Garage Luxury from Ballistic Concrete Coatings

Having a garage is a luxury. Whether for two wheels or four, motorized or not, being able to store and work on your precious vehicles, covered and protected from the elements and crime is an essential for the enthusiast. Adding a floor covering makes it even nicer, to the point it feels like a new addition to the home.

Some use the garage only for storage, but that isn’t us, is it? A garage has always been a priority. When I relocated to California from Illinois, I specifically looked for an apartment that had a garage. Then when shopping for a townhouse, I specifically sought a two-car garage.  A couple cars later I had to rearrange it twice to accommodate my 200” long Charger SRT-8 and Harley Davidson Softail Deuce motorcycle. My generous neighbors gave me storage cabinets and another a Shop Vac, which was really wonderful of both of them. 

When I moved in with my future wife, we rearranged her garage, had some drywall repaired and painted, added some storage cabinets and hung some artwork. Definitely an improvement, not a bad place to be, but the floor was still the well-worn and stained original. Those additions were not inexpensive either. To my surprise I learned that the garage entry door was narrower in that home than the transition rental we stayed at for a few months.

The dream wasn’t complete yet. Escaping from the rat race, congestion and crime of San Jose-Silicon Valley, we bought a home in Rocklin, CA that, we both agreed, had to have a three-car garage. This one already had cabinets and finished walls. Now we’re talking!

It was time to get to work. An 18,000 lumen overhead light from Home Depot with a motion detection sensor and hanging some framed posters were affordable upgrades that made it more inviting. Even more so when arriving home at night and the garage is nicely lit. A dimly lit garage is like a dungeon.

But the floor, now that absolutely transformed the garage. I didn’t want to a roll-on covering that could potentially bunch when turning the car or SUV wheels or be harmed by the motorcycle kickstand. Not to mention a less than perfect fit. The decking was also considered but I didn’t want seams, nor anything potentially trapped underneath like moisture from rain runoff, etc. I wanted an industrial grade floor with some texture. Epoxy was the way to go.

Calling multiple, highly rated epoxy floor companies resulted a bit of an education. Measure the square footage yourself, don’t let them give a little buffer for their profit with an inflated number. One of the companies failed to call me back and by the time they did, it was too late. When I politely declined, the late-night messages bad mouthing his ex-partner didn’t do him any favors whatsoever. To the point I was compelled to Yelp him as well.

Our part was cleaning out the garage, moving everything outside, covered by the porch or tarps. The motorcycle sat on the front walkway, covered and locked. Then the painting started to freshen it up. That was a lot of work, cleaning, patching and the ubiquitous color Swiss Coffee worked with the previously painted ceiling of the same color.

Expansion seams and cracks filled along with the stem-walls being coated, which are the concrete ledge that surrounds the garage floor, were included in the flooring estimate. I thought I wanted a really fine grain vinyl flake until my wife pointed out it will look like oatmeal. And the owner of the company I chose, Mike from Ballistic Concrete Coatings pointed out a larger flake pattern will be more noticeable from a distance as opposed to looking like a solid color. 

The first step was a light grinding to remove all the dirt and surface imperfections. This is the noisy and dusty part. Then the cracks and seams are filled, and a moisture barrier applied to the surface. Then the flake was sprinkled throughout the garage and then the epoxy was mixed and applied. One tip, I suggest taping off the bottom of cabinets and shelf surfaces due to dust and the errant vinyl flakes that get missed or find their way inside.  

In agreement for social media mentions, which I will gladly continue to do, Ballistic Concrete Coatings wanted to enhance the visual appeal and added a resin border around the perimeter which looks amazing and was done before the flake. It really highlights the floor and the effort. It took an extra couple of days due to the measurement, taping and application, but it’s cool as hell with great, swirling depth.

Without the border, pricing generally seems to be $4 per square foot and less but add for a border or custom work. One thing about a finished garage is it’s like adding a room to a house. Walking barefoot isn’t bad at all as opposed to the bare slab. What that meant, I soon learned, is wanting to keep that floor clean. Which now means I need a mop to clean the man-cave, typically water stains from rain run-off or car washes or the eventually dirt that gets tracked in from the tires. A small price to pay.

For the motorcycle, because the kickstand isn’t smooth, I used my kickstand pad that usually sits in the glovebox in case of a soft surface, sanded the bottom to remove any edges, and use that for the kickstand.

The last step is garage door insulation to keep the garage from getting so hot during the summer months. One recommendation is the Corning kit. It doesn’t have the smooth appearance like a panel kit with Styrofoam, but it does have an R-value that is nearly double, doesn’t make an awful mess when cutting and is more flexible to install. The Styrofoam kit was returned the same day it was bought.

With the epoxy the garage is visibly lighter, cleaner and much more inviting. The finished product makes for a warm environment that now feels like a home addition and doubles as a nice setting for photographing various vehicles besides a place to do projects. A huge thank you to Ballistic Concrete Coatings for a fantastic job. 
https://www.ballisticconcretecoatings.com/

The Can't Miss California Car Extravaganza - The Quail

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is one of those car show events that sticks with you like a favorite movie in your head. As you replay the day in your mind, you remember each car and its location, each display, even the food you ate, the drinks consumed. Always held on a Friday at The Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel, California, this seventeenth annual event was held on August 16^th, 2019.

It was an outdoor garden party on a golf course with 6,000 automotive enthusiasts and intentionally fashion forward guests. But they aren’t just enthusiasts, they are industry leaders, motorsports legends, celebrities, and more. During my second lunch, I shook hands with Adam Carolla while he was looking for a seat. One year Wayne Carini and I walked into the show together. Usually I see Ed Welburn, retired head of GM Global Design and thank him for his contributions. We said hello to Mr. Olympia trainer and owner of Evogen nutrition, Hani Rambod as well.

This year the three special classes were 100 Years of Bentley Motors. The EXP 100 GT Concept car was simply stunning artwork, inside and out. The 25^th Anniversary of McLaren F1 had four incredibly valuable entries which included a one-of-ten GTR Longtail.

The debuts are always fun, some a first for North America, other times world debuts. Some during the early media access, hours, others during general admission. The Lotus Evija EV is stunning, the Bugatti Centodieci, the Bentley previously mentioned, the Acura Type S Concept were just a few.

There was also Pagani Huayra BC Roadster, the Lamborghini SVJ 63 and the Huracan Evo GT Celebration. The Drako GTE from Drako Motors,  from the Barracuda Networks founder Dean Drako is a very attractive sedan. The ultra curvaceous DeTomaso P72, the Rimac based Pininfarina Battista, the Rolls Royce Cullinan in Fux Orange, a custom color for famous Rolls Royce collector Michael Fux.

The Aston Martin Valhalla looked surprisingly subdued in silver, the SSC Tuatara was also featured along with its bare chassis. The Koenigsegg Jesko was also a real treat to see. There was also a display of vintage Volkswagen Vans and cars famous from TV shows and movies.

The Fireside Chats this year were with Mark Webber, winning Formula 1 driver and 2015 WEC champion moderated by Philip Kadoorie. Mark shared interesting insights about competition and friendship. The other was with Alex Hirschi, aka Supercar Blondie, moderated journalist Hannah Elliott who I also enjoy following on Twitter.

The six cuisines offered had amazing dishes and drinks. Be sure to get there early so you can have gourmet meals multiple times during the day. It’s sometimes a challenge to find a seat but whomever you share a table with is always friendly to talk to during the meal. 

It is important to recognize the supported charities which were the Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, The Naval Post Graduate School Foundation, California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The Best of Show award went to a 1931 Stutz DV 32 Convertible Victoria and the Spirit of The Quail award went to a gorgeous 1957 Ferrari 335S. The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award winner had it’s own display, a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta.

A few minor areas of improvement are needed. With ride sharing being so popular, a shuttle service from the Baja Cantina location would be a good idea, since services like Uber and Lift are not allowed to drop-off at the event itself. The pet dog situation, despite not being allowed, is getting a little much just like any event these days.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is a $650 ticket to incredible cars, a beautiful setting with the hills of Carmel as a backdrop,  includes delicious food and drink, people watching like none other, and truly one of the greatest car events in the world. If you love cars, make a it a life goal to attend someday.

Finally back at McCall's Motorworks Revival Party!

Now in its 28th year, this event is dialed in and superbly planned. Running later than I wanted, I was concerned about parking availability. As a media/VIP ticket holder, it meant parking on Garden Road and catching a shuttle. This worked out much better than expected, was as simple as could be, found a spot easily and a short walk to the clearly marked shuttle stop. 

An exciting gala, greeted with champagne and perfect weather made for a great evening. Security was noticeably increased and thoughtfully mentioned by Gordon McCall during his short thank you speech. There were metal detectors and wands with lines moving faster than any airport. Plenty of friendly CHP and DHS uniformed officers were on hand, and Gordon mentioned the FBI and Navy Seals from the local Naval Post Graduate School in attendance. 

The variety was of vehicles, winged and otherwise, was impressive as always. From old modded trucks sitting in the shadows of modern jet aircraft, an electric motorcycle across the aisle from the new Ford GT500 and GT Mk II. Also on display was McLaren’s new GT and F1 long tail race car, multiple special construction hot rods, Ruf Porsches along with Porsches reimagined by Singer. On the aviation side there were stand-outs such as warbirds, a B-25 and P-51 Mustang, private class jets such as the new Gulfstream G500 and Dassault 900EX and much more. 

Drinks flowed, with quite a variety from champagne, beer, wine, tequila and vodka. Appetizers were particularly delicious and for those seeking a real (i.e. big) meal, the paella on a massive wok was awesome. 

Considering the temporary nature of the jewelry and watch displays, they were done quite well with Bremont, Eberhard & Co., H. Moser & Cie, Kerbedanz, Reservoir Watch SA, Chronoswiss A.G. and Winston’s Estate Jewelers. As always, the CHP 11-99 Foundation was well represented and had a very successful fundraiser as the event is a major sponsor and supporter.

The 28th Annual McCall’s Motorworks Revival was a wonderful evening with 3000 fun-loving vehicle enthusiasts. It is a must-attend to really get a feel of what the Monterey Car Week is all about and kick it off in proper fashion.

See my Barely Streetable Facebook page for the full photo album.