DIY Garage...

[Turtlebone]

I've been living in apartments for the last three years in San Diego with all of my tools in storage about an hour and a half away with nowhere to work on my car, truck, or bike. I served five years in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Military Policeman. During that time I was single, living on post, and able to use the on-post Auto Hobby Shop to work on my stuff. It was awesome. Now that I'm back in the real world, there just isn't a place like this available to me within a reasonable distance. I'm sure I'm not the only one in my area that wants to do my own work on my vehicles to save a buck, but lives in a place that won't allow it or simply doesn't have the space for it plus tools.

I want to open up a full-service shop that sells parts, and rents out tools and work bays. Please have a look... CLICK HERE!!

Does anybody have any suggestions as to what type of products, specialty tools, or services should be offered at a DIY Garage like this? Obviously I want it to be attractive to bike, car, and truck enthusiasts alike. I would employ a full-time master mechanic who could offer classes on basics of welding, metal fab, service and maintenance stuff, etc. What kinds of things would you like to see at a DIY Garage like this?

Any and all input/discussion would be appreciated!

[HoosierTrailmaster]

I know this idea isn't NEW NEW, but it is still a great idea. Here in Tucson a place that specializes in Jeeps and ADV bikes would do well, I think.

[Turtlebone]

Yeah, I'm actually surprised there isn't already an abundance of these shops around. You should start one up, too

[Team Longriders]

What's it like pulling over airplanes and helicopters? Or we're you like the airborne highway patrol guy flying the planes looking for speeders in afghan or Iraq?
Seems like a lot of liability to open a shop where anyone who doesn't normally work on their own stuff can chop their fingers off or drop a car on their head. I bet insurance would be crazy high, especially in California. It's a good idea, but the red tape....... Maybe a motorcycle club or car club has places like that for members to work on their things. Ever watch the devils ride? They had a shop with a bar!! But it wasn't run like a business.
Also, you can look at business parks with a garage and loft style living. Some are artsy fartsy, but worth looking at.

[villageidiot]

theres a place in SF that does this. its all moto, and i have heard great things. you might contact them and see what advice they have is.

i think its a great idea. but i know from experience, that running a shop there are TONS of red tape and permits and bullshit, which is why i no longer run a shop.

[Jeff aka BOLT]

Sounds like a big fat lawsuit waiting to happen to me.

It's hard enough to keep out of hot water when you lock clients OUT of the garage. Now they will be under their cars on your property... using your tools... under the guidence of your master tech. Seems they can screw you from EVERY angle when the jack slips and their leg gets cut off.

Sounds like a fun idea... just make sure you spend some time with a good lawyer to review your business plan before investing. CYA !

[Turtlebone]

Originally Posted by Team Longriders

What's it like pulling over airplanes and helicopters? Or we're you like the airborne highway patrol guy flying the planes looking for speeders in afghan or Iraq?

Hahaha. :P

Yeah, the liability issue is huge, that's the main concern. Thanks for the tips! I'm trying to find as many shops that are already doing this to see what they do to get around the issues. There are handfuls of them out there, just few and far between.

[sam_wilson]

Originally Posted by Jeff aka BOLT

Sounds like a big fat lawsuit waiting to happen to me.

It's hard enough to keep out of hot water when you lock clients OUT of the garage. Now they will be under their cars on your property... using your tools... under the guidence of your master tech. Seems they can screw you from EVERY angle when the jack slips and their leg gets cut off.

Sounds like a fun idea... just make sure you spend some time with a good lawyer to review your business plan before investing. CYA !

Leave it to the resident know it all to offer up discouraging words. Go with it,sounds like a great idea,never mind what tubby said