23 replies to this topic

[Ryan313]

My Dad bought this new about 5 years ago, when the GT collection really started to grow. It has been holding up well, other then a large rip from when it blew over one time. This winter, the frame took a beating with the heavy snow storms. The main cover that goes over top became very loose and needed to be readjusted, and one side was beginning to fold under.

 

The first thing I did was take out all of the tires that where in there, one tractor, and my sister's go-cart. It is those blasted tires that causes my tractors to sit outside! I then took off all of the tarps.

 

Here is one of the pieces that buckled, all four of these on the one side did this.

 

Earlier today I picked up 8 exhaust clamps, and a piece of angle iron. I bent the buckled pieces back to original the best I could, and made a support bracket.

 

After I had made two brackets, it started to snow; I did not want my welder out getting wet so I packed up and stopped there. I came in an hour ago and the snow has only picked up; although, it is not sticking to anything. I am not sure if I will be able to finish today, I might have to wait until tomorrow.

[JRJ]

At least you are doing what neede to be done, can't you get rid of some of those tires.

 

 

 

Dick

[pigsitter]

Good luck with the repairs!  From the looks of your pictures your framework is built heavier than mine was. Mine lasted for close to 4 years before the storm that brought our leap day tornado last year popped the middle roof seam open like a giant jiffy pop popcorn container.

[Ryan313]

At least you are doing what neede to be done, can't you get rid of some of those tires.

 

 

 

Dick

 

I am trying! They have been listed on craigslist off and on for a year now. Those are just the new/ new used tires, I have another 75 or so used tires and 50 or so wheels.

[Amigatec]

I think I'd move your sisters go kart outside. LOL

[hamman]

We are on our second one of those. The first is still standing and has housed tractors, GTs, and now a truck to be restored. We used them until we could afford to build the garage we now keep the tractors and GTs in. I found that if you go out and knock the snow off as soon as it falls it helps alot. We sometimes get wet heavy snow here in N. Michigan and it has in the past knocked it down. I like your idea fo the angle iron braces. I think we should do that this spring to ours. Thanks for the post and the idea for shoring it up. Good luck with it.

[Ryan313]

I always clear the snow off, but that is usually after the driveway is plowed and patios are shoveled.

[farmerall]

Very nice support you made. It looks simple and very strong. If you don't mind me asking roughly how much did those cost to make and what kind of tractors are those that are inside of the garage?

[Michiganmobileman]

Good idea on the reinforcement Ryan. Looks like that should do the trick!

[superaben]

Ryan, those tires are hot items around my area.  Farmers use them to weight down silage bags. 

 

Good job on the reinforcements.  It will last longer than the original now!

 

Ben W.

[JDBrian]

That should help keep it from bending again Ryan. I wonder if the bottom of the legs had shifted inwards over time which would put more stress on the pipe as the weight of snow and force of the wind stress the frame. 

[Ryan313]

Taco, I got 8 clamps at $3 each, and a piece of angle at $10. The angle was supposed to be 48" but one was cut wrong and ended up being about 55 inches. And without those couple inches, I think I would have came up short.

I have an '89 Wheel Horse 312-8, '52 Tiger 883, '66 simplicity 717 (not shown), and a '68 Toro 5 in the tent.

Ben, these tires are in to good of condition to be used to hold down tarps!

[HDWildBill]

We had one years ago and believe it or not a snowstorm got it down here.  The storm that shut Atlanta down for a week.  I've thought about getting another one and if I do, your additional support's are a good idea.  

[CRFarnsworth]

I like the idea you have for the braces.  They should be a good solution for your problem. Good luck on finshing the job soon.

[Ryan313]

I noticed last night that the back corner on the top was starting to bucle also, so I had my mom pick up two more clamps while she was out.

 

I went out this morning, and did the other two sides, as well as the top corner. I then ran to the the hardware store and got some cable, some clamps, and a couple turn-buckles. Here is a picture of the cables I replaced, it is easier then explaining it. On one side of the closer cable you can see another clamp; where the two pipes slide together they where starting to split, so I put a clamp on there also.

 

The broken cables where causing the top to sag quite a bit. I was able to get the top pulled back up some with the turn-buckles, but it still sags a little.

 

I will go back out and put the covers back on later today.