TRDdrew's shop updates and improvements- The Cruiser Cottage

[knuckle47]

Gotta love it!
Got mine from Santa Claus…. I’m waiting until I’m 14 to open it!

 

[TRDdrew]

I decided not to further bore you all with my ocd tool organization but moved some things around to made a spot for the boys new box.

In other exciting news at work, we finally go approved for one of our old paint booths to be replaced. It needed it for sure, crew came in and demo'd the old booth and now we have the concrete guys here digging the pit for the new booth's ventilation

 

[knuckle47]

Cool stuff to watch…my last thrill show was watching the car wash conveyor installation…just as cool with a little critical measuring. It’s gotta be straight or they all wind up in the pit below.

 

[knuckle47]

Hey Drew…. That photo you showed of your tool box with EVERYTHING perfectly aligned and clean… is this a requirement in the shop you’re at or just your own personal preference. I think it is spectacular but I just have found I can never work that way. I can clean up when I’m done, but I could never at one time Pop open a drawer and have it looks so spectacular.

 

[TRDdrew]

Hey Drew…. That photo you showed of your tool box with EVERYTHING perfectly aligned and clean… is this a requirement in the shop you’re at or just your own personal preference. I think it is spectacular but I just have found I can never work that way. I can clean up when I’m done, but I could never at one time Pop open a drawer and have it looks so spectacular.

Definitely not a requirement for where I work or anywhere I've worked for that matter lol all. Trust me when I say I was never like this, when I was a technician my tools were EVERYWHERE lol. For that matter even at home now when I'm knee deep in a project to top of the box is a collect all and I clean up when I'm done so I'm right there with ya.

Since moving into the office and all my tools relocating to the house I've tried to take more pride in them.

So for those that don't know I've been in the Auto Body Industry since high school and was Technician for a long time. April 28 2016 I was on my way home from work when a very young driver crossed the center lane and head on collided with me. For the most part I was ok but I ended up separating ligaments in left elbow and had to have ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction or as most know it Tommy John surgery. I couldn't do body work with my elbow and I'm not one to just sit at home so I came in and helped out in the office and kind of never left lol. I've been a service advisor since then and my job is basically to evaluate vehicle damage and argue with insurance companies all day. I will say without having to work on everyone's vehicles everyday it gave me a re-energized love of working on my stuff

 

[matzell]

Definitely not a requirement for where I work or anywhere I've worked for that matter lol all. Trust me when I say I was never like this, when I was a technician my tools were EVERYWHERE lol. For that matter even at home now when I'm knee deep in a project to top of the box is a collect all and I clean up when I'm done so I'm right there with ya.

Since moving into the office and all my tools relocating to the house I've tried to take more pride in them.

So for those that don't know I've been in the Auto Body Industry since high school and was Technician for a long time. April 28 2016 I was on my way home from work when a very young driver crossed the center lane and head one collided with me. For the most part I was ok but I ended up separating ligaments in left elbow and had to have ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction or as most know it Tommy John surgery. I couldn't do body work with my elbow and I'm not one to just sit at home so I came in and helped out in the office and kind of never left lol. I've been a service advisor since then and my job is basically to evaluate vehicle damage and argue with insurance companies all day. I will say without having to work on everyone's vehicles everyday it gave me a re-energized love of working on my stuff

Drew, I feel that same. I still work in the shop some when needed, but do not do it daily. Makes the home shop sooo much more fun!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Boys and I have kicked it around some about making the elf barn a shop one day, but we realize its not as fun when meeting others expectations and timelines. I like working on my own time and my own stuff.

 

[TRDdrew]

@matzell it really does!

Boys and I have kicked it around some about making the elf barn a shop one day, but we realize its not as fun when meeting others expectations and timelines. I like working on my own time and my own stuff.

I completely understand that, The Cruiser cottage 2.0 will be a combination of both. I need more space and indoor storage but it will be an expensive endeavor for a guy like me so ill have to do some side work out of it. I'll make sure I set expectations with people up front lol. I have a neighbor that has gotten in line for me to put quarters, rear body and trunk pan in his Chevy II Nova once we are up and running, along with some other peoples projects including some cruiser work so that will be fun

Just need to build the darn thing

 

[TRDdrew]

Dad was able to score some last min tickets for the Saturday caps game, bonus it was for the Merrrill Lynch suite box. Always a good time.

New booth day at the shop. We rented a concrete grinder Friday and I volunteered to spend half the day grinding up the 15 years of old over spray off the floor. The booth company wasn't going to do this step so we took it upon ourselves just to have a better final product. No in process photos but the final results look great. Filled an entire trash can full of flakes and grindings

 

[knuckle47]

Hi Drew, What is the pit used for in the center of the floor? Is it part of a ventilator?

 

[TRDdrew]

Hi Drew, What is the pit used for in the center of the floor? Is it part of a ventilator?

yes exactly, so all new paint booths require a pit for code. One of the holes near the back is intake air and one is exhaust, the center section of the pit has filters and grates go on top.

 

[TRDdrew]

With the impending "snowmageddon" coming this weekend I knocked out a project that needed to get done. Wired in the generator back up plug to the house. Got it all done and test run last night, the generator has no problem powering my whole house . Going to dig out my pos snowblower tonight and get that ready. After doing all this we probably won't get anything lol

The booth guy are making quick work of getting the everything put together

 

[knuckle47]

A true congratulations. That is something that will be truly helpful.

We “locked the barn door after the horse ran away “ with hurricane Sandy. We had the generator outside with about six different extension cords going to lights and refrigerator TV. We were out of power 13 days. I bought a transfer switch and did the whole thing about 11 years ago and have already relied on it well over 25 times. We have the worst reliable power I have ever seen in my life.

On the other hand, I am already making a list for fuel for the generator, changing its oil, picking up cases of water and all the other baloney that you better have around that you may not ever need.

This morning from QuickChek and there were five other people waiting to fill gas cans

 

[TRDdrew]

A true congratulations. That is something that will be truly helpful.

We “locked the barn door after the horse ran away “ with hurricane Sandy. We had the generator outside with about six different extension cords going to lights and refrigerator TV. We were out of power 13 days. I bought a transfer switch and did the whole thing about 11 years ago and have already relied on it well over 25 times. We have the worst reliable power I have ever seen in my life.

On the other hand, I am already making a list for fuel for the generator, changing its oil, picking up cases of water and all the other baloney that you better have around that you may not ever need.

This morning from QuickChek and there were five other people waiting to fill gas cans

everyone here is going nuts, that's really the only thing I wanted to knock out before the storm. Wife went to the store to grab some things because we are literally out of groceries and she said the shelves where empty lol. O well we got what we needed, picked up some good choice brews as well, so all set.

 

[LDowney]

I am glad that it is not just Georgia. There is a chance of snow/ice mix for this weekend, so panic is rule at every grocery store ... as everyone stocks up on two months worth of eggs/milk/bread. If we are ever snowed in for two months, I would appreciate more variety in our dining than eggs/mild/bread for two months.

I was at Costco yesterday afternoon to pick a prescription refill and the place was packed. I got out of there as quickly as I could.

Good to see you are so well prepared. I hope you don't need it. Unless you are eager to have all your friends and family staying with you for a few days since you have power and they don't.

 

[knuckle47]

So now it 5pm. I started around 10am to fill the generator with gas, fill the tractor, refill 5 of my 5 gallon jugs. Ran to the supermarket and that was a big mistake. Everything was nuts inside. People are funny. Some believe nothing will be happening…’then why are you here”. When to Walmart for 30w oil to change the oil in the generator…another mistake.. all the self checkout registers are closed and there is 8 to 10 people in each line with shopping carts loaded. Went to BJ’s for some other stuff and they were also very steady. I finally head back home to drop off the stuff in my pickup and as I hear more about the report of the snow, I figured we may need a refill on propane…both tanks are about 1/3 full so I’m thinking, I could always use a spare tank.BACK on the road again

Ok, get this all done and head to Lowe’s for an extra propane tank… $69 for a tank pre-filled. This pisses me off so I go back to BJ’s and buy a new tank and have it filled in their auto/tire department total cost $57
I get home and still need to change the oil in the generator, stack some firewood close to the house and load about 1 1/2 yards near the door. Start the generator to be sure it’s ready.

Now for the fun part….
I was pulling into Wawa to get gas…(Wawa is like a deluxe 7-11) in the middle of the ramp was a small box and some tools scattered around ….as if someone put it on the back of their truck and forgot.. I stopped and picked it all up… found this new orange case of something with a pull out strip that rolls back it. It had an oily clear liquid. Got 1 drop on my hand so eventually I washed my hands…. 6 different times.

While I was in line at Walmart waiting, I looked it up…TINKS. IT IS A DEER ATTRACTANT, What a DISGUSTING smell. It is following me around like it’s haunting me.
I’m finally done and wiped out. Threw my clothes in the wash and going to take a shower
TV news now downplaying the potential totals….they started this morning with 18-22”. Now 12”? Piece o’ cake!

 

[TRDdrew]

Good to see you are so well prepared. I hope you don't need it. Unless you are eager to have all your friends and family staying with you for a few days since you have power and they don't.

I am not eager , stay safe this weekend yall

 

[TRDdrew]

So now it 5pm. I started around 10am to fill the generator with gas, fill the tractor, refill 5 of my 5 gallon jugs. Ran to the supermarket and that was a big mistake. Everything was nuts inside. People are funny. Some believe nothing will be happening…’then why are you here”. When to Walmart for 30w oil to change the oil in the generator…another mistake.. all the self checkout registers are closed and there is 8 to 10 people in each line with shopping carts loaded. Went to BJ’s for some other stuff and they were also very steady. I finally head back home to drop off the stuff in my pickup and as I hear more about the report of the snow, I figured we may need a refill on propane…both tanks are about 1/3 full so I’m thinking, I could always use a spare tank. BACK on the road again

Ok, get this all done and head to Lowe’s for an extra propane tank… $69 for a tank pre-filled. This pisses me off so I go back to BJ’s and buy a new tank and have it filled in their auto/tire department total cost $57
I get home and still need to change the oil in the generator, stack some firewood close to the house and load about 1 1/2 yards near the door. Start the generator to be sure it’s ready.

Now for the fun part….
I was pulling into Wawa to get gas…(Wawa is like a deluxe 7-11) in the middle of the ramp was a small box and some tools scattered around ….as if someone put it on the back of their truck and forgot.. I stopped and picked it all up… found this new orange case of something with a pull out strip that rolls back it. It had an oily clear liquid. Got 1 drop on my hand so eventually I washed my hands…. 6 different times.

While I was in line at Walmart waiting, I looked it up…TINKS. IT IS A DEER ATTRACTANT, What a DISGUSTING smell. It is following me around like it’s haunting me.
I’m finally done and wiped out. Threw my clothes in the wash and going to take a shower
TV news now downplaying the potential totals….they started this morning with 18-22”. Now 12”? Piece o’ cake!

Last night I grabbed 2 more 5 gallon jugs and filled them on the way home. Not because I'm worried but mainly just because I don't feel like going back out for fuel if we do lose power. Filled the generator and the snowblower which started on the first pull, I always run them dry and empty the tank when I'm done so it ready for next season. Headed back to the gas station to top off the cans again and get more kerosene. Full tanks in everything and 15 gallons on hand, 5 gallons of kerosene, 2 tanks of propane ( already had the tanks, just took them to get filled, total was 25.35 for 40lbs of propane)

Wife braved the super market last night and honestly she said it wasn't bad, got everything we needed and the she said it seemed like they had recently stocked the shelves

current forecast for us keeps going down i think like 5-8" for snow but the ice is what will take down power

 

[knuckle47]

Good that you’ve got it all ready Drew
My son sent me these today…he used this new generator for a week during Hurricane Sandy and had it in his shed. 14 yrs later he started it and it ran for about 90 seconds….

He’s a lot more knowledgeable now …cleaned the fuel tank, carb and fuel lines… running fine now

 

[Michael B]

Lemonade doesn’t make very good go juice for engines .