Was going to wait a little longer to reveal what I've been doing but might as well spread the excitement. As many of you are aware earlier in the year I had to move out of the shop I shared with a friend who owned it, as he decided to sell. This was rather painful not just because I had a nice little setup in there but because I had an enormous stash of cars and no where to put them. So scattered them among garages (thanks Justin). Then I was busy at my real job upgrading to Captain and needed to deal with everything that came with that but also simultaneously looking for places to rent. Was harder than I realized since they were either too expensive and/or wanted crazy insurance, and let's face it, this is a hobby for me, so it was hard to justify spending a certain amount of money to essentially play on my days off. So I kept thinking of ideas and set out to perhaps buy a place. In the end the mortgage is lower than rent and, well, I'd own it. Know a hottie realtor girl and had her send me listings. Then I stumbled across a Craigslist ad from a guy selling a place just north of where the old shop was. Went out to meet the guy and check it out. What he had was a studio apartment on a half acre in the boonies with a 30x40' garage that's fully insulated and has heat and air, and tons of lighting, and two 16x24' car ports, one of which he said he'd put a door on for me to get another garage out of it. Well I made an offer and worked out a deal, basically a 6 month lease then purchase as I save up my pennies. Go to sign a contract with him this week. In the meantime I decided to rent out my condo to help free up cash and figured since this place has an apartment attached I can just live there. The extra cash will afford things like really nice tools too! The condo was snatched up by a guy yesterday and he signs this week. Also took on another project car and that's pretty much all the extra cash I need to buy now rather than later. Shooting to get in there next month and pics to follow.
That's awesome, man! Glad you've found something dual purpose and it sounds like it's better than your old digs. Maybe not as much space as the barn, but probably nicer. Might even be able to make the carport into a paint booth.
Keep us posted. I'm excited to see what comes next.
Good to hear about the new place. Who needs a very big place to sleep if you're always working on cars?
The barn was 40x40 if I'm not mistaken. But I really only had 20x20 of it that was my "area". I'll effectively end up with 56x30' of garage here. This place is definitely nicer. No birds, bees, or horses free roaming around lol. The carport/garage will be perfect for putting the air compressor so the shop is quiet, panel storage, and parking any additional cars I buy. I considered making it a paint booth but really the main shop has windows perfect for setting up fans to make the shop the paint booth. 3 rows of lights on the ceiling already too. I'd only need to move cars out or cover things up that I didn't want overspray on.
Sounds great. One of the advantages of being single is the ability to pick your own living quarters. You will miss your bars in town not being as close but completely worth it.
I plan to live at the shop for a year. That should give me time to buy the things I need. It's pretty cool because my rent from the condo pays for both mortgages and utilities! I still own a 2nd parking spot in town and have a couple places to stay if I feel like having a night out. It's a pretty big sacrifice to move from my highrise.
Congrats!
Perfect place for a single guy who likes cars- a large shop with a small apartment included! 4.gif Can't wait to see the pics of the new crib!
So, now can you fix the roof on Buzz? ;D
Lol yes now I can fix your roof. What's wrong with it?
I'll show you on the Branson trip - the garage door opener hit it while it was up on the lift - twice!
Big gouges running about 2 ft long......
Dents or just gouged?
yes, I'll take a picture for you......
Ah ok. Well not totally horrible. But needs a respray on the roof.
You got three phase power or just 220v? I have a 10 hp compressor for you, just need to figure out power.
Bug question is, when's open house!
He was going to wire in 220 for me but what's the details on this compressor your talking about?
What amperage? 60a or 30a?
Any possibility of bringing in 3phase?
Quote from: 94touring on October 11, 2015, 04:13:59 PM
Ah ok. Well not totally horrible. But needs a respray on the roof.
Yep.
Just let me know when your are ready for my pickup. I will even let you drive it around a little before the resto.
Quote from: Jims5543 on October 12, 2015, 05:57:48 PM
Just let me know when your are ready for my pickup. I will even let you drive it around a little before the resto.
If that's the case drop it off now and I'll drive it till next fall 4.gif. I can't imagine it needs much done. Probably just a refurb/paint job on the body.
Congrats!
A few pics I took today. The guy is moving all his stuff out so it's cluttered at the moment.
Fantastic Space! How tall are the ceilings in the main garage area? Those lean-to's on the sides will be great for storing projects in process or keeping parts cars. Just watch out for rodents.....
Very jealous at the moment...... :(
Good question. My guess is 9 feet but I'll need to measure. There's a 3rd row of lights that were off in the photo as well. The one car port I'll put a garage door on to keep things secure. I'd like to maybe do asphalt and close off the gaps on the bottom. The air compressor and a couple cars will easily fit in it as well. The other one I'm not sure what I'll do with. I suppose I could close it off and use it for storing things I want hidden as well.
He's still moving out but one car in.
Those red bins in the corner going to stay? They could be really useful.....
I see you're getting this rain too.....
Red bins stay!
He about has his crap out.
Now be nice. It is not "crap", it is "stuff". ::)
Pretty soon, you'll be moving your "stuff" in.
;D
God damn, am I ever a sucker for a good looking FD.
Ha, yes they are sexy.
RPF1 as well? I hate you.
Single turbo as well. Hence the username 94touring.
Quote from: 94touring on November 06, 2015, 10:53:52 AM
Single turbo as well. Hence the username 94touring.
Don't make me post my summer toys.
What do you have?
Quote from: 94touring on November 06, 2015, 11:44:47 AM
What do you have?
WHERE DO I START? Too many projects, that's what I have.
5 vehicles, only 1 DD
'96 Mini (obviously)
'99 4Runner - DD
'06 S2000 - Summer car
'12 CBR600RR
'14 Grom MSX125
I can't help but post pics of all this space. Everytime I get a new car in here I have to take photos.
I hate you.
You love me.
Actually, just green with envy.....
(http://media.hollywood.com/images/l/louferr.jpg)
Moving day part 1.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/majourlittle/20151114_105622_zpsitgposw5.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/majourlittle/media/20151114_105622_zpsitgposw5.jpg.html)
The garage mahal has the pickup in it and the compressor to be hooked up.
10 hp on 208/220/240 three phase power is one hell of a lot of compressor - but I don't know how you're going to get it to run on single phase power.
Great to see the P'up in it's new home!
Looks like an extra subframe on the ground there too
Quote from: No_Name_Here on November 14, 2015, 05:37:40 PM
Moving day part 1.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/majourlittle/20151114_105622_zpsitgposw5.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/majourlittle/media/20151114_105622_zpsitgposw5.jpg.html)
I recognize the car in the mirror! ;D
How did it drive?
It kept up really good.
Compressor is a little overkill, but ill swap the motor out for a smaller single phase and drive it a little slower. Fuse box had two 50a breakers tied together which will be perfect for the compressor when I figure out the new anp draw from the junk at my work.
Jesus Man, thats an insane space
Good thing you are collecting all the minis there, There is squat worth buying here, i just found four which is more than I see in a year. Guy has them all stacked in the back of his shop. Nothing sexy except a cooper S thats not for sale. And its rotten
Enjoy mate, Looks awesome.
peter
Pete! Glad you got signed up. Just got the other shell in. One more car yet to arrive.
Panel wall.
Great, you can unpack and stay awhile. 4.gif
Yes! It's nice not sharing space! Here's the "work" area.
Dan, the shop looks like an amazing work space in these pics. Congrats. I have a project for you to test out the new space with. 71.gif
Yes I'm ready for your car!
You know, I think the trailer I'm using is long enough for two Minis.......let me look into that on Sat. The trailer is in Lawrence anyway.....if it is I'll haul Stan's car down there for gas money.
That would be great 4.gif
Dave, that would be great. I will call you and we can get together on this .
John says the trailer isn't long enough for two cars, but I'll check it out on Sat when we load Dan's Clubby on it to haul to my house.
Measuring a clubby wheel base and sedan wheel base, plus taking into account for bumpers being end to end, you need 20' of available floor.
I think your stuff is multiplying... maybe while you're asleep? Or while you're out flying folks here and there? Did that red car sire all those little ones?
But shoot, a new shop is like a blank canvas.
Kudos to you, Sir Dan!
Thanks!
Quote from: 94touring on November 16, 2015, 12:41:35 PM
Measuring a clubby wheel base and sedan wheel base, plus taking into account for bumpers being end to end, you need 20' of available floor.
Yeah, John says it's a 16 ft trailer, it just looked so big with only his Caterham on it! I'll take some pics on Sat when we go get the Clubby.....
Too bad you can't add an extension, probably a bad idea lol.
My friend BruceK from Dallas will be here Monday, he's planning to help me pull the motor while he's here - he's a classic and MINI owner - in fact I think he's owned 6 or 7 classics over the years.
Tool cart and work bench added.
Trailer.....
Ok I'm organized. Still need to do the compressor.
And what are the bets on how long that organization will last?
;D
The other shop was an absolute disaster and I refuse to hoard trash like he did there!
Got myself a drill press. 10" craftsman. Just did a test run on some angle iron and cuts with ease.
Anyone care to guess what this will become?
Sex Swing?
I love my drill press, I want more stuff, like a lathe and miller. Because I have so much free time to mess with them.
Quote from: 94touring on December 29, 2015, 02:31:22 PM
Anyone care to guess what this will become?
Hmmm...you already have a rotisserie, I'm guessing an overhead crane or gantry to pull engines?
Quote from: MiniDave on December 29, 2015, 04:05:17 PM
Quote from: 94touring on December 29, 2015, 02:31:22 PM
Anyone care to guess what this will become?
Hmmm...you already have a rotisserie, I'm guessing an overhead crane or gantry to pull engines?
You are correct sir.
Doubles as a sex swing Jim.
Quote from: 94touring on December 29, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on December 29, 2015, 04:05:17 PM
Quote from: 94touring on December 29, 2015, 02:31:22 PM
Anyone care to guess what this will become?
Hmmm...you already have a rotisserie, I'm guessing an overhead crane or gantry to pull engines?
You are correct sir.
Doubles as a sex swing Jim.
No, it is a sex swing that doubles as a gantry.
I am greatly anticipating one of your first pics of it in use. ;D
Got it upright. Now to buy the gantry part.
Going to add casters?
I have some that will work for reasonable $$$$
I'll probably put some on. I have some but given the weight of this monstrosity and then add on an engine I'm not sure mine are up to the task. What's the price on yours?
Make me a reasonable offer, I'm easy!
I think mine are rated for 1000lbs each, so 4K total - that should hold anything you're going to lift with it.
Edit: Just checked, 1250 lbs ea.
2 swivel and 2 straight.
BTW, I'd gusset those bottom legs
How tall are the wheels?
4klbs would be on par with the 2 ton rating calculated for that gantry. Besides, you are going to need wheels on it anyway for it to be useful. Once you pull an engine from the car, you still have to move the engine out of the way...
True. Though the little cart I have with the casters I initially was going to use will probably be what the engine sits on to move it around. Worked great on the last car for that purpose.
Have I mentioned how much I love all this space?
Who needs a place to live when you have this much room! :D
Lol exactly. At some point you need to bring your car back by.
Quote from: 94touring on January 05, 2016, 12:18:23 PM
Lol exactly. At some point you need to bring your car back by.
I want to see the pickup back on the road first...
If I was single, this would be the perfect pad. I'd add a loft upstairs and that would be my home.
Quote from: MtyMous on January 05, 2016, 09:49:21 PM
If I was single, this would be the perfect pad. I'd add a loft upstairs and that would be my home.
No need for a loft, there's an apartment attached!
If I ever ended up single that would be my ideal setup, a small apartment with a huge garage attached.
Mrs.5543 wants to eventually get to a small 2 bedroom cottage style home in downtown Stuart, I actually found one now but the asking price is too high. It was a early 1900's home on a pretty deep lot, like 70' wide by 150' deep, there is a crappy tiny old garage out back that is being used as a art studio. I could see tearing it down and building a nice size shop space out back maybe an apartment in it too for a guest house. Everyone would be happy. It is a shame they are asking so much for it, it needs a complete remodel inside and being an early 1900's house plumbing and electric are suspect as well.
It is nice to dream, I need to hit the lotto.
edit
This is the house, price is way out of line and it is not worth the "zestimate" price either, mostly because it is going to need to be gutted and completely remodeled and updated (electric / plumbing) and I am not sure his has central AC either.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/22-SE-Seminole-St-Stuart-FL-34994/54561961_zpid/
400g's eh? I could buy many shops in Oklahoma for that much.
Casters for the gantry crane.....the swivel casters have brakes on them. Don't forget, you need to gusset or brace those vertical legs, the first time you get some weight hanging from the cross beam and try to roll it and that weight gets to swinging those welds will not hold I don't care how good they are - it's just basic physics. It's also easy to get a twist or rack with them unbraced. The best way is to weld/bolt some legs from near the ends of the bottom beams as far up the sides of the vertical legs as you can go......like this, note the gussets at the top too.....
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_21628.jpg)
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=838.0;attach=3730;image)
Yeah it's on the to do list. I figured I'll just weld on something. Even if it's a length of angle iron, I imagine it will keep it stable enough.
Welds breaking is basic physics? Ill agree to disagree. For the load that the gantry was designed for, the 4" square tubing 1/4" thick isn't bending and the weld, done by an ASME code welder, isn't breaking over some 600lb side load. Beam load calculations show that it is rock-solid for the requested 1 ton design.
I disagree....sorta.
It depends on the load and where it is - how high up, and how the "problem" happens.....wheels get stuck on something on the floor as the load is being moved or whatever.....with the length of those legs the bending moment will exceed the weld strength IMHO.
At any rate, it wouldn't hurt to add gussets or legs, even bolt-ons.....I always try to overbuild everything, JIC.
I haven't seen it, and I thought he welded it with his 110V flux core.
No, I built that bitch. I built that bitch in my gas compression equipment shop.
The legs are 3ft long on each side so toppling is nearly impossible. having it "rock" on a 10deg angle with 2000 lbs at the very top of the crane would result in a 1215 ft/lb torque which would result in a .053" deflection and with a weld effective area of 1" (aka 1215psi) for the single weld on the tension side of the beam, the weld wont even break a sweat.
Ha speaking of gantry crains... the dolley came in. The sex swing is ready Jim!
Yeah Justin had the materials and heavy duty welder at his place. He was kind enough to get it together and we somehow managed to assemble it with just the two of us. It weighs as much as a mini as is lol. Here's pics. I definitely wasn't going to weld this monstrosity with a 110 amp flux core job. Though I will say my poor man rotisseries have held up great with a tiny welder and rather small steel.
I hope you pre-drilled the bolt holes for the casters.
:-[
Quote from: MPlayle on January 11, 2016, 08:42:56 PM
I hope you pre-drilled the bolt holes for the casters.
:-[
This has occurred to me. I think I can jack it up and put it on blocks to drill out some holes. Or possibly get a good enough angle from the top down. We shall see.
Just tip it over with the legs vertical......
I hope to be by tomorrow, so we can try to tip the bastard.
Just build another gantry crane for your gantry crane... problem solved. (don't forget to pre-drill holes for the casters on the gantry gantry.)
Quote from: MtyMous on January 12, 2016, 01:05:40 AM
Just build another gantry crane for your gantry crane... problem solved. (don't forget to pre-drill holes for the casters on the gantry gantry.)
:D. That was funny.
I imagine tipping this will require several people. A Cessna 152 that crashed and flipped upside down comes to mind. A group of us never could flip it over. Took a crane to do the job. This is where the gantry gantry is required.
I'll just sit back and watch the "Benny Hill" episode this is going to turn into. :D
The big ass air compressor is running. Though we have to fix the pressure switch. So almost there.
I'll volunteer to help out with this. Or you could always go gantry gantry. Either way, I want to see what happens. haha
That was no easy feat getting the casters on.
Looks like it just high enough that you will need to watch when moving it about.
Did you put the swivels on one end or one side?
How do they roll?
Why did you choose this over an engine hoist?
(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/large/TOR_T32001.jpg)
Brad the only thing it hits is the garage door motor but clears the lights no problem.
Dave, initially was going to just buy one of those however all this really set me back was the $80 dolly hoist. Plus I have always found the legs on a cherry picker get in the way. With the gantry it should be easier as well as more stable. Not to mention way cooler.
Oh and rolls great! Swivels on one end..not sure if one side would be better.
The bracket on the upper I-beam looks like a koala. Can't be un-seen.
LOL!
Found a good deal on a lever hoist. The chain hoist has a lot of chain! Plus I'm pretty sure this will work well on the rotisserie. Also added a low profile 3 ton floor jack to my arsenal. 4.gif
Tell me when you are ready for my pickup it was "restored" in England in 2004 so it should be an easy project.
;D
Lol one of these days Jim.
The big compressor is finally up and running. Thank you to Merlin/Justin.
Not a problem!
Now lets build a paint booth... Preferably faster than it took to do the damn compressor.
Next time buy a building with 3 phase power!
Just as soon as we put a slab on the compressor side, seal it off, add tons of lighting, and add ventilation 77.gif
Uh...Challenge accepted.
What kind of low profile jack did you get? If it's the Harbor Freight or Northern Tool type, look into the spreader bar attachment.
Yeah hf Pittsburg job. One of those spreader bars is on the list!
Finished off the piping for the compressor. Changed the oil and cleaned off the inside face of the oil level indicator to be able to see what it reads. The old oil looked like mustard! Glad I decided to change it out. I can't stress how pleased I am to have quiet air in the shop...seriously amazing, especially after years of non stop noise. Not only that but you can run air continuously and doesn't phase it.
What did you do for a motor?
Do you have a dryer on the circuit? What kind?
Does your area get the summer humidity we do?
7.5 horse single phase.
There's a water separator just prior to the 3 way splitter. Just the standard one you buy from Lowe's.
Gets fairly humid.
My pressure regulator is kinda crap so probably will improve on that.
Most shops run a separate line for the paint gun, with an extra water trap and oil filter on it....don't you run a small pressure regulator and water trap right at the paint gun?
Pressure regulator at the gun yes, a 2nd water separator no. Never had issues with moisture and don't need to make the gun bulkier than it already is.
If it becomes an issue at all, let me know and we will add some knockouts for you.
Quote from: Merlin on February 23, 2016, 04:18:20 PM
If it becomes an issue at all, let me know and we will add some knockouts for you.
I had to put the compressor on blocks to get it high enough for the piping to clear the floor. Luckily the jack did all the lifting.
Well I tried a couple different pressure regulators. Both leaked. Before I ordered something high dollar online I bought a harbor freight special for 5 bucks. Works perfectly. Go figure.
Well after much agony I'm finally actually closing on the shop. Turns out buying a garage is tricky business.
:(
Quote from: 94touring on April 07, 2016, 11:25:44 AM
Well after much agony I'm finally actually closing on the shop. Turns out buying a garage is tricky business.
WTF Mate?
First I am hearing of these problems.
Lol no. Closing as in buying. I'll get to your email in a ssecond.
Oh. That's much better news.
Closing the deal, not closing the shop.
LOL!! I missed the word "ON" that changes the entire sentence doesn't it?
Reading owns me today. I read it too fast.
I need a beer.
*edit*
Fix sentence structure and use the correct two.
Damn I suck today, screw beer I need whiskey!
Once it's yours you'll forget all about the hassle it took to get it.....
Was planning on buying a Hobart 140 gas mig welder since I'm due for an upgrade. The Lincoln 120 or whatever it was worked great at the old shop but having gas and a little more power has been on the wishlist. Did the spot repairs on this last car with a hf special but no way I'm doing the ridiculous amount of welding that I'm about to do with that thing. The 140 typically runs about $500. Anyways as luck would have it Justin/Merlin found a Hobart 210 model sitting in a pawn shop for $440. Being the swell guy he is, he snagged it for me. More welder than I'll ever need. Now we just need to add some more power and 220 outlet in the shop.
More power arg arg arg!
;D
Quote from: 94touring on April 12, 2016, 03:40:19 PM
Was planning on buying a Hobart 140 gas mig welder since I'm due for an upgrade. The Lincoln 120 or whatever it was worked great at the old shop but having gas and a little more power has been on the wishlist. Did the spot repairs on this last car with a hf special but no way I'm doing the ridiculous amount of welding that I'm about to do with that thing. The 140 typically runs about $500. Anyways as luck would have it Justin/Merlin found a Hobart 210 model sitting in a pawn shop for $440. Being the swell guy he is, he snagged it for me. More welder than I'll ever need. Now we just need to add some more power and 220 outlet in the shop.
More power is not always a good thing when doing sheet metal work. Too easy to blow holes in stuff.
It's good down to 24 gauge so we're safe there 4.gif
I've got a Hobart Handler 175 and it's a freakin champ. I made a long ass welding extension cord for it with heavy gauge wire and terminations from lowes. Best decision I've made.
Was this a 210mvp? as in multi-volt? If so, I'll buy 10 at that price. haha.
This is the 210 before they went mvp. Having it do 115 and 230 would be nice for portability but realistically I'm not going to be lugging it to some job site.
It would be fine for you. With me moving around so much, I will almost never have a dedicated 220v outlet in my garage until I settle into a home. So the option of 110v for those quick jobs would be ideal. As it sits right now I have to run my long freaking 1" thick extension cord through the house to the laundry room. lol
Lol yeah I was thinking about doing that in the interim since the laundry room is right beside the shop door.
Officially own it as of today 4.gif
Wired up the welder to give it a go. Needing to get gas to run solid wire but on the low setting puts out a nice line on a piece of 1/8" steel and on the high setting burns holes through it.
Finally!
That was a long hard slug, glad you got it done....btw, what are property taxes like there?
Ours are pretty stupid, the taxes on this $175K home in Kansas are higher than they were on my $250K house in Sandy Eggo......
Just got the updated property tax notice for the house we built. Had been paying on the old place as the county had not realized the old house had been replaced. They valued the new place at 346,000 and the taxes will be 5,042. I live inside the city limits so that adds another layer.
Yikes 50.gif
Yeah, ours aren't quite that high, but that's similar to the rates around here, I've seen $350K houses with $7K yearly tax bills - nutso!
My condo in the city is about $680 for the year and the shop is about the same. The mortgage after taxes and insuranceis $385 a month. My condo mortgage is within about 10 bucks of the shop. Everyone ready to move to Tulsa?
Hate you all.. cheap mortgages and taxes..
Often other pilots will ask me in sort of a jerkish tone "why do you live in Oklahoma!?" Well...how do I explain.
I intend to buy more condos in the coming years. Ideally one a year. Currently it's the only place you can buy downtown. Since downtown is becoming popular and brought back to life it's a good investment. There are a number of new apartments being added to old run down buildings that investors are buying up to renovate. My building consist of two 20 story buildings with a combined 400 units. I did my own renovations when I moved in to update the place. You can't help but make money on the rent. I listed my place for $1000 and it went the next morning. Several of the less swanky units go for $1150. Next time around I'll probably match the going rate since I'm in no pinch to get someone in.
I made those countertops myself.
You did a fantastic job with that place, the kitchen is amazing.
I cannot believe how affordable rent is in a downtown area there.
Today was spent screwing with this welder. Got gas yesterday and hooked it up today. Hit the feed button and gas never shuts off. Ends up being the solenoid, which after some wd40 cleans up the contacts and it works as it should. But it still seems I had a leak so more investigating and found a bad o ring. Anyways I finally got it working with gas (after changing polarity, who knew) but damned if I didn't go through half the bottle trouble shooting.
Hey Dan, I just read through this entire thread. It's been a while since I stopped by here. Congrats on the new shop! It looks like an amazing place to live and work.
Thanks! You need to post more often! We have a beer thread that you could be showcasing all this European beers in.
I do have a lot of English beer pics, but I can't find the beer thread. I searched but didn't see it, is it still there?
Search "drunk thread" 4.gif
Added lights to the shop crain.
Looks like a good idea. More light is always good.
Yeah, I don't think you can have too much light in your shop...... 4.gif
Makes working in engine bays pretty nice 4.gif
Nice! How about some more on the legs of the gantry so they shine on the underside of the car?
Quote from: Vikram on September 28, 2016, 03:50:40 PM
Nice! How about some more on the legs of the gantry so they shine on the underside of the car?
What, and not hold a flashlight between the teeth?
(these kids today...) 71.gif
The only way an overhead light works is if you have the hood....erm, bonnet - sorry - off.....ask me how I know! ;D
BTW, aren't you well past the "early stages" of buying your shop? 77.gif
Well past the early stages but I couldn't find if I had a separate gantry thread. It was dark in that corner where I've begun working on finishing Vikram up.
Brilliant idea! As said, you can never have enough light.
I guess I should give the full update. A couple months back my uncle and cousin were essentially evicted from a house they were living in, in somewhat of a lease to buy situation. My uncle is a retired contractor and fixed the place up as they lived there. As my cousin went to buy it the owner jacked the price way above what they agreed upon and things went south. Jeff, my uncle is a widower, who's wife was sick for a solid 20 years, basically wiping him out financially after she died 3 years ago. My cousin Blaine helps/supports him...till he lost his job about a month ago. They were literally homeless and jobless all in the same week. Fast forward and I put them up in the shop. What was initially just supposed to be Jeff is now both of them. This is a very small studio style apartment so living quarters are tight for 2 people. What we're going to do is add another work bench in the one corner and add a loft bed up there for Blaine, with a little closet on one side opposite of the bench. It will be on casters to move around as a work bench. Plenty of storage space outside for other things they brought with them. Bonus is Blaine is a bigger gear head than I am and Jeff is good building things. They've really done a lot to the place since moving in this past month. This week while I'm gone they intend to put together a roll up plastic paint booth in a section with ventilation and everything I'd need. More shelves are going up to organize some paint supplies. Combined we have too many tools and need to add some storage for them too. It's definitely nice having helpers and extra sets of hands!
And kudos to you for stepping up and helping them out. It may be "cozy" to start, but it sounds like they will make it work and turn the shop into a growing "family" business.
Good to see you getting some help! Hope it all works out for everyone...... 77.gif
That's really outstanding, Dan - and inspirational also. As an unemployed guy, I know that if I had an opportunity to work my way into a business, or even just take my mind away from the pressure associated with being unemployed by doing something constructive (and therapeutic), t'would bolster my spirits and give some validation to my own opinions regarding my potential usefulness.
Well done! Hope things get better for Jeff & Blaine. Who knows, maybe Blaine will become a mini enthusiast and assist with the rebuilds. Not too many have old-school skills any more, so it might even open some employment opportunities. 4.gif
Thanks guys. He's currently working on Vikram's carbs 4.gif
Reading what you are doing, you just confirm what I already know, you are good people.
You are on a precipice of starting something really big here, I think you know that. The fact that it could be birthed out of such a selfless act makes it that much more special.
I have the light box in the car trying to ship out today.
Major thanks again for the lights Jim!
Aside from the umpteen projects going on, finally put together a paint booth. All 3 plastic walls zip and roll up to be out of the way during normal shop use. Have some ventilation to finish off yet.
That's a cool way to have a paint booth. Looks plenty big for a Mini.
Did the first big spray in the booth. I have 11k cfm's of filtered air pumping in and have another fan mounted in the rear window to help push air out. I need to secure my corners because the pressure pulls the boards apart where the corners meet and you end up with some fumes in the main shop. I ended up putting some towels in the corners to plug the gaps. Fumes disappear in no time with all the air flow. Lots of room to work inside this booth is a big plus too.
How about putting a gate hook (example hook (http://www.lowes.com/pd/Stanley-National-Hardware-Gate-Hook-and-Eye-Hook/50404006)) on the boards in the corners to hold them together when using the booth?
Yeah something simple like that will do it.
Have a new paint storage and mixing station.
Very nice.....it hides that Bracken orange splash pretty well also :o
Thought about painting over it, but it's so expensive I couldn't bring myself to it.
hahaha ....no kidding on that
Preparing for winter and getting the heat situation taken care of. Last winter bought a 60k btu propane forced air heater which is great, but I want something electric to turn on and leave on. I can still use the propane heater to rapidly increase temps till I heat myself out. I suspect it will also work great for pumping the paint booth with heated air during painting. Anyways I ordered a 26k btu wall heater for the far wall and a patio heater to mount toward the center of my work area where I'd spend most my time wrenching.
Let there be light! 14k lumens in the center now and a light on the wall too.
Makes all the difference in the world having good overhead light. And that wall light will be awesome for detailing.
Heater test day. 32 degrees outside and the shop is at 71 inside with my radiant heater and electric box heater.
Edit: hit 81
Measured at what height? My feet are always cold this time of year......but I like the shop at about 60* if I'm going to be doing anything strenuous at all.
Chest level. We ended up turning it off because it became too hot.
How long did you run the heat before it became comfortable?
Yeah, I run mine for about an hour every three hours or four.....if it's really cold like it's been - low 20's. Plus my garage doors don't fit well and there are large gaps so if it's windy it gets cold again quicker. We're expecting zero this weekend.......
I think I need some insulated footwear.
Today was the first trial run so not sure how long it took, but it wasn't long. I probably need to get a thermostat for it at some point so it shuts off.
This morning it's 25 outside and on the middle heat setting on the 7500watt selection it keeps it at 70 in the shop.
Well as the morning has gone on the temp crept up to 76. Need to get a thermostat badly.
Sitting here with the AC on in my office trying to comprehend this. Like I told Dan yesterday, I am not bragging, with a heat index nearing 90, I am over the hot and want some cool weather.
Day 3 of this heater. 24 outside this morning, 56 inside. Firee up the heater and after 20 minutes up to 67. I did discover it has a built in thermostat. Once the temp gets to where it's comfortable you turn the temp knob down till the unit clicks. It doesn't turn off but the heat part kicks off, the fan still blows. Then it clicks back on once the temp drops. Since it's hard wired I pull the breaker before I leave for the day. I wired it into the same breaker as the ac unit so once summer hits I'll just need to unwire it to run the ac.
Heat! A great addition! I remember my garage in Colorado getting so cold in the wintertime--it made it zero fun to work out there. I always wanted to get a good heater but didn't want to really invest since I didn't own the place (just rented.)
Yeah it's awesome. I run it about a third up the heat dial to keep the place at 70. I also started running a box fan in the far corner because the heat gets trapped over there and eventually sweats me away from my work bench if I'm working there.
Oh, that sounds rough...
I stand on a sheet of cardboard with a small rectangle of closed-cell foam sleeping pad on top of it and try not to move off of it. My feet still get colder than ice cubes, even with thick wool socks and hiking boots, and I have a hard time reaching into small spaces from the heavy sweatshirt layered atop a wooley-booley fleece, atop a heavy wool shirt, atop a wool (river-driver) shirt, atop a t-shirt, atop the long underwear. Leg's are similarly insulated, longjohns and heavy overalls and of course, a wool cap.
What you really need to get is an artificial palm tree in there - 77.gif
Lol. Yeah and beach music and Pina colladas with little umbrellas.
Once it gets below 40ish or so the compressor that sits outside in the side garage struggles to start first crank of the day. We ended up strapping a shop light against it to heat the block. Does the trick nicely on cold days. Otherwise it trips the breaker trying to turn over.
What's going to happen when it gets really cold? Is the lamp going to be enough to keep the compressor warm?
We hooked it up when we hit the 20s. It doesn't get much colder here. It turned right over. It starts to limp once it gets in the 40s and the week of the 20s just couldn't turn over.
I remember a long time ago I was sent to my first permanent assignment: Tinker AFB right outside Oklahoma City. It was January but being born and raised in Alaska I thought, "No way Oklahoma going to be cold" and I didn't pack more than a wind breaker. HOLY SHEET WAS I WRONG!!! I froze my ass off!!!!!! :-[
Looks like it's back into the 20s this week.
You can buy an oil heater for the compressor, plugs into 110V, that should let it turn over OK - ask Justin about them. They have a thermostat so only run when it gets below a pre-set temp.
Ah good idea 4.gif
13 out today!
-4 overnight for us, but it's already warmed up to 10*! ::)
Wonder if the classic will start?
I barely got my car started.
I'll try mine tomorrow, but it's in the garage so I think it will go.......I'll top up the battery tonight. We have a cars and coffee event tomorrow that I hope to drive to in the classic.
Parts washer 62.gif
If you're using that water based solvent, be aware that if you leave it in there (like you're supposed to) it will eat the paint right off the tank. Just FYI.
I use safety solvent in mine now, I bought the last tank from Crystal Clean, and I set the wash tank on top of the solvent barrel and suspended the pump down in the barrel on an arm, so it's now a recirculating style wash tank
Didn't know that but no big deal if it eats the paint either.
Parts washers are worth their weight in Liquid Gold!
Quote from: 94touring on January 17, 2017, 04:07:20 PM
Didn't know that but no big deal if it eats the paint either.
It comes off in big flakes and clogs the filter on the pump...PITA....at least mine did.
I agree that a parts washer is a must have piece of equipment for any real shop.
I've started reassembling my rotary and needed something to clean up rotors. Plus the 66 has suspension parts to clean soon too.
I finally got smart and bought some rubber gloves to use in mine.....sure saves your hands.
Is that the "before" or "after" pic on the rotors? ;D
That's after, but you'll see Vaseline holding all the side and corner seals in place. Rubber bands around the outside holding the apex seals in place. I just slid them in the housings for now.
I have a giant barrel of parts washing fluid here at the shop that you could use. We got a 30gal of cleaner, but it leaves a residue on the parts. Smells like orange!
Since it leaves a film that needs to be washed off, we don't use it, so it sits in the yard.
I think I'm good on degreaser for now.