Projects

Here are some personal projects I've worked on over the years that demonstrate my hands-on engineering and restoration skills. These projects span automotive restoration, woodworking, home improvement, and mechanical rehabilitation.

1987 Schwinn Voyageur Restoration

I acquired this bicycle in Chicago in 2010 after my previous bike was stolen. Initially serving as my daily commuter, I later decided to comprehensively upgrade and restore it. The restoration included:

• Drivetrain upgrade from 3x6 to 3x9 speed with new long cage derailleur and chain
• Updated to modern 1 1/8" stem and handlebars
• Converted downtube shifters to bar-end configuration
• Installed heavy-duty touring racks
• Replaced all ball bearings and cables throughout
• Applied cream powder coat finish

Original condition when purchased:

Completed restoration:

1928 Coleman Slant Lantern (228F) Restoration

I restored my great-great-grandfather's Coleman lantern, which was severely corroded and nearly discarded before I recognized its historical significance. This model is considered highly collectible among Coleman enthusiasts. The restoration involved complete disassembly, rust removal, component replacement, and reassembly to working condition.

Backyard Chicken Coop

In May 2020, we established a backyard chicken operation with five hens: Debbie Noodle, Michael Jordan, Lara, Pete, and Dr. Fauci. The project involved rehabilitating a salvaged chicken coop structure that required significant structural modifications and aesthetic improvements.

Our productive flock:

Fresh egg production:

Renovated coop with custom paint scheme:

Sustainable Planter Box Construction

This project involved demolishing a deteriorated backyard shed and repurposing the materials for garden infrastructure. I salvaged the redwood exterior siding and 2x4 framing to construct raised planter boxes for our herb garden. The project demonstrates sustainable material reuse and practical woodworking skills.

Original shed before demolition:

Completed planter boxes utilizing reclaimed materials:

1971 Chevrolet K10 Engine Rebuild

This project involved rebuilding the 350 cubic inch V8 engine in my 1971 Chevrolet K10 pickup truck, which I purchased from my grandfather for $700 at age 18. The truck has required two engine rebuilds due to mechanical failures - first a broken pushrod in high school, and later a spun main bearing in 2011.

The truck during initial restoration phase:

Engine removal for second rebuild:

Failed main bearing that necessitated the rebuild:

Completed truck after engine rebuild:

Furniture Restoration Projects

I enjoy restoring and building furniture pieces, focusing on bringing damaged or discarded items back to functional and aesthetic condition. Below are several completed projects:

Desk Refinishing

Restored a desk left by my college roommate that had been severely damaged. After ten years, I completely refinished the piece, restoring its original character.

Driftwood Lamp

Created a custom lamp using materials found on a Mendocino County beach - combining a flat stone base with a driftwood post for a unique lighting solution.

Nightstand Restoration

Refinished a pair of nightstands originally built by my father for my mother's first anniversary in 1976. Completed the restoration in 2013, preserving the family history while updating the finish.

Upcycled Jewelry Box

Constructed a jewelry box using reclaimed materials from a discarded IKEA bed frame, demonstrating creative reuse of manufactured components.

Custom Bar Table

Built a standing-height table using miscellaneous materials available in my workshop, creating a functional piece from available resources.

Display Shelf Restoration

Restored a pair of display shelves by removing multiple layers of paint to assess the underlying wood condition. After discovering the wood was too damaged for natural finish, I applied new paint and installed replacement glass.

Maple Table Restoration

Rehabilitated a solid maple table that had been exposed to weather for over a year, resulting in extensive water damage and staining. Using hand planing techniques, I removed the damaged surface layer to reveal the underlying wood and restore the table to functional condition.

Shopsmith Multi-Tool Restoration

I acquired a severely corroded Shopsmith multi-tool from my grandfather's shed and performed a complete restoration. The process involved total disassembly, sandblasting all components, repainting, lubrication system rehabilitation, and precision reassembly. This project required mechanical troubleshooting and metalworking skills to return the machine to operational condition.

Machine condition before restoration:

Completed restoration: