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Thread: garages/shops
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kansei
Redlining
Wankelized
Posts: 423
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posted January 03, 2008 08:22 AM |
 Edited By: kansei on 3 Jan 2008 08:28 |
Garages/Shops
OK, guys... I know I've asked for this before, but nobody really replied. I am going to be finishing off my attached 2-car garage on my house as soon as the snow starts melting (prob. late March), and am looking for pics and descriptions of everyone's working spaces for ideas. I am planning on putting a full progress log on my website as a kind of DIY ultimate garage build- on a budget. A small budget. I plan on utilizing alot of what I already have as far as cabinets, tool chests, etc. to keep costs down, but am going to have a separate heater/garage furnace, sink, basic shop tools (drill press, shop press, sander, etc.) and not counting what I already have, I am planning on spending no more than $6k for the complete renovation. The whole idea has been stewing for years (as I'm sure it has for you guys/gals too), especially once Ultimate Garages, Dream Garages, Motor City Garages and other publications came out over the past few years. I really got hooked years ago after stumbling upon Steve D'Gerolamo's site (www.ultimategarage.com). But I don't have a bottomless checkbook, so I thought I'd implement a few tricks and money-saving ideas to make the look and functionality of those shops without the major $$$ investment. Heck, Steve's garage cost more than my house to redo!
So here's what I'm after- pics!!! Take pics of your garage, shop, whatever and wherever you work on your car (except the driveway- we all know that). Why do I want to see the pics? Ideas- not just for layout, but equipment as well. Post them up here in the thread or on Klaus' MSN Group site or wherever and link to where they are. I think we could benefit and get ideas from how the rest of us set up to be more productive, more efficient use of space for parts storage, etc. Who knows, you just might see something that gives you some ideas!
I am doing the 2-car garage instead of my pole barn for one reason- finances. The garage provides a much shorter run for electric, plumbing, natural gas, etc. as well as less overall expense for insulation, drywall, epoxy floor covering, etc. due to the significantly smaller size, yet still provide enough room to work on two cars at all times, including the winter months. Pics of my pole barn interior are on my website. That space will be turned into a purely storage area for all the loose parts and up to three cars for winter storage. Just too costly to try and redo/finish a space that size cheaply and nicely.
Neal.
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Brad
Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
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posted January 03, 2008 08:54 AM |
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grassrootsmotorsports.com did some articles on a garage for the motorhead. search previous issues.
lighting is important, lots of flourescant. cabinets, dedicated area for dirty stuff like grinding, sanding, machining, etc......
good luck, take pics I'd like to see another garage.
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kansei
Redlining
Wankelized
Posts: 423
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posted January 03, 2008 10:43 AM |
Edited By: kansei on 3 Jan 2008 10:45
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Thanks for the tip Brad. I haven't read Grassroots Motorsports since the old Ro-Spit project, maybe a few issues here and there since then. I have a basic idea of how I'm going to lay things out, as I am kind of limited due to doorways, windows and the like. Really what I am hoping to accomplish if people actually post pics of their garages or pics they find on the net, etc. is detail oriented stuff like lighting fixtures, different cabinet styles (and how they look in the given environment), wall color choices, etc.
I am already planning on various lighting sources- flourescent overhead, incandescent track lighting, maybe a few incandescent pendants and LED under cabinet lights. My storage cabinets I already have are many to choose from. One of the companies I work for is Protectoseal, so I have four large 50-60 gallon versions of theirs, plus several smaller cabinets. I also have three mid-height Stanley Vidmar tool cabinets with bookcases that are from a now defunct Mazda dealer- they are the full SST set from the mid to late 90s, and then many lower end Craftsman chests and rollaways. Right now I am planning on a medium to dark grey for the wall color, grey epoxy floor, white kitchen cabinets, white wood trim and window frames, the Mazda SST cabinets are of course Mazda blue, and I will have all of my storage cabinets and Craftsman chests powdercoated Mazda blue so everything matches. The working surfaces (countertops) will be galvanized steel (since stainless is so much more expensive). All of my smaller items such as press, engine hoist, etc. will also be dismantled to be powdercoated Mazda blue. I asked for more input because just when I think I have everything 'mapped out' in my head, I stumble upon another magazine article or book or web pics that make me rethink a few little details to make the overall functionality or aesthetics all the more better. I know this group of ours has to have ideas and suggestions that will add to not just my project, but everyone's.
Neal.
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