Garage

I built a 26X40 steel and fiberglass garage (by myself,) so it would last forever.
60 years of tools, car lift, tire machine, skidsteer, milling machine, lathe,
Maserati, my dads table saw, + 100 things I can't even think of.
All gone in an hour.

 

I had a Karcher steam cleaner that has a water cooled electric motor
and I had a block heater on it.
That was the only thing plugged in.
I'm still in shock; couldn't eat when I came back in just now.
I'm 71 in July, don't know if I can rebound from this one.

 

My mechanic tools took up half of the back wall w/MIG, TIG, and stick welders.
I was a Tool and Die Maker for 45 years and all those tools were in there also.
Toolmaker tools alone were about 20 grand.

Old Maserati was one of around a few hundred; irreplaceable.

I guess after the Fire Marshall leaves tomorrow
I get to start clawing it all out with the excavator.

I'm just totally devastated and numb.

 

State Police Fire Marshal came today, (On a Sunday,) many questions,
and did a thorough investigation, looked into the remains of my steam cleaner,
and found the melted block heater,
and saw where the thermo-link would regulate over temp conditions.
I saw him brush away the crap on it, and saw a melted ball,
signifying a short at that spot. Marked it accidental.
Next hurtle, my insurance company.
Boy, this sucks.
When all is good, I'm going to see if my skid steer will start.
Surprisingly, all 4 tires weren't popped. Just some melted plastic.
Then I'll load out all the crap that's - just crap.

 

Yeah, thinking of going to the company that rolls out the steel coated roofing.
Maybe just replace the fiberglass sheets with that.
I think it looks like if I paint the steel, to stop the rust, the frame is still useable.
We'll see, it's a lot of work.