What Would I change about my Shop, and Favorite Stacey David Build

In this Q and A the three questions I answer are about my shop and what would I change, my favorite build that Stacey David did back in the day and a fabrication tip for drilling holes.
Link to a cheap Mag Drill
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DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of the Big Tire Garage, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Big Tire Garage assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Big Tire Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Big Tire Garage.

[@rick74304]

Drill one side, insert your crush tube, weld it in, then drill thru the inside of the crush tube, using it to guide the bit. Also, get a drill with a spirit bubble built in. Finally, if you're working with the same size tubing, make a ''C'' shaped jig with a guide bushing on either side to center the drillbit. Hope 1 or those work for you.

[@carlmesman5196]

I have taken square bar stock and drilled different size holes through each piece using a drill press. When I need to drill a hole perpendicular to the surface and take the right size bar stock guide, tack it in place and drill it. I knock the tacks off and the holes are in line.

[@sideview79]

Extreme with you and Jessi💗 was always my fav ! Great Q n A !!

[@jeremyrigter7887]

i really miss Jessi! R.I.P

[@XXNINJAKILLERX]

It would be great to have a shop tour. Thanks for the great video.

[@BigTireGarage]

Great idea...I will work on that

[@johngrant1337]

Thank-you

[@bradinch1563]

for the shop question, put in more power out lets than you would ever think you would use. drilling, make a template and drill front both sides or use a thick piece of metal and drill a 1l4 hole ,the tack or clamp it to the frame for a guide.

[@Chadlistentome]

I get my holes square by drilling the first hole, then put the tube in, and use a center punch to mark the other side. Or for larger holes use a sharpie.

[@NotRyanJohnson]

Wicked weelies and project copperhead!!

[@darrylturner7398]

Good show. I enjoy your shows.

[@ryantheentrepreneur4040]

Thanks for the information

[@michaelhamilton5821]

Drill the hole on one side only, clamp the sleeve in the hole, tack it in place then drill through the sleeve, remove and finish the hole from the other side.

[@BigTireGarage]

Like this idea as well

[@rickyjohnston3000]

Concerning tube inserts.... you can "hang" a box-end wrench and achieve the same result as the nut suggestion. Also, when drilling the pilot hole, you can get longer drill bit to drill through both sides at once, then you can verify that you went straight through. Another suggestion/practice I've used is sourcing what is known as a "oop's" arbor for your hole saws. Basically if you drill wrong size hole it holds both at the same time. You can drill say a 1/2" hole initially, the add the size your wanting and the smaller size acts as a guide bushing. Had to get creative a lot being an ol' cranky steamfitter to make things work?

[@sum-tingwong9936]

Drilling straight through a box frame: I drill a pilot hole, place a piece of steel tube with an ID matching the drill bit OD for your pilot hole in the hole that touches the other side but sticks out about 3-4 inches, use 4 magnetic 90 degree welding thingys at top bottom left right, tack the tube, spray in some lube, and drill the other side of the frame through the tube, and then just remove the tube and finish drill the two holes. May not be perfect but its been good enough so far.

[@fc3sboy1]

Tip for sleeves threw a box frame. Drill on the sleeve insert side only, insert sleeve and use the Id of the sleeve as a guide. Straight hole 100% of the time

[@ickyzwicky7221]

Makcheesy, use a drill/tap block and clamp it to the frame, it will help you to keep your drill bit perpendicular. It's still possible to drill crooked, but helps.

[@drutang]

fav stacey david build.. great question!!! keep up the great work!!!

[@truck93]

That wast the first time I saw a cantilever-style suspension, it's very interesting.

[@anythinggoesgarage1067]

Late to the game but... For through frame drilling, I use a 3/16 id x 3" drill-bushing I had made from McMaster Carr. the OD is 5/8", drill one side to 5/8 then insert the bushing so that it is flat against the inside of the opposite side frame rail, through drill with 3/16 bit. Remove the bushing and simply drill both sides out to what ever my needed diameter is. Works flawlessly unless there is a ton of rust scale inside the frame, then it's a hog out, weld, and grind situation.

[@dailydriven99]

Drill first hole then use transfer punch on inside, pilot the second the finish

[@dailydriven99]

@macandcheesy

[@perrymahnke886]

Great Q & A as always. My trick to drilling straight since I'm a shakey 61 year old gear head with old eyes, is using a 6" combination square, small carpenter square, or piece of angle iron as a guide to make sure I'm holding the drill level &/or plum. Also if I intend to drill at an angle I will bend a piece of wire or thin stock to the desired angle & use as a guide. Nothing better than watching all you young folks build Krazy Kool projects! lol

[@timmobley5969]

How do you stay motivated on projects other than hard deadlines? Im "reviving" a Jeep Comanche and just completely lose motivation from time to time. Love the channel. Keep up the great work!

[@jeepfarmer]

I have a question and a comment! First in a tap and die set.. the socket for the dies always seem to have a sort of dial knob that adjust 3 jaws inside of that socket. No one I've asked knows what it's for... also we've talked m715 stuff before on Instagram, but your lock jaw and Tom Allen's 715 steered me in a different direction on building mine and I couldn't be happier and in general thank you for everything you do and influencing people like me! I'd love to some day see lockjaw in person

[@donjackson742]

On the crooked holes in a boxed frame question, have you ever tried drilling one side to the OD of the sleeve, weld the sleeve in, then drilling the center hole out?

[@davidsharp3522]

As somebody that spends some part of 7 days/week in my shop…everything on wheels is a top tip.

[@bryanbrunk1186]

Use a level and a drill bit guide. If the frame is level and plumb, a level on the drill or a drill bit guide will tell you if you are on target.

[@jamieround2072]

LOVE THE BACK THE SCEAN'S STUFF & BASIC INFO,. ALSO REALLY LOVE THE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE * PROJECT / RIG * THEN & NOW PART'S A LOT MORE ESP,. WHEN U SHOW PICS,. OF IT ALL THEN & NOW................. BY THE WAY....... WHY DID U LEAVE THE TV SHOW PARTS BUILDING PROJECT'S & ETC,............?????

[@danhoy8356]

Measure and mark both sides of the frame and drill them separately. Generally you will be closer than spanning a 4in air gap

[@abpsd73]

For through frame sleeved holes, I do reference marks on the floor and a laser, then mark both faces of the frame box, then you only need to measure up/down for your center point. I drilled out holes for shackle bushings and they were dead on using this method. Had to use an angle drill because the transmission was in the way for regular drill.

[@robanderson2815]

Really love your Q&A sessions Ian. Keep up the good work buddy!

[@cliff4695]

My best advice on building a shop is, know your budget before starting. If its to much in the beginning, if possible, split the build into 2 stages. Run any power and plumbing you need, along with the crete. Than you can finance the building if needed but, the added collateral you will have in all the 1st stage will make that process way easier. Know your climate and utility costs. Cold climate, an all black building will be best. Warm climate, straight galvanized roofing to reflect the sun, with neutral siding. If it middle of the road, gray roof and charcoal siding looks killer. Also, it cost a lot to heat (especially if its propane) and cool, so thats always a monthly expenditure. Going taller is also way cheaper than going bigger. My suggestion would be 18' sides, so you have 8.5' ceilings in the mezzanine area. 2 story gives you room for storage or hangout space, which will always be needed. Can you tell im a contractor and have built dozens of shops lol. Biggest being 80'X140'X18'.

[@koreykilburn5303]

Pex and pvc conduit is cheap. Run lines everywhere under the concrete before you pour.

[@themadfabber6023]

One thing to add about planning your shop...I anticipate putting a lift in a certain area, so I had them pour the concrete thicker in a designated area. The couple extra bucks beforehand is well worth not having to cut out concrete, pin it and re pour where it would mount if your slab isn't thick enough for the lift you'd want.

[@tdube07]

Ian is looking for that dixxon collab

[@cliff4695]

I don't know if I could choose, Sgt rock, copperhead, that Willys, or curve ball, the Nugent bronco.

[@chrisfenner5949]

Just a suggestion on drilling through frame rails or tube. There are a couple companies that make portable drill presses. Snap on had one that held a 1/2 air drill and had adaptors for others. These work very good as long as you can fit it in the area on both sides. It's basically a big C clamp type with handle and gives you the added leverage to push drill squarely to rail. I used to install trailer hitches and used one quite regularly.

[@callmesomething1425]

Second! Andrew you ROCK!!! Oh yeah and you too Ian.

[@miquerto]

Thanks for sharing that info. Loved hearing about Stacy David and your previous builds.

[@Raysmaintenance]

love the QNA

[@greasemonkey4god]

Thanks for answering the question on all our minds!!! Looking forward to sticker packs available

[@rbantz67]

Try holding a small machinist square under the bit when drilling. Helps keep you straight.

[@raystevens687]

What about Sergeant slaughter Power Wagon it had a 600 cubic inch Indy engine I thought about it as a ever day driver after you put on smaller rims and tires. The truck isn't user friendly due to how high it was.

[@moeandco.]

Thanks for reading my question. Email sent 🤘

[@swag247]

Really enjoy the channels current format and cadence, it works well for you... keep it up!

[@miguelmaynez8536]

Hey Ian I got an idea or a suggestion how about building a truck from a junkyard

[@michaelboaz6493]

Welding shirts with a logo or rig pic on it

[@calri55ian92]

Are you going to team up with Nate to do some work on the Samurai?

[@alanparker1598]

I built a 30x60 steel building shop trying to take all your ideas in consideration. I got the idea from a friend to decide the shop in two sections. So I have a deciding wall that creates a 30x30 work area and a 30x30 storage area for future and finished projects. Then I only have to heat or cool half of the building. Both have a mezzanine for storage with access by ladder. The wall has a 9’ high 12’ wide barn door so I can move things from one side to the other. I really enjoy my shop set up. For drilling a straight hole you can use a drill cage. They are different sizes and keep you perpendicular to the project. You can make one with some 1” steel block and drill bushings.

[@koreykilburn5303]

@ Ian how about those trail trash bags that tie on your rig with your logo on it?

[@BigTireGarage]

LOVE that idea

[@jeffbender1985]

Ian, if you had only one park you could wheel for the rest of your days. What park would it be and why?

[@richardfreeman4295]

What’s a good angle to set your 2 post lift at against a wall to maximize space but still fit a full size truck?

[@Shitshow_Gaming]

I'm know I'm way late to ask a question but I'm gonna ask anyway... Do you have a videographer and editor or do you shoot & edit everything yourself? If not, are you looking to hire someone? I ask because I'm looking to move from Alaska to TN, KY, NC areas after I sell my house here. I'm retired USAF and would like a decent, fun job if you're interested. It's good to see you doing well and creating content/projects again after watching you for so many years! All the best!

[@BigTireGarage]

For the Vlog Stuff I do that myself...shoot edit and post produce...for the Big Tire build series and for the shows we produce for Motortrend we have a team of people

[@zoltanliszkai2162]

Qiuck access to tools, check out guys in dealerships the way they package things

[@holliewood61]

Did you keep up with what happened to the WD-40 give away Jeep? That thing was super cool, and I need to know where it is today.

[@freeidaho-videos]

Tips for straight sleeves. 1) Make a drill bushing. A block of steel 1/2" thick with a squarely drilled pilot hole in it. Clamp the bushing to the box section and drill the pilot hole all the way through. This may require a long bit. Then proceed as usual. 2) Drill pilot hole on one side only. Drill the correct size hole for the sleeve using that pilot hole, on one side only. Then make a sleeve with the correct outside diameter, but a pilot hole center. Tac weld the pilot hole sleeve into the big hole pressing it up against the undrilled side to ensure squareness. (This makes a drilling bushing, that will always locate the second hole perfectly.) Then take out the pilot hole sleeve and drill the correct size hole on the other side. Put in the sleeve, which will fit perfectly, and weld it in. I say always locate the second hole perfectly, but sometimes there is a seam or something inside the box section, and this causes problems. I put a rod into the pilot hole sleeve and square the rod with a square and then tac it in. Method number 2 is more precise if the pilot drill hits a seam on the second it will not wander like it does with method 1, but method 1 is sooooo easy for most things. Hope this helps.

[@Mickale-Moranis]

Merch, include safety glasses and gloves...since you do work in the shop and trails.

[@Losthonkyjohn]

I plan on doing a awning on the side of my shop with a 4 post lift and drain underneath, can enjoy some nice days working on little stuff outside but also have the chance to wash off rigs/projects as well with the right lift have great storage options.

[@BigTireGarage]

Smart

[@richis65]

One idea to get straight pilot holes would be to make a tool with a pilot hole in it. Take time to make sure the hole is perpendicular to the metal you want to use. A solid steel block would not wear, but aluminum would work also. Use a clamp to hole this new tool where you want to drill and go for it.

[@MiloPerrotti]

Drill bushings are cheap easy to get and are like 60RC! you can move them from jig to jig

[@rocknsnowryan9400]

That's what I use.

[@matthewdillon6542]

What are your thoughts on the USD Sticky? Can’t get them here in Australia to my knowledge would love to try them! As for the tyre question in a previous QNA, I have Maxxis Razr on my daily and LOVE them yet people in a different state say they’re the worst tyre made, they must be better in different types of mud or something odd

[@carlosv393]

As someone else already mentioned. Drill hole insert tube weld un and use it as guide to drill other side. Another easy idea would be to use a adjustable C/D-clamp, Large vice grips, etc, clamp it down and mark each side of your frame.

[@nobodyspecial3011]

My trick for straight drilling is using 1/4” long bit with an old holesaw on it. Keep it set close to the frame and it is easier to see if you are perpendicular. Being an older plumber I have tons - my favorite is a 2” one that has all the teeth worn off.

[@brandonmajcher3273]

I know you talked some about beadlocks before but my question is that what is your opinion on weld on beadlocks rings? I have a set of steel wheels I picked up for $500 CAD for 5 wheel that are the backspacing and size I needed. Is it a good idea to weld beadlocks ring on or should I just bite the bullet and get actual aluminum beadlocks.

[@stretchedout6408]

You mentioned the straight gears from a 4L80 for a t400 so which one would you use in a Jeep with a LQ4 based engine and I want to run reverse valve body

[@TheIshter86]

Regarding cookies: oatmeal raisin or oatmeal chocolate chip?

[@BigTireGarage]

Raisin...or you are a communist

[@simple88wrangler]

Building my YJ with a 05+ super duty 60 and a super Dana 70 rear. Debating going with coilovers or ORI's. What is your option and thoughts on the two? Love the channel, its such a motivational tool while deployed.

[@BigTireGarage]

I have only used ORI's once....I know people who have used them and loved them, and the opposite. I myself prefer a coil over for the tuneability of them

[@RightHandy13]

Question: does bead rolling affect the size and shape of the panel?

[@offroadwizard1928]

No, not really. Maybe on a small panel with a lot of beads, but most all the time it's not enough to worry about.

[@mikes.9755]

I’ve been welding and building a three link front on my 4Runner build. Every thing has taken twice as long as planned but the big win was getting my sleeves through the boxed and plated frame for the steering box on the first try. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@randyreynolds6508]

Drilling those sleeve holes is the worst. Lol

[@steelmill]

Hey Ian thanks for this type of content.Great info.I wonder why you like shelves instead of cabinets Shelving seems to catch so much dust.

[@J-Bert]

Love the Q&A format! Looking to swap a high pinion Dana 44 front/60 rear combo into my YJ. For a rig that will see mixed trail and street use, would you go spring over or spring under? What are the pros/cons of each?

[@austin.stanfield]

Great Q&A. How do you decide on the up/down travel ratio of your rigs and can you briefly explain the pros and cons of common ratios for rock crawling

[@Joe___R]

When building a shop, you should figure out how big you would like it than double the size if possible. You can never really have enough space & it is much cheaper to build it big enough the first time than to have to add on later. Look at any shop build online. They quickly fill it up & wish they built it bigger.

[@allenmorris9951]

So true went from 1.5 acres with 4000 sqft shop to 13 acres and a 26,000 sqft shop and it’s all full inside and out looking to build more covered area just for storage

[@koreykilburn5303]

If you have a wife and kids, go another 50% again because they’ll want some space too.

[@prestonfrady9259]

I have a question I have a long time family truck that's been handed down to me its not 4 wheel drive what's the best way to convert it to 4wheel without changing the chassis and everything else if possible...

[@toddarcher9338]

Why not dril the hole for the sleeve, weld it in then use the sleeve as a guide to drill the other side.

[@nicholascooper1193]

just make a oversize washer plate for the sleeve, then make the hole through the frame plenty big (plasma), welder it all up after it's aligned correctly. That's how we always did the frame bushings for a Toyota SAS

[@fredroybal3177]

What projects are you working on off-screen?

[@JeepGarageMahal]

As a fellow Canadian ( from Nova Scotia ) I have noticed the Ontario plate on the wall of your shop , it must have some meaning to you , what’s the story about it ?

[@rcmike09]

For drilling straight, they make a drill block. I have one that has multiple hole sizes and is about an inch think. This helps getting the drill straight. But I have not used it on a frame tho.

[@themadfabber6023]

@makcheesy8660 if you're able to access both sides with a drill, you could also measure from a point of reference that's the same on both sides of the tube, such as a factory through hole, a mounting location for something, the ground or anything else you can come up with or combination of things. Then lay out the location on each side and drill from each direction. I know that's not always possible either though. Could also maybe use a laser to help shoot a line for up onto the tube then just measure up/down for the other dimension or use the laser line or a string as a reference. Some things force extra creativity when the easy way won't work and like Ian said, may just have to weld and grind and not tell anyone lol.

[@abpsd73]

That's pretty much how I did my shackle bushing sleeves, a laser really helps with some tape/felt pen marks on the floor to transfer accurately from a "reference" point that is already on both sides of the frame to your needed location. For tight spots, a right angle drill can save your butt.

[@themadfabber6023]

@@abpsd73 man, I still remember the day years ago when my co worker showed me his right angle drill after i was bitching about trying to drill something and had no idea those existed. Haha. They can be life savers

[@anythinggoesgarage1067]

What ever happened to red the back-half land cruiser?

[@zachclodgoe1236]

Would you ever want to be in a race by Cleetus McFarland?

[@lunkydog]

Although it wasn't very "custom", the job Stacy David did with that rusty Bronco was the most impressive things on the show. Doing repro panels the proper way.

[@shanemcnulty138]

What’s one of your favorite stories with or about Jessi Combs?

[@Raysmaintenance]

I am starting my own "new project" 03 dodge Dakota for overlanding

[@rogerteich2650]

Don’t use a mag drill on a gfci circuit or it will fall out when it trips the gfci

[@andrewseltzer1145]

First. Ian you rock

[@iamblaineful]

I loved the Stacey David build of the Willys Wagon, but my tastes are more inline with what you built as that's how I would have built it.

[@gnome_built8533]

As a person gets more serious about fabrication, what are some tools needed besides bender, notcher

[@justinmumford3885]

Hey Ian I love the content used to get up every Sunday morning and watch your old show with my dad Will u go help Nate with the aluma zuk would be great to c u workin on it again

[@derekcooper8962]

Hey Ian, What is your recommendation for a beginner machine for one learning to weld? Thank you for the insight and I really enjoy watching your content.

[@benyoder3778]

On the Colorado what was your reasoning for going with leaf springs in the rear vs links? Keep up the great work!

[@jeepguy1337]

With all your fab skills what would you say the best budget welder is, for anything from sheet metal for building frames and bumpers?

[@TheSimpleGamer42]

I'd love to know what happened to the Isuzu Flatbed car hauler. I feel like it got 1/2 way done and then never heard about it again. Keep up these Q&A!

[@rockkrawler4lo942]

Hey Ian, when building a daily/crawler type rig on 40s and tons what locker is best use? I see you use mechanical ones on most of your daily’s, I’m curious how well they hold up with 40s

[@Don14320]

OK I have to ask, what rig have you always wanted to build but you just haven't been able too, for whatever reason?

[@cliff4695]

My question is, do you know of Rory and his offroad wrecker, Trail mater? If so, whats your thoughts on how simple, yet impressive, that thing is

[@angushoover8670]

What was your favorite build with Jessi?

[@keithbishop4656]

Who is the shop minion? And what does he do?

[@adamcorntassel5636]

What happened to the honda powered single seater?

[@gnome_built8533]

What coast do you think has the best wheeling? East or west coast?

[@jessewilson7537]

Building a Comanche, looking to keep the fuel tank in the stock location. Thoughts on running a 3 link with a pan hard bar instead of 4 link?

[@BigTireGarage]

You will see side tobside movement, but you should be fine

[@XStream09]

Where is the Suburban Gorilla?

[@seanhickey6961]

What happened to the Curvy buggy?