Made you look Its not an Olds though. I have been slowly collecting fabrication tools and equipment over the last few years. I now have most of what I need and it time to set it up to use. The problem is big fab machines take up a bunch of room. I need space for shelves and all my other tools on wheels that I need quick access to but are in the way when I am not using them.

The solution was to build a big storage shed just outside my back door. I looked at the prefab stuff and it was so light duty plus the sizes ava. just were not what I needed. The only ones long and skinny had the door at the end. I didn't want to walk 14ft to the other side everytime I need something. Plan B was have a custom building built. After talking with a few guys the $3500.00 figure was coming up.

I decided on plan C with no building experence wing it and do it myself. I have spent the last 4 months watching craigslist for used building materials and slowly collecting what I need. I now have most everything including some new trim and the 7 x 7 roll up door I ordered I am looking about $1200.00 total investment and my time. Its been a learning experience but one thing its really done is make me a better welder. I have always been an OK welder with the occational nice bead will show up. Well after the work on my building I am comming up with nice beads most of the time.

I am waiting on my door and still have to build the frame for it but after tonight most of the skeleton is done.

Started by laying the upright feet of the squared and chalk line peremeter.



Upright welded to the plates and those are bolted down with anchors





Using 3/4 black pipe tacked to the poles and turn buckles I was able to spread the uprights to where I needed them. The concrete is on a very slight grade so I used a cool little digital angle meter to make it 90 degrees from the concrete. I can already think of all kinds of future car uses for the tool.





A little welding sample.



And frame almost done...Thats it for now

 

Cool! Keep us posted of your progress with updated photos!!!
John

 

I expect to see a big neon sign up on it that says GEARHEADS GARAGE and the Olds logo along side. Nice work. That weld looks pretty consistent. What size is it going to be?

 

Richard,

Looks great so far. Definitely post pics as your project progresses. I always like to learn something new.

 

I didn't see the building permit posted anywhere? Who is going to certify the welds? Man looks like I better call the county building inspector and report you.

 

Thats definitly heavy duty.Don't forget to show us the finished product.

 

new progress today
I added the roof mid support and added a piece to the top of the front cross piece to match the pitch of the roof. I also welded rings to each upper and lower corner so I could use cables with turn buckles to square everything up nice. I then added a cross beam at the front that will help support the top of the door.

My door made it in Friday so that was the next order of business. I made a couple of base plates the bottom of the door frame will weld to and got those bolted to the ground. I also mangaged to cut and fit my door frame but run out of daylight before I could get it welded together.



close up of the weld for the upper door support beam



The door was delivered to my office. Had I known the crate would be that big I would have taken my trailer to work.



mounting pads for the door frame in place



door frame built ready to weld together

 

Looking good so far. Your welds have a little under cut in them. All kidding aside it's looking great.
Alb

 

Nice work Richard

Just do what I do.............. bribe the building inspector if ya get caught. It's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

 

As always nice work Richard. You'll get it done and wish it was bigger, so don't forget plans for expansion

 

Trust me. I do wish it was bigger but its all the space I have to work with.

Any way frame is all but done now but I still need to skin it.

 

Nice work

Somehow I don't see a nail in the future for the siding.

 

My guess is: clamp, predrill and self tapping screws.