Of Garages and Neighbours

[wildrover]

I am not really sure where I am going with this post/thread but, I thought I'd throw it up here and see if anyone else has found themselves in a similar spot and how they handled it.

We have lived at our house for a little over 21 years - it is our first house and the first place I lived where I had my own garage.  Since moving in in 2001 I have steadily filled the space with all the tools I could ever wish for (who am I kidding?  I still want more tools ) and an ever growing list of projects and hobbies.  For years and years it was my retreat, my little safe space.  I am sure I am no different than many of you, I could happily spend hours and hours out there, often nothing meaningful got done but, I was happy enough.

We live in a nice, peaceful neighborhood and while we haven't become best friends with our neighbors we have always had a friendly relationship with them.  I have helped work on cars, loaned tools, shared drinks and generally gotten along with those around us.  I am also very mindful of the fact that my neighbors probably don't want to listen to me making a bunch of noise while I work on my cars; and so, I have always been very conscious of keeping noise to a minimum and not using power tools in the evenings.  I am lucky enough to work from home so I will do any potentially noisy jobs while most people are at work - even then I am mindful that some people are home with young kids or they are retired and want to enjoy the peace and quiet.  In short, I try to be considerate of those around me.

Things changed recently.  About 6 or 7 years ago our next door neighbor had her job transferred to Texas so she decided to rent her house.  We have had the good, the bad, and the ugly since she left but, for the most part we haven't had a bad relationship the people living there.  The guy that was on an ankle monitor while on trial for manslaughter was no bother (he was acquitted), the drunk, crack addict with mental health issues was difficult but, her parents were lovely people, Jason the port of Los Angeles heavy mechanic was great even if his wife was odd, the two guys that were roommates who were eventually evicted by the Sheriff didn't really bother us - for the most part it was business as usual. 

But then, about three and a half years ago our current neighbors moved in and it has all been downhill since.  Bryen is a classic bully, he is a builder (or contractor as we call them here) and he's very manly - his son from his first marriage lived there and I was shocked to hear him tell the boy to "get on your effin hands and knees and effin dig.  Dig like it's the effin depression and the effin guy behind you is going to steal your effin job" - now I agree that teenagers need a kick in the rear but that seemed a little harsh.  Bryen is also incapable of talking, everything must be shouted... I won't go on with my many examples but, that should give you a rough idea of the personality type.

For the first couple of years they weren't really a problem except when Bryen would start yelling at the kids - they would usually go away most weekends - we call them "River Rats" a lifestyle that revolves around spending time at the Colorado river just across the border in Arizona.  Even with the changes because of C-19 they would still be gone a lot but, then, for no discernible reason they stopped going away and started staying home.  Bryen decided that they needed "outdoor living" in the back yard so, he built a full on entertainment area including massive stereo and tv setup.  Where he has positioned it and due to the acoustics of the area it's just the other side of the property wall and right next to our living room and every single sound is amplified as it comes through the wall - some nights we cannot be in that room - especially when he's playing bass heavy music.  He seems to be having some sort of mid life crisis that involves having the windows of his car rolled all the way down and playing his music as loud as possible, among other things - this is all new within the last year.  I try to ignore it for the most part but the music and tv blaring through the wall is just too much.

I have tried talking to them, explaining how the noise amplifies as it comes through into my living room - they seemed understanding and sympathetic but, no changes were made.  My wife had back surgery and for nearly a month she had to sleep in the recliner in the living room, I explained that to our neighbors hoping it would make a difference but, no.  I know you are wondering what this has to do with garages - I promise I am nearly there

We have trees on our side of the wall and the branches obviously grow across the property line; however, at no point was I told that the branches were a problem, and I was not asked to cut or trim, I would have happily obliged if anything had been mentioned.  As a rule, if a neighboring tree or bush grows over the property line we will trim our side and not bother the neighbors - the rule (and law) says you can cut to, but not across the property line and everyone in the neighborhood follows along with this rule... not Bryen though.  Well, he butchered our trees and not just on his side of the wall - he had his employee jump over the wall and do a number on the trees on our side - this took away the little privacy we had and the limited sound deadening the trees provided - nearly at the garage bit here...

Lesley was livid when she saw what had happened, I was also furious and together we called Bryen over and gave him a good solid piece of our minds and this is where his character shone through.  He had every excuse under the sun and, of course, none of it was his fault... the sun was in his eyes, the dog ate his homework, it's not my fault because, etc.  But, because he's a bully he didn't like that we a) weren't afraid of him and b) stood up to him and so, he called the city to complain about us...

Most cities have a municipal code that governs pretty much everything from parking to the kind of landscaping you have.  What most people don't realize is how strict these codes are about vehicles - in order to avoid paying for registration on a vehicle we place it on PNO status with the DMV (Planned Non Operation) - I am guessing that is the same as SORN.  As far as the state is concerned once the car is PNO it can't park on a public street - so you park it on your drive, right?  Wrong.  The City municipal code says if it's not registered it cannot be parked on the drive, it must be inside the garage.  I have two PNO cars on the drive - my '94 Jeep Wrangler and my '70 P6 3500S.  The P6 has an expensive car cover and doesn't look out of place, the Jeep is on a PNO to save money on insurance and registration and looks fine.  Bryen snitched and I had a city inspector at my door.  The classic car/car hobby is a multi billion dollar industry and for the most part the city will leave you alone as long as the yard doesn't look like a tip.  I can easily take a trip in the surrounding streets and find a dozen cars/houses in violation of the city code but, I understand the inspector has a job to do.

The city code also forbids you from doing any work on your car on the driveway - inside your garage is fine but mine is kinda full.  For years I have been as thoughtful and considerate as I could be and none of my neighbors had a problem with my hobbies... they are all just as keen to see the Rover finished as my wife is, although I suspect for different reasons

For now, the Jeep has been registered and is compliant with the city code - I have moved the Rover to my friend's shop where he will begin to do some work - in a way it's good as everything had been stalled for a while.

For now, my safe space, my garage haven feels like the very last place that I want to spend time and it's thrown me into a real tailspin.

I really do apologize for babbling on and on.

I am interested in the insight of others and to hear about anyone who has had similar issues and how they dealt with them.

Thanks for listening/reading.

Alan.

Mods, if this belongs elsewhere please feel free to move it - thanks.

[hopeso]

I feel for you as it's your home but your newish neighbours don't treat it in the same way as you.
Unfortunately it seems to be the way if the world now that "I'm entitled to, so I will do just as I want to" and stuff you!
I rent out a couple of houses I own and try to ensure my tenants behave and treat the property and the neighbours in such a way as to foster good relationships with everyone but it's not easy to get people to relate to and respect others living around them.
Short of taking a baseball bat to the back of his head I can't really offer any solution but try not to let it rule you life and get you down.

[slater]

Only way to deal with dodgey neighbours is to give worse than you get but be more intelligent about it.

[braaap]

Aug 6, 2022 6:19:46 GMT wildrover said:

[...] our next door neighbor had her job transferred to Texas so she decided to rent her house.  [...]

Have You contacted her?

And what does the municipal code say about the bullys' behaviour?

[Gusman_2286]

As braaap said, try contacting the landlady, you'll find a way through.

I lost my garage sanctuary at my last house when the council tore down the late neighbours shed complex that made up the boarder with my house. I became very conscious of all the noise I made and junk/useful parts for future projects yet to be defined that I had stashed. Took a good bit of time to feel comfortable again but it comes back.

[wildrover]

Aug 6, 2022 7:12:24 GMT hopeso said:

I feel for you as it's your home but your newish neighbours don't treat it in the same way as you.
Unfortunately it seems to be the way if the world now that "I'm entitled to, so I will do just as I want to" and stuff you!
I rent out a couple of houses I own and try to ensure my tenants behave and treat the property and the neighbours in such a way as to foster good relationships with everyone but it's not easy to get people to relate to and respect others living around them.
Short of taking a baseball bat to the back of his head I can't really offer any solution but try not to let it rule you life and get you down.

hopeso , you have got it, they are the sort of people that say things like "my rights don't end where your feelings begin..." completely ignoring the fact that we all have rights, one of the most important being the right to enjoy your home without intrusive behaviour from the neighbors

I am glad that you have done your best to see that your tenants respect not only your property but, the things and people around them.  I believe that a landlord is obligated to ensure that their tenants follow a few basic rules.  It speaks volumes that you actually follow through - the owner of the house next door, not so much.

Can't say I haven't given some thought to your suggested solution   Not only is my neighbour rather a nasty bully but, he has perfected the art of being the "victim" when things don't go his way.

Thanks for your input - feel free to stop by for a game of baseball...

Aug 8, 2022 7:43:03 GMT slater said:

Only way to deal with dodgey neighbours is to give worse than you get but be more intelligent about it.

slater - if only there was a guarantee that would work   I am just not made that way, the first thing I think of is that I would be bothering my other neighbours if I did anything like that - and, Bryen is the master of escalation - when we had a problem we went and spoke to him... multiple times... he didn't like that so he called the City Code Enforcement on us.  Unlike my neighbour, who loves to say things like "I am a contractor and I know the law" (only to act in such a way as to prove he doesn't) I have read the municipal code and I have a pretty clear understanding of the rules.

I was courteous and co-operative with the Code Enforcement Officer who was able to grasp the situation pretty quickly - I was given loads of time to comply instead of just being issued a fine.

I appreciate you throwing in your two penn'orth.

Aug 8, 2022 8:00:17 GMT braaap said:

Aug 6, 2022 6:19:46 GMT wildrover said:

[...] our next door neighbor had her job transferred to Texas so she decided to rent her house.  [...]

Have You contacted her?

And what does the municipal code say about the bullys' behaviour?

braaap - yes, we have spoken to her.  When she lived next door to us she was great, we got on quite well and helped on the few occasions when she asked - unfortunately, unlike hopeso her vision of being a landlord doesn't include making any effort to help us out.  She called my wife a couple of months before this all kicked off in earnest - she said she knew he wasn't a great neighbour and that he wasn't abiding by her lease with him - he was making changes to the house without her permission and made it very difficult for her representatives to inspect the property, she asked us to keep an eye out and let us know if we saw any work being done - unfortunately, the house rents for about $3,800 pcm and he always pays on time which seems to be more important to her.  When we called her, her attitude was that sometimes you get bad neighbours and we should just deal with it.  So, no real help there at all.

As for the municipal code and the bully - I suppose that it's similar to back home, the authorities will only go for the low hanging fruit like cars on the drive.  The rest they will tell you is a "civil matter" even when the code section specifically says that it is the Code Enforcement's responsibility to enforce x,y,z.

Thanks for chipping in mate.

Aug 8, 2022 18:58:23 GMT Gusman_2286 said:

As braaap said, try contacting the landlady, you'll find a way through.

I lost my garage sanctuary at my last house when the council tore down the late neighbours shed complex that made up the boarder with my house. I became very conscious of all the noise I made and junk/useful parts for future projects yet to be defined that I had stashed. Took a good bit of time to feel comfortable again but it comes back.

Gusman_2286 , as above, we have spoken to her and got a great big goose egg as a response.

I completely understand how you felt conscious of making noise, I feel the same way and I would be quite upset if I thought I was genuinely bothering one of the neighbours.  I guess that's what sets us apart from the likes of my current neighbour.

I am sorry to hear that you too lost your sanctuary but, I am glad to hear that things have returned to normal for you.  Unfortunately, I don't see that on the cards for me anytime soon - unless he moves or we win the lottery and can move to our dream property in the country (which you are all invited to should that come to pass  ).  Thanks for your thoughts.

Today I did a tidy up out front and I am fairly confident that I will pass muster with the city inspector.  On the face of it my driveway looks no different - I still have two cars parked outside the garage only they are both registered... so really an exercise in box ticking for the bureaucrats.

I do have one ace up my sleeve but I am holding off for now.  About a year ago, matey took up the lawn in the rear yard and installed fake grass - not a problem in of itself... but, he used his own employees to lay the grass.  The municipal code says that the fake grass must be installed by a licensed tradesman - he does not hold the relevant license - and, you have to file notices with the city seeking approval - something he couldn't have done as he isn't licensed.  I haven't acted on this yet and may not as I am not keen on the possibility of escalation.  Like a good chess player (which I most definitely am not!) I need to be able to see three moves ahead before I take action.

Thanks all for your comments and input, it is greatly appreciated.

[93fxdl]

Remote electronic interference to play with the settings/operation of the sound system?
Possibly try some aromatherapy, some pretty unusual smells might encourage less activity.
CCTV to keep a record of any problems,
Study up on the techniques used by bullies, can be very helpful to understand your enemy.
Home made turbocharger jet engine, to completely drown out his sound system
don't let this get to you, don't get mad get even
Ttfn Glenn

[henspeed]

Controversial one but, out him as a peado.
Then rub dogshit on his door handles

[Paul Y]

May I suggest a small diversion of your shed based activities into the world of electronics.....

discourse.opentechschool.org/t/diy-lowcost-bluetooth-jammer/2241

I can confirm that this works a treat. Allegedly....

Part of the reason why I live in the middle of a field - it has many downsides but the ability to do what I want when I want without disturbing anybody outweighs the logistics issues.

As to why I, allegedly, required one of the above is due to a middle son who plays curse word music and was disturbing my Zen.

My only serious advice is don't fight fire with fire. Be sneaky. It's way more fun.


P.

[homersimpson]

I feel for you, there is not much worse than bad neighbours, its hard to know what to suggest without knowing the rules and regulations where you are.

Here (UK) you could make a noise complaint to the local authority but its a long process and you have to keep a lot of records and even then there isn't a guarantee of action.

Its difficult to know how to proceed because on the one hand if it escalates then it can take over your life but if you just let it go then they feel like they have won and next time there is a risk that they might be even worse/noiser etc. because they got away with it last time.

[duggers]

My wife watches loads of US based property programmes (we're in the UK) and it seems that doing stuf to Code is required for most building works.
Is there anything he's done to the house that should have been done to code or inspected?

Be a shame if he had to be visited by local authority inspectors and found to have carried out unauthorised works......

[akku]

I'm sorry to hear this. One thing in life which is important is good neighbours.

In the UK, often nuisance neighbours in rented property can easily* removed by complaining to the landlords. I know a couple of friends who have had to do that. Depending on your relationship with the owner of the property you may be able to take that route

The "I give as good as I get" and "fight fire with fire" approach rarely works out well, and ends with the whole neighbourhood ablaze.

For whatever reason, local authorities will be quite happy to have people play music loud and all that, but if you work on a car... you're public enemy number 1. A chap I knew in a car club years back, he ended up with an enforcement notice on him so he could only do "simple adjustments" or some such. He was even banned from using aerosols. All started because he sanded down the primer on a car the same day his neighbour had their washing out and it ended up with filler dust over the clean sheets. Everyone threw their toys out of their respective prams and it went badly for the car guy.

I went to look at a house for sale, years ago, before I moved here. I saw the next door house had a massive garage, I thought "my kind of people" then the seller said "Oh, that guy, don't worry about him, we got enforcement on him and he's not allowed to do any work on cars there".

Dunno why, but neighbour disputes end up that way.

Best of luck fella.

[93fxdl]

Any use?
www.instructables.com/Tic-Tac-TV-Remote-Jammer/
Ttfn Glenn

[henspeed]

I think its time we had an update on the unruly neighbour OP.
Have you settled the dispute

[wildrover]

Aug 11, 2022 8:49:17 GMT 93fxdl said:

Remote electronic interference to play with the settings/operation of the sound system?
Possibly try some aromatherapy, some pretty unusual smells might encourage less activity.
CCTV to keep a record of any problems,
Study up on the techniques used by bullies, can be very helpful to understand your enemy.
Home made turbocharger jet engine, to completely drown out his sound system
don't let this get to you, don't get mad get even
Ttfn Glenn

93fxdl Electronic interference - I do like the idea and it seems a popular suggestion    However, as akku mentions there are problems with raising the stakes, he may very well be prepared to escalate the matter way beyond where I am prepared to go - and that doesn't sound appealing.  Unusual smells you say... someone recently told me that Home Depot (big box DIY store) sells coyote repellent which is meant to be quite pungent.  We'll have to see if some of that jumps into my basket on my next trip to HD.

Aug 13, 2022 17:03:58 GMT henspeed said:

Controversial one but, out him as a peado.
Then rub dogshit on his door handles

henspeed Tempting on both counts.  My neighbor across the street wants me to report him for child abuse - his very young son was struggling to ride a bicycle and as a loving, nurturing parent his reaction was to call the kid a pussy and take the bike away   Honestly though I can only see things going from bad to worse if i start calling the authorities on him for his parenting skills - don't get me wrong, if I saw violence I wouldn't hesitate to call but, for now I'll let sleeping dogs lie - if my neighbors across the street feel strongly enough about it they can make the call themselves.

Aug 14, 2022 9:32:54 GMT Paul Y said:

May I suggest a small diversion of your shed based activities into the world of electronics.....

discourse.opentechschool.org/t/diy-lowcost-bluetooth-jammer/2241

I can confirm that this works a treat. Allegedly....

Part of the reason why I live in the middle of a field - it has many downsides but the ability to do what I want when I want without disturbing anybody outweighs the logistics issues.

As to why I, allegedly, required one of the above is due to a middle son who plays curse word music and was disturbing my Zen.

My only serious advice is don't fight fire with fire. Be sneaky. It's way more fun.


P.

Paul Y another vote for the electronic option   I am envious of your mid-field living arrangements.  We are certainly giving the option of moving to somewhere rural plenty of thought - unfortunately it just doesn't align with our work situations at the moment but, I'm telling you, the second I win the lottery I am off to find the biggest field I can buy!

Aug 14, 2022 11:29:35 GMT homersimpson said:

I feel for you, there is not much worse than bad neighbours, its hard to know what to suggest without knowing the rules and regulations where you are.

Here (UK) you could make a noise complaint to the local authority but its a long process and you have to keep a lot of records and even then there isn't a guarantee of action.

Its difficult to know how to proceed because on the one hand if it escalates then it can take over your life but if you just let it go then they feel like they have won and next time there is a risk that they might be even worse/noiser etc. because they got away with it last time.

homersimpson all very true.  I have read the local ordinances on noise and as straightforward as it seems, getting the authorities to act is seemingly the biggest hurdle.  The regulations establish an ambient noise base line of 55 dB at the property line between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB after 10:00 p.m.  +5dB for 15 minutes in one hour is considered a violation; +10 dB for 5 minutes, +15 dB, etc.  Again, getting someone to do anything is the hard part - I bought a decibel meter that conforms to the standard laid out in the municipal code and I am keeping notes.  If you are interested here is a link to this section of the code

www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/ordinances/Garden%20Grove,%20California.pdf

Aug 14, 2022 12:52:11 GMT duggers said:

My wife watches loads of US based property programmes (we're in the UK) and it seems that doing stuf to Code is required for most building works.
Is there anything he's done to the house that should have been done to code or inspected?

Be a shame if he had to be visited by local authority inspectors and found to have carried out unauthorised works......

duggers I do have several examples of breaches of the building codes as well as the municipal code - I am keeping them in my back pocket for now.  If the situation becomes untenable then I guess there is no harm in flinging it all out there and see what happens.

Aug 14, 2022 15:02:09 GMT akku said:

I'm sorry to hear this. One thing in life which is important is good neighbours.

In the UK, often nuisance neighbours in rented property can easily* removed by complaining to the landlords. I know a couple of friends who have had to do that. Depending on your relationship with the owner of the property you may be able to take that route

The "I give as good as I get" and "fight fire with fire" approach rarely works out well, and ends with the whole neighbourhood ablaze.

For whatever reason, local authorities will be quite happy to have people play music loud and all that, but if you work on a car... you're public enemy number 1. A chap I knew in a car club years back, he ended up with an enforcement notice on him so he could only do "simple adjustments" or some such. He was even banned from using aerosols. All started because he sanded down the primer on a car the same day his neighbour had their washing out and it ended up with filler dust over the clean sheets. Everyone threw their toys out of their respective prams and it went badly for the car guy.

I went to look at a house for sale, years ago, before I moved here. I saw the next door house had a massive garage, I thought "my kind of people" then the seller said "Oh, that guy, don't worry about him, we got enforcement on him and he's not allowed to do any work on cars there".

Dunno why, but neighbour disputes end up that way.

Best of luck fella.

akku - very true mate, your neighbours can make or break your home life.  Something you never really fully appreciate until you end up with a bunch of wrong 'uns living next door.  We were spoiled for so long that it makes this quite hard to deal with.  It is interesting that the powers that be tend to "prioritize" how and when they will take enforcement action - the two cars on my drive were in decent shape and not on blocks or anything.  The Rover had an expensive car cover and the Jeep looked fine but... low hanging fruit I guess.  I drive through the neighborhood regularly and there are unregistered cars parked on drives, one is an a lawn, there is a pick up truck shell on axle stands, and so on - they don't look great but, they don't look awful either - I guess the code enforcement officers will turn the other way as they drive by these houses until they get a call - c'est la guerre! 

I agree with your observation about escalation - for now just keeping my head down.

Aug 16, 2022 18:02:41 GMT 93fxdl said:

Any use?
www.instructables.com/Tic-Tac-TV-Remote-Jammer/
Ttfn Glenn

Cheers mate I'll certainly put that on the list of possible solutions!

henspeed - you are right mate, you are owed an update.  I am very grateful to those that have chimed in and shown an interest - your suggestions and, more importantly, your support is greatly appreciated.  I have been following your workshop build with admiration and envy - I'd offer a swap with you but, after 30 years away I am not sure I could handle the weather!  With that said, it's getting tougher to handle the constant 80 - 85 degree weather here in southern California.  I am getting soft in my old age as I need A/C more often than not these days.

Developments... well, I feel utterly unable to use my garage.  All is well as far as the city is concerned so that's no longer an issue but, I am just so uncomfortable when I am out there that I can't spend any time there.  I know a few lads on here have opened up and shared about their experiences with depression and so on - I don't know that I am there but I am experiencing a huge amount of anxiety.  I don't say that lightly and, anyone that knows me would probably find it very hard to believe.  I find that during the daytime when my wonderful NDN is at work I am a little more relaxed but, when he comes home during the day my anxiety starts to creep up only to go down when he leaves.  At night, when me and the missus catch up on a bit of telly together the anxiousness is always present - we are in the room that is closest to his outdoor noise center.  I used to be able to start to relax about 10:00 ish but, he will randomly start watching TV outside late at night - this causes me to struggle and I often just go to bed early.

The wife says I should talk to someone but, as I see it, unless that person will come around give matey boy a shoeing then I don't think it will make much difference

I have a friend that has a 40 acre ranch in Julian  (see akku 's excellent thread about buying a car in the US for more on Julian) while he has been up in Canada I have taken to just popping down and staying a night or two just to get away.  It's not the ideal solution but, I can tell you the sense of utter peace I get when I am there is fantastic

This truck is dumped on the ranch and I keep egging my mate to do something with it - although it may be too far gone.  Thoughts anyone?

Shared workspace is not a common thing here - I am so envious of many of you that have a shop or barn that you are able to use to work on your projects.  Commercial rent here is insane at the moment and it just isn't the done thing for people to band together.  With that said. a fella I know has a space in a 2400 sq ft shop that he and a few others share - the landlord is cool and isn't interested in jamming the rent up to the max.  One of his fellow tenants is going to move out - down side is no fixed date - and I am on the list for consideration.  If/when this happens I will have about 600 sq ft for about $500 pm.  I don't want to keep nagging Mike but, I am desperately hoping that space will open up soon - I am sure it will help alleviate some of my issues.

Thanks very much to all of you that have joined in with thoughts, ideas and suggestions - it all helps.  Cheers.

[henspeed]

Cheers for the words on the lockup, yes I am quite proud of it.
Although it is a disaster zone inside at the moment with me building a chassis for a shepherds hut in there and also trying to construct a small office.
The old Scimitar is tucked away in the corner covered by a big sheet of damp proof membrane to hopefully keep the hot sparky bits off her.

Its getting warmer in the UK now, been a beautiful summer at least 3 weeks worth of over 20 deg C heat.
Daylight from 3am to midnight, i love those days.
Sadly they are done this year, getting dark now by 9 ish.

I know its easier said than done, but don't let the dickhead of a neighbor prevent you from using your garage area to fulfil your hobbies, it looks like you will need to be a bit careful of how things are played out though.
Again I am not keen on Neighbours and am another one who lives in a field with nothing but farmers around me who don't care how much noise I make or what curse word I have.
The wife on the other hand, she is not shy of making a complaint.

[Paul Y]

A pig nose Longbed C0 is never too far gone!

Easy to work on and there are so many panels available if you don't have the skills to make them - look, if I can put one back together then anybody can!

As for the anxiety.

Do go and speak to somebody - they can help and, whist it won't remove the source,- it will give you the tools you need to cope with the situation. Otherwise it could get worse and you don't won't that!

Keep smiling.

P.

[henspeed]

I think I have dailyed worse than that truck

[wildrover]

Aug 28, 2022 6:31:54 GMT henspeed said:

Cheers for the words on the lockup, yes I am quite proud of it.
Although it is a disaster zone inside at the moment with me building a chassis for a shepherds hut in there and also trying to construct a small office.
The old Scimitar is tucked away in the corner covered by a big sheet of damp proof membrane to hopefully keep the hot sparky bits off her.

Its getting warmer in the UK now, been a beautiful summer at least 3 weeks worth of over 20 deg C heat.
Daylight from 3am to midnight, i love those days.
Sadly they are done this year, getting dark now by 9 ish.

I know its easier said than done, but don't let the dickhead of a neighbor prevent you from using your garage area to fulfil your hobbies, it looks like you will need to be a bit careful of how things are played out though.
Again I am not keen on Neighbours and am another one who lives in a field with nothing but farmers around me who don't care how much noise I make or what curse word I have.
The wife on the other hand, she is not shy of making a complaint.

henspeed Yes mate, I am well jealous of the lock down lock up and the rural setting -as much as I am a big city dweller by birth and rearing I really yearn for my own slice of the countryside.  When I left home for the States my parents sold their house in London and moved back to their native Ireland.  There's only my dad left now but, he lives in a wonderful location - a nice plot of private land surrounded by fields on three sides and the best neighbours ever on the fourth.  He's far enough outside the village as to be unaffected by the inevitable development  but, close enough to sneak in to the local for a cheeky pint or two.

I really and truly miss the long summer days - I hadn't been home in summertime for nigh on 20 years until recently and I was just blown away by the long, light evenings.  Mid summers day is a thing to behold - especially when you consider that sunset on June 21, 2023 where I live is 8:06 p.m.

Thank you again for the encouragement and support - I am trying not to let next door get to me but I still haven't found the wherewithal to reclaim my garage space - partly due to my lovely NDN and in part due to the fact it has been 31C and more for the last week and more and there's no end in sight.  I know that you all may find it hard to sympathize with the constant warm weather but, I can tell you, it is a curse word trying to work under the car when the concrete is acting in concert with the sun and actively trying to cook you alive.

Aug 28, 2022 7:19:14 GMT Paul Y said:

A pig nose Longbed C0 is never too far gone!

Easy to work on and there are so many panels available if you don't have the skills to make them - look, if I can put one back together then anybody can!

As for the anxiety.

Do go and speak to somebody - they can help and, whist it won't remove the source,- it will give you the tools you need to cope with the situation. Otherwise it could get worse and you don't won't that!

Keep smiling.

P.

Paul Y thank you for your kind words and support - you're a gent.

I am not a truck guy so was unfamiliar with the pig nose moniker.  I had previously looked at the LMC catalogue and, you're right, pretty much every panel is available should they be needed.  There is a fair amount of damage down the side of the truck that might be beyond economical repair but I really think there is a lot of good original iron left that makes it worth saving.  Just got to get the owner on board   I know you're doing the old engine swap thingy on Woody and no criticism here at all but, I look at that as a last resort - in this case, I feel it's a perfect candidate for an LS - the following pictures speak a thousand words!

Your advice to speak to someone re anxiety is well taken but................. it goes against my upbringing - wrong I know - I am trying to deal with it as best I can and obviously failing   Also, my missus suggested this to me - so if I were now to say that a fella on the internet gave me this advice and I think I'll take it, when I ignored you when you said the exact same thing - well, I think that things would go just about as well as if she discovered the existence of my station wagon

I do find it somewhat amusing that in the middle of a thread that includes a discussion of anxiety that I am happily diverted by a wrecked truck...

Here are some GMC pics...

henspeed I know you say you dailyed worse but.......... did you?

Seen below is a close up of the rare wood fired option...

The truck was fitted with the relatively rare big block V6 but, as you can see it's pretty much roached - although I am not a fan of throwing an LS into everything, this is probably a good candidate.

[LPlates]

I'm sorry to see this. My previous neighbour was a similar type and it was a difficult six years. Mostly because I wouldn't put up with his grief. They moved away, and were replaced by a lovely family. Things will change sooner or later.

I like that truck. There's probably 5 trucks in total in the city where I live. And I've heard of a woody before, but that doesn't look like Morris Estate.

For the record, I'd slay him with the weapon he used on you. Legislation. He'll put a foot wrong somewhere, folks like him always do. Depending on how I felt with day to day annoyances, I'd go for the bluetooth killer. No playstation pad connection = whinging kid + shouty dad = abuse. Would be awfuly inconvienent if someone happened to be recording it...

Don't be put off talking to others about this. Its unpleasant unwarranted stress. Neither of you deserve this.

Stay safe