Maybe a new home. 9 car gagage plus workshop.

[Lynn]

After painting my Z/28 in the garage last year, I told Sherri that is the last car I am painting in an attached garage. We have been looking at building a workshop, but there are issues. See below. We have looked off and on for four years for the perfect property. I originally envisioned a large workshop on the property. However, I think what we sow today actually makes more sense. I wouldn't be getting dust from projects on the finished cars.

It is in an historic city just north of us. Instead of a 12 min. commute to the office, it would be 25 min.

As far as working on stuff, all I am going to be doing is working on cars, mostly restoration and resto mod stuff. I don't need to park an RV size truck anywhere. I don't want a full blown machine shop.

So... think I could be happy with a nine car garage, climate controlled with its own bath and shower? It has 10 foot ceilings, so I could still put in a couple of four post lifts and double park the little cars. The workshop is only 24 x 24 (detached, but just feet from the main garage) but I can easily raise the roof of the workshop (cinder block walls) to accommodate a 12 foot high 2 post lift and can accommodate two vehicles with a modest amount of workbench space, tools etc. there is already a closet in the 9 car garage for a compressor, so I would just plumb between the two buildings. I think I would need to keep the sandblast cabinet, the parts washer and miscellaneous other things in the 9 car garage, which is just a few feet away. That way, I can maximize my space in the 24 x 24. Besides, I would have to go over to the big garage to pee anyway! No bathroom in the workshop. It is an historic building that has already been converted to living space. Has a huge game room that will accommodate my 8 foot pool table. Even my mammoth dining room table fits. It also has about 600 foot of office space that we could use if I decided to move my law office there. Until that day comes, it is just climate controlled storage. For now, I am planning to keep the office where it is and commute. Only takes 25 min. each way.

What do you think? As long as I am only working on one car at a time, how bad can it be? Mind you, I can fit two in the 24 x 24 if need be, which would work well when making one cool car out of two. After all, Sherri would like a classic Corvette body with modern drivetrain and suspension. It is the least I can do for her considering what she means to me.

No other serious issues with the property. Needs a few little things. We would change the kitchen countertops and put another sink in the master, but I think you get the picture. Little stuff. Sherri loves it, and it would work well for us. After we sell our house, we can write a check for the property and have plenty left over for any unforeseen improvements that pop up.

I am having serious issues getting my dream shop built here on our present 2.5 acres. I want to locate it right at the border of within 30 feet of a gas pipeline. I thought that was the restriction. But after reading it, the easement states we can't build a permanent structure within 50 feet. Just can't make it happen. Even if I could get it done, it looks like 28 x 32 is as big as I can go. And, it will be relatively expensive, because it must match the house, brick, windows, roof pitch and all. We can go on the back of the property, but then getting utilities to it is a giant pain. And it still has to match the house (hoa restriction). And I would have to do megabucks worth or concrete work getting a drive to it.

Let me know what you think. I value input from you guys.

[bergy]

Sounds like a great plan! The only suggestions that I would make are
1. I'd keep the blast cabinet away from the finished cars - that blast media has a habit of finding its way everywhere.
2. If you can - I'd keep the compressor noise away from the show room. Also, closer to where the compressed air is going to be needed in the work shop.

Exciting project - post pictures!!

[Lynn]

Thanks Bruce. Don't know if I would call it a showroom. I don't have quite the collection that some of you guys have. It is also where we would park our daily drivers. You are probably right on both counts. Just did some checking and the width of the small shop is actually 28 instead of 25, so that would help to accommodate the blast cabinet on one side. I may end up moving the compressor over there, but like I said, there is one in a large utility closet already, so may give it a go. Mine is an old Dayton 5hp with an 80 gallon tank, so it has quite a foot print. I'll lay out some arrangements to scale on paper and see what kind of room I have.

As an aside, I sold the 3 phase motor that was on the Dayton and installed a single phase motor. Of course, the "new" place (haven't made a deal yet) has 3 phase to the building.

[marxjunk]

not big enough...i moved into a 50 by 120 shop..in 3 years ive out grown it...4 doors arent enough either a couple more doors would make it easier

[Lynn]

I hear you on that. One of my friends has a 60 x 60. He does a lot of work in there, but it is crowded.
He told me to go 100 x 60 because I am a bit of a "tool whore". Imagine.

I really like the idea of not having any finished cars in my work area.

[68l30]

&quot;Tool Whore&quot;.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif

Yep, I'm guilty of that one too!! Garage is barely big enough for my tools... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif

BIG

[Lynn]

Well we put an offer on the table. Will see how it goes.

We are really fine either way, so no huge anxiety. If this one doesn't work out, we will build a shop here on our acreage. It would just be nice to be that much closer to such a nice layout.

[Lynn]

We have a contingency contract on the new place. Ours goes on the market Aug 15. We are really excited.

[Bill Pritchard]

Best of luck, Lynn!

[Lynn]

Thanks Bill. We are working like crazy to get our place show ready. Hoping for a quick sale.

[Xplantdad]

Sounds like it's moving right along, Lynn...good luck on everything....

[Lynn]

Got paperwork signed this evening. We are really excited. Just need to get our house sold.

Here is a pic of what will become my workshop. 25 deep and 28 wide (looks smaller in the pic). Just big enough to work on one car at a time.

Next two pics are of the main garage. Easily can fit 9 cars, 10 or 11 if I put in a lift or two for storage. Don't know that I will need to. Has its own bath and shower.

I do have some pics of the living space, but does it really matter, other than the fact that Sherri loves it?

[marxjunk]

cool

[Xplantdad]

Neat place Lynn!

[mssl72]

That's very cool!! Congrats and enjoy! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[bergy]

Wow - that place will really be great for you - congrats!

[Stefano]

I like it....congrats!

[CC Rider]

Very cool man cave!

[BJCHEV396]

Congrats for sure!I'm envious.

[x77-69z28]

Awesome Lynn! What is the difference between envious and jealous?

[Shevelle]

So cool Lynn. We are so very happy for you and Sherri! Now we can come to Guthrie to visit you! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[napa68]

I'm digging the brick!

[Lynn]

Thanks for all the props. We are working like crazy getting our place picture perfect.
Sherri is amazing. She is the only helper I have ever had, male or female, that can keep up with me for a whole day doing manual labor. For the first time since before she donated a kidney to Zack, we are both healthy enough to put in a full day's labor. Because of my day job, the manual labor stuff is my therapy. We did a room addition 4 years ago and terraced the back yard into 3 levels, installing 400 ft of retaining walls. Because of the terracing, we didn't bother putting fence back up. But... we are not up to code, so are having to get creative with the fencing, and will be working on that this weekend.

The brick is her favorite part; that and the old wood floors. Place was built in 1893, and best we can tell there is no framing. There is a huge double threaded rod with a turnbuckle going through each end to stabilize the side walls. The building is 103 x 33. Those brick walls are 15 inches thick up to about 12 feet high, and then 14 inches thick above that.

[m22mike]

Lynn
You deserve it, have fun... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Zman1969]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm digging the brick! </div></div>

X2 that is good looking!

[enio45]

congrats Lynn!!

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So cool Lynn. We are so very happy for you and Sherri! Now we can come to Guthrie to visit you! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif </div></div>

That would be great. In fact, why don't you just &quot;store&quot; that gorgeous 66 with us for a year or two... and make sure you leave the keys.

[Lynn]

We met our deadline... barely. I finished up the last gate last nite while the photoger was taking pics of the other side of the house.

My angel of a wife ended up with a severe rash working outside so much, so for about a week whe was relagated to indoor duty.

We used a consultant who didn't like the wall paper in the kids bathrooms, so we redid those two rooms textured and painted. She wanted a microwave to matche the high end double ovens, so I was installing a new built in microwave at 11 pm Wed. nite.

Lots of 12 and 14 hour days. Still had to make some time for the office, as well as a charity breakfast Wed. morning. We are beat. Only things left are cleaning and organizing the garage, installing a couple of gate latches, and replacing a light bulb.

Goes on MLS today, and the first showing is today.
Keeping our fingers crossed.

[markinnaples]

Best of luck.

[Salvatore]

Love the new garage Lynn! Love the old brick.

[Lynn]

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!!

Closing on Dec. 2, and closing on the new place by Dec. 3.

Really excited. Working out well for everyone.

[scuncio]

Congrats! We also moved this year, and were able to sell our old place in less than 48 hours. That would have been completely unheard of in Michigan just a year or two ago. Good houses seem to move pretty quickly.

[SS427]

Congrats Lynn!

[Xplantdad]

Great news!!

[Lynn]

Thanks Bruce. And this one isn't a model. It is a real house, garage and shop.

[Xplantdad]

Lynn...I know. Will be a great place for you to do the car stuff in! We may have to come by for a visit!!!

[PeteLeathersac]

Movin' on up.....'
Big congrats Lynn!
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lynn...I know. Will be a great place for you to do the car stuff in! We may have to come by for a visit!!! </div></div>
You and your family are welcome any time.
I think it would be great for Holly to meet Zack. Two transplant patients, although many years apart.

[Xplantdad]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lynn...I know. Will be a great place for you to do the car stuff in! We may have to come by for a visit!!! </div></div>
You and your family are welcome any time.
I think it would be great for Holly to meet Zack. Two transplant patients, although many years apart.

</div></div>

Likewise...If you're ever out this way (like at auction time...) <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[twertsy]

Congrats Lynn, looks like plenty of space. I'm extremely envious. Few more years, sell the biz, huge shop out in the country somewhere. The thought of it keeps me going..........

[Lynn]

&quot;huge shop out in the country somewhere&quot;

That is exactly what we were thinking. Looked for 4 years for an old farm place with a large barn that could be converted to a workshop. Nothing available close to town for less than $1.5 million as it is all falling to developers. Then we started thinking about alternatives. What about a warehouse? Old office space? Churches? Investigated an out of use community center (using the gym for a shop!). The little city would not sell. We even considered buying a railroad station.

Everything had issues. Either wayyyyy too much work to get it where we wanted, or it there was no character, or it was just too far from town.

Just stumbled on this place, which wasn't even on the market, but the owners were ready to downsize, and fortunately for us, they were not in a hurry to get gone. They have since found a place and are ready to go.

A few folks have asked about the living space. I keep saying: &quot;Living space? Didn't you hear me? It has a nine car garage.&quot; But, the living space is all nicely done. We have very little to do to make it ready. Here are pics of the game room, a little sitting area that is part of the master suite and the family room. Eventually, we plan to replace the dropped ceiling in the game room with period correct tin.
Sherri fell in love with the place. Have I ever told you guys I am the luckiest man on earth to have her?

The building is in really good shape considering it was built in 1893. It is downtown Guthrie OK. From our new home we can see the grocery store, the post office, the state historical museum (next door) and our bank. It is walking distance to an O'Reilly's auto parts and an Ace Hardware. The historical museum is never open nights or holidays, so when we have company, there is a ready to go concrete parking lot. We also have 7 parking spaces on the street (no meters) in front of our property.

[enio45]

congrats on the sale!! and the buy!

[Xplantdad]

That's neat inside Lynn!

[bergy]

I love it Lynn - congrats!!

[JBALL]

Love the Transom window and the woodwork and the exposed brick.

And a workshop? Congrats.

[elonblock]

Congrats!

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBALL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love the Transom window and the woodwork and the exposed brick.

And a workshop? Congrats. </div></div>

Yes, a workshop. It is small (25 x 28) but will have 12 foot ceiling for a lift on one side. I will have to make efficient use of the space, but figure if all I have in there is a current project, I should be fine.

[Lynn]

Our place was inspected on Mon. Nothing dramatic, and should have everything done before Thanksgiving.

One thing I was unaware of is that CSST gas line needs to be grounded to the ground bus bar in the electrical service box. Ours was installed 10 years ago when the pool and spa were installed. 10 years ago the code did not require grounding.

Bringing this up in case any of you have CSST. It is an easy fix:

http://csstsafety.com/CSST-solution.html

[firstgenaddict]

I'm looking for something very similar for myself.
I live so close in town that the cars are an issue with my neighbors, thank goodness the homeowners association has no teeth.

[Lynn]

James: Be careful with the hoa. They may have teeth, just no big dog using the teeth. Hate for you to get bit.

We are moved in, but horribly unsettled for now. Hoping to have everything put away by the end of the weekend, or at least most things.

The more we look around, the more we love the place.

Just to show you I am married to the right gal; We were discussing options for the building that will become the workshop. Sherri mentioned that she disliked the fish gill shingles on the front. I was surprised, thinking she was fond of the Victorian look.

I asked her what she thought that building should look like. Her response: An old gas station. I think we have a Bingo!

I won't be posting much for awhile because we have no interweb at the house yet. Could be a few days.

[twertsy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">James: Be careful with the hoa. They may have teeth, just no big dog using the teeth. Hate for you to get bit.

We are moved in, but horribly unsettled for now. Hoping to have everything put away by the end of the weekend, or at least most things.

The more we look around, the more we love the place.

Just to show you I am married to the right gal; We were discussing options for the building that will become the workshop. Sherri mentioned that she disliked the fish gill shingles on the front. I was surprised, thinking she was fond of the Victorian look.

I asked her what she thought that building should look like. Her response: An old gas station. I think we have a Bingo!

I won't be posting much for awhile because we have no interweb at the house yet. Could be a few days. </div></div>

I say push your luck and go snag that Z Frank sign <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

[Lynn]

Not sure what &quot;Z Frank sign&quot; you are referencing. ?????

[Mr70]

Here..
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/592265/z-frank-chevrolet-sign-free#Post592265