New Shop Design help needed

[SSLance]

For those of you that don't know, we are building a new house to move to in Phoenix. Along with the new house comes what the builder calls an "RV Garage". Basically it's a 51 x 31 clear span shell with 16' walls, 14' doors front and rear and another 9' door on the front opposite the big door. The builder is a production builder so my options are very limited on what I can choose for them to do or not to do. I'm okay with this, but I need to make a choice here and this is where you all come in.

Plan #1 includes a built in full bath in the back corner of the garage, the rest is wide open. Interior is sheet rock finish, all electrical in place, all plumbing in place.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-p8fxz53/0/1d5b23ef/XL/i-p8fxz53-XL.jpg

Plan #2 includes their "Workshop" option. This includes the same full bath but also a finished room on the short side and stairs up to a loft above the finished room and bath area as well as fully ducted AC for the whole shop.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-9mTcWhm/0/343ff0b0/XL/i-9mTcWhm-XL.jpg

Plan #1 is a $10,000 option (to include the bath) and this is what we originally chose.

Plan #2 is a $20,000 option that includes the full bath, finished workshop, and a fully ducted AC for the whole shop and workshop room. Basically I'll get the workshop and AC for an additional $10,000.

I need a room out there to put my office in, but I also want to put my drive on lift in between the workshop area and the 9' door on the front. I want to leave the long side open front to rear so I can move things (RVs, cars, trailers etc) to my back yard through the building. My hang up is the 19' 6" between the stairs up to the loft and 9' door is pretty dang short for an area to put a lift in and work on things.

Remember, I can NOT change either of these plans...they are take it or leave it options. I think that $10k for the AC and workshop\loft area is well worth it...not sure I can build an office out there and add AC on my own for that same amount. Plus it'll be up and running when I move in which is also a plus.

I "think" if I have them build the workshop, then take the steps to the loft down later and put them up on the side of the workshop I'll have enough room lengthwise for my lift and work area. It would then be about 22' 6" long which is about the length of a normal garage stall.

What do you all think I should do?

[will69camaro]

Yea I like second option, move the stairs later. AC and workshop would cost more to do later I'd think easily.

I'm envious of the space!

[dhutton]

Option 1. With or without the stairs that is a tight workspace.

Don

[SSLance]

I may have noticed a glitch in my plan... Notice on #1 the plan shows the optional garage door in the back? Plan #2 does NOT show that option...

I've got a call in but if for some reason they do not offer the rear garage door with the workshop option it's a no go. The rear door is a must.

And I agree, even with no stairs it's kind of tight. I don't need that big of an office, 10 x 10 would be fine, that's 14 x 16 or so.

Would be nice to have the AC installed though, otherwise I'll probably just have to put a Mitsubishi split system in or a swamp cooler or something.

[Flash68]

I would agree with your assessment that - while it may not be exactly how you would like it or design it - that extra work for $10k seems like very good value.

Cool shop either way.

[SSLance]

The reason this cropped back up so late in the game is we took a contract on our KC home this weekend. This freed up some cash (and anxiety :D ) so I started rethinking things.

What I did not take into consideration is that building permits have already been pulled and it's too late for major design changes...so it's plan #1 and more work for Lance once we move in I guess. At least this way I can build it like I need it to be.

[dontlifttoshift]

Plan number one is the right plan, value be damned.

Am I the only one that thinks its weird for the bathroom to open up outside?

[dhutton]

Plan number one is the right plan, value be damned.

Am I the only one that thinks its weird for the bathroom to open up outside?

I think that bathroom is intended for the pool guests.... :D

Don

[dontlifttoshift]

Lolz....pool people :relax: never crossed my mind.

[SSLance]

Lol... Yep it's a dual purpose bathroom. There will be a $900 door that opens to the shop as well.

[SSLance]

This rendering kind of gives you an idea of how the RV garage will sit next to the house. There will be a travertine sidewalk from the pool deck over to that corner of the RV garage where the bathroom door will be.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-8QJHT3G/0/b17bfa5a/X2/i-8QJHT3G-X2.jpg

This is roughly what the lot will layout like once complete.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-zs2X4Pc/0/28b6ee76/L/i-zs2X4Pc-L.jpg

3100 sq ft house and a 1634 sq ft RV garage on a 8/10s acre lot in a gated subdivision in Peoria, AZ. We are basically getting everything and more that we have now on our 11 acres in Missouri...minus all the grass to mow. To say we are stoked would be an understatement. :excited:

This is pretty much what it'll look like from the street.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-JRxzg77/0/96b096a4/L/i-JRxzg77-L.jpg

There's a 6' concrete block fence surrounding the lot and I'll have a flat graveled 50' x 50' pad behind the RV garage and a 15' wide area alongside the RV garage to put trailers and what not hidden behind the fence in the backyard. Plus there is an oversize (for AZ standards anyway) 3 car garage attached to the house.

The people that just put on contract on our house pretty much bought everything we have except personal items. I'm pretty sure we'll be able to fit everything we move in one 20' rental truck, the majority of that will be my tools from the shop. I'm probably going to leave most of that as well and just buy new once I get into the new shop. Things like engine hoists, engine stands, trans jacks, screw jacks etc...mine are all old, hand me down, dirty, leaking type of tools and I figure a nice new shop like this deserves new equipment...don't you? :D It even makes more sense because we'll be renting a place there for 6 months while this is finished...and would just have to pay to store all of that crap in the meantime.

My 5hp 60 gallon air compressor is still in consideration though, along with the wind up hose reels, shop vac and pressure washer. Decisions decisions...

[Vegas69]

The pass through is nice, but I'd rather have a covered RV on the side of the shop. You can do an aluminum cover for around 5-7,500. I just think a large RV or trailer will take up too much space in the shop. Especially after you build an office.

You have to be stoked. I'm getting ready to build too. I love this stuff.

[98ssnova]

The guys garage next to the house lools lika a 14' door. What adding a small apartment stackable washer dryer in the bathroom. Normally they are size of a closet very handy washing shop clothes. But I think option 1 would be better. You can always add the workshop later or ever change the workshop size.just my .02

[SSLance]

The pass through is nice, but I'd rather have a covered RV on the side of the shop. You can do an aluminum cover for around 5-7,500. I just think a large RV or trailer will take up too much space in the shop. Especially after you build an office.

You have to be stoked. I'm getting ready to build too. I love this stuff.

I've actually used the space planner app and put two of my RVs in there side by side alongside the bathroom, it's a HUGE building compared to my current layout. The large door side of the RV garage faces West snd will take the brunt of the hot afternoon sun. I'd be leery of parking my RV out there for any length of time at all. I want it kept inside.

We are stoked...just now we're talking about going back out next month to check on progress, shop for furniture and find a place to rent this fall.

[SSLance]

The guys garage next to the house lools lika a 14' door. What adding a small apartment stackable washer dryer in the bathroom. Normally they are size of a closet very handy washing shop clothes. But I think option 1 would be better. You can always add the workshop later or ever change the workshop size.just my .02

That is s 14' door on the one in picture, but they have a casita in the right hand side whereas my right hand side will have a 9' door and be open.

A stack unit is a good idea and can be easily added, we rough plumbed in for a sink back by bathroom as well as a 50 amp 240v plug in.

[JKnight]

That's going to be awesome Lance! You're gonna have a great setup!

[CornHusker4Life]

Lance, I would consider putting a washer and a dryer in the shop for shop clothes. Nevermind, saw that someone else suggested it.

[traut811]

How tall will the bathroom be? Lofts are awesome for storing stuff that just takes up floor space. If the bath ceiling is 7-8' tall, I recommend maybe building off the side of that as well for additional storage. Just something to think about if it'd be needed. It's nice you'll have tall ceilings. We'll hold Missouri down for ya when you leave ;)

[JKnight]

How's the build coming along Lance? You guys acclimated to the heat yet?

[SSLance]

Heck, we're still in Missouri... Don't plan on moving until around Nov or so. They are supposed to pour the slab late next week.

[ErikLS2]

I've toured that exact model, very nice and great area, only a few minutes from me. Welcome to the wild wild west!

[SSLance]

Right on Erik, yet another new neighbor I know before even moving in!! It really is crazy just how many people I know already living in the the PHX area.

Here is a pic of the current status as of last Friday.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-WsPBQ4X/0/f28d994d/XL/i-WsPBQ4X-XL.jpg

That black pipe you see sticking up is the electric run conduit to the panel on the front of the house, you can see the form of the RV garage slab to the left of that with the bath plumbing in the back right corner.

The RV garage framed up is my next door neighbor's. They are about 2 months ahead of me on it.

Supposed to be done with slab prep this Friday and pouring it next Monday, God willing and the creek don't rise... :D

[SSLance]

Finally....

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-TJDkcNq/0/c3909d80/O/i-TJDkcNq.jpg

Here's the house slab also...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-TpFbjp4/0/0f023b0a/O/i-TpFbjp4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-WgJWgkh/0/c17655af/XL/i-WgJWgkh-XL.jpg



I'm thinking I'll venture on over to garage journal and see if my log in still works... See y'all in a couple weeks... :D

[GregWeld]

She's moving now!!


EEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAAAA

[Flash68]

mmmmmmmm.... the smell of foundation in the morning.

[GregWeld]

Lance --- Remember to ignore any shop building advice from FETorino....


Just sayin'


LOL

[FETorino]

Lance --- Remember to ignore any shop building advice from FETorino....


Just sayin'


LOL

Hurtful :smiley_smack:

But you notice I have offered no suggestions. Looks good Lance. :thumbsup:

[SSLance]

lol... I'm okay with receiving all kinds of advice but I reserve the right to filter it out to meet my own needs before implementing.

I usually get an update from the Super on Friday afternoons...hope to see pics of the forms removed and maybe even a bit of final grade down today.

[Campbellshotrods]

Wow, what builder in Arizona offers that shop option? That's sweet! My next life plan definitely has to be a bigger piece of property with a shop. Hopefully that builder is on the Eastside!

[SSLance]

http://www.sheahomes.com/newhomes/phoenix/

[SSLance]

Not the largest or clearest of pics...but final grade is done and we are awaiting lumber and framers.

I can't tell for sure but I believe that I got my extra outside cleanout at the back of the RV garage which will double as a RV dump! Woot...

From the street, House on right, RV garage on left

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-vvvMrbJ/0/9d7ed1a8/O/i-vvvMrbJ.jpg

Entrance to house garage and RV garage

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-SzFxMdV/0/acc760be/O/i-SzFxMdV.jpg

From way in back on slope looking toward street

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-9zCBWx8/0/bd0b5fe6/O/i-9zCBWx8.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-RT9RgR6/0/25926307/O/i-RT9RgR6.jpg

This is the full bath area in back corner of RV Garage. One of the black PVC pipes behind slab is most likely for the power run to the pool equipment and the other is an outside cleanout (I hope)...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-6qx6mxd/0/12ba75cc/O/i-6qx6mxd.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-xNDgkND/0/76d4a5db/O/i-xNDgkND.jpg

We are going there Oct 15th and the Super mentioned that hopefully we'll have a framed in house to look at while we are there. He won't commit to an actual start date on the framing but did say we are next in line.

[waynieZ]

Nice piece of property, looking forward to your next post .

[SSLance]

Wow, what builder in Arizona offers that shop option? That's sweet! My next life plan definitely has to be a bigger piece of property with a shop. Hopefully that builder is on the Eastside!

The sales force from our subdivision has moved on down the street to Shea's new subdivision since ours is sold out. From what I can tell, they are offering a bit different house plans and still include the large RV garages here...

http://www.sheahomes.com/community/latitudecantilena/

They've got a couple models open if you want to check them out. :D

[Campbellshotrods]

The sales force from our subdivision has moved on down the street to Shea's new subdivision since ours is sold out. From what I can tell, they are offering a bit different house plans and still include the large RV garages here...

http://www.sheahomes.com/community/latitudecantilena/

They've got a couple models open if you want to check them out. :D

I wish they offered something out East. But unfortunately at this point in my life, on a single income... that's looking to be out of my range. :(

But I am looking at some Fulton Homes WAY out East in Queen Creek with 4.5 car garages. That should make life a lot easier for me, so working towards doing that in a year.

[SSLance]

They started framing yesterday...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-45NF3Tm/0/dabec3c8/O/i-45NF3Tm.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-7NrQkgL/0/7b3525a9/O/i-7NrQkgL.jpg

[waynieZ]

What have they got 30 guys working on it?? lol They are moving right a long. It looks good already.

[Vegas69]

Framing pops up quick and it costs a FORTUNE. It's the largest expense on most builds.

[SSLance]

This builder has the walls and trusses prebuilt at a factory and brought to the jobsite on a truck. This is how they put them up so fast. Super said 10-11 days total to build garage and house.

[Vegas69]

Trusses are normally pre-built. My custom home will have pre-built trusses. It reduces the framing labor substantially. I'm sure they are saving big bucks on the pre-built walls too.

[NOPANTS68]

Looks awesome dude! It'll look like a structure before you know it. Like Vegas said, this is an expensive hurdle you'll be over soon.

[SSLance]

Not bad for one week's work huh? I'm real happy with how it looks on the lot.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-hdBx3rG/0/cb888e0f/O/i-hdBx3rG.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-BsthtXM/0/0d92daac/O/i-BsthtXM.jpg

In this one you can see my neighbor to the West's house and RV garage...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-S5vS5Vg/0/8618500b/O/i-S5vS5Vg.jpg

We'll be out there on the 15th, I suppose the framers will be done packed up and left by then.

[JKnight]

Fantastic! You oughta have a neighborhood full of hobbyists with all those shop-centric builds. That could be a very cool 'hood!

[SSLance]

Really looking like a house and shop now...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-Z4KChw6/0/64d47977/O/i-Z4KChw6.jpg

Inside the RV garage looking at the back wall. You can see the bathroom framed in on the right corner.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-6gggXTQ/0/cb35d379/O/i-6gggXTQ.jpg

The back of the house and RV garage

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-fxD68wT/0/597109ec/O/i-fxD68wT.jpg

We'll see it in person Sunday morning... I can't wait!!

[98ssnova]

Nice they are moving fast.

[SSLance]

Framers finished today, plumbers and electricians start Monday..

[jarhead]

Very nice! Congrats!

[waynieZ]

It’s coming along,nice, looks good.

[SSLance]

I am back in KC from a whirlwind trip to Albuquerque then Phoenix then back here. I was able to spend a little bit of time with the new build and am very happy with how it lays out in person. The massive open space inside the RV Garage is mindblowing. Even though it's 150 sq ft smaller than my old shop, it's WAY more useful space.

My plans for inside the garage have changed a bit after spending some time in it. I originally wanted to build a separate room for my office but I think I'll just put my office in the corner by the bathroom, decorate it up nicely and take the money I was going to spend on the walls and roof and put it into a nice HVAC setup that will cool the whole shop comfortably. This will allow me to put the lift further away from the 9' door and also further towards the middle of the area leaving more room between the lift and East wall for tool boxes, workbenches etc. If it works out...I can hopefully even get the 4 legs of the lift centered over the hump in the middle of the floor and get the lift to sit pretty level.

I'm very happy with how the driveway laid out, the (2) 14" doors and the flat area behind the shop for parking trailers cars and whatnot. I even got my extra outside drain cleanout behind the RV garage which will double as an RV dump once I tinker with it for a bit.

The house laid out pretty nice also. We'll have a lot of landscaping to do once we get in...this will be the last "design" and spendy hurdle we'll have to handle. Leaning more and more toward hiring that all done as well and ending up with a turnkey finished place so I can hit the ground running once in.

Here is a 7 minute video of a walk thru the house and the garage. It might interest some and bore others to tears...the RV garage is in the last few minutes if you want to skip ahead. ;)

W-WfDK7YNo0

I'm trying to convince the wife to make our final move to PHX as soon as possible, she wants to wait until around the middle of November. We have a townhome rented ready to go and most things packed. Why wait? :D

Oh yeah...we also got the pool design finalized...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-5qHhjsf/0/9a93a63c/X3/i-5qHhjsf-X3.jpg

[waynieZ]

Beautiful property Lance. You'll be styling when your in there.

[JKnight]

Looking good Lance!! We finally got our pool and turf done, has made our backyard far more enjoyable. You guys are really going to enjoy what you’ve got going there.

Count us in for the housewarming party ;)

[SSLance]

Beautiful property Lance. You'll be styling when your in there.

Thanks!! We are very excited...


Looking good Lance!! We finally got our pool and turf done, has made our backyard far more enjoyable. You guys are really going to enjoy what you’ve got going there.

Count us in for the housewarming party ;)


Thanks... And remember, there is a moving party or two first....before the housewarming party!! :D

[raustinss]

looks to be a beautiful house and amazing shop .. one thing I don't understand WHY no basements in the southwest...?

[98ssnova]

Hopefully you know that lady?.....lol

[SSLance]

looks to be a beautiful house and amazing shop .. one thing I don't understand WHY no basements in the southwest...?

We actually had the option of a basement with this floor plan...which is very unusual for sure. We just preferred to have a house with no steps this go around. Plus, we didn't need a 4100 sq ft house...


Hopefully you know that lady?.....lol

Are you talking about the one in the video with the Chiefs shirt walking the dogs? If so...yes, I know her pretty well. :D

[BMR Sales]

looks to be a beautiful house and amazing shop .. one thing I don't understand WHY no basements in the southwest...?

I think a lot of it is the Soil - in the SE especially FL, the Soil is Sandy and a lot of times dense.

I believe in the SW, the Soil is very Dense.

Also it is Cheaper to build up vs. down

[Vegas69]

That outta do! I like all the windows and that shop is alright too. :D

Not many basements out this way due to caliche and bedrock.

[Flash68]

Jesus that is awesome. That shop appears to dwarf the house... a man that knows his priorities. :D

[TheJDMan]

Lance,
I'm SOOOO jealous of that shop!!! VERY nice!!! I purchased Dust Off while I was going to school in PHX back in 73. Really liked that area in the winter but man oh man the summers are brutal. At least there is not much humidity. I predict you will be at the BJ auction in Scottsdale come January, just sayin.

[SSLance]

That outta do! I like all the windows and that shop is alright too. :D



Thanks!! It'll be interesting to see what I do with all of those windows 12' up in the air in the shop. The light might be nice, not sure about blocking the sun (and heat) coming in thru the West facing ones yet though.



Jesus that is awesome. That shop appears to dwarf the house... a man that knows his priorities. :D

Hey, she got the kitchen she wanted also...AND a pool... ;)


Lance,
I'm SOOOO jealous of that shop!!! VERY nice!!! I purchased Dust Off while I was going to school in PHX back in 73. Really liked that area in the winter but man oh man the summers are brutal. At least there is not much humidity. I predict you will be at the BJ auction in Scottsdale come January, just sayin.

Thanks... I was pretty excited to find a way to get a shop like that built right next to my house in a gated subdivision right in town. Several of the lots in our Subdivison have TWO of these RV garages sitting side by side next to the house. It's crazy really...but very cool at the same time. So far the people we've seen walking around the neighborhood for the most part look to be on the younger side, not the older "retiree age" side. Lots of big toys in the yards and garages as well. We are excited about that too.

I've been to BJ and Russo and Steele many times already, not sure that I'll make it a point to be there...but I'm not saying never either. I do know that I'll personally NEVER let any of the Jackson family see a dollar of mine...in any way shape or form...so if I do go it'l have to be on a free ticket. :D

[BMR Sales]

I do know that I'll personally NEVER let any of the Jackson family see a dollar of mine...in any way shape or form...so if I do go it'l have to be on a free ticket. :D

Sounds like there is a Story to Tell!:bitchslap:

[SSLance]

Sounds like there is a Story to Tell!:bitchslap:

I've told it here before several times...they used their platform to steal a car from a friend of mine in order to help one of their own out.

They are the dirtiest of dirty in my book.

[SSLance]

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-rMLfbzL/0/c3284216/X2/20171112_164221-X2.jpg

[Spiffav8]

Just watched the video. Love the house and the RV garage. Awesome setup!! That'll be one sweet place once you're all setup.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[SSLance]

Thanks! Can't wait to see it again tomorrow. I hear rough plumb is done, windows are in roof is dried on and HVAC installed. Electricians start this week.

[SSLance]

Making progress...

Almost all of interior rough in is done, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, low voltage, security, fire system, all complete. They even got a good start on the Lath this week.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-ZqgZ497/0/439aec97/XL/i-ZqgZ497-XL.jpg

Should be ready for an options review on 11/27 then they can insulate and start on sheetrock.

[SSLance]

Landscaping is on us, after closing. This is what we are starting to plan and work on now that we are settled here. Gotta figure out what we want to do with this courtyard area by the front door...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-4xHzd4r/0/0c858f7c/XL/i-4xHzd4r-XL.jpg

Also ran into a guy doing epoxy floors in a neighbor's house today, that happens right after close as well.

[GregWeld]

Looking good Lance!!


A peeing angel statue/fountain is always entertaining for the guests as they walk up to the front door.....


LOL

[Spiffav8]

[QUOTE=GregWeld;668950]
A peeing angel statue/fountain is always entertaining for the guests as they walk up to the front door.....
/QUOTE]

That's how everyone knows it's a classy kinda place. :bump:

[SSLance]

I'll run that by the design committee...but I'm not holding out hope it'll happen. :D

Went to Good Guys yesterday, talked with several lift and epoxy floor vendors there...and watched some fun racing as well.

[BMR Sales]

Looking good Lance!!


A peeing angel statue/fountain is always entertaining for the guests as they walk up to the front door.....


LOL

With some Yellow Food Coloring and a Baby Ruth or Two!

[SSLance]

We went by the house Thanksgiving day and all the lath on the outside is up and ready for first coat of Stucco, rough in plumbing is done and all that was left on rough in electrical was the plug ins in the RV garage.

We are scheduled to do an "options review" on Tuesday then they'll start insulation and sheetrock right after that. They say they won't set an approx close date until after the cabinets are in...pretty sure we are still on track for late February though.

Working hard on landscape and outdoor kitchen designs now...also furniture shopping. Lots to do to keep us busy while we wait.

[SSLance]

For those of you in the valley that may be interested, I'm going to run Barney up to the car show at 67th Ave and Bell Saturday evening for a while.

Be nice to meet you and put a face with an Internet username if you know what I mean. Plus, you get to meet Barney in person...

[Campbellshotrods]

Looking good!

Now how much research have you done on epoxied floors, versus say polished concrete? I've read a lot about (and seen) epoxied floors getting stained, chipped, etc.... Now I'm starting to look at acid etched or polished concrete as an alternative. Just trying to do my research too.

I'm looking to put money down in 2-3 months to kick off a build of my own with a 5.5 car garage in the exact opposite end of the valley as you... Queen Creek, lol.

[SSLance]

I have quotes from 3 different epoxy floor coating companies, have learned quite a bit about the procedure. I think I have a plan in place but it'll be a while before we get that far.

I know I haven't updated much but it's hard to show what is going on inside the walls. We hit a milestone the other day though.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-TkgGx6P/0/aeb777ea/XL/i-TkgGx6P-XL.jpg

This little card shows the inspector signing off and allowing sheetrock work to start.

Took these on Tuesday, I imagine they are in the process of hanging it all by now. The builder gives them 22 working days to hang, tape, mud and finish all of the sheetrock.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-qjQB2Sv/0/10fa96a3/XL/i-qjQB2Sv-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-95pkw9f/0/c2cc6b5a/XL/i-95pkw9f-XL.jpg

That's when things will really start to look different, the next phase if you will. The foreman mentioned the "April" word the last time we met with him, I'm hoping he was just being cautious\conservative but in reality...it'll probably be around the first of April before we can close on the house. That sucks but it is what it is. I just hope we can get in and get some things done like landscaping, epoxy floors, AC in shop and what not before the summer heat really kicks in.

[Panteracer]

Lance,
Things are looking good... it will all be worth it
I bought a new home that seems like yesterday
but actually 17 years ago.. it is nice to not have to
fix old things that are breaking down in an old house

We were only Homeless for 1 1/2 months but it was still
a pain waiting to get things done so we could move in
Having the shop right there will be great

Good luck
Bob

[SSLance]

Man, they do NOT mess around... All sheetrock is now hung, shop AND house.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-6GSzX9R/0/6b1abd08/XL/i-6GSzX9R-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-jzsjhHB/0/1eb5ec12/XL/i-jzsjhHB-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-SMgpfKx/0/2570a802/XL/i-SMgpfKx-XL.jpg

[GregWeld]

Sure changes stuff when they get that hung..... Good for you!!


See ya in January! Think we're going down on the 8th -- be there a couple weeks. Hurry up and get some paint on that thing! LOL

[JKnight]

Looks great Lance! That shop is a nice size. We’re trying to figure out how to fit something on our existing property but it definitely won’t be that big. The clear story windows are a nice touch.

[SSLance]

Sure changes stuff when they get that hung..... Good for you!!


See ya in January! Think we're going down on the 8th -- be there a couple weeks. Hurry up and get some paint on that thing! LOL

Yep, really can tell what it'll look like inside now. The tall ceilings and huge doors really make it seem like a bigger house than it is for sure.

Same with the shop... I couldn't get the grin off my face.

I drove by Russo and Steele today and they are setting up tents already. See ya when you get here!!

[SSLance]

Looks great Lance! That shop is a nice size. We’re trying to figure out how to fit something on our existing property but it definitely won’t be that big. The clear story windows are a nice touch.

Thanks Jeff!! Say, I'm racing at AMP tomorrow if you aren't doing anything. Should be on track 10-11ish and then again 12-2ish for fun runs.

[waynieZ]

It's looking good, now you can see spaces coming together.

[jarhead]

WOW that really shows how big that shop is Lance :confused59:

Nice house too :-)

Joe

[JKnight]

Thanks Jeff!! Say, I'm racing at AMP tomorrow if you aren't doing anything. Should be on track 10-11ish and then again 12-2ish for fun runs.

Dang it! I just saw this. We spent all day moving my bro-in-law. Otherwise I would have been there.

How’d ol’ Barney get along out there?

[SSLance]

Had a blast... Here was my last timed run, a 48.652... https://youtu.be/bMMQfXpoxsE

[SSLance]

Barney got to meet his new home yesterday.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-ZRZVv56/0/aeee0089/XL/i-ZRZVv56-XL.jpg

[SSLance]

So I got to spend some time with a tape measure inside the shop yesterday.

What should I consider a minimum distance away from a side wall for my drive on lift placement?

I have plenty of room toward the inside of the shop but my issue is lining up to the door. My 9' wide door is only 2 foot and change away from the outside wall and I need to get the drive on end of the lift as close to the door as I can to make sure there is enough room at the other end of the lift.

I can make it work with the drive on end of the lift being 3 feet away from the outside wall and the other end of the lift 4 feet away from the outside wall. Nothing has to be along that wall so there would be plenty of room to walk outside the ramp and also plenty of room to say pull an axle out of a housing or something like that.

Hopefully that won't be too cumbersome. I know it is not ideal, but for most jobs it should be okay, no?

The lift will have wheels so I guess if I really needed room around the outside of it I could load the car on the lift and then move it toward the center...but that would be an extreme case and not something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

[Ketzer]

The lift will have wheels so I guess if I really needed room around the outside of it I could load the car on the lift and then move it toward the center...but that would be an extreme case and not something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

I think that's one of the biggest pluses over two-post...

[waynieZ]

Barney got to meet his new home yesterday.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-ZRZVv56/0/aeee0089/XL/i-ZRZVv56-XL.jpg

And I bet it was LOVE at first sight!

[SSLance]

I think that's one of the biggest pluses over two-post...


I know... Trust me, I know...

But, with a two post I wouldn't have to move it in this situation...

[dhutton]

I would want a minimum of three feet of clearance to the wall with the car door open....

[SSLance]

I would want a minimum of three feet of clearance to the wall with the car door open....

With my doors, if I understand you correctly...the lift ramp would have to be almost 6' away from the outside wall. No way to get through the garage door and drive onto the lift in that scenario.

I'm thinking the most room I'd really need is to pull an axle out of a housing. 3' would be plenty for that right? I'm trying to imagine standing with back to wall and pulling a rear tire off the car...how much room I'd need to set the tire down between me and the lift?

I'd love to have 5 or 6 feet for sure, but with a 9' wide door and only 30" between said door and outside wall, that makes it pretty tough.

My other choice is to put the lift way in, up closer to the bathroom and put my office desk, computer and stuff at the end by the garage doors somewhere.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-p8fxz53/0/1d5b23ef/O/i-p8fxz53.jpg

That makes the shop layout easier, as well as entry to the lift...but I need an office in there somewhere to make the money back that is paying for all of this... :D

[dhutton]

With my doors, if I understand you correctly...the lift ramp would have to be almost 6' away from the outside wall. No way to get through the garage door and drive onto the lift in that scenario.

I'm thinking the most room I'd really need is to pull an axle out of a housing. 3' would be plenty for that right? I'm trying to imagine standing with back to wall and pulling a rear tire off the car...how much room I'd need to set the tire down between me and the lift?

I'd love to have 5 or 6 feet for sure, but with a 9' wide door and only 30" between said door and outside wall, that makes it pretty tough.

My other choice is to put the lift way in, up closer to the bathroom and put my office desk, computer and stuff at the end by the garage doors somewhere.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-p8fxz53/0/1d5b23ef/O/i-p8fxz53.jpg

That makes the shop layout easier, as well as entry to the lift...but I need an office in there somewhere to make the money back that is paying for all of this... :D

Keep in mind the car is not sitting on the edge of the ramps and the ramps are offset from the posts.

Put your office in the RV. :D Its just wasted space when the RV is parked in there anyway....

Don

[SSLance]

I'm trying now to decide if I can squeeze my office into the back area between the bath and the back garage door.

Imagine a mezzanine built the same height at the bathroom ceiling covering the area between the bath and garage door, open, no walls, just a corner post. The desk and file cabinets under it with a set of stairs going up on the front towards front doors.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-pRCrZwx/0/5acd1b81/O/i-pRCrZwx.jpg

This would let me put my tool box under said steps, move the lift way toward the back (and possibly make it super easy to get level) letting me be more creative with placement of lift from the outside wall.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-tSwtDZt/0/59ca521d/XL/i-tSwtDZt-XL.jpg

That small area just might work out pretty well for my office freeing up a bunch of other more usable space.

[GregWeld]

I'm trying now to decide if I can squeeze my office into the back area between the bath and the back garage door.

Imagine a mezzanine built the same height at the bathroom ceiling covering the area between the bath and garage door, open, no walls, just a corner post. The desk and file cabinets under it with a set of stairs going up on the front towards front doors.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-pRCrZwx/0/5acd1b81/O/i-pRCrZwx.jpg

This would let me put my tool box under said steps, move the lift way toward the back (and possibly make it super easy to get level) letting me be more creative with placement of lift from the outside wall.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-tSwtDZt/0/59ca521d/XL/i-tSwtDZt-XL.jpg

That small area just might work out pretty well for my office freeing up a bunch of other more usable space.





ANYTHING "UP" is free..... use if for storage - and hang stuff off the ceiling that doesn't get used much etc..... It's the first floor that costs money - the rest is always under utilized.


Lower the upper floor so you have head room -- put things like tool boxes and working tools (benders etc) under that space.

[GregWeld]

In my old shop in Seattle --- I wanted a "mezzanine" and didn't want an extra post in my way ------- finally figured out that I was going to have a post anyway because the lift is a post ---- so put the mezzanine post right beside it (thus just making it a bit wider)..... The door still opened fully on whatever I was working on.... and it gave me a great place to hang AIR - and other handy stuff.





http://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?
attachmentid=64108&stc=1&d=1515094992

[GregWeld]

Here's another thing that was super helpful down the road...... I built in a double wide door in the wall -- that way -- with a chain hoist -- I could haul anything up there I wanted basically all by myself --- rather than hauling stuff up the stairs!







http://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=64109&stc=1&d=1515095219

[DBasher]

If you’ve got the head room, an office above the bathroom on a mezzanine would be ideal. Tape out a 12’x12’ or even 14’ square from the back wall to the side wall and imagine that space “up”. Lights under the mezzanine with tool boxes and benches would make a nice bright work area with plenty of room for the lift and vehicles.

I’d be doing a mezzanine no matter what....either storage or an office you’ve got the height and it just makes sense. :thumbsup:

Happy belated birthday, Lance
:cheers:

[SSLance]

Hmmm.... Hadn't thought about moving the office up... Have to chew on that one a bit. And thanks!!!

[SSLance]

Did some lift shopping at Barrett Jackson last week and think I have the one I want narrowed down. I used the dimensions from it to create this latest layout of the shop.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-8RbbhWD/0/847ffe60/O/i-8RbbhWD.jpg

The RV is on the left backed in, the box to the right of it is the drive on 4 post lift, my desk is on the outside wall next to the file cabinets on the bathroom wall. My tall tool chest is next to the desk and a future workbench\tool chest is next to it.

The lift is far enough away from the entry garage door to make getting a car or truck onto the lift easy enough and the lift is centered on the crown of the floor which should make it real easy to get the lift exactly level for suspension and alignment setups.

The electrical panel is right beside the people door on the lower right wall which makes that a good place to park a rolling steel worktable with places for drill presses, welders, vises and other fabrication tools.

I'm thinking about adding a mezzanine over the area where my desk is at some point but won't need to be done right away. Where to put the steps up to it is the main issue I can't get over.

[Vegas69]

I think it's going to be tough to get a car on and off that lift being so far from the wall. Do a mock run with the biggest thing you plan to lift and place the lift there.

This is another prime example of why I like a two post lift. They take up much less space. I realize you can park on and under a 4 post, but I don't want to work under the hood on a two post and it's tough to life a hood under one.

[DBasher]

Are you installing the rear “optional” door? *EDIT* Don’t mind me, I’m medicated.

I’d figure out your mezzanine before you go any further.
:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Agree with Todd ---- just angle the loading end towards the door... will give you more working space anyway.


After having a couple shops --- all I will tell anyone -- what seems big - isn't..... LOL

[dhutton]

All that space in front of the RV and lift looks like dead wasted space to me. I would put the lift (and RV) closer to the door.

Leveling the lift is simple, no need to worry about the crown of the floor.

Don

[SSLance]

The closer the lift gets to the door, the closer it has to be to the side wall. That and being able to put the things that have special electrical needs in that area close to the panel are good reasons to push it back.

You also have to remember, that box is the outside dimensions of an extra wide, extra long drive on lift.

https://advantagelifts.us/image/data/items/SS-9000-XLT/advantage-lifts-SS-9000XLT-3D.png

It's not like what you are putting on the lift has to be completely straight before driving on.

I agree that angling the drive on end toward door may be necessary but thankfully it comes with a set of caster wheels just in case.

I'm thinking now about putting a set of stairs on the back wall going up over the water heater to above the bathroom and if that fits...building a mezzanine out over where my desk is to about the front of where the lift is. The stairs up are the hard thing to find room for.

And yes...they are NEVER big enough...but this will have to do. :D

[SSLance]

I realize you can park on and under a 4 post, but I don't want to work under the hood on a two post and it's tough to life a hood under one.

This one lifts up to 6' 8" under the ramps... My 2500HD 4x4 truck will drive under it when all the way up. Opening a hood on a car shouldn't be an issue.

[SSLance]

Think this will be enough light?

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-VhjrhSX/0/de1c0dbc/X2/i-VhjrhSX-X2.jpg

:D

[SSLance]

I've spent the last few days perusing garage pics...and making lists of all of the equipment I'll eventually have again to outfit the new shop. It all starts to add up pretty quick and a mezzanine is looking better and better all the time.

The "deck" above the bathroom is 9' 6" off the floor leaving a 6' 6" ceiling height above it which should be enough. The main problem is finding a place to put a flight of stairs to get up to the mezzanine.

My latest thought which I'll start drawing today is to put a narrow mezzanine along the East (right) wall starting at the bathroom and going all the way until I need to start a stairway down which will land close to where the service door enters. I'm thinking 6' wide will leave room for shelves along the wall and a walkway past them while still leaving room to put the lift below and the mezzanine posts will be right next to the lift posts. I can then put my desk area and tool boxes and workbenches under the mezzanine.

The West wall can then be used to line up the equipment that doesn't require special electric or won't be used very often like hydraulic presses, parts washers, and a place to park rolling tools like folding engine hoists and engine stands.

I'll have to draw it out and see, like I said, the main thing is to find a place to land a flight of stairs that is comfortable and safe to walk up.


https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-ZCRWfr6/0/be18f1d7/XL/20180122_142101-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-rk2fxB9/0/fee3fdd4/XL/20180122_142108-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-RZP43hN/0/20de5515/XL/20180122_142045-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-GhddK3L/0/7cd90d27/XL/20180122_142042-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-Rd5vGLd/0/f0c0763d/XL/i-Rd5vGLd-XL.jpg

[Panteracer]

Lance,
A Pantera buddy of mine built his stairs on a hinge
He then attached a cable system with a motor and can
raise and lower the stairs so they do not take up a lot of room
Thinking about doing the same thing in my shop some time in
the future.... you are right they do take up a lot of space

Looks good,

Bob

[GregWeld]

Spiral staircase in the corner of the bathroom exterior wall(s).... an opening in the pony wall to put furniture in the office.... or get it out.

[GregWeld]

Lance,
A Pantera buddy of mine built his stairs on a hinge
He then attached a cable system with a motor and can
raise and lower the stairs so they do not take up a lot of room
Thinking about doing the same thing in my shop some time in
the future.... you are right they do take up a lot of space

Looks good,

Bob

They take the same amount of room -- since the lower floor area needs to be clear to accept the stairs....

I'd prefer a "closet" space / storage space under the stairs for a compressor or other "things" such as that.

My stairs in the old shop went up a couple steps - had a landing and made a turn ---- it's were I stored spare motors - 55 gallon drums of spare metal "sticks" - and I built a rack for new metal -- longest pieces to shortest following the stair slope. My compressor was also under there although at the height of the slop - these were also EXTRA SIDE stairs in case I wanted to turn the area in to storage vs a space for chairs and TV and drums etc.

Not trying to say what you should do -- just giving "food for thought" on some options.



http://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=64304&stc=1&d=1516727034

[SSLance]

They are rolling right along... Got garage doors installed yesterday.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-b9Cf3NV/0/b413a9d6/XL/20180124_170219-XL.jpg


Just about all of the light fixtures are installed, tile guys put mud pan in master bath shower yesterday, cabinets are 90% installed, and the pool is half dug.

Stuff happens in a hurry at this stage.

[dontlifttoshift]

Lance,

Make sure you get the make and model of the lights. When you decide to add ten more they will all match.

[Campbellshotrods]

Looking good!

Proper garages finally seem to be a thing here in AZ. Got a 10:30 appointment Sunday to kick off my house with a 5.5 car garage.

[SSLance]

Lance,

Make sure you get the make and model of the lights. When you decide to add ten more they will all match.

Hey now!!! The walls are white and there are windows on all four sides...surely only 5 more fixtures will do???

[SSLance]

Looking good!

Proper garages finally seem to be a thing here in AZ. Got a 10:30 appointment Sunday to kick off my house with a 5.5 car garage.

Now you're talking!!! Good luck with the meeting...

[Vegas69]

Love that shop, it makes me think I should've made mine bigger.:G-Dub:

[SSLance]

Love that shop, it makes me think I should've made mine bigger.:G-Dub:

Thanks... Like Greg says...they are NEVER big enough... :D

[GregWeld]

Thanks... Like Greg says...they are NEVER big enough... :D

I'm not touching that......


Good to see you today Lance!! The new place is going to be awesome!! Thanks for taking your day to mess around!!

[SSLance]

It was fun Greg, can't wait until we can do things together much more regularly.

[SSLance]

I've enlisted some 3D modeling help to get a better picture.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-HV6Lk23/0/168aeb74/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%20left%20view.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-jrbX4dp/0/a80900d9/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%20front%20view.jpg

Now I need to load Sketchup onto this PC so I can play around with things a bit more.

[GregWeld]

After having seen the setup ----- I'm wondering if you're not giving too much up in an effort to keep the motorhome inside. What about a "nice" carport cover out the back side door -- and a wooden fence/screen with gates for quick access) so you're not seeing the side of the motorhome from the pool etc - and it would keep the sun off it etc. If you have no project going - the MH could come inside -- but if you have a big project or need the room - back it out under the covered carport for a month or whatever time you'd need.

It could sit on compacted gravel -- or those cement blocks - buried to ground level with gravel for drainage...


Just thinking out loud here buddy.

[SSLance]

You have to remember Greg, about 60% of the reason I'm even getting a new house plus shop is to have a place to store the RV inside. Heat is a killer to the inside of an RV and my RV being dark in color makes it even worse. Plus, if I put up any kind of a shed or cover in that back area, the legs of it would make it too difficult to move other things around like car trailers, other cars\RVs or whatever. Heck, I'm halfway concerned about being able to back my long arsed truck and car trailer up into the slot between the RV garage and fence. That flat area behind the shop is only roughly 50' x 50'.

The RV is a small part of the space inside really and it has wheels...which makes that part easier. Heck, I could park TWO RVs side by side up against that back door and not take up much more room for my other stuff than one RV does. The trick is just getting whichever lift I choose far enough away from the East wall (or things along that wall) while still being able to get a vehicle on and off the lift.

I'm talking with a Bendpak sales rep now and am learning about their adjustable locks on the posts which make leveling it a lot more easy than the other types of drive on lifts with fixed locks on posts. This would let me angle the lift and fix most of my issues.

Plus I remeasured my truck wheelbase today and came up with a shorter measurement which will help as well.

Today's progress pics...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-9htwwK4/0/9e19feb2/XL/i-9htwwK4-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-LwDRLRP/0/8c877a8b/XL/i-LwDRLRP-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-kfNMqpW/0/77c58aa5/XL/i-kfNMqpW-XL.jpg

See that black PVC pipe with the brown paint on it? That is the clean out for the drains in the RV bath that I was going to extend over to beside the back door and use as an RV dump.

I take one day off from going up and this happens... Had I been there I could have just had the guys setting the pool equipment plumbing set it up a foot further away from the building...but NOOO...

[SSLance]

Guess who is learning how to 3D draw? :D

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-5XM8XH4/0/4e87327f/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%20with%20lift%201.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-fmkmM8W/0/af115e06/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%20with%20lift%202.jpg

[jarhead]

I'm not touching that......




OH man , I am laughing my ass off...

You guys...

[TimeWarpF100]

I'm trying now to decide if I can squeeze my office into the back area between the bath and the back garage door.

Imagine a mezzanine built the same height at the bathroom ceiling covering the area between the bath and garage door, open, no walls, just a corner post. The desk and file cabinets under it with a set of stairs going up on the front towards front doors.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-pRCrZwx/0/5acd1b81/O/i-pRCrZwx.jpg

This would let me put my tool box under said steps, move the lift way toward the back (and possibly make it super easy to get level) letting me be more creative with placement of lift from the outside wall.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-tSwtDZt/0/59ca521d/XL/i-tSwtDZt-XL.jpg

That small area just might work out pretty well for my office freeing up a bunch of other more usable space.

Very Nice Setup!

[clill]

Are those all manual valves on the pool equipment ?

[GregWeld]

Looking good Lance! I'll be back down in March.... and you'll almost be moved in by then.

[SSLance]

Are those all manual valves on the pool equipment ?

I haven't been orientated on the operation of my first pool ever yet, but I do know I paid a fairly handsome price for some sort of electronic hand held do-wha-hickey that is supposed to let me completely run the whole pool setup from the comfort of my recliner inside the house. So I'm gonna guess the answer to your question is "no".

[SSLance]

Looking good Lance! I'll be back down in March.... and you'll almost be moved in by then.

Thanks Greg... Anyway you can reschedule that trip to the weekend of April 14th? :D We're looking for a few good men to help unload the storage units... ;)

I need to post some updated pics, the house has come a long way recently. The shop not so much, it's pretty much ready for final cleanup and move in.

[SSLance]

So this is how we are going to lay the shop out. I moved the tool box and tool chest to the middle of the floor and the lift closer to the wall to line it up with the door. There was lots of room in the middle and there is no law that says a tool box must be against a wall, so it only made sense.

I also added another Ikea corner desk and some shelves above the desk area for my office. I'll probably hand make the upper shelves to make best available use of the space and fit it to all of my office equipment needs. My goal is to keep everything off the floor except the feet and legs of the tables. The TV will go on that bathroom wall just to the left of my desk area along with the stereo.

All of the big movable tools will line the wall on the left hand side behind the RV (engine stands, engine hoists, welders, presses etc). I'll park the RV close to the front door most of the time and the 20' or so behind the RV across from the bath will become my "dirty work" area with a large rolling steel work table with welders, grinders and such on or under it.

The heat pump air handler will sit on a base beside the water heater and have a duct that comes up to just higher than the bathroom ceiling and point out toward the center of the shop. The area on top of the bathroom will be for long term storage of things I won't ever use but I'll have to use a ladder to get up there.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-rp88qGH/0/41a1de53/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%202016%202-24-2018%203.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-gxcGRwQ/0/bfc64491/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%202016%202-24-2018.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-gNBL2T9/0/aef4a273/O/Lances%20RV%20Barn%202016%202-24-2018%202.jpg

[Vegas69]

Looks like a perfect set up to me. What software are you using for the renderings?

[SSLance]

Thanks!

It's the free trial version of Sketchup. My brother did the initial build of the building then sent it to me to mess around with.

[DBasher]

Lance, I’m no HVAC expert but I’d at least talk to the folks doing the house and see what it’d cost to extend the duct down the middle of the shop. 30’ of duct, some strapping and a couple drops with diffusers...that’s two guys half a day, cheap. Plan the work while the electrical is getting done and a lift is onsite, they’ll be in and out of there before most folks roll outta bed.

Do yourself and the heat pump a favor and install a system not just a component.

Place looks great and your sketchup skills are stellar! :thumbsup:

[SSLance]

We had a similar air handler at our old commercial building in KC, with a duct running halfway across the top of the back wall of the shop with vents facing out toward the middle of the room and one vent on the end. The majority of the air went out the end of the duct across another 25' where it hit the wall and came down. The shop as a whole stayed pretty dang comfortable.

My thought is the 5 ton air handler will move a LOT of air....in a hurry... The air has to go somewhere, typically it'll keep moving until it hits something that will stop it (the wall at door end of shop). I understand there may be a 5 degree difference between one end of the shop to the other but as over sized as the handler is, it should be fine.

The other option is ductwork 16' up in the air along the ceiling, I don't think I'd like duct hanging down 6-8' below the ceiling. Problem with that is...now you are trying to condition almost twice the amount of air.

We'll see, I can always add duct work later if needed.

[DBasher]

I’ve read a few books and know you’re correct about two things. That unit will move a lot of air and it is oversized.

I’m sure it’ll be just fine.
:thumbsup:

[SSLance]

I've got some updated outside pics if anyone is interested?

The builder finished "their version" of the final grade a couple of days ago. It shows pretty much what the lot will lay out like. We have narrowed the landscape contractors down to two and are tweaking the final plans now. Whichever one we chose will be able to hit the ground running right after we close April 12th.

The front yard and driveway...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-jKsHkcN/0/e19a7d04/XL/i-jKsHkcN-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-jgLSptm/0/a05c680f/XL/i-jgLSptm-XL.jpg

Area directly behind the RV Garage...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-qGZ4rGJ/0/de5b6a61/XL/i-qGZ4rGJ-XL.jpg

I'm having 1/2" screened rock put down behind and beside the RV garage for parking, turn around and such. The car trailer will be tucked in between the shop and fence when not in use.

The outside AC condensor for the shop will sit along the back wall between the pool heater and the garage door and a Pool Equipment wall will hide the equipment so it can't be seen from the pool area.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-5kJRgHm/0/4dfa62c9/XL/i-5kJRgHm-XL.jpg

Future plans call for a firepit area on this side of the pool from the house. For now we are putting a BBQ island over on the side of the travertine deck closest to the fence.

I've chosen a company to finish the floors in shop and house garage, this is the process they'll use.

– Grind and Seal
-perform 30 grit diamond grind in order to expose salt and pepper aggregate
-patch minor cracks, joints and spalls using a cementitious repair mortar
-perform 80 grit finish grind
-apply clear polyaspartic sealer at approx. 4-6 mils thickness

The Polyaspartic is a clear epoxy that will protect the smoothed out concrete will making it easy to clean and also easy to repair if necessary. They plan to start the day we close as well.

Not much else has happened inside the shop in a while. Waiting on electric meter to be set so they can finish the install of the third door opener and tidy up a few other loose ends. Then one final touch up paint and it's ready.

The house is close also, carpet is down, final electric and plumb done, working on prepping for final paint and appliances. And odds and ends...LOTS of odds and ends...

[GregWeld]

Hey! Get some water in that pool!


I'll be down Friday the 16th -- planning to hit GoodGuys on Saturday (maybe even Friday...)


WOW --- that yard sure looks different than when I saw it last time!!

[SSLance]

They will put the turbo heads in the pool next Monday...then it'll be ready for the final interior finish, then water.

So, you'll finally get to meet Barney on Sat, cool. I'm taking the RV and camping at GGs all weekend, I expect you to look me up while there. I'll have my extra helmet with me just in case... ;)

[jarhead]

Beautiful!

And I LOVE that driveway, so much nicer than concrete!

Joe

[SSLance]

Thanks Joe!

I like the looks of the pavers as well. Not sure about how the upkeep on it will go though. Trying to decide if I should attempt to seal them or just let them be? Will also need to be a bit more careful with my "racer friends" and letting them park their leaky cars on it. :D

[Sieg]

Can you not pull the oil spotted pavers and install new ones? Keep a few new ones stages out in the weather so they naturally age with the driveway pavers.

[SSLance]

Not a clue Sieg, I'm used to just hitting the stains on my concrete drives with brake cleaner and a pressure washer... :EmoteClueless:

[GregWeld]

Not a clue Sieg, I'm used to just hitting the stains on my concrete drives with brake cleaner and a pressure washer... :EmoteClueless:

NO NO NO ---- wet 'em --- dust 'em with TIDE laundry detergent - go to bed -- rinse it off in the morning.

[Sieg]

Not a clue Sieg, I'm used to just hitting the stains on my concrete drives with brake cleaner and a pressure washer... :EmoteClueless:
Brake Cleaner or any solvent will typically drive the staining agent deeper into the concrete or stone. Thus it can wick or migrate back to the surface.

NO NO NO ---- wet 'em --- dust 'em with TIDE laundry detergent - go to bed -- rinse it off in the morning.
Thanks to your tip while back I tried the Tide powder with great success on a large 2 qt. oil spot.

I applied it dry and rubbed it into the effected area making it a finer powder, stirred it around with a broom a couple times and let it sit overnite. The Tide powder acts as a poultice (wicking agent) and pulls the liquid out. Swept it up, hosed it off then reapplied Tide and rubbed it into the surface with my foot. Hosed off the next day and no discoloration to my surprise.

[SSLance]

Awesome advice Greg, thanks!!!

[Vegas69]

That's a hell of a nice set up. I'll make sure my wife doesn't see the photos of that pool. :D

[SSLance]

Thanks! And how do you think I got the big shop I wanted? :D

[GregWeld]

Thanks! And how do you think I got the big shop I wanted? :D

OMG please don't tell us you drowned her in the pool and spent the life insurance money on a new shop!!

[Vegas69]

Thanks! And how do you think I got the big shop I wanted? :D

It's all making sense now!

[Flash68]

Wow that looks great!

[SSLance]

So we took a few days off from checking on the progress (as it was going WAY slow this week) but we swung by last evening.

Big news is... We got power!!! They finally put the meter on the box out front.

Now I can tell just how many two way light switches they need to take out and flip over so they work the proper direction. :yes:

Not much else to report, thanks for the kind words everyone. We picked up quite a few furniture pieces this week and more today, finally narrowing down on a lot of the still undecided upon options.

32 days....

[Lenie]

Awesome set up Lance, looks great.

[SSLance]

Things are getting ready to happen...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-JdDxC5M/0/0eb3c8a2/XL/i-JdDxC5M-XL.jpg

Did the new home orientation yesterday, the house is basically ready to close...just some final touch up paint and touch up cleaning left and possibly a new kitchen sink. Was scheduled to close Thursday April 12th but we are working on speeding that up a bit...might be in as early as Monday the 9th.

The possible change in schedule is making me have to rearrange things a bit but it's worth it to finally be able to move in and get on with the rest of finishing the house (and shop) up.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-s9pq2Fd/0/b82d6589/XL/i-s9pq2Fd-XL.jpg

[Tinker]

Congrats Lance,
You made the right move. We just got ten inches of snow last night....ugggh. That pool looks awful inviting

[jarhead]

i would have capitalized (AND SHOP) lol...

Congrats, that pool is beautiful!

[Goosesdad]

Congratulations....!!!

[Vegas69]

Sweet! Now if we could be neighbors and I could use it.

[SSLance]

i would have capitalized (AND SHOP) lol...

Congrats, that pool is beautiful!

Good call!! And thanks...can't wait to start using it everyday.


Congratulations....!!!

Thanks!

Sweet! Now if we could be neighbors and I could use it.


Or you could just build your own... :D

I've never had a pool before and I'm quite looking forward to this.

[Build-It-Break-it]

Good call!! And thanks...can't wait to start using it everyday.




Thanks!


I have a pool and look forward to being able to fill it with dirt everyday and forget I ever owned one.

Looking good tho Lance. Beautiful home.

[Lenie]

Beautiful Lance.

[SSLance]

Well, we've been sleeping in the new house since Thursday. Most of the house stuff is moved in...today they are grinding the shop and garage floors prepping them for coating.

Snapped some decent pics last night...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-GWLxxBM/0/f06e59f1/XL/i-GWLxxBM-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-CB4rzW3/0/303db0af/XL/i-CB4rzW3-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-HGSSvLm/0/984e26c1/XL/i-HGSSvLm-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-Cv3Vwfr/0/425c7f5a/XL/i-Cv3Vwfr-XL.jpg

Floors should be ready to drive on again Thursday...then the real fun can start by moving the shop stuff in.

[DBasher]

Looks great Lance! It’ll be nice to get out of your storage shed and into a proper building.
:flag2::cheers:

[BMR Sales]

Sweet!

[SSLance]

Looks great Lance! It’ll be nice to get out of your storage shed and into a proper building.
:flag2::cheers:

Thanks! We are super stoked!! Mainly just to start finding and using all of our "stuff" once again...

[SSLance]

I forgot to post this one, this is where the dailys will live.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-LhKzgrg/0/4f425314/XL/i-LhKzgrg-XL.jpg

21' long truck fits in there beautifully...

[Vegas69]

Killer!

[JKnight]

Fantastic! So much room for activities!!

[SSLance]

Killer!

Thanks!! I agree!!

[SSLance]

Fantastic! So much room for activities!!

You should come... And help me move my shop stuff in to see how fast we can fill it up!!

:D

[JKnight]

Not a problem. This weekend was birthday festivities but let me know if either of the next two weekends will work. Gotta do that JOB thing during the week.

[SSLance]

So, how do you all like this?

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-mc6T5Sn/0/b752af6f/XL/i-mc6T5Sn-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-fP6f7BT/0/7ebe7a0c/XL/i-fP6f7BT-XL.jpg

[GregWeld]

Just don't drop a tiny nut......


Looks great Lance!!!

[Panteracer]

Lance,
Floor looks great.. you won't hardly have
to clean it to look good

Get yourself a good flashlight as Greg is right
every time you drop a small bolt or nut it will be
hard to find.. I have the fleck epoxy floor so I know

Glad you are going to finally be able to move things in
and get settled

Bob

[GregWeld]

Just don't drop a tiny nut......


Looks great Lance!!!




********** correction **********


DO NOT DROP ANY SIZE NUT OR BOLT ON THIS FLOOR.


GIDDY UP!!!!!

[SSLance]

I'm gonna go drop a nut on it right now...just to see!!

With the white walls in there I am very impressed with how bright it is with just the few lights so far.

[jarhead]

didn't you guys nuts drop years ago?

oops wrong forum...

:peepwall:

[gofastwclass]

Hahaha!!!


Nice floor Lance! I love the new place. :)

[rickpaw]

Love the new place. Thanks for sharing Lance.

[SSLance]

I guess it's time for a bit on an update on the shop's progress. I'm starting to get things put away and a bit more organized, starting with my tools.

I knew I wanted a 72" rolling chest for storage and finally found this Trinity on sale for $675 on Wayfair so I snatched it up. Once it got here and I did the final assembly, I went back inside and tried to order a couple more...but alas they were back to regular price of $991. They are REALLY nice for the money. Not Snap-On or MAC tools nice but still dang stout.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-jnnjLDK/0/59ebfac4/X2/i-jnnjLDK-X2.jpg

It's already full and the top covered and I still have stuff in bins...so I'll need at least one more if not 2.

I'm liking the chests lined up down the center of the shop so far, still need to tweak things but so far the plan is working.

It's a bit easier to work out in the shop now that the AC has been installed. It is so nice when you find a contractor that does a job neat and tidy as I would do it myself and Cactus Mechanical here in Phoenix did just that with this install.

I took the 50 AMP RV plug the builder installed in the wall out and extended the 6\3 WG into this surface mount distribution panel and then ran another piece of 6\3 out to a disconnect directly outside for the condensor.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-mrFBLSg/0/3469a61b/X2/i-mrFBLSg-X2.jpg

While I was at it I ran a 30 amp 230v plug right under the box for my welder and a 20 amp 230v circuit for the inside air handler. I then called Greg at Cactus Mechanical and told him I was ready. Couple of days later they installed this 5 ton Heat pump including the pre-built return base and extended feed out the top.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-Zhc4Rkc/0/341508bb/X2/i-Zhc4Rkc-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-cwWF6g8/0/cf818b6c/X2/i-cwWF6g8-X2.jpg

It was 92 degrees inside the shop at 4 in the afternoon when they fired it off and when I came back about an hour and a half later it was down to 80 and comfortable everywhere inside the shop. You can feel the breeze from the feed all the way at the front end of the shop and the walls, floors and even the ceiling are all within 1-2 degrees of each other everywhere. I think it's going to work out just fine.

[GregWeld]

It looks so good Lance!!


I'm sorry --- I did have to laugh just a bit though at the thought of the A/C pulling the shop down from 90 to 80...... WAIT!!! WAIT until it's 115* outside and has been for weeks.....


OMG the thought of moving to that kind takes my breath away. I will need a summer place! :topic:

[SSLance]

I'm actually very impressed with how cool the shop has stayed on the real hot days even BEFORE the AC was installed. Insulating the 6" walls was certainly the right call and once I figure out a way to screen the sun out of those (6) 4' x 4' windows it'll really be easy to keep cool.

Now, the house garage, that's another story... It is NOT insulated and the afternoon sun shines directly on the big and little garage doors. It's okay...as long as you don't open the doors or put a hot car in there...but make a run to the store in the afternoon on a hot day and park the car back it the garage when you get home and look out... It turns into an oven pretty quickly.

It doesn't affect the house as it's sealed off and insulated from the house nicely...but I need to figure out a way to get a fan in there to expel the hot air some how some way.

[SSLance]

I also found some time to play with the pool lights the other evening...the pool is part of the "shop" right? "D

PGzuc-aBd88

[Vegas69]

Nice, but I'm still not putting one in. :peepwall:

My insulators were in this week sealing penetrations and the base plate. I just spent 5 hours air sealing top plates, corners, framing gaps, and tidying up their work with foam. I am insulating the garage. You could always have someone come in and blow in fiberglass or cellulose in the attic.They can blow it into the wall too, they would need to make holes and then patch it. Also, you could foam the garage doors if they aren't insulated.

[SSLance]

Some say the heat in the garages is worse with them insulated, the insulation keeps the heat off the cars inside the garage. Thrte is a high and low vent in one wall because there is a gas water heater in there, I'd like to fund a temp co trolled exhaust fan to pit in the high vent...

And Thanks...I think you need one... :D

[dhutton]

I’m low tech so I just leave the garage door open for a while to let the car cool off...

Don

[Vegas69]

Some say the heat in the garages is worse with them insulated, the insulation keeps the heat off the cars inside the garage. Thrte is a high and low vent in one wall because there is a gas water heater in there, I'd like to fund a temp co trolled exhaust fan to pit in the high vent...

And Thanks...I think you need one... :D

Some people are wrong. ha It will be 110 outside and 150+ in your attic before long. If your garage doors get direct sun, insulating them will make a big difference in the desert.

I'll let you know what I think after mine is done.

[SSLance]

My garage doors are insulated and they actually do very well at keeping the heat out (and also pretty well at keeping the heat off the cars inside). The doors are constantly about 2 degrees cooler than the insulated walls right beside them, probably attributed to the outside color of the doors being a bit lighter than the base color of the house.

Don, I did exactly that when we got home last night... It's fighting a loosing battle in the late afternoon though as leaving the doors open lets the sun blast right into the garage.

[dhutton]

My garage doors are insulated and they actually do very well at keeping the heat out (and also pretty well at keeping the heat off the cars inside). The doors are constantly about 2 degrees cooler than the insulated walls right beside them, probably attributed to the outside color of the doors being a bit lighter than the base color of the house.

Don, I did exactly that when we got home last night... It's fighting a loosing battle in the late afternoon though as leaving the doors open lets the sun blast right into the garage.

Yep, our doors face east. They are insulated. I find the garage (which is insulated) stays a little cooler than outside ambient during the day because the insulation between the cooled house and garage is not perfect.

Our house came with cool decking on the roof and power attic ventilators. I was skeptical but the attic stays cooler than any other house I have owned. The roof is dark gray.

Don

[SSLance]

Where there's a will, there's a way...

Yesterday afternoon came back from a Home Depot trip in the wife's Jeep...it's 102 degrees outside at 1 pm.

Solution...I just pulled her Jeep into the Air Conditioned shop instead of the house garage. 2 hours later the Jeep was a solid 80 degrees just like the rest of the shop...so into the house garage it went.

:D

AC seems to barely run in the shop and it's even temperatures from one end to the other, within 1.5-2 degrees from the front to back, floor to 16' tall ceiling. Very happy with it's performance so far.

[SSLance]

Another milestone for the new shop reached today...I just ordered my lift.

I've taped where the posts and ramps will be out on the floor and I'm pretty settled this is the best fit. I went with the Advantage 9000 XLT with two manual rolling jacks.

https://advantagelifts.us/4-post-lifts/SS-9000XLT-Extra-Long-Tall-Four-Post-Lift

https://advantagelifts.us/image/cache/data/items/SS-9000-XLT/SS-9000-XLT-no_background-600x600.jpg

It won't be the two post I had before, but it should do just about everything I need it to do just as easily.

Now I just have to procure an engine hoist and some car dollies to help with the install...might need to recruit a few extra set of hands on install day as well.

[JKnight]

Sweet! I’m in to help, schedule permitting of course ;)

[BigBronco]

Jealous! love the setup although I would need at least one two-post in there for work.

I am still saving to get into a new place to build the shop. Tired of working on my back! LOL

[SSLance]

Sweet! I’m in to help, schedule permitting of course ;)

I'll be in touch... I can promise that the install will be done inside a climate controlled facility which should help the recruiting efforts. :gitrdun:

[gofastwclass]

I'll be in touch... I can promise that the install will be done inside a climate controlled facility which should help the recruiting efforts. :gitrdun:

That will improve your recruiting prospects for sure! I would be on board if I was around 1200 miles closer. ;)

The new place looks great! Makes me want to move...

[clill]

Since you had a two post before I will be interested in your opinion of the 4 post after using it awhile.

[SSLance]

Since you had a two post before I will be interested in your opinion of the 4 post after using it awhile.

I'll be sure to share with the class. I'm anxious to mess with it myself.

I gotta say also, thanks for steering me toward grinding the floors. I know I took it a bit different than your approach but so far I'm very happy with them. People freak out when they see them, they even reach down and touch them with their hands to see what they feel like. Cracks me up... Dust shows up like crazy on them right now but I figure once they are dusty everywhere and get some surface scratches in them to knock the glossy back it won't show as much.

[clill]

Floor looks great.

[SSLance]

I am truly impressed with this lift...HUGE improvement over the 7,000# Stingers we used from back in the day...

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-qwkKkjv/0/95f21ef0/XL/20180519_091828-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-dgWZdkB/0/a90bfac2/XL/20180519_080130-XL.jpg

Here is the clearance of the rolling jack under Barney

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-wtzN77n/0/730c6182/XL/20180519_095435-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-s94sD8d/0/9ed87087/XL/20180519_095022-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-TRHGjtc/0/797fc69c/XL/20180519_095451-XL.jpg

[Vegas69]

Jealous! Except for the extra 2 posts.:thankyou:

[jarhead]

that rolling jack is cool, nice solution

[SSLance]

I guess it's time for a little bit of a shop update.

I've been working on unpacking the little things and finding ways to put them away in an organized manner. My OCD might be kicking in just a bit here but I can't help it.

I picked up some louvered panels that the Akro bins hang on and have sorted all of my hardware out by size and type. These will hang on the wall by the lift, out of the way but still easily accessible.

Here is a picture with Barney's door wide open while on the lift. This shows the room available between the lift and the wall.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-B3G36tT/0/b7e0e252/XL/20180521_070426-XL.jpg

Everything getting sorted out on the worlds most expensive workbench...

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-rqW33nT/0/b8be8631/XL/20180521_075152-XL.jpg

You can also see there that I've moved the tool boxes up to the front of the lift. I picked up a second 72" rolling bench which is on the back side toward my office area.

It's a mess in this picture but I'm starting to get it pretty workable... I'll pretty it up and put things in the permanent place once I finish the shop area.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-HNJbQg4/0/c7b4ea97/XL/20180527_103712-XL.jpg

A bit of the OCD madness...

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-fXVgzV8/0/2a11284d/XL/20180523_120200-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-647bv6T/0/723e20b0/XL/20180523_121200-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-CtkKjB3/0/643c8572/XL/20180526_081531-XL.jpg

I liked the panels and bin setup so well that I ordered a few more which will be here this week. These should let me finish putting up everything on the "bench" in a way to keep it neat and tidy but still very easily accessible.

I also ordered some steel Locboard and hangers to hang some of my tools and such that just won't fit into the benches. I haven't decided yet if I'll hang those under the LocBins or somewhere on the opposite wall.

I re-purposed a steel office supply cabinet I brought with us into a storage cabinet for cleaners, paints, and oils and such. It fit on the wall right in between the two overhead doors.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-jHxcXN6/0/366460e0/XL/20180529_080250-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-9gXzkbP/0/77a2779b/XL/20180524_143610-XL.jpg


The AC has been working great. Typically I've been coming out and opening up the back door of the shop and turning the fan on when I get up and letting mother nature cool the shop down then about 7:30 am or so I'll shut it up and turn the AC on about 78-80 degrees. It hardly runs at all until about 11 am or so then cycles for about 5 minutes or so every 30-40 minutes. Our electricity gets expensive at peak times 3-8 pm so I've been shutting the AC off at 3 pm and leaving it off the rest of the day. The shop actually stays pretty comfortable for a few hours after event with temps in high 90s outside. I'm impressed with how well it is insulated for sure.

Saturday I put roller solar screens up on the (6) 48" x 48" windows on East and West side of shop and they have helped a TON!. Today is my first day back in the shop with them installed and so far can tell a big difference in heat soak. They still let light in but almost zero heat.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-pRfqP2H/0/e396a71c/XL/20180529_080741-XL.jpg

This picture shows where the morning sun is shining in thru the solar screened window. Before the part with the sun shining on it would be 15 degrees hotter than the shaded part...now...they are the exact same temp.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-6tS3qJn/0/a63679d4/XL/20180529_075525-XL.jpg

That's about it for now, once I get the rest of the bins in and up and everything put back away I'll post some more "finished" looking pics...

[GregWeld]

WOW!! You're cranking right along there Lance!!!

[65_LS1_T56]

Looks awesome Lance. At my previous business, that's how we stored nuts and bolts in the Akro bins. Works good, easy access and affordable/expandable. Although, you sure you have enough metric? That is a "metric chassis G-body" after all!

[SSLance]

WOW!! You're cranking right along there Lance!!!

Thanks Greg! Sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back but I'm getting there!! Can't wait to start working in the shop...not ON the shop...


Looks awesome Lance. At my previous business, that's how we stored nuts and bolts in the Akro bins. Works good, easy access and affordable/expandable. Although, you sure you have enough metric? That is a "metric chassis G-body" after all!

Thanks Aaron and lol!! To be honest, most of those metric fasteners in those bins are ones that came off of my G Body and were replaced with something SAE!!! Or extras left over from trying to attach something aftermarket to the chassis or body...

I have a habit of bagging up any leftover parts and pieces from projects (to do something with later). I found bags of stuff left over from projects on Barney going back to way before I ever started racing it. The bags brought back the memories from the "electric fan install" or the "GTO seat install" projects. Most of what I have been doing the past few days is emptying those bags out and sorting the hardware in them and putting them into the rest of my hardware.

[SSLance]

So after my initial trial run with the louvered panels and bins...I decided I needed more of them. I also decided that the center of the panels needed an additional 2 screws to compliment the 10 screws around the perimeter of the panels. When really loaded down the center of the 48x24 panel would pull away from the wall a bit.

Before

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-2X2HMwD/0/de38d58f/XL/20180601_093619-XL.jpg

After

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-32LWKb9/0/b94c420a/XL/20180601_093852-XL.jpg

I did this on all 4 panels now in my possession.

I also decided that trying hard to line the holes up on the studs wasn't necessary as the mollys held just fine in the sheetrock. So since I had the first two panels down, I rearranged how they hung to be a bit more eye appealing. Here they are hung along with the 2 Locboard (pegboard) panels I also picked up.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-7tXmRrh/0/5509f70c/XL/20180601_113012-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-97xt5sL/0/b1330c7f/XL/20180601_113041-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-WHjFrTx/0/77e52767/XL/20180601_113100-XL.jpg

I picked up Triton's 63 piece assortment of pegs because I have no idea what all I'll need but I needed to start somewhere. Here they are hanging on (2) 18x36 panels.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-fxhZ6rF/0/bdbe9339/XL/20180601_114321-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-tRhLnz6/0/63e68051/XL/20180601_114338-XL.jpg

I'm sure I'll need more and different pegs as I go along but this was a good start.

And here we are with (145) 5x5 bins and (12) 11x11 bins full and on the wall...

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-cQG2Vf6/0/f24a495d/XL/20180601_121821-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-MVptndv/0/53643b59/XL/20180601_121758-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-v2xTxfR/0/55b0b67d/XL/20180601_121741-XL.jpg

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. It makes use of the wall space there where not much else could go, is very organized which will make finding the hardware in the bins super easy and should help keeping the rest of the shop neat and tidy.

[jarhead]

it appears you are well hung, lol :lol:

[GregWeld]

it appears you are well hung, lol :lol:



I think you're right Joe!! Don't think I've ever seen anyone with such well hung nuts.

[SSLance]

Had the first "customer" in the new shop yesterday for an oil change...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-H9F5cNt/0/e5d375eb/XL/20180605_064558-XL.jpg

Felt good to be wrenching once again in a real shop...even if it was just an oil change.

It went so well in fact that I decided to maintain my other driver as well...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-fr7QkH5/0/e0b25a86/XL/20180605_095603-XL.jpg

Oil changes for EVERYONE!!!! :D

Working on the drive-on lift is different than the 2 post I'm used too but so far everything is just fine. It's nice to have a "shelf" nearby to put things and with a little bit of finagling was able to get to everything needed just fine. Next job is pulling the third member out of the rear axle on Barney for inspection so that'll be a bit more involved... Will update how that goes once it happens.

[GregWeld]

In my shops --- I've always had a large RubberMaid 4 wheel cart to put stuff on while working under the lift.....

How many times have you bumped into the ramps.....

[Goosesdad]

Fantastic!

[SSLance]

How many times have you bumped into the ramps.....



Not once! It helps that they go up way above my head if needed and are huge...

I did have to rearrange things a couple of times to get the jack tray to hold my oil pan in a place that still let me get my right hand in the right place to get the drain plug out without splashing oil everywhere...

I was going to try to not get one of the stand up oil catch drain dealios but I think that will be easier than dealing with a drain pan on a jack tray.

[TheJDMan]

I can't tell you how much I would love to have a shop like that. VERY NICE!

[Lenie]

So very cool Lance!!!

[SSLance]

I can't tell you how much I would love to have a shop like that. VERY NICE!

Thanks! It is nice to have a 2nd chance after spending 10 years building and improving on my first shop. So far this one is exceeding the first by leaps and bounds even though it is smaller in size.

So very cool Lance!!!

Thanks Lenie!!

[SSLance]

Big step today, two months after moving in I finally unpacked the last of the shop boxes...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-NpDr5vb/0/211357c8/XL/i-NpDr5vb-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-Dkpmw9Z/0/2e9ea426/XL/i-Dkpmw9Z-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-ZZ3G88V/0/a4fdeb6a/XL/i-ZZ3G88V-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-stDpHLJ/0/b0422db5/XL/i-stDpHLJ-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-HcbvvfL/0/ce2f0874/XL/i-HcbvvfL-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-HWZzJ6n/0/79158206/XL/i-HWZzJ6n-XL.jpg

I think I've decide this will be my "fab corner"... I've got a floor drill press and a 14" bandsaw coming next week and I need to build a rolling steel workbench that will fit against the wall when not in use.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-BP7q56R/0/1085afcf/XL/i-BP7q56R-XL.jpg

My other choice to put the area is to park the RV all the way up to the back door and use the area right behind the front door. This may be a bit more convenient because closer to lift and tool area but electricity for the welder is more of a challenge there. Having the dirty area further away from my desk area might be a plus as well. We'll see...

So far I'm pleased as punch with how it is turning out. I hosed off the floor today and pushed the water out with a squeegee and it cleaned up pretty good. It wasn't slick at all when wet either BTW... I think it might be easier to clean up with a big mop and bucket but that's just one more thing I have to store the rest of the time when not using it. I'm considering it though. The shelves really helped consolidate my "treasures" and keep them in an orderly fashion. The wife was afraid they'd look "junky" but I think they look spectacular.

[GregWeld]

Looks spotless (as I would expect) and beautiful. Getting settled is always a nice feeling.

[camcojb]

Beautiful shop Lance. :thumbsup:

[Stuart Adams]

Looks fantastic.

[SSLance]

Looks spotless (as I would expect) and beautiful. Getting settled is always a nice feeling.

Thanks Greg! Hopefully I can keep it looking this way.

Beautiful shop Lance. :thumbsup:

Thanks...

Looks fantastic.

Thank you


So This worked out pretty slick. I needed a way to get up on the mezzanine up above the bathroom that didn't take up any floor space when not in use. Found this handy dandy small space attic ladder that worked perfectly.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-8zC8LPB/0/23521738/XL/i-8zC8LPB-XL.jpg

It has a spring loaded arm up top that helps pull it up and stow it when not in use.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-3hRr7C6/0/dcc95140/XL/i-3hRr7C6-XL.jpg

The pole has a hook on the end that you use to pull the ladder down or push it up and there are push button locks that lock it in extended form. It's actually easier\better to go up and down than the 14' step ladder that I've been using and takes up a WHOLE lot less room.

[bergers59]

What floor treatment is that? looks great

[Build-It-Break-it]

Great ladder! Where were you able to pick that up from? I could use that myself.

[shelteredV]

Great job Lance, I know what it's like to "reset" and do a new shop. I'm still getting settled 2 years later.. It's a constantly evolving project, and it never freakin' ends...

[gofastwclass]

The shop is looking great Lance. I'm not sure I would go inside the house except for meals and to hang out with the wife. Hahaha!

[SSLance]

What floor treatment is that? looks great

As usual, I had to do things just a bit different than everyone else. I was way more concerned about ease of keeping clean than looks. I also wanted a floor that would stand up to abuse but also me easy to patch up should I "abuse" it too far...

What we came up with was to first grind the floor smooth with 40 grit pads on a huge commercial concrete grinder. Then all of the expansion joints, cracks and divots were filled with a grey epoxy caulk and then the whole floor was ground again this time using 80 grit pads. The next day a coat of clear polyaspartic was put down, basically a quick drying clear epoxy. We mixed in some aluminum oxide to provide a bit of grip but I'm not sure now it was even needed. The floor is not slick at all, even when hosing it down.

When you really scratch the floor (yes, I've done that in many places already) it is kind of like clear coat on a car...it looks horrible. But as soon as you wipe it or rub the scratch, it almost goes away. There are many surface scratches on it that I bet could be polished away if one wanted...but I'm not concerned about them at all. I clean it up with a dust mop for the most part and got it looking this good for the pictures by hosing it down with water and using a squeegee to push the water and dirt out the doors.

And no Greg...I haven't lost any nuts or bolts on it either. :D In places where it really got ground down, you can see the aggregate of the concrete and it looks really cool...but for the most part it's all one color and easy to see thing that fall on it. :D

[SSLance]

Great ladder! Where were you able to pick that up from? I could use that myself.

Amazon baby!!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VE3WI6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is good for a floor 9' 10" above the other floor, mine was 9'7"...

[SSLance]

Great job Lance, I know what it's like to "reset" and do a new shop. I'm still getting settled 2 years later.. It's a constantly evolving project, and it never freakin' ends...

I'm ready to be done working "on" the shop and start working '"in" the shop!!

Your shop looks great. How does your heated floor work with the race deck tiles? Would you do that floor again?

[SSLance]

The shop is looking great Lance. I'm not sure I would go inside the house except for meals and to hang out with the wife. Hahaha!

Thanks!! I have been known to hide out a bit out there from time to time... :D

[SSLance]

You can kind of see in this picture what I had to do to get the shelves to fit to my satisfaction.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vista-Montana/n-r3dCrk/i-HcbvvfL/0/ce2f0874/XL/i-HcbvvfL-XL.jpg


I found these shelves at Costco for $60 each. They are 4' wide, 24" deep and 8' tall with melamine shelves. I cut 8" off of the bottom of the back legs and attached them to the walls direct. This was to clear the trim and stem wall at the bottom. I then had to trim each of the front legs to the proper height to account for the hump\slope of the floor. The high spot of the floor is about where the pressure washer is and it drops about an inch each direction by the outside edges of each shelf. This way the shelves themselves are level, square and plumb.

It is hard being afflicted with the OCD but in a weird way satisfying at the same time. My wife thought I was crazy during the process but understood why once it was done. I'm sure some of you will understand as well...

[BMR Sales]

Garage looks great, Lance!

[SSLance]

I picked up a few tools this week that were sorely needed in the shop. Some were things I had before in my old shop but didn't bring with me, others were things I've always wanted.

First up is a Hein Werner 12 ton Hydraulic press.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-KB8p3vP/0/02348ebd/XL/20180629_151659-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-V23SKGx/0/d9ff326f/XL/20180629_151709-XL.jpg

I kept a lot of the steel and aluminum plates from my old press and got quite a few with this one as well to help in situating things when using the press.

I had a bench drill press before but I'm real happy to have a Chicago Machine Tools 12 speed floor drill press now.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-2Z4C4HH/0/282a9eaa/XL/20180629_151742-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-xGTD8G6/0/42b92c53/XL/20180629_151752-XL.jpg

This is the one I'm most excited about... I've always struggled with improvising when trying to make clean cuts on different types of metal, this Wilton 14" Tradesman Bandsaw should help considerably with that task.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-hrT7Xmr/0/74bed405/XL/20180629_151835-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-mgr9q2Q/0/a1b4b281/XL/20180629_151843-XL.jpg

I also picked up these 3 rolling shelf carts and a transmission jack.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-BhqMp47/0/dc1b7843/XL/20180629_151856-XL.jpg

The shelf carts are just cool, not sure what I'll use them for yet but I'm certain they'll earn their keep in time.

The trans jack is older, and leaks...but should get the job done with needed. I'm tempted to take it apart and see if I can find a shop to seal it back up again. Every tall trans jack I've ever seen like this leaks so maybe it's just the nature of the beast. Kind of a pain though in a brand new shiny floor shop though.

I also picked up some car setup tools which I'll show later once I get them all setup. I will say though, they will go very nicely with the 4 post drive on lift... :)

I also did some decorating today...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-69vLcXm/0/9db4442f/XL/20180629_105930-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/i-H86d6FB/0/aae23443/XL/20180629_105958-XL.jpg

[jarhead]

Moving right along Lance, I love the tool selection.

Before long you will drag home another project car, it's a sickness I tell ya :lmao:

[waynieZ]

You got yourself some nice tool there. I wish I had the room. It's looking good.

[SSLance]

Since you had a two post before I will be interested in your opinion of the 4 post after using it awhile.

So I'm knee deep into my first project on the new lift, and thought I'd update you all with my experiences. The project was to pull the third member out of the rear axle to inspect and repair (metal in gear oil) and it involved getting the back half of the car up in the air and secure while lowering the rear axle enough to get the third member out from under the mufflers.

What I have found is the pad extensions for the chassis jacks are either too short or too long.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-nfc5jNf/0/922307ba/XL/20180709_070501-XL.jpg

The long extensions won't fit under the frame at ride height and the short extensions won't lift the car high enough to get my jack stands under the frame.

There are a couple of different options to fix this and I'll probably implement them both. First a shorter set of jack stands (preferably with a flat pad type top) would make this a LOT easier and second, a set of extensions machined about halfway between the long ones and the short ones in length would also help.

Here is what I ended up doing for now. I used two of the short extensions on each side and lifted the car from the #4 body mount position (right in front of rear tires) high enough to get my jackstands under the frame behind the rear tires. I then moved the chassis jack forward far enough to get out of the way and lifted it up high enough to just support the middle part of the frame as a safety measure.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-nN5zNQ8/0/52de065b/XL/20180707_130933-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-QFnHWMK/0/3d098994/XL/20180709_070435-XL.jpg

At this point the car was very stable on the ramps and the axle was hanging low enough to get the third member out.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Monte-Carlo-Barney/i-Rq4GTr4/0/72b458fe/XL/20180709_070354-XL.jpg

As far as doing the work once the car was lifted...none of this was an issue. I have plenty of room to move around both in between the ramps and outside of each ramp. My arms are long enough to reach in from the outside if needed and the ramps go plenty high enough that I never banged my head, not even once.

I like having a place right there to set tools and parts, this is especially handy when working alone and need one hand to hold a part and can set a tool or two close by to reach for with the other hand.

The lift is VERY sturdy and goes up and down with no binding or issues. Very pleased with it's operation.

I did have one other issue I had to address. The rolling jacks were almost impossible to move forward and back and especially if they got twisted sideways just a bit. It took me a while messing with the adjustments on the wheels before I finally figured out it was the wheels themselves binding up. There is no bearing or anything, just a solid wheel riding on a stepped solid axle, bone dry... Any sideways pressure on the wheel lodged it against the step on the axle and locked it up.

I pulled every wheel off and put a coat of wheel bearing grease on the axle stub and step and reinstalled them...the jacks glide almost effortlessly now up and down the ramps. HUGE difference...

As far as working in the rest of the shop, it's been great as well. The AC keeps it very nice in here even when it's brutal hot outside. I hardly ever even turn the lights on as there is a lot of light that comes in thru the (6) 48" x 48" windows up high on each wall. And the floor surface is just awesome. It cleans up great and is pretty tough as well. I dropped a control arm from about 5' high on it yesterday and while it put a mark in the clear coat on the floor...just rubbing my foot over the mark made it mostly disappear. I'm sure at some point the marks, scrapes, and gouges will start to add up but the easy thing is a simple coat of clear coat over the top will fix it right up again.

And no Greg...it does not hide whatever is dropped on it... It is very easy to find the nuts and bolts my fat fingers drop to the floor.

[Vegas69]

That right there is exactly why my shop with have a 2 post. :action-smiley-027:

[shelteredV]

Ultimately for a home based shop, or small biz, having both style lifts would be awesome, although costly and unlikely. The asymmetrical lift I have is great, but I would love to have a 4 post with rolling 3 ton hydraulic jacks for the ultimate in versatility. Just my .02

[DBasher]

That right there is exactly why my shop with have a 2 post. :action-smiley-027:

For the Jeep or Toyota, Uncle Rico? :lol:

Lance, looks like a great opportunity to install some V bands on the exhaust, you know you’ll be back in there at some point. :thumbsup:

[camcojb]

Move the jack up so it rides on the top of the lift where the tires go. Works way better that way and gives full expansion at all heights.

[CJD Automotive]

Rotary has these lift blocks for their rolling air jacks in two different heights. I have 8 of the tall ones and 8 of the short ones. They are nice and "grippy" for lifting on a round axle, pinch rail, etc. and don't dig in or leave marks.



http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t445/340cuda/IMG_0459_zpsi41ke5fu.jpg (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/340cuda/media/IMG_0459_zpsi41ke5fu.jpg.html)

[SSLance]

That right there is exactly why my shop with have a 2 post. :action-smiley-027:

Yeah, but the drive on makes other things so much easier like wheel alignments, corner balancing, ride height changes, oil changes etc...


Ultimately for a home based shop, or small biz, having both style lifts would be awesome, although costly and unlikely. The asymmetrical lift I have is great, but I would love to have a 4 post with rolling 3 ton hydraulic jacks for the ultimate in versatility. Just my .02

Yup yup...

For the Jeep or Toyota, Uncle Rico? :lol:

Lance, looks like a great opportunity to install some V bands on the exhaust, you know you’ll be back in there at some point. :thumbsup:

I hear ya... You know the exhaust from the X-pipe back is still the same that was on the car when I bought it over 10 years ago... It's well past time for an upgrade on it in many ways, V-bands included.


Move the jack up so it rides on the top of the lift where the tires go. Works way better that way and gives full expansion at all heights.

That would be a 4" jump up on the whole jack assembly, pretty sure the pads wouldn't go under the frame at their lowest point then. Interesting out of the box thought though.

Keep in mind I'm still very happy with this lift. I knew I'd have to find a way around this very issue before I ever bought it. It is still WAY better than laying on the ground trying to do this stuff... :D

I really think the answer is very simply just shorter jack stands. I'm debating on either modifying mine or trying one of these sets.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71LVxe8Pe%2BL._SL1500_.jpg

10.71" - 15.6" tall

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/812H-cEpgdL._SL1500_.jpg

13" - 21" tall

Most stands (including mine) start at about 15" high

[GregWeld]

I have a set of the "big reds" --- they're real lightweight and a very small base.

I keep them in the trailer and use them more as a "chalk" to check the floor jack if changing a tire. They're "okay" but that small base -- under anything at an angle - that's dangerous. Dangerous enough doing that anyway.

[Vegas69]

For the Jeep or Toyota, Uncle Rico? :lol:

Lance, looks like a great opportunity to install some V bands on the exhaust, you know you’ll be back in there at some point. :thumbsup:

Time will tell... Father son project is on my horizon.

[SSLance]

These are a 3 ton version and the base is a bit bigger 7.1" x 7.1" with a lowest height of 9.5"

https://www.gmdesolutions.com/item-detail.aspx?itemid=114020069&type=equipment

https://www.gmdesolutions.com/FileServerRoot/CatManFiles/FilesPublished/EQS/GM/Images/1596.jpg

Like Greg said, I would always back these up with the rolling chassis jack up near the middle of the car like in the pics above. Between the two the car is VERY steady on the lift as is.

These frames just aren't stiff enough to lift the whole back (or front) of the car from the middle like your average tube frame race car... ;)

[camcojb]

Y




That would be a 4" jump up on the whole jack assembly, pretty sure the pads wouldn't go under the frame at their lowest point then. Interesting out of the box thought though.


I don't know that it's out of the box thinking, I think it's supposed to be on top lol. That way you can extend the arms even with it all the way down. Mine is only 3 1/4" above the rails with the pads on. If your frame is that low then you're a lot lower than I am or any car I've had on my lift.




NEVER MIND.... looks like your jack is different than mine.

[GregWeld]

NEVER MIND.... looks like your jack is different than mine.



One of you is #upsidedownandbackward

LOL

[65_LS1_T56]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/812H-cEpgdL._SL1500_.jpg

13" - 21" tall

Most stands (including mine) start at about 15" high

I have a set of four of these. They're very nice and 3 points do make a plane, not that you are on an uneven surface, but they are very stable.