HARBOR FREIGHT 12X20 PORTABLE GARAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

[@BenjaminKibbey]

Ay! He's got his own windows ova' here! Loved this. Succinct, to the point, and and loaded with excellent ideas.

[@technicalitems731]

This takes the cake. Best harbor freight carport mods I've ever seen! How deep and wide did you do the rebar in to the concrete footer? I see the cable down the side where you are holding down the brown top tarp. Did you simply puncture a hole in underneath lower tarp and secure a big flat washer and bolt directly to the frame? - what type and where to get for those large comfort patio pads? - lastly...this is a lot of work. The objective is to be a "temporary structure" and avoid taxes or building code laws? Right? Thanks so much for the education? Please be fruitful and multiply with knowledge and post as many detailed videos of this as you can!!! Amazing

[@richiespeed3565]

The rebar is half inch and I went down about 2 1/2 feet purpose of clamping at like you mentioned so it can be considered a temporary structure cables down the side made a hole through the tarp drilled into the frame using self tapping sheet metal screws the blocks I bought at Home Depot that was too much work the blocks I would recommend having a cement slab or asphalt instead don't know if this would void it from being a temporary structure but who would know it was a lot of work but I did a little at a time I have some of these temporary garages at my other house that are going on 35 years old of course they have needed a little bit of maintenance from time to time biggest weak point on these garages are the zippers on one of my other garages I eliminated the front tarp with the zippers and made swinging Doors out of tubing and light gauge sheet metal but you could also do the same thing with wood I just happen to like working with metal many different ways to make these garages stronger whatever way works best for you just use common sense and you would be fine but the main thing is if you want to use these things year-round they have to be reinforced to me it's worth the work they are not as good as a regular garage but where am New York / New Jersey a regular garage could cost for you $40,000 to $60,000 to have built with permits and all the other legal nonsense so when you look at it that way it might be worth the work to reinforce these garages it is up each person how they want to do it but everybody's different anyway good luck thanks for the compliments take care

[@jongilbert9792]

Would you like to sell the 1969 GTO?

[@richiespeed3565]

@@jongilbert9792 I just saw your comment today I'd like to sell it but the reason I haven't wasted my time trying , classic car prices I have gone down a lot my GTO needs body work , Engine has less than 10,000 miles on it fully rebuild buy famous engine builder pat musi you can look him up on the Internet , car is fast rides nice it's an animal the guy I bought it from did terrible bodywork everything has to be gone over I am a retired Bodyman I could do it redo the bodywork myself but I'm almost 70 and I'm not sure if I'm going to bother might just leave it like it is , where I would've got $30,000 for it five years ago I'd be lucky to get 15,000 today and I would only take that if it was cash so I wouldn't lose $2000 on taxes reporting it , I just assume keep the car then give it away even though I have no use for it anymore, you can go out and buy today GTO that does not need all the bodywork that looks nice for $30,000, so why would anyone wanna buy mine for 15,000 and put all the bodywork in it, when you can buy one that's already done , so the answer to your question I would like to sell it but it needs bodywork it can be driven just like it is, I'm not going below 15,000 cash I'll let the car rot away before I do that , think about it in today's expensive world $15,000 is nothing , 15,000 my bottom price cash so if anyone's interested fine but I'm not even trying to sell it, but will for that price anyway thanks for asking have a good day. Take Care

[@timcole6882]

Perfect timing, putting one up tomorrow. I live in northern Maine so I’m definitely using your mods. Get quite a snow load here, thanks

[@richiespeed3565]

Good luck take your Time do it right it'll be worth it have a good day

[@jacobpooler6299]

Hell yeah. This is the shophead stuff I yearn for. This is awesome. Definitely inspired for my fabrication setup

[@WorldPowerLabs]

We don't get snow here, but I like the cable idea just for general reinforcement. The door is great, too. I'd been thinking about how to add a man door to one of these. Thank you for spending the time to upload!

[@domfer2540]

Great stuff. I have one that works great. My next one is to hold my classic car and needs to be strong. You hit the right points. Age does not stop you from thinking and doing, I am in my 70’s and love every day working in my shed.

[@ericdavis1660]

That Duster takes me back. When my parents split in 74, the only two things my mom got were me and the '73.

[@GregSanderson-e3c]

I like the door you made! I was actually looking for ideas when I found your video! thanks!!

[@Robert-u8m4z]

Great job

[@davegallucci9327]

Great idea! I have 6 of them. Storage, 2 cars , 57 chevy wagon, 87 cavelier convertable Z74 . oh yeah 84 Electra! Nice info , ill try the cables.😊

[@greb3212]

Great job. I'd be interested in a closer look at the mods. How the cables are attached, how the door was constructed, etc.

[@atletaentregao]

Thanks for sharing. You give me ideas.

[@FrankMcClung]

Pure genius and innovation.

[@snurb48]

Very nice and your talent shows. I'm also 43 years in the Trades and am interested in similar with high winds. I have spools of cable left over from hanging spiral commercial ducting and thought of the same concept. The man door is excellent fabrication. Sweet cars! Could you ever imagine they would become worth what they are today? I beat the hell out of and sold more muscle cars it makes me sick to remember now! Thanks for sharing your ideas. M. in NV.

[@richiespeed3565]

Thanks for the compliments I keep the old cars because they keep me young I too used to beat the hell out of my cars I did an awful lot of Street Racing not to brag but I won most of the time outran the police and made them look like fools at least four times in my life but unfortunately today the police have high-powered cars so I would not recommend people to do that plus we have too much population too many people you really don't want to run anybody over well unless it's somebody that's done you wrong I'm just kidding about that I think anyway good talking to you you take care

[@leannesearls4359]

I love the way youve modded that garage. Ive been doing mods to mine and I like the ideas you gave me. Cables are genius. I was thinking about using wood to strengthen the frame but cables are way easier. Thanks man.

[@richiespeed3565]

I started doing the cables about 20 years ago I'm 67 right now when I was younger in my 20s and 30s and maybe a little bit in my 40s and had more energy than I knew what to do with I went crazy on these things instead of cables I welded electrical conduit pipe and rebar and I have to say it was extremely strong but that was a little bit overkill I think so that's why I switched to cables maybe one of these days I'll post some pictures on KZbin of what i did on the ones that I made when i was younger , anyway thank you for the compliment you take care yourself.

[@richiespeed3565]

No I don't have a parts list but i used 1/8 diameter cable and cable clamps you can get anything you want on eBay , seems to be the best prices for everything of course you don't have to use what I used , you could use bigger diameter cable and clamps, or on some of my other projects i used electrical EMT piping of course that Has to be welded , also the tarps that I used are made by a company called white duck tarps 16 mill I have them on my other garages that are going on 6 years old and the tarps are still in good shape you might want to consider using that company , OK have yourself a good day take care

[@richiespeed3565]

Sorry that reply was meant for somebody else early in the morning I'm half asleep take care

[@world.on.fire2024]

Nice. Very smart strengthening it up.

[@eFish360]

Brilliant custom modifications!

[@danmead4787]

Dudes a genius and has great taste in cars.

[@richiespeed3565]

I never thought of myself as a genius but thank you for the compliment you have a nice day

[@robertjones4200]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful

[@richiespeed3565]

You're welcome have a good day and good luck

[@TurboTyler31]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@nickdarling9557]

Great Job

[@BoredBob]

Loved my old Duster. '73 as well, 225 slant 6. Ugly split pea green but got me around everywhere for years. Wish I still had it.

[@richiespeed3565]

The 225 slant 6 engine was bullit proof but slow but dependable I worked on many of them as i am a retired mechanic Take Care.

[@bobadams1696]

Good video man. Thanks for sharing your smarts.

[@logtownacres]

Great work! I’m interested in your tarps. You mentioned it was heavier mil. Do you make them or have them made?

[@richiespeed3565]

Company name White duck tarps i used 16 x 20 16 mil but they have all sizes available Little expensive but it's worth it Will last at least 6 years possibly 10 here is the link take care www.ebay.com/itm/164674360424?_skw=White+duck+tarps&var=465114098746&itmmeta=01J8P3QPZD1P5PJ0JHBYHNNWTM&hash=item26575b5468:g:~HQAAOSwxRBmO2uW:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!08863!US!-1&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlB%2FFM%2FpMp8Ry83sYe8PvqSK8DdXAtMWlIaWBVzakWUYBBy%2FWntqlB7j18GbxvdOAXPdPaelylcxjyc6wg%2FeRGWrtkbVg%2BCYFx%2ByLGmzaHCLOdEMvEScpXX7Vj0HFyQaPt4Aqfwuq3t2H7sB5lJJFqhiY8V9aS3mk7qyWRtQiRGvbQxT2VMJGQLxQdoSAot9FKhly%2FaAKYunWrVeRJ1Lwn5sUpzcX%2Faa%2BxNK%2BpOl9MPoq%2FhLBF%2BvDHOd%2BzNqM2bEi93CnZKdPdrtIwazHpu33%2BusFzMmLkuEy8QeMDlAp1qmg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM5O_ew8Vk

[@robertbragg2380]

Look awesome thank you for sharing 😊

[@bigchillin7288]

Great ideas! thanks for your video you definitely did not waste your time sir.

[@richiespeed3565]

Thank you for the compliment this video was not planned unless you have millions of views you don't make any money making videos there are so many nasty and unappreciative people out there today that sometimes I forget that they're also a lot of nice decent people out there this video was meant for them, I guess that's why I made the statement I figure I waste my time making a video I'm almost 68 years old now I will try to be a little bit more optimistic like when I was younger I'm a retired mechanic/electrician I have many other talents working with my hands don't care about impressing anybody anymore , that's for kids anyway I don't know why I wrote this Long response today but that's OK. perhaps I will make more videos in the future when i have a little more time Godwilling it's funny even though I've been retired for 8 years I am much more busier now than when I was working no complaints I feel like that's how you keep going and stay younger, anyway yourself everybody else out there I hope you guys and girls have a Nice day take care . Richiespeed........

[@lsdavidson6716]

Very cool, I dig it.

[@3er328]

Someone did get some ideas, Thanks.

[@riderx65]

Nice work! More details please!

[@kk-pz8gn]

Thanks for sharing your info Rich and happy new year

[@richiespeed3565]

you too a healthy happy new year take care

[@BaeWater]

plenty of benefit here! Thank you!

[@JoeCantwell-o2e]

Hey Richie....Fantastic job man, I've seen some 2x4 methods as far as reinforcement but the cables, are genius...literally stealing all your ideas 😆 anyways I just bought the same portable garage(instructions were crap btw) took me twice as long as it should having to figure out things as i went,especially doing by myself but that's irrelevant..I have few questions i could really use your help man... it's all set up but confused on couple things...whenever you have a few minutes to talk would really help me out.. rather talk phone or email if possible? rather then in this comment section

[@richiespeed3565]

I only give advice here when I have the time, take care

[@persiancucumber9255]

Very nice setup.

[@hermangarman177]

Nice setup

[@Huber872]

Thanks for the video! Picking up the same shelter next week and because of your video I’ve got 1/8” cable and crimps coming soon from eBay! Do you happen to know what size tarp you’ve got on top?

[@richiespeed3565]

16 x 20 this is the best company I've used this tarp will last easily between 5 and 10 years here is the link on ebay take care www.ebay.com/itm/164674360424?itmmeta=01J44HB8KXV5C58MJW0PMM3ZE5&hash=item26575b5468:g:sPUAAOSwOR9mO4BJ:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!08863!US!-1&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA4HACigco79oVdxnCeKwD0xqhoK5t/lONW13YnmToCdTLe4wiYhngMfCmqpqPVGVuevIT+clMGap52qWxPXB0ZaU6UvLmyEjRzmfCCApIFww1gIkpx+KzBbeBtC9w7fwuMG8k9/OQVqe7mqCMj1GISJvgvrlC+gyvAbO/c1s7+6JGa+E4SQSpwDMOKjQORC261BLdTBP9RJbvh31mSfepfjvDflFX+ftqhacqZlj6JoGkjQzRn2jIc0weDADIzqiTwAe8KUGAdv8olG4ub0A4QWuD5hHNRX0XGc8pIo7HKCa2|tkp:BFBMhoqtkaFk

[@kg4lzc]

One of the best mods to these tarp carports

[@CityofPurps916]

What kind of cables did you use to reinforce it?

[@joequillun7790]

Don't tell me. up-state NY? Great ideas. I'll be incorperating into mine. Good taste in GTOs. Thanks for posting.

[@richiespeed3565]

Not upstate New York after living in Staten Island New York for 65 years, I finally had enough, Plus I want it to be near Family, I lucked out I bought a small house in Fords New Jersey I picked this location because it had extra property so reminds me of upstate ny a little bit . take care

[@kennethpickens1228]

This is amazing how did you get to bottom of the shed so flat

[@biglouATLien]

This guy is great. He should make more videos

[@richiespeed3565]

Thanks for the compliment I made this video as a joke never expected to get all these Views maybe I'll make a couple more in the future anyway take care have yourself a good day

[@biglouATLien]

@@richiespeed3565 you helped me a good bit. I was building one and looking to upgrade it. You have a lot of useful information to share and I appreciate it.

[@ultimateone624]

Nice cars ❤

[@smileychavez8093]

That’s nice richie. How about looking at those B.A rides?!!?

[@juarez97]

Fabulous!

[@richiespeed3565]

Thank you have a good day

[@RomanticPopPunk]

Appreciate it, sir

[@joshdavenport5787]

Very cool!..You should make a video showing your Duster

[@richiespeed3565]

Maybe

[@lawofvisualization]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@CHEAPROLLIN]

Nice I noticed that you have six bars on the sides that go up to the roof did your kit come with six legs? Most of the 12x only come with four on each side. If you did add these legs on do you know where they can be purchased if not do you know when you bought this from harbor freight and if they still make this model

[@richiespeed3565]

Yes that's the way it came here's a link to where you could buy it they also have it at Home Depot but it's under a different namewww.harborfreight.com/12-ft-x-20-ft-trucksuv-portable-garage-58741.html

[@jackm6307]

The cables are a good idea. Could you please give a bit of detail on how you made the windows? My main concern was the material easily tearing at the cuts with no hem. Thanks for the video.

[@richiespeed3565]

You are right it is a concern about tearing usually the ripstop in the material prevents that you could always fold the material over and make hem and use ty-wraps I also used them to secure the screens best ty wraps to use are the black UV treated Thomas & Betts they cost like three times more then other ones you can buy but the performance is superior and they last quite a long time regular white tie wraps the sun will weaken them in about a year and they become very brittle a lot of these modifications are trial and error when I find something doesn't work right I try to improve it all right you take care

[@jackm6307]

@@richiespeed3565 Thanks, Rich, very helpful. Yes, I agree, trial and error of our own doing, and taking advantage of the trial and error from good people like yourself, willing to share their experiences is definitely the way to go.

[@IvanBohannon]

nice work, thank you

[@nklam247]

Love the layout of your carports. Where did you buy the covers for the front and back and top and sides?

[@richiespeed3565]

ebay 16 mil company name White Duck Tarps here is the link have a good day www.ebay.com/itm/164674360424?var=464189602672&itmmeta=01HSRVV1XBQGBBKCVEEGJJA1TD&hash=item26575b5468:g:htYAAOSw-MpgPNvr&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4HACigco79oVdxnCeKwD0xoTuVR5eJ0GKDIpLOyAtxTD%2Bt28vSKzCJEVVshWsyiXBMIx34c4dOQpPryzsBcW9phDSgQEC5xaefMDE49rHeMrEn64f0m07FnR34c7P%2BZEasJ94NrM1htxI0SEVluQ1NIsPv9JSqNDQzUOcVzP%2Bovf307O0QUmDvytWLSOY9L0ZR8%2FkjxPgp4pFEqKLZL5upddyZ8BYo9aK7hjHd8hRnuiXfdlm4%2FqF4R9%2FODuQrnBs4TMCkD4uhhqWQXNZ25NX9C7B2sSjRhJnxBcc0LcUx4%2B%7Ctkp%3ABFBM6J7sm85j

[@jaygee269]

Hello what size are those brown tarps? They are the perfect size for the top of those tents. I just bought the same garage and Im think of getting a 12’X20’ but not 100% sure.

[@richiespeed3565]

The size 20' x 16' 16 mil name of the company is white duck tarps that particular size is now $94.00 on eBay but you can buy white duck tarps anywhere, Amazon etc. just look it up on the Internet they are worth the money they are very tough I have some over six years old and still going strong Take care.

[@jaygee269]

Thank you for your response! You did a phenomenal job on those garages.

[@alfenner3309]

Curious if you may have a parts list for the cable supports you put on your garage? Thank you.

[@richiespeed3565]

@richiespeed3565 0 seconds ago No I don't have a parts list but i used 1/8 diameter cable and cable clamps you can get anything you want on eBay , seems to be the best prices for everything of course you don't have to use what I used , you could use bigger diameter cable and clamps, or on some of my other projects i used electrical EMT piping of course that Has to be welded , also the tarps that I used are made by a company called white duck tarps 16 mill I have them on my other garages that are going on 6 years old and the tarps are still in good shape you might want to consider using that company , OK have yourself a good day take care

[@brandonbarlow277]

Can you tell all the steel wires and part you use

[@richiespeed3565]

8 inch diameter Cable an 8th inch cable clamps everything's available on eBay the best prices it doesn't matter what brand

[@PUJARTIAGO77]

I love that gto

[@richiespeed3565]

IT WILL PASS ANYTHING BUT A GAS STATION.

[@GamingTIME25]

Ya thanks great idea mine always blows away 😅😅

[@miketdarnell]

How do you heat you garage?

[@richiespeed3565]

Really don't use it that much in the winter, but if I have to do some emergency work i use kerosene/ Diesel fuel forced hot air Jet style heaters, can be dangerous really don't recommend it , do it at your own risk, or better yet where a lot of layers of clothing and work in the cold , or wait for summer .

[@johngate4715]

where di you get the cable, and how did you connect it all?

[@richiespeed3565]

Everything can be bought on eBay best prices 1/8 inch cable and cable clamps 1/8 inch

[@joecrone9862]

Nice !

[@mathiashaugland4229]

thanks a lot for this video. helped me out a ton! building one of theese myself soon. i am a renter not an owner for now and cant build a real garage where i live now so needed something like this.

[@OD.Nights]

What cables did you use

[@y00t00b3r]

"I probably won't make another video for another ten years." UNACCEPTABLE

[@richiespeed3565]

Unacceptable -- thank you I got a good laugh out of that, maybe I'll make more videos in the future we will see , you know This video was not planned that's why it's so short I just did it for the heck of it never knew so many people would like it you have a good day take care yourself.

[@Lone-Starr-Schwartz]

Yep, un-friggin-acceptable! We need you to make another video for sure.

[@curbsidecustom6148]

Nice modification to the garage there. What wires are you using to strengthen the poles

[@richiespeed3565]

1/8 inch steel cable with 1/8 inch cable clamps I got most of my stuff from eBay best prices example 250 ft 1/8 inch cable for about $40 or less you can also get the stuff at stores like Home Depot but eBay seems to have the best prices also best place to buy tarps example 20 by 20 feet 16 to 20 mil price for that size about $80 Best Tops I have used is by a company called white duck take care any other questions feel free

[@curbsidecustom6148]

Would it be possible to make another video but close up of the way you have it wired together. Looking to get one, but I definitely would like to have stability against Florida winds.

[@richiespeed3565]

@@curbsidecustom6148

[@richiespeed3565]

Well I don't know if and when I'm going to make another video but if you want to send me your email address I'll send you some pictures if you don't want to send me your email address that's OK what I did was just wrap the cables around the pipes tension them by pulling them very hard with vice grips or you could use like I did on some of the ones across the top turnbuckles makes it easier to get tension on the cables you want to use strong turnbuckles I did not use turnbuckles on the mainframe pipes because they could be a weak point but buy really strong ones that are heavy duty not aluminum you could use them i only put turnbuckles across the spans on the top for the snow load on the roof i used aluminum ones for that they do not need to be that strong if you are handy with a welder do what I did when I was younger weld Half inch rebar or light gauge pipes instead of using the cables a lot more work but strong as hell

[@erichexter6631]

can you explain the footers in a little more detail? Really appreciate your experience with this.

[@richiespeed3565]

Good morning as for the footers i attached the garage to the ground two different ways the main garage beginning of the video step one with a post hole digger or shovel make a hole about 1 foot or more Down into the ground fill with concrete mix cement then at Home Depot buy 3/8 or 5/16 inch diameter concrete bolts either size will work drill a hole with a cement bit tap it the ground with a hammer then it has a 9/16 nut that you tighten that you put through the flange very strong my other garage with the Black car the 69 GTO in it dig a hole like the other one 1 or 2 feet deep at Home Depot buy Half inch diameter rebar cut each piece about 2 feet long hammer them about 1 foot into the ground fill it with concrete mix cement then after cement is dry attach them to the carport polls using exhaust system muffler clamps depending on the size of the diameter of the pole sizes usually go anywhere from 1 5/8 inch diameter to 2 inch diameter OK take it nice and slow can be a lot of work but it's worth it you have yourself a nice day Richie.......

[@erichexter6631]

@@richiespeed3565 thx

[@BhigTea_83]

Interested in the type of cables used, door modification and window cutouts. Thank you

[@richiespeed3565]

Cables are 8-inch diameter you can get good deals on eBay cables and cable clamps you could also use a heavier cable if you like made the door out of electrical conduit piping and welded it together you might be able to use PVC instead and you just have to glue it together and then I use regular material to put over the door pipes and tie wraps Thomas & Betts are the best tie wraps to buy they cost three times as much but they will last for years get the black ones they hold up better to the sun they will not get brittle you could also use light gauge sheet metal that you can cut with a scissor if you want to use something else other than tarp material for the door I have done that on other jobs of course you would pop rivet or screw it to the frame that you made window is just fabrication cut the material with a razor blade used thin pipe or whatever you can get your hands on and tie wraps the ripstop material on the tarp is pretty strong so I just make a hole with something sharp like a screwdriver or whatever you have again I cannot stress enough buy quality tie wraps Thomas and Betts you get good deals on eBay I buy most of my stuff on eBay they have a great selection of heavy duty tarps Etc if you buy the cheaper tie wraps don't be tempted because they will dry out and start breaking in less than 2 years okay that's about it for now you have a good day

[@Lolerstomp]

@@richiespeed3565 Can you post a link to the type of cables you used?

[@noahjun1985]

Where did you get these tarps?

[@richiespeed3565]

on ebay name of the company is white duck tarps 16 mil thick you can also get them on Amazon and other places check the Internet very well-made Little pricey but worth every penny they come in all different sizes you take care have a nice day

[@dazzanw5067]

I like this guy with-in the first 4 words! Respect to the non Interneter old school real one! These f’n kids these days have no clue….