Shed for rebuilding engine

[Aurel]

Here is my problem: I have read the two Wayne books, I have broken headstuds and I would really like to take my 3.0 engine appart to fix that and other issues. Unfortunately, I don`t have a garage, so here are my options:
#1- Sell the car as is, buy a trouble free one. I figure I could get $7-8k for my car which is running fine despite the headstuds, and reinvest ~4k to buy another SC.
#2- Pay a mechanic to do the job. If he can replace headstuds, refresh the heads and install carrea tensioners for under $5k, that is an option.
#3- Build a garage, then rebuild my engine. I ruled out that option, as it does not make much financial sense. Plus, my property would not look nice with a garage next to it.
#4- Build a 10x12 shed at the end of my driveway, and use it to rebuild the engine. Has anyone done that? The benefit is that I need a shed anyways, and I really would like to work more on my car , as a hobby. Has anyone ever used a shed as a P-car workshop? If so, I`d love to see pictures. Sure it might be a little tight, but doable. I am seriously considering that option. Which one would you choose?


Aurel

[NY65912]

I'd go with the shed idea. Install lighting and heat (both portable) an engine stand, tools and a few shelves and you're done.

Drop the engine outside or partially in the shed if possible, roll out, and work on the engine in the shed. Try to seal out the elements (cauling & weatherstripping).

I don't think that 10' x 12' is too tight of a space at all.

Good Luck and above all.........Keep the Faith!

[911mot]

I'd say get a shed. With the car in here I'd didn't have much more than 10x12 at the back.

[Craig 930 RS]

Just thinking a bit here.....a shed in NJ would have quite a bit of moisture. Parts rust easily when cleaned. Just avoid raw ferrous metal exposure and go for it -

[Craig 930 RS]

( P.S. 911MOT - How'd you get that plate? Don't those 'cherished plates' go for huge $$$ in the UK - when you can get them?)

[rcecale]

Originally posted by 911mot
I'd say get a shed. With the car in here I'd didn't have much more than 10x12 at the back.

911mot,

When I first read Aurel's post, I immediately thought of your setup. I remember seeing the pics you had posted a year or two ago and marvelling at how you were able to move around in there, let alone dropping your engine. I was going to post a reference to you but could not remember your name. I only remembered that you lived in the UK.

Thanks for posting this. Should be just the thing for Aurel to use.

Happy New Year!

Randy

[yelcab1]

Option 2 is doable, but you gotta find a decent mechanic for that.
Building a shed is good if you live in California. New Jersey can get cold ... for a shed.

[Aurel]

911mot,

Very nice pics, Thanks. How wide was this space? You are absolutely right, if the car is inside, you end up with less working space than a shed anyways. Looks like my idea is not so stupid after all. Actually, if I was really going to do it very cheap, a 10x12 steel shed costs $259 at Sears. Throw in a 1500W space heater, 500W halogen light (which I both already have), and you`re done! Now, I will go for some nicer Shed made out of wood.

Aurel

[911mot]

I reckon about 8 or 9ft wide, all I remember is it was A LOT wider than my last place, thats for sure...





Craig the plate was £500 from ebay, £80 to transfer

[makaio]

You don't say that it is an option in your situation, but people have rebuilt these motors in their living rooms before. Ask RoninLB what it was like to carry his motor out of his living room, and down a flight of stairs.

[Aurel]

I might have considered using my living room as an option before I got married. Now, it is definitely not an option anymore

Aurel

[len911]

Aurel, 10x12 might be too big in NJ. I know that in Bridgewater, NJ there is a max size of like 8x10 for sheds. Check your local laws. Also, some neighbours of mine got a very nice plastic unit @ home depot where the walls just interlock together, this thing has a window and the roof has a skylight. It is being used a pool cabana. Do you own the home? If you build the garage, could you store tha car there? It is a bigger upfront investment, but might be worth it long term. You will also have to get permits and such... Lou

[Evans, Marv]

The shed idea is a good option. It wouldn't be too complicated to build one like you wanted, including a wide door in the front to get stuff in & out of. Insulation is a possibility too. Also, you could consider one of those protable, fabric car cover/roof things to keep your car under while working on it. They don't cost too much and you could use it later on.

[patkeefe]

I used a shed 25 years ago when I had my first house in Alaska. Heat it and put some lights in and you're good to go. Do you have a basement?

[Hugh R]

Why not get an EZ Up, like a big tent with sides? Like the one on the link below. Cheap and you can take it down when your done. Not so good for the winter though. this

[Aurel]

Originally posted by patkeefe
I used a shed 25 years ago when I had my first house in Alaska. Heat it and put some lights in and you're good to go. Do you have a basement?

Yes, I have a basement. My initial plan was to take the motor down the basement, but I could not carry it down the stairs alone. Then, trying to get a hold of two strong buddies when the motor is stitting on my driveway is not always easy. Whith the shed and a hoist, I can roll the motor inside and be done all by myself, anytime I want.

Aurel

[patkeefe]

I have found you can attract a couple of strong buddies if you use beer as bait. Preferrably imported beer.
Pat