this deer season . . . . . Not gonna happen - I can multi-task! Regardless, I've always had side projects going on, but lately I've spent more time tripping over myself than actually getting something accomplished. I have a 26x32 garage and a 26x26 attached carport already but they're just too busy to get work done, so this is the final solution.

Plans are for a 36X48 stick built shop, 2x6 walls, 12' ceiling, with (2) 10' garage doors and a "workshop" on one side that'll leave 36x36 wide open. I'll do everything myself except finish the concrete; about 12x24 is the most I can finish on my own, so I'll need a little help there.

So, without further ado, I'll get started.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

First few pics are site layout. Shop doors will be to the right (east) side of the layout. Footings will be 14" deep, 24" wide, 4000# mix with #5 rebar.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Next few pics are of the first footings dug and first concrete. I can only get a concrete truck in from the east side of the yard, so I poured the south, west and north wall footings first. Used bulkheads at the ends and hung my rebar out 3' to give a good lap to tie to on the east wall footing, plus I'll dowel/epoxy in a few more bars in the joints just for overkill.

Last pic if of the first pour; my figures showed I'd need 9.8 yards. So, I bit the bullet and ordered one truck. The splash of concrete in the center is all that was left of a full rig, so got pretty lucky (or good?) on that one.

Dan

 

[kimberlinheightsrodkustom]

Good progress, where in Tennessee are you? I live in Seymour south knox area...

 

[big_dan]

Up to current day - Corner blocks are in. Laying the block thus far reminded me of why I'm not a block mason . . . . . It's a fairly deceptive grade but the footings step down 3 times going from the NE corner to the SW corner. Final finished floor elevation will be at the middle of the top block in the SW corner, so it's easy to see the grade differences that way. And a pic of my new toy bought specifically for this project. . . . . . .

Dan

 

[vekster]

nice start, keep the pics coming

 

[big_dan]

I'm in McMinn County about 45 minutes SW of Knoxville. And a few last pics; my two toys that'll end up getting finished here when I get it built.

The 65 Falcon, in progress. New floor lowered a bit for me (I'm 6'6"), roll cage, lowback Kirkeys, 351C with long tube headers, TKO500, minitub and 4-link out back, custom front bumper by me, blah blah blah. I've been building this for quite a few years and every nut and bolt will be EXACTLY what I want - no compromising on this one. I've replaced a ton of sheet metal too, built a cowl hood, etc.

The 53 3100 is a truck that was my Dad's for 20 years or so then became mine when he retired; thanks Dad! Currently a clean little driver, sitting on an early 80's frame, 4.3 carbed/350 turbo. Sips gas, just a fun little truck. When the 65 is pounding the streets, the 53 will go under the knife for a full chassis build, 6.0LS, TKO, etc. Mean.

And of course the side projects that'll come through that are already waiting.

Here we go.

Dan

 

[kimberlinheightsrodkustom]

good looking rides, been down your way a time or 3....

 

[big_dan]

I should probably have included a planned layout, so here's a quick sketch.

Not sure how everyone else does it, but I've built enough to forgo hiring an engineer; nothing fancy here; so Excel, with rows and columns set at the correct width, makes for an easy to use planning tool that pretty much everyone has at their fingertips. Makes it easy to figure what exactly a person needs, almost perfectly scaled.

The green area will be lockable storage, approximately 8x18. Blue will be workbenches, then of course a 4x4 and 4x8 heavy plate fab tables. The 8 grids to the right are 6x16 footprints of my projects to see what kind of room I'd need. I won't cram 8 cars in there of course, but it shows the deciding reason for the 36' depth. The lower wall in the sketch is the "East" wall I referred to above.

Thanks for looking.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

So I have a 4 day weekend and the first few days it rains. Oh well. But, had some time this morning amongst other "responsibilities" (it is deer season, after all) but made a little progress. I'd like to get a few more block laid in a day, but straight/level/plumb is better. That's what I get for not being a mason.

Moving along.

Dan

 

[larry_g]

Looking good. Same size as mine and similar ideas to door placement and work area. I chose to completely close off the work area to make a 'clean' space for the machine tools. It also looks like your avoiding the mistake I made by putting the OH door to close to the end wall. I also think you need to take your 6x16 squares and make them at least 12x20 to be considered a work area. To me 6x16 could only be long term storage.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[big_dan]

Larry -

The 6x16 was just to get an overall feel for the interior size and make sure I wouldn't have a car hanging out the door. I agree on the work space sizes; there'll be an outside covered slab later also after we're dried in here. Thanks for the pointers -

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Continuing on the block work. Not being a mason and doing this myself has proven to be at a slower speed than I want . . . . but, progress is still progress. Those of you that have laid block will understand the significance of connecting the first two corners (my west wall, the longest with the most block) with a perfect 36 block fit; no pieces of block or super-tight mortar joints. I'll try not to post too many pics but moving right along.

And; larry_g, I've viewed your build thread several times and may borrow your "2x12" stud wall idea later on - looks good.

Thanks for looking.

Dan

 

[BellyUpFish]

What made you go 36x48 rather than 40x50?

 

[big_dan]

What made you go 36x48 rather than 40x50?

Lot size and future plans the wife and I have. I could maybe stretch to 36x52 but I'd be getting closer to the house than I wanted. Plus 36x48 is fairly efficient as far as materials go. Less scrap.

Dan

 

[rarebreed]

More Pics of the Falcon please

 

[big_dan]

More Pics of the Falcon please

I'll have to see what I can dig up and ill post a few build pics. Right now that last pic is fairly current; I was block sanding when I decided to pull the trigger on the shop here. More to come.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Here you go rarebreed. A few random pics from the 65 Falcon project; still a long way to go though.

The first pic shows the rotisserie I built and shows the 4 link attachments, mini-tubs, sub frame connectors, new floor, etc. 2nd pic shows the new floor lowered a little for me (i'm 6'6" and wanted a little more head room) and the custom tunnel for the TKO 500. 3rd pic is my favorite; long tube 2" headers for a 351C with the stock 65 V8 suspension - those took me a little while. Still a long way to go, but I'll be hammering gears soon enough.

Now to ease outside and lay a few more block.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

And the weather here in SE TN has finally given me a break. Last part of the footer is dug and rebar in. I'll form the steps tomorrow and be ready for a Thursday a.m. pour - the earliest I could get. Moving along.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

And the first 15 yards is poured. Footers complete, now to finish the block and start fill work.

Sorry if I'm boring everyone; it'll pick up here pretty quick now I hope. Plus I like pics.

Dan

 

[larry_g]

What made you go 36x48 rather than 40x50?

In my case on a pole building going with dimensions that are divisible by 2, 3, & 4 makes for little/no waste. Side metal comes in 3' wide sections.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[big_dan]

West wall block complete. I've got to learn how to lay block FASTER.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

North and West walls complete, South wall in progress. Lot's of life to get in the way sometimes it seems, but, still moving ahead.

Dan

 

[bolensboneyard]

Dan I have a 1964 Futura two door that I am not going to build now that I am doing the GT mustang. If you are interested send me a private mail. Also have sprint package. Bobby P.S. I have the Model A Ford Garage in the garage gallery if you want to check it out and the work I do on them and the Mustangs.

 

[big_dan]

Moving along. Should finish the block this week then on to fill/slab. Thanks for looking.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Ok - Block is finished. Setting anchors, should start fill/backfill after Thanksgiving. Stuck the 2500 HD inside for a photo op - tailgate is still a foot from the back wall. Should start speeding up now.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Another step complete. Fill is finished. Due to the local equipment rental house only having wheeled (not tracked) skid steers, I had to remove the grass by hand which made for a tired couple of days. 80 tons of 57 stone (3/4") filled to grade level now. Plans are for a 5" slab, reinforced on 2' centers. Moving along.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Concrete tomorrow. . . . . .

 

[big_dan]

Trying to resolve some pic issues so sizes may be a little wrong, but, pour complete.

 

[big_dan]

Still trying to figure out some issues with resizing pics on photobucket. We'll get it figured out soon I hope. . . . .

Dan

 

[BellyUpFish]

How are you doing the doors? I'm hoping to get going on my 36x48 soon.

 

[matt_i]

Looks good! The dirt and concrete work seem to take a very long time, but, worth it in the end

 

[big_dan]

Progress has been slow, both due to weather and the fact that I work alone in the mornings before work most of the time. Still on schedule, though.

Garage doors will be commercial roll-up drum doors, 10x10. You should be able to see the openings in the pic.

Should be finished framing in the next few weeks then trusses and dried in soon after. Goal is the end of March, so we're looking good time wise for now . . . .

Ordered windows today too.

Thanks for looking.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Walls closing in slowly but surely. Both 10x10 doors framed in.

Dan

 

[big_dan]

Framing complete. Trusses are unfortunately going to be a little wait (3 week lead time) but not too bad.

Closer every day.

Again, that's me in the pic for reference.

Dan

 

[ALinCarolina]

Looking good. Keep up the posts. I'm still in planning stages myself on a stick built so wanting to learn as much as possible from your build.

 

[big_dan]

Went ahead and built a road in preps for the truss delivery at the end of the month. And if I have a road, might as well test fit the 53 3100 . . . . .

Dan

 

[Kevkx125]

What style of truss's are you using?

 

[big_dan]

What style of truss's are you using?

Standard trusses, 4:12 pitch (matches my house), 2' rafter tails. Figured no need to get fancy with 12' ceilings already.

Dan

 

[Kevkx125]

Cool thanks.