Thread: Does this qualify as a Hot Rod?

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Good to see you back on here Wes.

Well it's been six months and the county still hasn't approved my shop project. The plans sailed through five different departments with minor revisions. Then in January, the planning dept. decided that I need a grading permit for the building pad that already exists. That required a civil engineer to draw up a storm water drainage plan, a grading plan and a geotechnical report. They also advised that my neighbors parking area (which is 300 feet from the proposed building and was constructed by the builders of both houses) encroached on my property and I would need to apply for a change to the property line or rip out the paved and fenced improvements.

I was advised, by my architect, that a geotechnical report alone usually runs about $4000. Lucky for me, I was able to get a copy of the report used for the homes' construction from the builder... for nothing. And my neighbor provided me with a copy of the easement granted for the parking area. The grading and drainage plans came to a total of $3500. Everything was submitted two months ago and all the permits have been approved. But planning still has my project marked as "revisions needed." Waiting to find out why. Sucks!!!!

Now... a little about the car.
The steering is stock Z... and manual. I've been looking for an inexpensive way to convert to power steering... and I think I've found it. The electric power steering from an '05-'07 Saturn Vue or Chevy Equinox. I stumbled over this video last night.

https://youtu.be/uKzCaEjvJeM

I was so intrigued, I pulled a unit today at my local Pick N Pull. Unlike the Cobra in the video, I don't have any room in the engine compartment, so I'll mount it under dash. I'm planning on a custom interior, so I'll remove the original Z dash, get the unit mounted and adjusted, then build a one off dash around it.

Probably get it all done before the shop project finally gets approved.

I feel for you, but one word sums it all up, california.

Yup so much fun dealing with self funded government agencies. Nothing like padding their own wallets and future! Sorry your getting the run around Wes. What planning departments don't get is when they make the process too hard, people stop going to them and take the penalty cost for no permit, usually cgheaper than the process us law abiding folks follow with infinate frustration! Glad the project is still alive!

I just my try to adapt that steering setup into my uncles 48 F-1, he's always wanted to get the steering to be easier, this might be the ticket!

Thanks Wes!!

And here's hoping the gubermint pulls their proverbial heads out of... well, you know!

If you guys want a few more electric steering options to explore, this guy covers a lot of bases....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4TYQ_KJSpc

Thanks R2!

I'd bet you could use one of these in your 38 chebby!

Originally Posted by Fauxre

Well it's been six months and the county still hasn't approved my shop project. The plans sailed through five different departments with minor revisions. Then in January, the planning dept. decided that I need a grading permit for the building pad that already exists. That required a civil engineer to draw up a storm water drainage plan, a grading plan and a geotechnical report. They also advised that my neighbors parking area (which is 300 feet from the proposed building and was constructed by the builders of both houses) encroached on my property and I would need to apply for a change to the property line or rip out the paved and fenced improvements.

I was advised, by my architect, that a geotechnical report alone usually runs about $4000. Lucky for me, I was able to get a copy of the report used for the homes' construction from the builder... for nothing. And my neighbor provided me with a copy of the easement granted for the parking area. The grading and drainage plans came to a total of $3500. Everything was submitted two months ago and all the permits have been approved. But planning still has my project marked as "revisions needed." Waiting to find out why. Sucks!!!!

Probably get it all done before the shop project finally gets approved.

Sorry to hear about this Wes, here is something pertinent to your present situation that I wrote a couple of years back. It would seem that things are the same the whole world over! Read it and weep:


"But with this particular job I was stymied by bureaucracy; the condom on the penis of vision, passion, and dedication.
With a condom, no seeds are allowed to flourish, to reach their potential.
Small people with small minds, in a position of minor authority, can bring the good and great low, just to satiate their own selfish interests and desires, thereby stifling any entrepreneur with vision and passion from achievement.
Nil bastardo carborundum.
Don't let them grind you down.
And I didn't.

Some will say I'm dedicated, some will say I'm obstinate, and some will say I'm bloody-minded and pig-headed.
Their choice.

I just do things my way.
Always have, and always will.
(Rant over. Steps off soapbox and exits stage left, shaking its head, dribbling and muttering to itself.) "

Oh, I forgot; thanks too Wes and Randy for posting those links.
Very informative.

Just got time to watch video, Thanks Wes very cool!
34/40 If you do adapt it to the 48 F1, take pictures and make a post, this might be my next project on my 48!

Originally Posted by stovens

34/40 If you do adapt it to the 48 F1, take pictures and make a post, this might be my next project on my 48!

OK, Steve..

Thanks, with all the new house fixing, I have had little time for my truck other than taking it out of the garage and running it for a few minutes once a month! Life after divorce! The house I bought has a sizeable yard for a 1960's track home, all of which was sorely neglected, so I've spent most of my time and resources getting a mini orchard planted as a priority, and doing more of drought tolerant planting and soil augmentation. The reason this takes priority over the truck is it'll take 3-6 years for my fruit trees to begin producing fruit without having to buy apples for hard cider, and Perry. Since I love making and drinking the stuff, once the yard gets to maintenance stage, I can then divert back to truck. (which should be this month actually.) I want to get all the truck parts back on the truck which will give me more garage space to get around the truck making it easier to work on the truck!
Sorry Wes for the highjack. You Guys all inspire me to persevere!. Around Christmas I thought of selling the truck to pad my savings as I have had a series of vet bills for my #1 pal, but tax man was nice, so now I don't have to worry as long as I stick to the budget!

Heck with dealing with government depts. and vet bills, life certainly does throw some curve balls at us. I too have been going through hell in the last 12 months but it is all the little positives I find in living each day that helps me through the dark times. Hang in there guys, there is light at the end of the tunnel, we just have to work our way towards it.

Sorry Wes to hear of your issues getting your new building up. I have had many issues in the county I used to live in with their wait, persistent inconsistency to follow their own codes and knowing their own laws. The county I live in now is so much more laid back and easy to deal with. The first time I filed for a permit here, I thought they were joking when they approved it within 3 days.

Picked up permits yesterday

!!!!YeeeHaaww!!!!


Now to see if any of the contractors I've previously contacted are available to do the work.