unimogjohn

It is Tuesday, PM, March 31st. I wish I could report that the garage was going full speed ahead. Alas it is not, or not yet. On Monday they dug the trenches for the French drain that goes around the garage. This will take the water coming off the hill and divert it to the pasture. Today, they brought in 20 yards of drainage tile. It all goes in tomorrow. They did a few more board on the structure, but no trusses have been put in yet. Maybe Thursday is the day. I did get the Jaguar out and took it out for a spin. Not only did the turn signals and gas gauge not work, all the dash electrics are out. So I pulled all the fuses. On the main fuse block there was a white floss on the contact base, cleaned it off, put back in the fuses, and everything came to life.

Bernie, what a great looking little engine. Will you do a full rebuild on it? Do you have an idea as to its condition and history?

Anyone bored with the garage construction yet? It is Friday, March 27th, PM. It was cold day, only got to about 48 degrees, and only going to be 38 or so tomorrow. Snow flurries are expected. We did get over an inch of rain last night that left everything in a mucky mess. Only one guy came today, but he did bring over the little excavator to dig the drain lines around the barn. But it was too muddy for him to do that. So he spent the day putting in wall bracing and starting on the base that will become the form for the concrete floor. They are pressure treated for seawater so will never go bad. They are 2 x 6s. He also leveled the floor gravel to make sure it was smooth and ready for concrete. Of course he almost slid off the hillside with the Bobcat and was a foot or so from sliding down the hill and into the garage. That would not have been pretty. But he was able to pull it out with the excavator bucket. Trusses are still scheduled to go up on Monday. Weather looks great all week. I was by Home Depot so stopped in and bought the 200 amp panel with 40 circuits. It also included the main and five additional ones for various circuits. It was a good buy at $111 out the door. I also stopped by the county permit office to see about an electrical permit required by the electric company. They said I did not need one as the building is classified as a AG building. So called the electric company and told them that a permit was not needed. They said OK. Here are the garage pics of the day. Don't go to sleep on me.

It is Thursday, March 26th, early PM. The garage crew was recalled to another job. We have been having rain on and off this morning, and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon. Yesterday, there was only one guy so little really got done. I talked to the owner and he promised that there would be four workers all next week. He slowed down because he want to put in French drains around the outside of the garage. They are going to dig down a foot or so and install drain pipe covered with a sock and then covered by course gravel. This should take care of any water running into the garage. He wants to avoid any possible damage to the garage if the worker bees get too much done. Today they got a few more of the upper braces done before they were chased out. I pulled out the rototiller to see why it did not start last fall. Well, I found out the answer. It took me about an hour to get to the carb, clean out the fuel bowl, blow out the jet, and put it all back together. The fuel bowl was littered with little gobs of goo. D*** gas. I even had Stabil in it. Oh well, it starts easily and runs good. Looks like I am all ready to get the garden ready next week.

Wow, 80 yards. That floor must be huge. I figure 30 yards for mine. When it is poured we are heading off to Delaware to pick up the lifts. And some bad news. The electrical engineer called back with the final design. Said that the distance from the power pole to the garage is too far to run lifts, AC, heat, air compressor, etc. Lights OK, but nothing else, if I just go with the transformer on the pole. So they have to put in a new transformer midway between the pole and the garage. So my cost went from $2K to $5K. I was crushed. I am going to take on side jobs of changing oil in the neighbors cars and trucks, and selling cool-aide on the corner. Oh well, it is only paper.

It is Tuesday, March 24th, PM. Well, the workers have left for the day. I wish I could say that there was a lot of progress, but alas, not much in the grand scheme of things. They continued to put in the horizontal bracing and truing up everything as they went with straps. They also put in many more long nails in the posts to make sure they were tightly together. Boy, the structure is just rock solid. No word on when the high lift crane will be coming to put in the five trusses. Oh well, I am glad that the workers are here every day and working. For me I gave the Kubota tractor a grease job and adjustments. I put it to work moving debris that we have been taking out of a forest area that Alice wants to make into a garden area. Hard work for me and the tractor.

Al, thanks for the suggestions. David and I will put our heads together and let you know what we come up with. The garage build continues. Today they spent the day putting in the cross bracing near the top of the structure. They did this to make sure that the top of the posts are still level and plumb. They also put in the headers for the garage doors. Tomorrow they will hang the five trusses and build out the ends. Still only two guys working on the garage.

OK, here are the final pics of the day. All the posts are in and temporarly braced. Snow is coming tonight so there will be no work for the next three days. The ends of the building are the final height. The trusses drop in the slots on the other beams. That work will go quick as they are all made up.

Joe, last night the little post "studs" were all joined together so they did not move. The now much taller poles will be braced tonight before the crew goes home.

Doug and David, I will get some flannel. I figured I would store them flat. I will have to figure out how to display them at a show. It is Thursday, early PM, March 19th. Snow is suppose to start tonight and go until Friday afternoon. The "boss" for the workers came by this morning and said they would not be working tomorrow due to the weather conditions. Fine by me. Next week looks great. I am in no hurry right now. The boss is also concerned about rain water intrusion getting under the pad so we discussed trenching and installing pipe and rock to take the water away from the building. He is also concerned that the drop off at the end of the building is way too high, and may result in the end of the building failure at some future point in time. So we discussed installing a concrete retaining wall at the end of the fill. I agree with him and will go ahead, but I cannot stand to many more surprises, read $$$$$$$s. Here is what "Stonehenge" looks like early this afternoon. It is a struggle for two guys to lift up each post assembly, but they are doing it. Boy, they are really tall. Alice will freak out for sure. And my neighbor's are getting into the hobby too. Alan dropped by with his 2007 Porsche.

Still Wednesday. My oh my, David Coco sent an email and said to send a check if I wanted my "hostage" side curtains for the 1923 McLaughlin Buick. He said they are done with the exception of the final fitment and installation of the snaps and buttons. David worked hard to make sure they were ready in time for the AACA meet in Virginia Beach the end of April. Now the heat is on me, I have to modify the rods that go into the door. Going to work on them next week. Thanks David. Great work.

Wow! What a neat looking car. I want one!

OK, it is the end of the day. All the posts are in! The building structure goes up tomorrow. The posts are three pressure treated 2x6s with a hole in the bottom for the rebar. Then two bags of concrete are tamped over the rebar and post. This acts as a foot so it cannot be pulled out of the ground easily. The boards between the posts are just there to hold the posts level during construction. They will be removed and reused as the building goes up. Here are some pics of the day.

Just a very quick update. Been just above freezing all morning, but I did get out and do a couple of things. Put the repaired tire on the trailer. Yes, it was the valve stem. Boy, that tire is heavy. Replaced the solenoid on the Cub Cadet mower. That fixed it. Only issue was that I had to remove half of the cowl assembly to get to it. The old one had self destructed, melted one of the posts into the plastic housing. The two guys are going strong on the post installation. They have about 15 of them in now. Looks like they will be all in by this afternoon. I was bored this morning so I made chocolate chip cookies, took a half a dozen big ones out to them. The have to bribe them to keep them going.

Barry, I am following along too. I learned a long time ago that I am doing a restoration thread for myself rather than others. That way I am not disappointed when others do not chime in. Just think, maybe in a 100 years or so, someone will still be reading this. Hate to see you move it, but you are the author and in control.

It is Wednesday, AM, March 18th. Well, the garage crew arrived this morning at 7 AM. The trailer had a full pallet of concrete/cement. They expect to set all the post studs today. And we also have a report from Greg. "Played hookey from work today. My friend Glenn Miller made his second annual visitation today. Attending a conference of museum types in Williamsburg with his wife Jeannie, he was able to slip away and make the two and a half hour drive to hang out. After a brief walk through our shop, I had plans. We'd go play in the traffic and I'd introduce him to some of my old associates, most of them graduates of White Post Restorations. Like me, Glenn has a life long appreciation of the restoration trade. Since he's said that we went to different schools together, I knew how to entertain him. I'm very proud of the fact that WPR has spawned an entire industry of world class tradesmen servicing the old car hobby, leaders in their chosen fields. Most of them have stayed in the area, the Shenandoah Valley is just littered with talent. Our first was a brief stop to see Thetan Ogle, near Winchester. Before he opened his own home shop he'd been with WPR for I think thirteen years or so doing their panel forming and metal repair. Now nicely equipped, he's currently on a Ferrari restoration as well as the reconstruction of Rob Burchill's '33 Chrysler "burn victim". In the photo you see he's constructing the buck for the forming of the door panel skin. A very difficult proposition that's in very capable hands. I've always considered the "panel beaters", those individuals skilled at taking flat sheets of metal and forming them into difficult shapes the highest form of restoration artwork. We're lucky to have him. Back on the road, we then found our way up the Valley to Craig Naff's shop which is nestled next to a ridge in the countryside outside of Woodstock. Craig had been forming metal for us at WPR, then left to pursue his trade at a couple other shops, one was Boyd Cottington's where his skill was recognized . His talent was responsible for a custom job called "Cadzilla" for some outfit known as ZZ top. Whoever they are. Returning to his roots in the Valley, he's doing world class metal shaping and remains the kind of guy you just admire and like to be around. After he and Glenn compared friends they had in common, it was time to go. Next stop....Brillman's. Farther out the road is the establishment of John Brillman. He has a home business supplying the restoration trade with period type electrical wiring , connectors, some component repair, etc. We were surprised to learn that he is recovering from a disastrous fire , damaging not only the building but also inventory. Now he and his crew are working in temporary structures to keep orders at bay and he took time out during these difficult times to tell us how it happened and how he's trying to turn it into a positive thing for his business. We wish him the best. Back on the road again. Nearing lunchtime I made a quick call ahead to our next stop, Classic and Sport in Edinburgh. We'd meet for lunch before our tour of the shop. David Carte, another WPR alumni. He eventually departed to concentrate on Ferrari restoration and he and his crew are now on top of the game. An encyclopedia of serial numbers, facts past and present of Ferrari intricacies as well as others. Like the wonderful '54 Maserati (photo enclosed) with race history that greets you as you enter his shop. As Glenn was facing a long trip to Williamsburg, then back to Michigan, we cut our visit short and made our way back to Warrenton. We had more places to go but simply ran out of time. So it was a great day, spending time not only with Glenn, but also darkening the doorsteps of so many talented craftsmen that I'm pleased to have worked with and call my friends. Then I had some time with my oldest son Nathan. Like I said. Great day and I'll look forward to Miller time visit next year." =

It is still Tuesday, early PM. The garage crew started making holes in the ground at 7 AM. They had all 19 completed by 11 AM. All went down without a hitch. Each one is four feet down. Only one hit sandstone, but it went through like it was butter. All the holes look good. They also brought up all of the remaining building components. The crew left for lunch and to pick up the bags of cement and rebar for the poles. They did not know if they would be back this afternoon or not. They are sure that all the post components will be in tomorrow. Then on Thursday the main structure should go up. Things will go pretty quick as soon as the posts are set. Went to pull out the little Cub Cadet mower. A no start from sitting this winter. I could also see smoke coming from the solenoid. It did start with power directly to the starter. Took a look at my mower spares and it seems I have two used ones and one new one. Guess I better get busy and replace it this afternoon. Bad and cooler weather is coming in tonight. Today it is suppose to be 71 degrees and then tomorrow in the 40s. We expect to get a bit of snow on Thursday/Friday. Looks like I better get the stove ready for a few days of heating. Here are a few pics to include the garage sign that my daughter-in-law made for us.

It is Tuesday, AM, March 17th. Day 2 of the garage build. Going to be a nice day. Hope that they make a lot of progress. David Coco (trimacar) send me a pic of one of the side curtains for the 23 McLaughlin Buick. He said they they are almost done, and will now be putting in the windows. He is really moving along now. Great work David! For some reason I could not get the pics to load. Maybe David will do it.

It is Monday, PM, March 16th. Construction of the new garage has begun. They hauled up equipment and one huge load of wood, trusses, and steel. All off loaded, and placed around the pad. The garage was laid out on the pad, and red paint marks where all 19 poles will go. The holes for the poles will be dug tomorrow and some will be put in and set with concrete. Another load of materials will be brought up. This will be the second of at least three loads. On Wednesday the walls start to go up. Here are pics of today's activities. Oh yes, the load was so heavy that the trucks spun its wheels half way up the driveway. Had to use the Bobcat to pull him up the rest of the way.

Just a quick Monday morning, March 16th, update. The garage construction is starting today. Pics tonight. We are soooo excited. Got a note from David Coco, Trimacar on the forums, that the side curtain construction is moving on. The black panels are done and he will be putting in the "glass" plastic over the next few days. Ordered two "rear brake seal kits" for the Jaguar. Not much money so decided that it is better to have them on the shelf when I need them. The big thaw is on, still have snow where we mounded it up, but it should be gone in a few days. We are starting to see green here and there, Spring is coming.

Still Friday, but PM. The front lawn has dried a bit so decided to take the Jaguar out for a run. Would she start? Yes, fired right up. Off we went, about ten miles or so. Ran great, but I noticed that the turn signals are dead and the fuel gauge is intermittent, well mostly off. I must have disturbed some wiring while working under the dash. When I got home I checked the fuses, all were fine; and the wiring to the turn signal relay. Looks fine, everything nice and tight. I will look at the wiring diagram tonight and see how they run. I also noticed some brake fluid on the floor of the trailer and the fluid container was down about an inch. Looks like I might have a leak in the right rear. I checked the repair invoices from the previous owner. The brakes had been done about ten years ago with SS sleeves in the cylinders. I will order a kit, and when the garage is done I will tackle the brakes. Speaking of the garage, I put the Jaguar on the pad. I think that the garage is going to be big enough. Here are pics of the broken socket adapters from yesterday's post, the ruts getting the Jag off the trailer, and then the Jag on the pad. A fun morning and afternoon. All good things must come to an end. The Jag is back in the trailer and a rain storm is on the way. I can take rain at this point, not snow and ice. Then the weather is suppose to be great and in the 50s all next week.

Good morning, it is Friday, March 13th. Just got word that the garage construction is to begin on Monday with the placement of the garage on the pad, the marking and digging of all the post holes. I am more than ready to watch it go up. I have huge mounds of permafrost dirt slowly melting. The outside is finally turning back to dirt from blocks of dirt, but I am sure the inner stuff is still frozen solid. Going to put some of it in front of the garage area to build up the level of the garage so I have a way to use all of the bays. And good news, we have a Greg report. "The weather is trying to turn. Soon the roadside snow will have melted enough for the daffodils to push through. Today was sunny but not warm enough to work outside, so I decided it was a good day to clock out early, grab some tools, awaken the 'biscuit and treat the Avanti and I to a spur of the moment road trip. A good day for some quality time with the Studebaker and the Stoddard Dayton, with its horn installation awaiting completion. I brought along a die grinder with cutoff wheel in order to shorten the flexible hose and get it stuffed in its receptacle. Satisfied with the progress, I will now finalize the brass screws, nuts and washers, get them buffed and get them installed. Then a suggestion to follow Rob to a nearby restaraunt for dinner. He's debugging and fine tuning a customer's Oldsmobile, so I followed and enjoyed the journey though the Maryland back roads and crossroads village of Burkettsville on a very pleasant evening. A sign of things to come." =

Tom, thanks for posting the link. That was a great story. Enjoyed it. It is Thursday, PM, March 12th. The big melt is on. Yesterday it was 65 degrees and all the snow and ice was melting off the roof of the run in shed. Diamonti, the llama, enjoyed the sun shine on the new garage pad. Today it is 55 degrees and the pastures are starting to dry out. You sill sink a bit into the loam, but at least it does not suck your boots off. Saw a nice aluminum open storage unit for the enclosed trailer on Ebay. It is made by a little independent shop. Not much money. I got it yesterday and am very happy. It is of excellent quality and will hold oil, cleaning supplies, etc. I think it is a very good value. I will hang it in the white enclosed trailer to get stuff off the floor. Here is a link to the Ebay listing. http://www.ebay.com/itm/221327445401?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT The garage is still on for Monday. Oh, and came out this morning to find a very flat tire on the white enclosed trailer. Filled it with air and could hear the air hiss out of the valve stem. So now to get it off and to the repair shop. Not that easy. The wheel nuts were on like they were glued. I broke two 3/8 to 1/2 inch adapters trying to get them off. I had to use a five foot piece of pipe over a 1/2 inch breaker bar to get them loose. Thanks to leverage I got them all off with out any more damage.

It is Wednesday, March 11th, AM. The electric company designer came yesterday. We discussed options for powering the building. We settled on running a 290 foot line from the power pole in the back of the house to the garage. This will be new service. They will use a vibrator to run the line to the building. The estimated cost, $2000. I am happy with that. If the garage had been any further from the pole I would have had to put in a upgraded transformer. That would have doubled the cost. The timeline is about four weeks from the time I send in the money. So I am probably looks at a month from now, maybe a bit longer. And here is a good video on Daylight Savings Time.

Larry, the cars look great. And they started too. I am impressed. Progress continues to be made on the garage, err well sort of. Gave them big bucks for the building. Talked to the owner of the company, and he said that it was still too wet to bring up materials. But next week looked very good and would begin next Monday. Can't wait. And David Coco sent me a note that he has started on the side curtains for the 1923 McLaughlin Buick. He sent me a pic of the panel that goes between the front and rear curtains that go over the doors. Looks good. But don't tell David that I have run out of money. The garage is sucking me dry. Just kidding David, I have money in a special fund for you.