ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[PugetDude]

On a side note, I have somewhat of a confession to make. Many will want to sit down for this one if you've followed my thread for any length of time and know how I feel about battery powered tools.....
Oh HELL no Cam. Let's just say I dipped my big toe in the dark water and call it good.

Sorry, Mike. You dipped that toe into the M12 dark water voluntarily... You're going to be jonesing for more... Wearing a disguise when you drive across town so nobody recognizes you when you buy that M12 cordless right angle die grinder.."just one more, I can stop any time I want..." But then the siren song calls.. and you find yourself online...searching "M12". Down the slippery slope you go, ashamed and euphoric at the same time.

"I'm Mike and I am an M12aholic"

"Welcome, Mike!"

 

[zmotorsports]

Sorry, Mike. You dipped that toe into the M12 dark water voluntarily... You're going to be jonesing for more... Wearing a disguise when you drive across town so nobody recognizes you when you buy that M12 cordless right angle die grinder.."just one more, I can stop any time I want..." But then the siren song calls.. and you find yourself online...searching "M12". Down the slippery slope you go, ashamed and euphoric at the same time.

"I'm Mike and I am an M12aholic"

"Welcome, Mike!"

Now that was funny as hell Scott. Can't say I thought of it in quite that light, but I guess it could be viewed as such. I actually won't be buying any more as I don't have any room in my toolbox. I am literally "at capacity" in my powered tool drawer. Tools have to be situated just so in order to close the drawer so therefore I cannot purchase any additional. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

That being said, you have quite an impressive Milwaukee wall there.

 

[PugetDude]

Still have an open space on the lower left corner....

 

[ntsqd]

They'll make another tool box....

 

[GRN96WS6]

I'm surprised you are so against or apprehensive on battery tools, they are a GODSEND for the average home mechanic. I have a compressor 33Gal with air tools but it's such a pain to get them out and fire up the compressor (I don't use it enough to leave it full all the time). I have Milwaukee 1/2" Impact and ratchet, 3/8" ratchet, and a 1/4" impact driver, I use them 99.9% of the time working on my cars and have only had one time they didn't work on a wheel bearing.

 

[WoodsTruck]

I never knew how much I'd like having an LED light illuminating the work piece. My air tools are lacking in the lumen dept.

 

[JCQuick]

Mike my son got me a 3/8" Snapon battery powered impact about 4 years ago. When it comes to going racing it goes along mostly in case of having to change a trailer tire. Most handyest tool i have ever had .Of course he has purachced a few more since then. I only use air for blowing stuff off andDie grinders and the Bead blaster

 

[zmotorsports]

They'll make another tool box....

I'm certain they do, but I don't have any more room for another one, nor the budget. The one I have is overflowing into other areas as is so not looking to purchase another one. This one will last me the rest of my life and probably my son's and grandson's.

I'm surprised you are so against or apprehensive on battery tools, they are a GODSEND for the average home mechanic. I have a compressor 33Gal with air tools but it's such a pain to get them out and fire up the compressor (I don't use it enough to leave it full all the time). I have Milwaukee 1/2" Impact and ratchet, 3/8" ratchet, and a 1/4" impact driver, I use them 99.9% of the time working on my cars and have only had one time they didn't work on a wheel bearing.

I'm stubborn. Still use air every day in my shop as it is active anytime I'm in the shop, so it isn't an issue to just grab a hose from the reel and connect tools. Personally, I'm not a fan of things that require batteries and have to replace them over time. I'm more of a buy once cry once so I prefer air tools for that reason. The few cordless tools I have will surely get used but no plans to acquire more.

 

[ntsqd]

I get it. It's funny how our work methods embrace the available tools, or more specifically those tools that we're used to and comfortable with. Really doesn't matter what sorts of compromises any particular tool brings to the job, we're used to that set of compromises and are comfortable with them. When one of those expected tools is not available for any reason you may as well just put the wheel weights randomly where ever you want because nothing is going to go smoothly and the whole process becomes discombobulated.

........ My air tools are lacking in the lumen dept.

This is brilliant!

 

[mike528]

Sorry, Mike. You dipped that toe into the M12 dark water voluntarily... You're going to be jonesing for more... Wearing a disguise when you drive across town so nobody recognizes you when you buy that M12 cordless right angle die grinder.."just one more, I can stop any time I want..." But then the siren song calls.. and you find yourself online...searching "M12". Down the slippery slope you go, ashamed and euphoric at the same time.

"I'm Mike and I am an M12aholic"

"Welcome, Mike!"

"No Ragrets"

 

[rattle_snake]

M12 RA die grinder so good I bought two.

 

[PugetDude]

M12 RA die grinder so good I bought two.

Same here. And a M12 straight die grinder to keep them company.
The right angle grinders run 2" flap discs or Scotchbrite pads, the straight always has a mounted stone or a carbide burr.
I have a noisy 33 gallon compressor that I seldom use.

 

[PugetDude]

Sorry for the thread drift. Now, back to our regularly scheduled pneumatic-powered adventure.

 

[goldtang]

I get it. It's funny how our work methods embrace the available tools, or more specifically those tools that we're used to and comfortable with. Really doesn't matter what sorts of compromises any particular tool brings to the job, we're used to that set of compromises and are comfortable with them. When one of those expected tools is not available for any reason you may as well just put the wheel weights randomly where ever you want because nothing is going to go smoothly and the whole process becomes discombobulated.


This is brilliant!

 

[4 FN 27]

While I don't see myself buying any more at this time, I must admit I see myself using the ones I have a bit more in the future.

We use to measure the complexity of a project in the shop by the number of Hoses and Cords running to it.

All I use now is Cordless stuff. Rarely do the Air Hoses and Cords get strewn across the floor now days...well until yesterday.

I had to drill a hole in a minimal vertical clearance under the Tool Box/Shelf I built for the Logan Trailer. Had to breakout the old Milwaukee 90° Drill. That meant finding the Extension Cord too not to mention a Chuck Key. I though to myself it is time to buy a 90° Cordless Drill.

 

[ntsqd]

This is/was my set-up for boring out the D60 spindles to take 35 spline shafts. I would not attempt it using a cordless drill motor. It is my grandfather's Craftsman 1/2" drill motor. Under a little load it runs about 100 RPM, which is exactly the ideal speed for the Hougen cutter that I used. I could run it for 2-3 mins at a time before it started to get too hot. None of my cordless drill motors would do that, that is both go that slow and run that long at that speed. Even my much newer Holeshooter did not want to do that.
Choose the best tool for the job.

 

[WoodsTruck]

This is/was my set-up for boring out the D60 spindles to take 35 spline shafts... It is my grandfather's Craftsman 1/2" drill motor.

My dad has a gear reduction drill similar to that. The trigger lock was in a bad spot on the handle so it always engaged. We would always have to place the work piece just at the extent of the cord so if the drill got caught it would automatically unplug itself as the drill motor would spin the entire drill out of your hands. We hated using it, but sometimes that was the tool for the job.

 

[ntsqd]

Same, same with this drill. Being left-handed the trigger lock is right under my index finger. Pulling the trigger pre-loads the lock. Grandad had a healthy respect for that drill motor, never let the kid version of me use it. He was afraid that if it caught that it would break something in me.
I haven't found it to be nearly as fearsome as that. I can hold it when it snags and not have it wrap me around it. If it caught me unaware or not paying attention then it sure could do some damage.

 

[zmotorsports]

Sorry for the thread drift. Now, back to our regularly scheduled pneumatic-powered adventure.

No worries Scott. I figured I opened myself up for criticism about still using air tools.

 

[Bob Heine]

I though to myself it is time to buy a 90° Cordless Drill.

Pat, it's probably not big enough for you but I use my M12 90° 1/4" hex drive impact all the time. There are all kinds of drill, Torx, sockets and screwdriver bits available in hex drive. Used it yesterday to remove a bunch of screws under the Corvette. Didn't need to jack the car up and it went so fast I felt guilty not using a socket on a ratchet.

I figured I opened myself up for criticism about still using air tools.

Mike, no criticism at all. The air tools are an extension of you and the work you do every day. I also know you carry great tool kits in your vehicles. A few compact battery tools would be a logical extension, especially when you're out in the middle of nowhere with the motorhome. An impact and a drill might come in handy. Having a generator means recharging batteries would be no problem.

 

[ntsqd]

I carry most of my cordless tools in Snowball, BUT I own most of them because I use that truck to support desert racers. I even found that Milwaukee makes an M18/M12 charger that plugs into a PowerPoint, so I have one of them too. Were it not for that use I likely would only have the M18 impact and the M12 Drill/Driver set.
A non Milwaukee 'tool' that I stumbled onto that has proven to be really handy is this: https://www.roughcountry.com/product/led-outdoor-light-kit-99025 It runs off of a PowerPoint, but I'm working on being able to power it with an M12 battery.

Given the air ride under the Coach I'd expect that it has a serious compressor on-board. Can likely run anything likely to ever be needed off of that air system. Except for maybe the 3/4" or 1" impact likely needed for those lug nuts. To a light duty vehicles guy, those torque specs are crazy!!!

 

[4 FN 27]

Pat, it's probably not big enough for you but I use my M12 90° 1/4" hex drive impact all the time. There are all kinds of drill, Torx, sockets and screwdriver bits available in hex drive. Used it yesterday to remove a bunch of screws under the Corvette. Didn't need to jack the car up and it went so fast I felt guilty not using a socket on a ratchet.

Thanks @Bob Heine...not sure if the Hex Drive Drills will fit on my Darex Sharpener for fresh sharp points???

The 90° Heads are a handy tool to have. In the early days I wore out a few Air Ratchets and scuffed a few fenders along the way with the dreaded hose to run them.

Mike, no criticism at all. The air tools are an extension of you and the work you do every day. I also know you carry great tool kits in your vehicles. A few compact battery tools would be a logical extension, especially when you're out in the middle of nowhere with the motorhome. An impact and a drill might come in handy. Having a generator means recharging batteries would be no problem.

I have a "Cordless" Bag with a 1/2" Drill, a 3/8 Impact Batteries and Charger that I move to whatever mode of transportation we are venturing out with. They have come in handy.

Back in the racing days the Cordless Tools were a game changer in the turnaround time getting the car prepped for the next round. 4 Cordless Impacts total on the car and a couple in the Trailer.

 

[RickP]

Nice work on the coach maintenance -- it looks ready for another summer of adventures.

With the rocker cover cleaned and the old gasket removed it was time to install the new gasket. I am still impressed with how clean the inside of this engine looks with over 3k hours on it.

I think most of us know exactly why your coach's generator is so clean inside!

 

[zmotorsports]

I carry most of my cordless tools in Snowball, BUT I own most of them because I use that truck to support desert racers. I even found that Milwaukee makes an M18/M12 charger that plugs into a PowerPoint, so I have one of them too. Were it not for that use I likely would only have the M18 impact and the M12 Drill/Driver set.
A non Milwaukee 'tool' that I stumbled onto that has proven to be really handy is this: https://www.roughcountry.com/product/led-outdoor-light-kit-99025 It runs off of a PowerPoint, but I'm working on being able to power it with an M12 battery.

Given the air ride under the Coach I'd expect that it has a serious compressor on-board. Can likely run anything likely to ever be needed off of that air system. Except for maybe the 3/4" or 1" impact likely needed for those lug nuts. To a light duty vehicles guy, those torque specs are crazy!!!

The coach's air system integrated fully throughout the chassis with the air compressor itself driven off the engine. I installed a port in the storage compartment just behind the driver's steer tire to connect an air hose for things like tires, etc. but very seldom find myself using it. Did the same thing on our last coach and I don't think I ever used it

When hauling the enclosed race trailer around for all those years I had an air compressor permanently mounted that we ran our air tools off of while at the track, dunes or for sledding so cordless tools weren't even on my radar at that time, but we've been out of that scene for at least 12 years now.

 

[zmotorsports]

Nice work on the coach maintenance -- it looks ready for another summer of adventures.

I think most of us know exactly why your coach's generator is so clean inside!

Thanks Rick. While I was quite impressed with the inside of the engine, I wish the exterior looked a bit better. The Onan cabinet has seen a rough life and much of that was before we took ownership as I think this coach spent the first 4 or 5 years of its life on the coast.

I keep telling myself I am going to pull the generator one day, sand it down and give it a paint job but can't seem to bring myself to go through all of that work for the cosmetics of something that is never seen under the coach. The main thing in my minds is that it is mechanically sound and performs as designed at a moments notice.

I appreciate the comments and thanks for continuing to follow along Rick.

 

[RickP]

I keep telling myself I am going to pull the generator one day, sand it down and give it a paint job but can't seem to bring myself to go through all of that work for the cosmetics of something that is never seen under the coach.

That's the hard part about cosmetic projects -- deciding which ones are worth the time. Have you thought about refreshing the paint with the generator in place? I just did that on an aluminum engine block in a 25-year old car. It's not up to your usual standards, but it definitely looks better than the old flaking paint I removed.

 

[zmotorsports]

That's the hard part about cosmetic projects -- deciding which ones are worth the time. Have you thought about refreshing the paint with the generator in place? I just did that on an aluminum engine block in a 25-year old car. It's not up to your usual standards, but it definitely looks better than the old flaking paint I removed.

To be honest, knowing I would probably never pull the generator unless it failed and needed to be removed, as I was running the overhead on it last week I was looking at what would be required to do just that. I think I could cover the front of the coach with a plastic body bag enough to protect the paint, I could wire wheel the frame of the generator down and run a DA over the panels enough to put a fairly decent coat of paint on it. I added it to my "to do" list but assigned it a low priority number for when I get caught up on everything else I have to do. Maybe I'll get to one weekend this summer if I run into a weekend that I don't have anything else to do.

 

[fouckhest]

I thought of you this weekend, Mike. I was out running some errands Saturday morning, on my way home, pulling out of a parts store, I see a bit motor coach pulling a double stack, triple axle trailer, certainly heading to the local drag strip that is in ear shot from my house. As we both hit the next stop light, I look over, mostly to admire the trailer, but look at the coach, and it is a Dynasty Monaco, (or something that began with "M"), regardless, it's paint/finish was ROUGH, clear coat peeling, it was looking pretty pitiful.

Made me realize, how much work you put into your rig to keep it in such good shape, certainly not an easy task and something to be proud of to have a 20yr old example looking like new.

 

[zmotorsports]

I thought of you this weekend, Mike. I was out running some errands Saturday morning, on my way home, pulling out of a parts store, I see a bit motor coach pulling a double stack, triple axle trailer, certainly heading to the local drag strip that is in ear shot from my house. As we both hit the next stop light, I look over, mostly to admire the trailer, but look at the coach, and it is a Dynasty Monaco, (or something that began with "M"), regardless, it's paint/finish was ROUGH, clear coat peeling, it was looking pretty pitiful.

Made me realize, how much work you put into your rig to keep it in such good shape, certainly not an easy task and something to be proud of to have a 20yr old example looking like new.

Thank you for recognizing that and commenting. Many people don't realize what it takes to keep one of these things not only running in top condition, but looking their best until they either have one or know someone close who does. I've seen my share of people buy them and only own them for a short time because of the dedication required in such an investment. By investment I mean, fun because they are definitely NOT and investment being a depreciating asset. I can't comment on how others feel about them, but for me it's a labor of love.

 

[Just Fishing]

On a side note, I have somewhat of a confession to make. Many will want to sit down for this one if you've followed my thread for any length of time and know how I feel about battery powered tools.

I almost hate to admit this; now while I am not "all in" on the battery powered scene, I can attest that over the past couple of months I have used the few battery powered tools I have much more than I have in the past.

It all started with the structural upgrades I did on the landing in the house garage before I handed it off to my nephew. I started out using my Milwaukee M18 powered drill motor and although for small jobs it works okay as a driver, I realized that for anything more than a few screws it really isn't the right tool for the job. I also knew that I wouldn't be using it long term for driving construction screws so I did a bit of research into what I could use for the construction portion then continue using in the shop. I figured a nice bit driver would serve dual purpose, so I purchased a 12V Fuel impact bit driver. I figured after getting the garage completed, I could use it for small tasks such as underhood fasteners, clamps, etc.

I have been quite impressed with the power and especially battery life on this little tool. After finishing up my small portion of the garage work, I have been using this bit driver as well as a few of my other battery powered tools during much of the chassis maintenance work on the coach. It has been nice not having to drag an air hose into the coach from the rear engine bay to be used from the bedroom closet and even when working under the coach not having an air hose catch around me while moving about under the coach. The last couple of nights I have used the small Fuel bit driver to remove and then reinstall all of the 6mm flange bolts (10mm head) surrounding the Onan generator cover on our coach. I think there were probably 40+ fasteners that this little tool removed and then reinstalled all on a single battery and it really made the work go quickly. There were a few that due to space constraints that the little bit driver wouldn't fit into, so I used my Snap-on 1/4" extended reach ratchet and that was also a joy to use. I haven't used my cordless tools much as I have always preferred air tools but the few tools I used on these tasks I have to admit, they have gone well. I still had to use air tools for some of the jobs, but the vast majority of the work over the past couple of months have been completed with my cordless tools.

While I don't see myself buying any more at this time, I must admit I see myself using the ones I have a bit more in the future.

I don't even know what to believe any longer.
What's next, a battery powered mower, trimmer, and edger?

 

[zmotorsports]

I don't even know what to believe any longer.
What's next, a battery powered mower, trimmer, and edger?

Oh hell no Chris. I just dipped my big toe into the cordless pond, I haven't jumped in head first.

 

[PugetDude]

A fish rots from the head, a cordless tool addiction starts from a toe.

 

[PhantomEB]

There’s a reason I downsized my air compressor not only once but twice.

still like my IR air tools but cordless sure has taken their place in my garage. Still like my Ridgid tools but since my union gave me a full Milwaukee starter kit, I do look at the red section at Home Depot.

 

[zmotorsports]

I hope everyone had a great weekend. The weather was absolutely beautiful here in Northern Utah over the weekend.

I was able to get most of the garage put back together over the weekend after my son helped me one night last week hang the white MDF board under the mezzanine.

Saturday I was able to get my shop pretty much back to normal working conditions. I still have some oak plywood and hardwood in the shop in which I will be making my doors for the garage from, but all of the OPE, hitches and items from the shelf are at least out of the shop and back in the garage.





This was the most congested area for the past several months as all of our mowers, line trimmers, leaf blower, snowblower, trailer hitches, yard cart and all of the smaller items from the shelf were stacked on my roll-around shelf and bike lift in the shop. It's nice to have this area clean and usable again.


Also, Saturday my Snap-on dealer text me to ask if I was home so he could drop off my 3/4" torque wrench that was sent in for repairs/calibration. He came by and dropped it off which was awfully nice of him seeing as how I wasn't in need of it. He said he knows how I get when tools aren't in their place in my toolbox and thought he'd drop it off as soon as it arrived. Not quite sure what he means by that.


I acquired this used Snap-on TQR600C (200-600 ft/lb.) torque wrench a while back, but the dial didn't match the scale. It must have been a manufacturing or labeling defect. I haven't had it that long, but it bugged the **** out of me. The part # and description in the catalog state it is a 200-600 foot/pound torque wrench, yet the scale didn't match anything, not even n-M (metric). After talking with my Snap-on rep and showing it to him about a month or so ago he said that was not correct and he'd take care of it.


It was sent back with a new dial scale, legend and it was calibrated.


Sunday morning the wife and I sat on the deck and enjoyed our morning coffee looking out over the lawn that I trimmed, edged and mowed on Friday afternoon. The neighbors trees are in full bloom and look amazing. Ours are right there and ready to have the buds open up but not quite. Maybe another week or two.




Thanks for looking.

 

[ScepterToad]

Yard is looking good Mike! I worked all day on mine yesterday just to get it cleaned up and halfway presentable. Planted some grass seed, cleaned out the garden beds. We have 3 dogs in the house now, and they demolish it over winter.

Is that a vintage kids car I spy sitting on the bench? Resto project coming our way?

 

[zmotorsports]

Yard is looking good Mike! I worked all day on mine yesterday just to get it cleaned up and halfway presentable. Planted some grass seed, cleaned out the garden beds. We have 3 dogs in the house now, and they demolish it over winter.

Is that a vintage kids car I spy sitting on the bench? Resto project coming our way?

Thanks Keith. This was the fourth mow of the season, but only the first time I have been able to do the edging and trimming as well. NOW it feels like it is supposed to with clean and squared up edges.

Yes, that is a future project sitting on the fab table. I told the wife I bought our grandson a First Gen Camaro a few weeks ago and she freaked, until she saw it. Then she was ok with the plan.

 

[LXCam]

Looking good Mike. And I’m happy to know you got you torque wrench back.

But what I really want to know about is that PEDDLE CAR.

Normally you do a great job covering up future projects, you must be slipping in your old age

 

[zmotorsports]

Looking good Mike. And I’m happy to know you got you torque wrench back.

But what I really want to know about is that PEDDLE CAR.

Normally you do a great job covering up future projects, you must be slipping in your old age

Thanks Cam. Maybe I'm slipping in my old age, maybe not. This one isn't a secret as the kids know I bought it, and my grandson has already sat in it and played with the steering wheel.

It's not going to be what I would call a restoration. It's a 1967 Camaro pedal car built by Murray, as they seemed to build the majority of them back in the day. Although the Camaro was rarer than some of their other models, it is just a standard Murray V-nose pedal car. It will not be heavily modded, but it is in pretty rough shape so it will need a lot of metal finishing and then I think I'll paint it to match our Fifth Gen with a few custom touches. Nothing elaborate, just a fun toy for the grandson to play with as we seem to have plenty of concrete for him to pedal it around on.

My son and DIL have taken his Radio Flyer wagon home and have been using it for evening walks around their neighborhood now that the spring weather has kicked in here in Northern Utah.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Looks good Mike.
My daughter was coaching volleyball in SLC this weekend. Far cry from Kansas City back in January where they got iced in for a couple extra days. She however got delayed on the way home today as the brakes on the airplane were not functioning correctly so they had to jump planes.

 

[zmotorsports]

Last night upon arriving home I decided to take the coach out for a spin, get it up to operating temperatures and test everything out since I have worked on so many of the systems over the past 5 months. Between new tires, servicing the transmission, engine, generator and running the overhead on the engine and generator as well as replacing all of the ride height linkages I thought it might be a good idea before the first trip out for the season.

Fired up and pulled out of the RV bay while I close up the shop. First time the ole' girl has seen the sunlight this year.


Drove up north about 12 miles or so to a little town called Perry, where I found a large parking lot to whip into and crawl around underneath to make sure everything was good.


Had to snap a few pictures with the snow capped mountains of Northern Utah in the background.



Sure felt good to get behind the wheel of the ole' girl again. I still need to get a coat of polish on the paint but overall she looks pretty good for a 22-year-old coach with just over 140k miles on her. Should still be a lot of life left in her and I can't wait for the first trip of the season coming up.

As I was backing her into the RV bay I noticed how much our lawn greened up just over the past 24-36 hours with all of the rain we had. The trees are also about ready to pop out in full bloom, probably by the weekend.



Thanks for looking.