Kosage Chavis

Framed out the ceiling for the elevator.Showing the elevator in its stored position.I left more of a gap on the front side to account for the drywall installation that will come later. Also, added a dedicated outlet for the winch.I am at a bit of a standstill because 5/8 OSB is not in stock. I need it to finish off the platform. So until then, I will have to move onto something else. I am thinking it will be the addition of an attic window.

Yes, you are right @EmTee. I had planned on doing some final and more rigorous testing after I am totally finished with the project. However, I did want to do a couple of smaller tests before I move forward. I wanted to be sure that I did a more than adequate reinforcement of the wall by checking for flex...hence me bouncing on the edge of the platform. I also wanted to check for any binding. My small test are only preliminary and are not a finality. Also, I do plan on installing a fall arrestor on the platform at the end of this project. That should suffice on the safety side just in terms of a possible falling platform. I do appreciate the suggestions. Please keep them coming.

Very happy with the progress so far. I was able to test about 2/3's of the track. The wall had very minimal flex, even with me standing and bouncing on the very edge of the platform. Here's a short video of the elevator in partial action. I still need to add a floor and backing board to the platform. I also need to open and frame out the attic opening.

Thank you @EmTee! This is not a kit and was something that I designed. I can't take full credit for the design however. When the idea arose to do an elevator, I assumed that I wasn't the first person to come up with this idea. So, I searched for "garage elevators" on youtube and behold...there were a few hits. I looked over a few videos, and grabbed some of the ideas that looked structurally sound and applied it to what I am doing. I am very excited too. I will post a video of the finished product.

Got some more done with the elevator. Unfortunately, I had to tell my Son that he wouldn't be helping me on this part. All work involves being on a ladder for a little while. Reinforced the main wall and the attic wall.Installed the superstrut.Installed the foundational beam and electrical winch.Next thing will be to run a dedicated outlet for the winch, mount the platform to the trolleys and then frame out an attic opening to the platform. Shooting to have this done by next weekend.

Last weekend, my Son and I get about 90% of the elevator platform assembly complete. I am very proud of my Son. He has done a good job helping me out. All we need to do now is mount the floor board and mount the backing board. Until then, I will continue with the reinforcement of the wall and rail installation.

Work has begun in the main garage. I figured the best place to start is the garage elevator. The elevator will be placed in the middle of the back wall. I had to rip out the existing attic decking around the attic opening.I will need to frame out a new attic opening for the new elevator, but I will do so after building the track and elevator. Here is a picture of the attic wall that will need to be reinforced to withstand a load.And the lower wall that will need to do likewise.I made a sketch so that I can plan for what the walls will need.I also made a sketch for the elevator platform.So, my younger Son and I picked up some wood and superstrut, brought it home and started to build the elevator platform. We managed to get the bottom framing done today.More to come later.

My Dad used to tell me growing up...Out of all the things you want to do, pick one of them and maybe even two, and pray like hell that you might have a chance to do them. In other words, keep your life simple. I think you should keep that one Buick like @MrEarlwas saying. Drive your Grandmother around in it. Keep some parts and pack them up and store them out of sight. Clean up everything else. Hope you are doing okay Matt. God bless.

@EmTee, my ceiling height 9'-1". @nick8086, what brand/type of lights are those in your pictures? Where did you get them from and how far off from the ceiling do they set? Thank you.

Anyone have an opinion about 6" LED recess lighting? I want a well lit garage. I was either going with 3 rows of 4 lights or 3 rows of 5. I want to keep the usable height in the garage. Any light that is offset or hanging would compromise that.

Here is what I plan to accomplish on the big garage. We'll call it phase 1. As you all know, the garage is limited with space. So,building smart is paramount to make this work. This is the explanation for a homeade elevator in this list. It is the most practical. • add power receptacles to attic and main floor • replace current lighting on main floor and add lighting to attic • run electrical hook up for future climate control system • add a small window to attic area • build a homeade elevator with wireless remote (main floor to attic) • build a couple of hanging shelves for main floor • install wireless remote system for exterior lights • expand floor space in attic • insulate attic and main floor • drywall attic and main floor • attic shelving I do plan on other things, but that would be taken care of at a later phase, like a big screen tv (I see you @EmTee), portable car lift, paint, climate control, etc.

It's been a while since I have posted much of anything. Family is obviously the priority and that's what I have been very busy with. But, I have tied up all my loose ends and I finally have time to do some things that I have been wanting to do. I want to work on the Buick. But I need to make the new garage more functional. So, that's what I will be starting on really soon. Hopefully in the next week or two. Looking forward to continuing the journey with you all.

Good to hear from you @john compono. Unfortunately, I don't have more pictures of the front bumper removal. This removal was at the very start of the process. The further, I got into the process, the more detailed I learned how to be. But no worries, the front bumper is easy to remove (depending on how frozen the bolts are). There are a total of 6 bolts that hold the front bumper on (3 on each side). At each side, 2 bolts are at the bottom of the bumper and 1 will be directly behind the dagmar. Be careful. The whole bumper will come off as one whole assembly. It is pretty heavy. After, I removed the front bumper, I then removed the grill (see my photos). Lastly, was the top front bumper framing (or as some call it, the mustache bar). I hope that I was able to help. And hope that you post your progress on the Buick forum. How you been @EmTee! I have done virtually nothing with the Buick in the last year. I have been so busy with stuff. Built My kids a new playset, renovated the dining room for my Wife, got COVID, buried power and telephone lines in our backyard, helped build a flower bed for my Wife, kids doing sports, etc. But good news, I should be starting the garage within the next week or two. Once I get the garage done, it's time to get back on the Buick! I am itching to work on it again. LOL @KAD36. I wish I had more to share. But just busy. LOL @EmTee. You all would have known if that were the case. Hang in there with me.

Exactly what I had in mind @EmTee!

I had it on both my Buicks

Time for a little spring cleaning. No one showed interest in the roof or frame. So, it's time to move on. I will use the rear end to make a sofa (later project). Once I clear this out, fix the garage up and then time to get back on the Buick!

First time I have ever witnessed @old-tankbecome speechless.

That would be a cool excavation to put on youtube!

Dash is looking like candy Mr Mudd!

@Niels, I am so happy to hear that my thread was helpful to you with that gorgeous Buick. Maybe you could create a thread and tell us the story about your Buick and everything you did to get this car where it is now.

Could have fooled me. Colors matched up very well. You all did an awesome job.

I wasn't surprised at the least. Congratulations on the award Sir!

Looking forward to seeing a new thread on the story (going forward) of this car.

@old-tank and @lancemb, my parts car had a complete engine with heads. So I do have an extra set. I was just really hoping to have 2 good sets of heads. The jury is still out on that till I take a closer look and inspection.

Got this in the mail yesterday...a generator for AC equipped Buicks. Compliments of Mr Lamar. Figured it would be good to have one for backup or for parts.