Where to work on car

bravenec · 05-30-2002, 12:48 PM

I apologize for the slightly off-topic nature of this post. I'm absolutely hooked on buying a 911. Probably an SC or early Carrera. Problem is, my wife and I live in a condominium with no garage. It lets us live in a beautiful (read: expensive) area of town, but isn't really amenicable to doing serious work on a car.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where someone like me could get space in which to do serious, long-term work on a car? Are there garages that rent space to "outsiders"? Should I make a friend of someone with a house in the country and a 5-car garage?

I'm particularly interested to hear if anyone has actually had success in this kind of venture themselves. Thanks in advance for the advice!

88911coupe · 05-30-2002, 12:51 PM

I have wondered this myself, being an apt dweller. Years ago when I was in High School in Tulsa, OK there was a garage that rented service bays by the hour. I always thought that would be a good business but I suppose liability laws made it too costly. I'd be a customer if anyone ever did it in Dallas.
Later

Jim Sims · 05-30-2002, 01:27 PM

Look into your area's adult or continuing education evening and weekend courses especially those held at vocational schools. Some offer auto mechanics and engine rebuilding courses. These courses are often held in very well equipped facilities (some even have fully equipped painting booths). One tactic, if there are enrollment slots open and the instructor agrees is to just keep taking the courses over and over to have access to the facilities. If they're trying to keep enrollment up they often don't mind plus there is the "coolness" factor of having a 911 in one of the bays. Of course, you'll have to put up with the younger students "slobbering over" your 911.

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

Just my $.02 here, guys, but I would say that the TEXAS WEATHER (some other states as well) would be very bad for most any 911 if it had to live outdoors permanently - even though I know there are a lot that do.

We could take a poll of the older cars to see how many have spent long periods of their life outside - I know from research that my two never have for more than 6 months total, and that was in CA, Not TX..

So, here's an idea -rent a storage garge to keep the car, you could work on it there too..

I'll duck under my desk now, and let the flak commence.

Regards,

Kurt B · 05-30-2002, 01:32 PM

I live in an apt. My parents, well they live in a house a mile from me. So, naturally, their garage is now my workspace.
Gotta do whatcha gotta do.

88911coupe · 05-30-2002, 01:36 PM

I should clarify. I used to live in a house out in the burbs but got sick of the commute. Now I live/work intown where condos are priced in the stratosphere. However, my apt has a very secure inside garage where the car spends most of it's time since I usually walk/bike to work.
Later

Rot 911 · 05-30-2002, 01:38 PM

Quote:

[i]
So, here's an idea -rent a storage garge to keep the car, you could work on it there too..

I'll duck under my desk now, and let the flak commence.

Regards, [/B]

That is not a bad idea at all. I know a couple of guys that just rent a big storage unit that has electricity and they also let them work on the cars there.

BlueSkyJaunte · 05-30-2002, 02:19 PM

No flak from me. Visit your friendly neighborhood "self-storage" facility. You can even get 'em climate controlled.

slakjaw · 05-30-2002, 03:17 PM

i have called just about all of the self storage places here in omaha nebraska when i ask the nice people on the phone if thay would allow me to work on a car there thay usually just laugh and say "nope"

mabey i shoud not ask maby it would be better to just kind of put a car in one then tear it apart over night so as you cant move it out when thay get pissed!!

LATE
K

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

I suppose most of the "Name Brand" Self Storage places have Insurance clauses that would force them to say "NO" if asked..

Don't ask, don't tell.... sounds faintly familiar...

k9handler · 05-30-2002, 03:36 PM

rent a large uhaul or ryder truck for a few weeks, park it in the apt complex and load up the 911 for repair work. Then send me your address once you get it loaded so I can steal the truck..Ha Ha

Check with the closed AFB (Bergstrom) and see if the auto hobby shop is still open? They rent stalls by the month.

andrew15 · 05-30-2002, 03:52 PM

If you're in a large city check your local classified ads. Under the heading 'parking stall' (or whatever), I was able to find a landlord who rented apartments and rented the garages on the property separately ~ 75 per month.
Regards,
Andrew M

bell · bell's Garage

for years when i was building super loud car audio systems i had a 16'x40' heated storage garage with electricity and paid $65.00/month. the owner of the facility was very flexible after i spoke with him a few times and explained what my plans were.
the way to do it is to actually meet one of these owners and be VERY nice and upfront about what you will need to do, you have to sell youself as a "responsible person", it is also best to do this in person and not on the phone so the owner can be more comfortable on his decision.
most places have limitations as far as what can be done in these spaces due to insurance policies, the "lease contact" for my garage stipulated i had to have insurance for my space which went through my renters insurance and only cost about $10/month.
your quest is going to be a random one, you're going to have to travel to the many different storage facilities to find the owners who will cooperate if you decide to go this route.
good luck.....hope this helps.