Improving the Moto Grappa

[Bill Hagan]

It wasn't bad as it was, but I have always fixed what wasn't broke.     In this case, it needed a tweak.

We have “big company” company coming in on Sunday..

Not worth the words to tell the whole of it, but Kathi is in a high hover, and we have been getting the house ready for days.   

Bear in mind that unless Kathi is gone for more than a day or two — as in her recent week-long trip with our Fort Bragg grandbabies at Disney World last month or her more recent two weeks out near Seattle with another set of grands — the house stays near pristine and ready for tour groups.  Left alone, I turn it into a squalid pig sty of a frat house in under 24 hours.  I then spend a panicked few hours before her return destroying the evidence!   

Anyway, tomorrow is the “surge” of getting ready, so I used today as an excuse to mess around in the Moto Grappa.  Usually I do just that, i.e., mess around.  This time, I decided to rearrange things.

It may not sound like much, but my lift’s placement has bugged me for a couple of years.

It seemed OK at first, and, at least after a machine was up on it, it was fine.  But I soon realized what PITA it was to maneuver any of the Guzzi’s, especially the Norge, into position to get a run at the lift.  Kathi actually has become quite adept at helping me push a Guzzi up on the lift and then running around to the front to snug it down with the front-wheel vise while I hold it upright.  Some wives are just worth keeping.     

Anyway, today, I moved the whole shebang of the lift and platform so it was at an angle to the interior double-dutch door through which I usually bring the motorcycles in from the adjacent garage.

Amazing how such a little change, having function trump form, makes such a positive difference.  Doesn’t look bad, either, and frees up some room, too, for work and play.

Here are some pix of before ...






... and after ...




And, with superstitious security system in place.   




If bored beyond tears, and you haven’t seen before, here’s the story of the Moto Grappa’s development.  What a fine hideout from that honey-do list … tho it’s off limits tomorrow and Sunday!

https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/GarageMahalo-II/n-rVrf9/

Bill

[elvisboy77]

Looking good!  Thanks for sharing!

[Jim Rich]

Wow Bill what a hideout.  Really really nice.

[kingoffleece]

Nicest shop floor I've ever seen!

[beetle]

Why do you tease me so, Bill?

[toma nova]

I totally understand the recliner for a rest and beer or to watch a race, but do you tinker so hard that you need a nap?  In a twin sized bed??

I love the flooring and general look / vibe, just thought a bed is an interesting addition to a shop.

Tom

[luthier]

I totally understand the recliner for a rest and beer or to watch a race, but do you tinker so hard that you need a nap?  In a twin sized bed??

I love the flooring and general look / vibe, just thought a bed is an interesting addition to a shop.

Tom

Haven't you ever got a hardon after you got yer tappets adjusted just right?

[Bill Hagan]

Thanks, all.  It's a fun place for me.

I totally understand the recliner for a rest and beer or to watch a race, but do you tinker so hard that you need a nap?  In a twin sized bed??

I love the flooring and general look / vibe, just thought a bed is an interesting addition to a shop.

Tom

Haven't you ever got a hardon after you got yer tappets adjusted just right?

Luthier, Kathi just laughed and laughed when I read that to her just now over coffee.  Actually, I found her reaction somewhat worrisome.   

The bed is an old Army quartermaster or "campaign" bed, 1896 pattern.  My parents got it in the early '70's when they lived in Key West.  Came from the Key West Barracks hospital.  They paid $10 for it. See, e.g.,  http://www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com/10_field_equip/10_item_015.htm.

I use it mostly to spread stuff out while packing for a trip, but it is available for "other uses," I suppose. 

The flooring is <$1 SF small-lot leftover from Lumber Liquidators.  It is incredibly practical and so much better than the expensive and over-touted Griot's Garage coating I had back in the GarageMahalo in Atlanta.  It's a bit lighter than the the pix show, and one can find AWOL fasteners pretty easily.  And dropped tools and parts add "character" instead of chipping paint.

Finally, it's not always as clean as it looks in that pic and as it actually is this moment ...





Y'all come visit.  Always an extra bed here. 

Bill

[blackcat]

I totally understand the recliner for a rest and beer or to watch a race, but do you tinker so hard that you need a nap?  In a twin sized bed??

I assumed the bed was for when Kathi gives Bill the boot from the main house. 

[luthier]

Thanks, all.  It's a fun place for me.

Luthier, Kathi just laughed and laughed when I read that to her just now over coffee.  Actually, I found her reaction somewhat worrisome.   

I dunno Bill, you do yer own tappets right?

[Bill Hagan]

I dunno Bill, you do yer own tappets right?

Ha!  No comment.   

I assumed the bed was for when Kathi gives Bill the boot from the main house. 

Uhm.  Not yet, but available in the event of that.   

Come visit again. Can’t remember if the Moto Grappa existed when you were here last.


"On the merits,” for those considering a wood floor for the many advantages, one must be careful:





In fairness to the surface, I had unknowingly put my foot on a small piece of scrap wood that I’d used for the side stand.  When it and I slipped … well, the EV and I both obeyed the laws of physics.

OK, breakfast’s over; Kathi’s giving me “The Look;” time to clean house!

Bill

[Muzz]

Nice Bill. All it needs is that heat pump.