The garage set up

rubixvigna

I am lucky enough to have a double car garage with a utility (toilet and sink) room. I have a great interest in mechanical work and am currently completing my first kit car. I would like to begin doing nixers to bring in some extra cash with xmas coming but also to get more experience as it seems so difficult to get an apprenticeship here. the point to this thread is if i am to set up a garage for thr purpose of nixers to a professional standard how should i layout the floor plan and what equipment should i invest in ??

the_syco

Get some decent insurance. Unless your only doing "mates", insurance in the long run will save you money.

rubixvigna

primari;;y mates car untill i could justify the returns to real out goings. recently priced trade insurance at 4500 euro so insurance at this point is just not feesible for the work i would be doing.

rubixvigna

small bump for this maybe someone could help shine a light?

Mech1

Sorry but you wont be doing "nixers to a professional standard" or even close, unless you do some professional type training and get lots of professional type experience.

It isn't all as easy as it sounds / looks.

Google and you tube can convince you to get in way deeper than you want to go.

rubixvigna

mech1 I am aware of what you have posted. Primarily I want to set up the garage for myself It is ok as it is but I like to carry out the jobs I do to a high standard. The nixers bit is what I do already parents and friends cars etc. nothing excessive as I am aware that mechanics have had many years training and experience and certain jobs do need to be carried out by them. The question I was asking was if I were to invest some money into my garage as a permanent garage what way should I set it up? Have you any ideas for this?

On a side note I am still looking for an apprenticeship so if you know oh anyone hiring I would be very keen to find out.

Mech1

rubixvigna wrote: »

mech1 I am aware of what you have posted. Primarily I want to set up the garage for myself It is ok as it is but I like to carry out the jobs I do to a high standard. The nixers bit is what I do already parents and friends cars etc. nothing excessive as I am aware that mechanics have had many years training and experience and certain jobs do need to be carried out by them. The question I was asking was if I were to invest some money into my garage as a permanent garage what way should I set it up? Have you any ideas for this?

On a side note I am still looking for an apprenticeship so if you know oh anyone hiring I would be very keen to find out.

1st safety, good quality trolley jack and axle stands. Goggles / Gloves / Boots etc.

Best you can afford spanners / sockets / screwdrivers this will really pay off.
My 10mm to 19mm combination spanner set costs a lot, but it fits doesn't slip and doesn't wear out.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=633033&group_ID=674989&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

The socket sets are even more expensive.

Compressor and air tools next, saves a heap of time and effort.

When you got that far you will know what you need to budget for next.

visual

Working from your home your not going to be able trade legally and your local garages may report you.

But we all got to start somewhere
I would suggest specialising in an area you know or can learn well.

You could do just basic servicing oil filters etc or retro fitting or modifing cars.

Without training you be foolish taking on general repair work as irish customers believe a mini service makes the hole car perfect. So if you change oil and filter and two weeks later the back bumper falls off you must have done something wrong.

Best of luck and I like your get up and go and attempting to make a job for yourself.

Here is a thought. There is many mechanics who work full time but wouldn't have space where they live to do extra jobs.
You have the premises so I'm sure you could work out a deal with a mechanic who could repair cars at your garages and you get free training and you both share the profits ( make sure the machanic gets loin share) and your over heads are covered.

rubixvigna

Mech1 i do have a compressor which I've used for spraying but when i put the impact gun or the wrench its not strong enough. what size tank or pressure output would i really need. as for the idea of offering up the garage im a little off the beaten track as location goes but ideas like that are ones ill be putting to good use thanks

dgt

We have a vast amount of tools, tools most indy garages wouldnt have (such as the body dozer kit, various dollies/pannel hammers, multiple welders, inch air gun, specific manufacturer tools etc) and I wouldn't consider doing nixers for the general public. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something went wrong let alone the legal aspect of it all

I prefer doing this as a hobby, not on a professional level

cletus

If you just want ideas for creating a **** cool garage/workshop/mancave where you and your mates can work on cars/drink beer, there are forums online dedicated to garages, with pictures, plans, guides to making storage, tool guides and reviews etc. Google is your friend in this regard

Chimaera

One other legal consideration is that using your garage for commercial purposes would require you to apply for planning permission for change of use.