Can't start a build thread without a place to build
- Thread starter Kathy
- Start date
OP
The build is coming along slowly but surely. Finally wps is coming on wen. Morning to switch over the electrical to 200 amp. That took some time to figure out the wiring, how the wires need to then be trenched to the garage. So once that is hooked up we will then need to rent a trench digger and some other equipment to run the power from the house to the garage.
Dave’s been fixing what the builders screwed up. So,etching about where the siding meets the cement and it wasn’t directing the water away. So Dave’s been spending time on that.
We have made a make shift car repair area until things gets up and running. We’ve been spending a lot of time repairing other vehicles. The only one that hasnt been causing us problems is my tj!
And what garage isn’t complete without an old time multi game video machine. Dave seemed to think this would be a great birthday present for me
. It does have my all time favorite video game centipede so We will make room.
Dave’s been fixing what the builders screwed up. So,etching about where the siding meets the cement and it wasn’t directing the water away. So Dave’s been spending time on that.
We have made a make shift car repair area until things gets up and running. We’ve been spending a lot of time repairing other vehicles. The only one that hasnt been causing us problems is my tj!
And what garage isn’t complete without an old time multi game video machine. Dave seemed to think this would be a great birthday present for me
. It does have my all time favorite video game centipede so We will make room.
OP
Agreed and good question. I asked the same thing. He’s not sure who’s responsible for it, the cement guys or the builder. Some battles/questions Ive learned to let go of.
When I retired I decided to build my own shop. I hired an old retired carpenter and I did all the work with his guidance/assistance. It took me 9 months to complete the project but that includes 1,000 sq. ft. of guest quarters and outside decking and landscaping. I did sub out the spray foam insulation, concrete work, and the installation of the windows (warranty was void if they didn't install the windows). One of the most enjoyable things I've ever done. It won't take long to finish your shop and then you will have years to enjoy it!
OP
I think it’s great you were able to build your own. I think a part of the enjoyment of some5ing is the pride you can take when you had a hand in completing it. I’m learning that for the first time with my jeep, and now feeling it through portions of the workshop build. Of course time is always not on our side. Dave’s been working upwards of 20 hours a week of overtime lately. Then to squeeze in the few days to enjoy warm weather, things take a bit longer. But you are correct that we will enjoy it when it’s all done.
Dave found time at work to make ME labels for MY “learning” what switches are for what by the main door into the workshop . aka, he keeps forgetting what switches are for what .:tongue: So cute. Funny thing is the outlet label isn’t for the outlet seen in the picture. It’s for the outlet above the door. Lol.
OP
I can say I never want to have to dig a 100 plus feet of trench again. Especially when your ground is filled with rocks and boulders. We have 24hours to get this done which is for the electrical lines to be run from the house to the garage. and that’s splitting the time with the neighbor who needs to dig 100 feet as well.
Kiwi TJ
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Did one of these by hand once...back breaking work(never doing it that way again), so nice to see you have a machine tool for the job, and the 4 legged safety supervisor on hand too..lol
OP
A back hoe would have been quicker dave said. Even with the machine it’s a two man job. One to reign in the bucking bronco, the other to shovel the dirt away from the edge of the machine so it wouldn’t clog up. I tried both, and neither job was better than the other. Yes, our foreman kept
An eye on us. The noise of the machine was bothering him so he ended up moving back about 30ft. And sat inside the garage to watch . Lol
An eye on us. The noise of the machine was bothering him so he ended up moving back about 30ft. And sat inside the garage to watch . Lol
Your forman doesn't look pleased with the work. Might have to give him a few belly rubs.
OP
He needs lots of belly rubs. He is very ill right now. Being treated for lymes amd worse yet Blastomycosis. He has been a trooper and has been hanging in there. We are trying to remain hopeful he will be able to fight this off.
Prayers go out to your pup's speedy recovery. He reminds me a lot of Beau, aka "Best Dog Ever". Miss that dog.
OP
Thank you so much. We are trying to stay positive and hoping his fighting spirit will get him through. He has been a trooper so far. Treatment lasts 4-6 months so settling into a new routine for a while . But he still enjoys wind therapy in the jeep!
OP
And we have Power! I’m so proud of @Dave K. for all he did to get power and all the electrical set up in the garage. Well, almost all of it. We are on vacation this week amd am fairly confident we should have the lift powered up before the week is through!
Dave has all sorts of parts he got from the dumpster at his work , many parts brand new to finish off the electrical to the lift , garage door opener, and ceiling lights in the heated side. His employers wasteful ways and Dave’s “picking nature” has saved us a ton of money! We have to go pick up some additional steel beams in the morning out of,the dumpster to help support the mezzanine or use for the second level steps .
Dave fabricated a way to hang the power from the ceiling for the lift using what he calls a “Chinese finger”? I think he called it. I hope that’s not derogatory to anyone , but he seems to really like that stretchy metal piece.
Dave has all sorts of parts he got from the dumpster at his work , many parts brand new to finish off the electrical to the lift , garage door opener, and ceiling lights in the heated side. His employers wasteful ways and Dave’s “picking nature” has saved us a ton of money! We have to go pick up some additional steel beams in the morning out of,the dumpster to help support the mezzanine or use for the second level steps .
Dave fabricated a way to hang the power from the ceiling for the lift using what he calls a “Chinese finger”? I think he called it. I hope that’s not derogatory to anyone , but he seems to really like that stretchy metal piece.
Chinese finger trap...The more you pull, the tighter it gets. They are designed as a strain relief on cords. We have them all over our shop. Not sure that its up to code, using that to hang the electrical...but I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy.
OP
Progress on the garage front.
Dave got the lift working. My car got first dibs on it as it’s the one that’s used most often and broke the worst.
I’m attempting to install a new drive axle something or another. Thank goodness I have the Haynes manual I found on clearance or there’s no way I would be able to attempt this. We were able to narrow it down thanks to my son having a mechanic friend who heard the noise it was making and pointed us in the right direction. This car is no 2000 tj. That’s for sure.
We got the trench filled in with only one causality. Dave’s jk was used to plow the dirt back in and it started leaking some sort of fluid which dave thinks is oil. Not good!
Dave got one of three ceiling lights put up, and the garage door opener working. The installers didn’t leave the wires to the eyes so dave had to do some bypassing to get it to work. Again, I hate that it isn’t done the way it’s supposed to, but it does work. He’s gonna contact them and have them install two more on the other doors,and then finish the wiring to the eyes.
Dave got the Chinese finger trap all hung up,and looks to be working as intended. My car has not fallen yet. It’s sitting waiting for the kroil to soak into the lower control arm to help me dislodge it.
Dave got the lift working. My car got first dibs on it as it’s the one that’s used most often and broke the worst.
I’m attempting to install a new drive axle something or another. Thank goodness I have the Haynes manual I found on clearance or there’s no way I would be able to attempt this. We were able to narrow it down thanks to my son having a mechanic friend who heard the noise it was making and pointed us in the right direction. This car is no 2000 tj. That’s for sure.
We got the trench filled in with only one causality. Dave’s jk was used to plow the dirt back in and it started leaking some sort of fluid which dave thinks is oil. Not good!
Dave got one of three ceiling lights put up, and the garage door opener working. The installers didn’t leave the wires to the eyes so dave had to do some bypassing to get it to work. Again, I hate that it isn’t done the way it’s supposed to, but it does work. He’s gonna contact them and have them install two more on the other doors,and then finish the wiring to the eyes.
Dave got the Chinese finger trap all hung up,and looks to be working as intended. My car has not fallen yet. It’s sitting waiting for the kroil to soak into the lower control arm to help me dislodge it.
OP