I finally get the shop I have wanted for too long

[Michael B]

Those front seats might prove to be a nice touch in that GMC… I would love to change the seats in my 40 but everything besides the Fuel injection and Hyperspark is stock so it looks nice. On the other hand..my butt is getting thinner and boney..

Al I will be using a bench seat of some description. Either stock or possibly a Snowden custom bench.

However, if you’re interested in pair of buckets, I could help you with that. The Escalade has buckets in the middle row as well as the front.

 

[knuckle47]

Beyond any other reason but for keeping it stock looking… I couldn’t change the seats… something about being an FJ40 dictates a firm “no”

 

[Michael B]

Roger that Al!

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Donor?! Mike, you need a wrench day! Get us knuckle heads over there and we'll lend some hands. Much progress in a short time.

 

[Michael B]

Donor?! Mike, you need a wrench day! Get us knuckle heads over there and we'll lend some hands. Much progress in a short time.

Thanks Zach.

 

[Michael B]

A little rearranging of the shop was needed before work on the Caddy could start in earnest.

 

[Michael B]

I finally succeeded in removing the drivetrain from the Caddy. I really don’t like working on newer vehicles. I ended up having to pull the body bolts and lifting the front of the body to be able to lift the engine clear of the front differential.

 

[thatcabledude]

Snag that hydroboost

 

[Michael B]

Snag that hydroboost

Indeed, its coming off today.

 

[RiverCityDave]

If you see various random "likes" appearing on this thread, it's because I'm working my way through it.

I L O V E this garage, man. My dream as well, and you executed it very well. Bravo.

 

[Michael B]

If you see various random "likes" appearing on this thread, it's because I'm working my way through it.

I L O V E this garage, man. My dream as well, and you executed it very well. Bravo.

Thank you Dave. I appreciate your kind words. It suits my needs very well. I really like the 11’ deep porch. We have had some strong thunderstorms roll through our area for the last two afternoons, I just drag my chair out there and enjoy the breeze.

 

[RiverCityDave]

Thank you Dave. I appreciate your kind words. It suits my needs very well. I really like the 11’ deep porch. We have had some strong thunderstorms roll through our area for the last two afternoons, I just drag my chair out there and enjoy the breeze.

I tell you what man, that as much as anything else caught my eye when I saw the pictures. I thought immediately, this guy has it figured out.

 

[Michael B]

I tell you what man, that as much as anything else caught my eye when I saw the pictures. I thought immediately, this guy has it figured out.

You’re too kind sir. I did know what I wanted and why. It was not an inexpensive endeavor, but I figured I will only get to do this once. So I went all in with no regrets.

 

[Michael B]

I bought a new engine stand last week. My old stand is home made and very old. I have never liked how the engines sag/lean on the stand. It makes me very uneasy leaving an engine on it.

So HF seemed to be the best option. It’s a 2000 lbs capacity unit. I like the way the engine hangs on it but the front legs match the hoist legs exactly, so it makes the transfer from hoist to stand very difficult.

 

[Michael B]

It was a busy but productive day. I attended a Men’s breakfast to start the day. When I returned home there was a fellow waiting in front of the house to buy the rolling chassis from the 56’ GMC. He drove over from Mississippi with a 30’ gooseneck trailer. That was a lot of fun to get in and out of my backyard.

After that I cut the grass while I waited on my buddy to bring his utility trailer over. I loaded the shell of the Caddy onto the utility trailer after removing the rear axle. Surprisingly the trailer fit between the posts of my lift. The shop is pretty full right now. With 3 trucks, a loaded trailer and parts from the Caddy scattered through out the place, it’s difficult to walk around the shop. Next Saturday I will haul the Caddy off for scrap.

 

[PAToyota]

Surprisingly the trailer fit between the posts of my lift.

Definitely something to consider when you're laying out for a lift - being able to lift something and set it on a trailer - or lift something off a trailer - is highly useful!

 

[Michael B]

Since we are expecting 5”+ of rain between now and Saturday, I thought I would move the party closer to the concrete.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

6’ might as well be 6 miles if you get that much rain. You might think about putting it on the concrete after the first inch or two.

 

[Michael B]

6’ might as well be 6 miles if you get that much rain. You might think about putting it on the concrete after the first inch or two.

I don’t think it will be a problem Greg. Besides I have access to a Land Cruiser with a winch

 

[Michael B]

Yesterday morning I headed out in the rain for scales. The ol’ 68’ was feeling the load but never complained. I took it slow and steady. When I arrived at the scrap yard I had the place to myself, just what I was hoping for. I rolled across the scales at 9260 lbs. I spent more time talking with the claw operator and showing him the 68’, than it took for him to relieve the trailer of its load. A perfect grab and lift, with no scratches on the borrowed trailer and nothing falling out of the Caddy. Back across the scales 3240 lbs lighter and then back to the house. All in all a perfect trip.

BTW Greg, I didn’t spin a tire in the yard. The spot I parked in is high ground.

Today I finished cleaning up the shop. I sorted and stored all of the remaining Caddy parts and started posting the good used parts on Marketplace. Maybe I can get back to turning wrenches on the GMC soon.