Self Service Garage

can i have an application?

 

Have you been able to get insurance?

 

count me in!!!!

shade

 

that sounds awesome.... now i just need a car worthy of a place like that!

I might have to join just to be able to clean the underbody of my mustang (im really anal about cleaning my car)

 

Just FWIW - it's an idea site I've been on for ages where 'bakers weigh in with their input or experience. Read between the lines for anything which may assist you in this endeavour.
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Rent-a-Garage

 

I thought of something like this a few times, but there are issues that need to be discussed. The tools HAVE to be signed out, or they will be taken or lost. I know most people are honest, but not everyone is. And anyone can make an honest mistake and lose a tool, or certainly break one.

Also, everyone has a different level of competance, or level of knowledge vis a vis safety and good work habits around a shop. How to deal with that guy who leaves a crappy mess EVERY time he leaves has to be dealt with up front, not after the fact. Perhaps a flat $100 for leaving a mess?

Then you would have to allot bay time, and probably charge extra by the hour, etc.

Years back there was a chain of self serve filling stations that rented out the service bays for $4 an hour. It was really nice to be able to use it, and it was available 24 hours a day. But the issues of liability and groups of rowdy/aggressive people hanging out all night ruined it.

I am sure with the right approach and a way to have and keep the right group of individuals it could work.

 

Sounds like a big headache. $50 a month wouldn't begin to cover it. I have "tech sessions" at my shop from time to time. They are fun but I wouldn't want it 24/7.

 

I had a friend years ago who joined a local twin cities british motorcycle club. They had meetings and rules, and had a clubhouse. I never seen it, think it was some guys old barn out in the country. They all paid dues, and it worked out pretty well and they had a lot of fun.

I think some kind of thing your discussing could work, but probably only as some kind of club, and backed up with rules, ethics, dues, meetings, things like that. But anything open to the public at large isnt going to work very long. Maybe something like buying a health club membership?

I know a few have discussed getting a FCA chapter going in the twin city area, but dont know if its gone anywhere. But it would certainly be easy to start a sports car club. I dont think there has been a decent club in the cities in 30 years. We could have rallies, drives, barbeques, it could be fun. And surely we could pool our resources to help each other keep these cars running and looking good.

 

wow.....

for the past few weeks, i have been toying with the idea of starting a minnesota based exotic / sports car club, or finding someone with the ability to do so..... i know theres the wheels of italy and all that but theres so much more that opens up when you have other countries cars represented as well.... british (lotus, aston martin, BMW etc), german (audi, porsche), american (viper), etc etc....

we need more then just one exotic car show a year!

I would love the idea of a club with a clubhouse and such!

shade

 

Consider time-shares. This will lower insurance premiums.

 

What shop is that???

shade

 

Ever heardof Ken's Toybox in St. Paul?
I'm pretty sure he rents out most of the space at his warehouse. Thats what I've been told anyway.

Nice stuff in there too, I was looking to buy an Audi fom him and while wandering through the shop there was at least 6 or 7 old Rolls Royces. I'm not sure what years, but somewhere around the 30's and 40's would be my guess. 3 different generations of Esprit's, couple Porsches, 1952 Bristol (very cool). Mercedes 250SL (something like 1 of 125 built) and many other Mercedes.

Maybe you could try calling him and pumping him for some info! LOL I haven't a clue as to what the number is, but I can give you the address if you would like.

 

Thought I would throw this in. MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) is a program the military has to provide our troops with services at very reasonable rates (if not free). Being former Marines and working at Great Lakes Naval Station allows us to use the Automotive Skills Center. Some of the prices are listed in the below link...

http://www.mwrgl.com/recreation/automotive/auto.htm

They employ skilled gents to help out when needed, provide tons of services...just a great little set-up. I thought that looking these over, and seeing if you could find a contact contact at MWR and being able to ask them questions might help you think about other aspects, or issues

Another MWR...Army:

http://www.armymwr.com/portal/recreation/automotive/

Hope this helps a little.

My Best,

Haley

 

How about pics of the GTO?