Abby Normal Garage

09/27/2025

Holy smokes! This engine bay is straight fire! I just finished shooting the black under the hood. It's a tad glossier than I anticipated, but it's pretty sweet 😻. I still got it!!!! Woo-hoo. Still waiting on that motor!!

09/05/2025

Friday Camaro update - because who doesn't appreciate a complex game of car repair roulette? The motor is currently disassembled at the machine shop, due to the fact that it ingested a lifter. They're undertaking a comprehensive overhaul: cam, lifters, bearings, and rings. On Thursday, I delivered the headers and valve covers to parts restoration, as a bit of tender loving care is always beneficial. Last night, we opted to remove our gauge cluster, as it presented an opportunity to resolve several issues. We aimed to determine why our speedometer was malfunctioning, why a few dash lights had ceased to function, install our fancy purple LEDs, and convert the water temperature gauge to electric. Upon inspection, we discovered a multitude of problems. The speedometer cable was improperly secured instead of being inserted into the gauge, and the soldered double taps on the ground and hot wires for gauge lights were haphazardly executed. Following the rectification of these issues and the addition of plugs to the hardwired components, the system is now functioning correctly. The person who rewired this car must have been an Automotive enthusiast instead of a mechanic!! Our next tasks include troubleshooting the non-functional front speakers, sealing holes in the firewall, and sanding in preparation for painting under the hood. It promises to be an exciting weekend.

08/22/2025

Here's the scoop on the Camaro for the week - we didn't just sit around twiddling our thumbs. We yanked the motor out and sent it to the machine shop, gave the under-hood area a serious degreasing, and ordered a blank off plate for the heater box and plugs to seal those annoying holes in the firewall. Next week, we'll be playing doctor with the gauge cluster to figure out why the speedometer is on the fritz, and tackle a few other tiny issues. After that, we'll prep the under-hood area for painting while the machine shop works its magic on the motor. The vehicle should be back to its old self in just a few weeks. 🥹 Oh and we used the spare winch for the trailhorse and mounted it on the garage floor to pull this pig in and out of the shop. Pushing was just too much!

08/16/2025

What a triumph! After several afternoons of pulling parts off, I finally got our blown 383 Chevy out of the Camaro! It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Now to figure out what went wrong and make it right. She’ll be back better than ever. Probably should have shot some video!

07/26/2025

🔧 Project Complete at Abby Normal Garage! 🛠️

This Husqvarna riding mower came in with a frustrating issue — the drive belt kept popping off. After a thorough inspection, we found the real culprits: stripped front transmission bolts and a cracked frame where the axle mounts. 💥

No worries though — we had it covered. 💪

✅ Welded and reinforced the damaged frame
✅ Tapped the transmission mount holes to the next size up for a secure fit
✅ Performed a full tune-up: oil, oil filter, and spark plug replacement

Now this mower is back in action and running stronger than ever. Another job done right — and another satisfied customer! 😎

If your equipment needs expert care, you know where to find us.
📍 Abby Normal Garage – Where abnormal problems get expertly fixed!

06/25/2025

We're welding up more parts this afternoon for the trophies for this Saturday's first annual Surviving and Giving Back car show in Covington, VA; we'll see you there.

06/18/2025

We've seen a rise in machines impacted by water contamination in fuel. If you’re having trouble with your mower or equipment, don't hesitate to contact us today for service.

04/11/2025

https://youtu.be/QZVbKclneL0?si=R8er02iNp035cGlG

Welcome back to Abby Normal Garage, where we’re diving into all things custom fabrication, boat builds, and that good old small-engine magic—always under the...

04/10/2025

Completed valve adjustments on this 16.5hp Briggs, rectifying excessive looseness that hindered decompression. Fully operational now. The carburetor was also inspected and cleaned, along with the fuel tank. Another one ready for the season!

04/01/2025

Random Springtime Abby Normal photo. Employee of the month 11 months in a row! Came out to degrease this Cub we just replaced head gaskets on.

03/28/2025

Finally! For the first time in atleast 12 years our 14’ Carolina skiff has matching gauges! We raided the box of old gauges when we originally built the cluster. The biggest improvement is the fuel gauge to go with our new deck/tank! Now to get her cleaned up!

03/25/2025

Getting busy on a customers Cub Cadet! This one has an externally blow head gasket! No big deal!